Sunday, July 13, 2014

The Big Dress Debate: Bernie Dexter vs. Jenny

I've been dying to talk about this on my blog!  As someone who is doing their best to make less but higher quality purchases, I was worried about where to start.  When you save up to purchase a high quality piece, you want it to be perfect.  I've discussed this with a few other bloggers but there has been lots of debate between Bernie Dexter dresses and the one and only Jenny dress from Pinup Girl Clothing.  Which is best?  That's hard to say off the bat, but here are some points to consider if you're thinking about either of these dresses.

Bernie Dexter Pinup Girl Clothing Jenny

Quality
Both Bernie and Jenny get points in this department.  They're both made in the USA and they usually come in cotton.  The Jenny dress also comes in sateen which is an added bonus.  The fabrics are sturdy and breathable.

Construction
I'm going to give this one to the Jenny dress, only by a hair though.  The bodice is always boned and the straps are adjustable.  You can literally fit this dress to your liking.  To my knowledge (I could be wrong) none of Bernie's dress straps are adjustable.  Some of them do come with boning but not all.  If you need boning in your Bernie dress, make sure to check the description before you buy.

Sizing
Again, Jenny by a hair!  Both offer sizes from XS-2XL.  Jenny wins because their sizing goes up to 4XL.

Fit
I would actually consider this personal preference, but Bernie wins it for me here.  Her dresses fit my frame to perfection.  I have a larger bust with a much smaller waist and Bernie's dresses definitely cater to that frame.  I consider myself between sizes in the Jenny dress.  I end up going with the larger size for my chest, but I feel like there is a bit of extra fabric in the waist.  It's minor and nothing a tailor or a belt won't fix, but if we're splitting hairs I have to mention it.

Extra Features
Bernie wins this round!  Her dresses almost always come with pockets (major plus!) and a matching belt.  I love it when a dress comes belted, you can never have enough belts in your closet!  The Jenny dress doesn't have either of these features.  I will say that the skirt of the Jenny dress is considerably fuller than any Bernie dress I own.  If you really love to twirl in your dress, Jenny should be your pick.

So what's my preference?  I'd choose Bernie Dexter for my next purchase.  I have two Jenny dresses and I don't regret those purchases for a second.  But, I feel like I get more for my money with a Bernie dress.  I highly doubt that I'll stop at two Jenny dresses though ;).

What's your opinion?  Which do you prefer?  Maybe there's another designer you love that I haven't mentioned.  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

P.S. See all of Bernie's dresses HERE and the many variations of the Jenny dress HERE.

19 comments:

  1. These dresses both look just amazing on you!! Well, everything you wear looks amazing on you, ha. I adore both brands. They both make such spectacular prints! And I love the fitted top and shape of the full skirt in both. For me personally, I like the Jenny dresses more. I really like the boning, adjustable straps, and thicker material. I'm like you, with a bigger chest than waist, so I am almost always sizing up by at least a size in order to accomodate my chest. My Bernie dress is large in the waist, even after my mom took it in for me. But, I definitely need to get more Bernie dresses soon! :)

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    1. Bernie's fabrics are spectacular but she doesn't "make" them. She typically uses fabrics by Michael Miller, Alexander Henry & Robert Kaufman which anyone can buy. She did design the New Year's Eve Party print...

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  2. I really like this analysis that would be helpful for any one thinking of purchasing, and I've noticed several bloggers say they like the Bernie Dexter for the lager chest to small waist ratio.

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  3. Awesome post (and you know I've been waiting for this one!). Very thorough and fair. :)

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  4. I've admired their dresses so much from afar but have yet to spring for one--most of the styles don't look they'd fit my mostly non-existent chest, sadly!

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  5. I have to say I like the one on the left more, but that's partly because of my love of collars on dresses! I have to say I've never heard of either brand but they do look amazing! I fear this may be one of those things where the clothes are awesome, but the international shipping is not so much.

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  6. Great post - I haven't bought from either brand before because I panic about the cost - especially as I'm so short, styles like this tend to drown me without extensive tailoring. Free belts tend to swing it for me too... *but* adjustable straps are a must for the petite, so that's interesting to know about the Jenny. Although I'm on the busty-small waist side too, so darn. But, saying that, I think I'd have to try either on in a shop before I could decide!!

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    1. That must be hard! The Jenny dress also happens to be longer than Bernie dresses. I'm 5'7" and the Jenny dress goes past my knees. I would definitely take all measurements into consideration if you ever planned to order online.

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  7. Great post! As a seamstress, I don't buy too many RTW items, but Bernie Dexter has always caught my eye.

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  8. Which one is which in the photo above? I REALLY love the one on the left- I literally cant stop staring at it. And this was super informative- though it definitely seems like the Bernie won won by a hair :)

    xo marlen

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    1. Bernie is on the left and Jenny is on the right. I KNOW, that dress is my favorite ever. I love the print!

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  9. What an interesting post! I haven't bought from either brands before and have been LOVING hearing about your experiences with both. You absolutely ROCK these pieces and the dresses fit you (and your style) to a t! I've always been curious to try one, but I don't think my frame really works for this style. Going to keep living vicariously through you!

    xo,
    katrina
    thedemuremuse.com

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  10. I have 3 Bernie dresses but would love to try a Jenny dress. I feel Bernie Dexter has more cute prints than Jenny dresses. And I too, love a matching belt:)...oh and pockets!
    Marie

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  11. Love this post! I'm yet to own a Jenny dress, but this helps when I'm ready to take the plunge. I'm actually eyeing a skirt. I agree with the Bernie review (almost). Love the pockets and belt... but I ALWAYS need to have mine altered because I'm not big chest/tiny waisted. Still adore her dresses though!!

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  12. I am so in love with the Bernie dress you pictured. I first saw it on IG a couple months ago, and it is the dress that peaked my interest in Bernie Dexter in the first place! I's so so sad that she doesn't have it in stock anymore.
    P.S. It was so cool to see your picture for some of her dresses on her website!

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  13. Bernie definitely. I really love that print! I was sold when I heard there were pockets haha Dresses need more of those considering a good amount of pants aren't made to have real pockets anyway.

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  14. They're both gorgeous dresses but I'm in love with the Bernie one. That print is everything. According to your analysis I'd find a better bit with the Jenny one though. I really don't have much of a narrow waist and am instead shaped more like a boy with decent-sized boobs. Woe is me.

    Jamie | PetitePanoply.com

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  15. I love that you did this! Both types of dresses have been way out of my price range and its nice to know that if I ever take the plunge for either, there's important and notable differences to consider. You look lovely in both too!

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  16. These dresses are both wonderful on you. I don't own a Bernie or a Pinup Girl clothing dress yet, but always have my eye on them. I find the US sizing is always tiny compared to UK sizing, and in brands like Stop Staring I have been an L in the past, whereas in the UK I would be a S to M. I love seeing all your dresses!! x

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I read and appreciate every single comment!

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