I want to give a fair review about my experience, even though the texts I received this morning…read morehave me wanting to go off. So first, let's start with the positives: Making the appointment was fairly easy, the boutique was very cute and I enjoyed the one on one experience. I appreciate the intent of Olivia's to honor curves and carry exclusively plus sized gowns. I was a little nervous to go dress shopping, as a woman with a full bust, so I was excited to know that the gowns I'd be trying here would fit. And for the most part, they did.
Nicole was nice enough, but not overly friendly or excited. To me, it felt like I was just another bride and appointment to get through before she could go home. That may not be what she was feeling, but my family and I all separately felt that from her. Before the appointment started, I was asked to read and sign a one-page, front and back document, explaining all of their rules. I get why they do this, and, as a former bridal consultant, I'm aware of what customers can sometimes pull, but it ruined the mood to start an appointment with signing a contract like that. And since Nicole wasn't that warm or welcoming to begin with, I definitely didn't feel special or like what was about to happen was going to be fun or empowering.
I explained to her what I was looking for and she pulled a three options. I didn't end up loving any of them after trying them on, so she went back and grabbed two more, with one more that I wanted to try. I liked it on, but I couldn't take a picture of it. I understand private labels don't want people posting images of their designs, but why not include an NDA in the list of rules you had me sign so I can take a quick picture just to remember what it looks like? I can GUARANTEE they are missing out on sales because after you go to two or three appointments, and try on 10-20 gowns, it's impossible to remember exactly what one dress looked like from your first outing. If you can't compare them, it's unlikely you're going to chose the one you don't have a photo of.
After I tried on the one gown I liked, Nicole said she didn't have anything else that she thought I'd like. The dresses aren't out for you to browse so I had to take her word on it. I showed her photos from their Instagram account and she said she didn't have any of them in store. She said they may get more inventory early next year, but that doesn't help me now. Her attitude really felt like she just wanted me to leave. So after about 35-40 minutes, I left.
It costs $35 to make an appointment and even if you show up, you only get your money back if you buy a dress same day. I came into my appointment knowing I wouldn't be getting my money back, but also assuming I'd be able to try on a few more than four dresses. I really feel like I got jipped out of my money. $35 for an apathetic attitude, four gowns, and an "I'm sorry I don't have anything you'll like" after advertising multiple things on Instagram that you don't carry, nowhere stating that they're a part of a trunk show?
Personally, I don't think coming here is worth it. You can go plenty of places and get a better experience without a deposit. And again, I know what some customers can pull, so I get a deposit to keep your spot, that they could keep if you don't show up, but why not refund the ones who do? Especially when you're the one claiming you have nothing for me?
All that to say, I wasn't going to leave any kind of review and I chalked it up to a bad day on her part. But this morning, I got this text from her. Needless to say, I think our conversation speaks for itself. After all that happened, you're trying to gaslight me by saying "I had a different experience than you remember"? It's unprofessional, pushy and just screams that you want to make a sale and don't really care about my wedding, my experience or anything else but my money. I went to Unbridaled and found my gown. Even though it was too small for me to try on, I said yes because they were so friendly, positive and helpful.
I love the mission of this boutique but the intention gets lost in translation.