Vivien of Holloway

[nostalgic]

Hello ladies! I'm still pretty new here and I've been more of a lurker here rather than posting much... but I have a burning question that I wasn't able to get a clear answer to in some of the other threads. I know Vivien of Holloway has been mentioned before, but can anyone tell me first-hand how the quality is? Are they worth the money and do the dresses run true to measurement?
I looooovvvve the satin and special occasion dresses but have a funky waist (or lack thereof) measurement and am worried about the fit. I'm getting married on October 31st and would love one for my "going away dress" but would like reviews first. We're not really doing a theme wedding but I thought that the spiderweb lace ones would be very festive and now that I've seen them, nothing else compares. I just don't want to take the risk of ordering overseas and pushing my budget on something I'm not sure of. Please, please, please any reviews or opinions would be sooo helpful! Thank you in advance!

 

[December]

Hello!

I have several and I have found them to be fine. If you're buying online, you choose your size by measurements so there's no worry about getting the wrong size. If you're going into a shop, be aware that they size by vintage sizes so you will need to buy a size or two up. I'm sure the people working there will be able to help with that.

As for quality, I think they're pretty good. Not exceptional but certainly not shoddy. The boning bends after a while and the stitching below the zip on one of my dresses has come loose. Other than that, I've had no problems whatsoever.

Their customer service is fairly good too- I once ordered a dress over the phone with a coupon code but the discount wasn't taken off. It was very simple to get a refund from them- no fuss at all.

 

[nostalgic]

Thanks December! The problem is that my bust is 38-40 but my waist is naturally a 34, 32 with my cincher. Is there any give in the waist?

 

[Retro Chick]

I have one VofH dress that I adore and they're good quality for the price I think, better than a lot of High Street stores that charge a lot more.

I don't think there's any give in the waist really, with the boning and non stretch fabric. I have a friend who had trouble with the sizes and she ordered the size that would fit her bust and with a wide belt she cinches it in around the waist.

 

[December]

Thanks December! The problem is that my bust is 38-40 but my waist is naturally a 34, 32 with my cincher. Is there any give in the waist?

The waists are pretty much as fitted as fitted can get.

I think your best option would be to go up a size at the bust to it fits around the waist although I'm not sure how that would look.

 

[KittyT]

I think your best option would be to go up a size at the bust to it fits around the waist although I'm not sure how that would look.

Probably not great, but having a tailor fit things to your bust is pretty easy, as all it usually requires is a few darts. Every time I've had a tailor put in bust darts, it's cost me <$15.

 

[nostalgic]

Thank you ladies for the input! I'm going to keep looking but I suspect I'll come back to those dresses.... it's exactly what I'm looking for. I'm glad to hear that the quality is worth it too.

KittyT: thanks for the darts idea... I usually just suck it up whenever something's slightly off but finding a tailor is really something I should look in to.

Retro Chick: :eusa_doh: really, really should of thought of that! Thanks! Even if it doesn't work, I like those elastic belts.

 

[missminna]

Vivien of Holloway Shop.

Hello Ladies,
I visited and blogged about their shop where I had a positive experence, please see this blog entry.

http://redlegsinsoho.blogspot.com/2010/06/vivien-of-holloway-shop-review.html

I'll link to some pictures of me wearing them, now I have fixed the camera!

Minn x

 

[atomik_momma]

The waists are pretty much as fitted as fitted can get.

I think your best option would be to go up a size at the bust to it fits around the waist although I'm not sure how that would look.

I wore a VoH sarong dress when my husband and I renewed our vows this past May, and as I am proportionally a bit thicker in the midsection, i picked the size that would fit my waist. It was a bit loose in the hips, but not enough to notice, just made it a bit easier to move around. It was also a bit roomy in the bust, but with the boning in the dress and a padded bra on me it still looked great. (I'm an A cup, so pretty much everything is too big on my in the bust.) I did end up taking it to a tailor, but just to have it shortened in the skirt and the neck strap. Sadly, I didn't really get a great full length picture of me in my dress, but here are the photos that were taken if you are curious:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flesheaterphotography/sets/72157624000266924/

 

[i_am_the_scruff]

There's a dress I really like, but I can't help but feel £60 for a tea dress is crazy.

 

[LittleMissPussyCat]

Vivien of Holloway dresses are lovely, they really make you feel great.

 

[retrosteph]

Vivien of Holloway dresses are lovely, they really make you feel great.

I loved the 1940's dresses! I hope that they make a similar style in the future! The material was lovely and did not need ironing!

 

[Foofoogal]

Very lovely atomik_momma. Love your hair and your dress. Welcome to the FL.

 

[Land-O-LakesGal]

I have the same issues as Atomik Mama I am naturally thicker in the waist. I have 2 halter tops and I went with my waist size and the boning in the bust and a padded bra and I didn't need to take them to a tailor.

Great photos Atomik Mama you look great in your dress.