Sunday, January 27, 2013

The Red Qi Pao/Cheongsam

My dream-online qi pao dress


Now I wasn't looking too forward to finding my Chinese outfit of the night, but I knew it was an important part of my culture to be wearing a form of red.

Qipao traditionally is very form fitting. If I lived in China, I would've had my own custom designed qipao. I wish I were able to visit there to have most of my wedding things done, but I don't think it would happen anytime soon. The fiance and I decided to check out some store down in China town. I tried on a couple of dresses. Some qipao had mermaid styles, some with lace, and some were completely flashy.

I was looking for...
1. Something that complicated my body, that had just the right curves.
2. The neckline in the center (If it were more off to the side, it was considered more of a "mui" dress. It was more elegant to have it centered.)
3. Something that represented me. Not too flashy.
If I had this dress...

After three stores in search, I finally found something! I don't want to show it just yet, but I completely fell in love! I brought my mom in the next day to make the purchase. She settled the pricing and we made a huge save=) I loved it very much because:
1. It fitted me perfectly. (It even had that extra breast cushion! double "yay"!)
2. The neckline was in the center. The neckline has a little sharpness to it.
3. It is a red. A matte material with red dragons embroiled all over the dress. The material is thick and firm. There's two slits on both sides (Sexy! haha).

Advice for bride to bes: I've googled and searched for different qipao dresses online. Seeing and trying it on makes a huge difference when it comes to these form-fitting dresses. Be sure to have a couple of opinions before making the purchase. I had my fiance, mom and dad come check it out.

If any brides in the Vancouver area needs some help with qipao shopping, please message me!


Update:  To all the brides out there. I've been receiving a lot of messages about qi pao dresses. This is the place to go for Qi Paos in Vancouver: KK Boutique.
http://www.kkboutique.ca/about.html

Just make sure you bring your fluent chinese skills with you. Bargaining will certainly be possible. They have quite a selection when I went there. You can rent or purchase qi paos there. 
154 East Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3

9 comments:

  1. Hi there,
    I'm maybe looking for a cheongsam for my wedding this summer, would love to hear about your experiences looking for one in Vancouver! Thanks,
    Adeline

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  2. Hi there!

    I am looking for cheongsam for my sister's weeding. Was wondering if you could help me find one. thanks :)

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  3. Hello! That is really a nice dress ! Was hoping to get some mother-of-bride dresses in Vancouver. ANy suggestions ? It can be cheongsam-style or western. We are asians !

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  4. Hey girl,

    I'd like your advice on finding a beautiful, well fitted Qi Pao. Would you please email me a list of shops to my email at info@breaktimecanada.org? Thanks in advance!

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  5. I need help finding fabric to make my cheongsam dress with! I am having it made. Any store recommendations? Please and thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Hi, this is so nice article about cheongsam. If you want to know more or buy one, u can visit kaiizhang.co.uk to get it.
      http://www.KaiiZHANG.co.uk/

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  6. Nacho Coutts, are you getting your cheongsam made in Vancouver? Do you mind if I ask you where? I am having trouble finding places that will tailor-make it, most I see are already pre-made. Thanks so much!

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  7. Hi Lena,

    Just wondering, how much did you get your dress for?

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