1/ Holy shit, #ThriftFinds. Star of the show, a size 16 Christina Wu style 15500 ivory/blushpink dress that was at least $1000 new ($12 at Goodwill, put on floor July 2). Donated because of some missing beads on bodice.
So big it had to leave Goodwill in a large garbage bag.
This dress is weird.
2/ I'll try to dissect for nonsewing folks.
Most of the clear beads, cup sew on crystals, and pierced crystals appear to be glass (why I bought it).
The bodice is reasonably boned to support a size 16 torso. It has FOUR skirts: outer sheer flounce, blush opaque layer, fluffy tulle, then slip.
3/ The back has a no-nonsense closure of nylon snaps, a massive metal hook&eye, and a ribbon loop corset lace.
All fabric is polyester. It says dry clean only; I'm betting a tub of cold water & mild soap will take off dust.
Outer layers & bodice are well made & finished.
I'm not reselling it.
4/ I will take off every glass bead worth taking, leave the silver acrylic sequins. Wash the dress, then take it apart for the outer flounce & the tulle (which I can finish properly & reuse.)
I don't wear polyester dresses. In central AZ, there's 4 weeks a year when I could.
5/ Update. The crystal bicone beads, metal cup sew-on crystals, and flat teardrop sew-on crystals are *all* Swarovski or very clever high-quality fakes. Examined cut patterns under hi-res magnifier.
At least $50 in crystal on this thing.
6/ *If* I can save the dress & keep it presentable after taking off the crystals, I'll re-donate it. Someone could Cinderella this up.
But honestly, it's terrible sewing on everything that isn't public-facing.
To make the inner tulle really wearable, it needs a lot seam binding lace.
