The Dress Shop - Carleton Place, Ontario

Colina E.

I absolutely hate shopping for women's clothes! The clerk was incredibly helpful and she was able to find me the perfect outfit. She went above and beyond as I was pretty fussy and went in the back and pulled out a suit that had been freshly delivered and wasn't on the floor yet. It was absolutely the right suit for me. Items in the store are diverse and lovely. Store was clean and well kept. I did find the pricing to be a little high though.

Armstrong -. C. &. D. -.

My partner and I were married on September 12th 2020, and I chose to use The Dress Shop for my wedding dress. I was an unconventional bride in that I wanted a dress that would be useful for other ocassions after the wedding. As such, my vision was pretty specific: I was hoping to get a dress that was a rich cranberry colour, had pockets, and hit only slightly below the knee and Olena delivered on all three desires! Not only did she help me with creating a beautiful dress that I will cherish for years to come, but I have really fallen in love with her shop and her demenour that has won a customer for life from me!

Based on my experiences, I would definitely recommend Olena and The Dress Shop for any clothing needs from everyday to special events!

P.S. A special shout out to Lila for all her guidance! 🙂

J B.

The Dress Shop. Carelton Place.

Recommended by two different people I went to The Dress Shop in early October. I was impressed by the selection and found the perfect sweater for an upcoming trip. Soft, and warm with a flattering turtle neck, it was ideal for travel and to wear in Iceland,
It was told it was an Australian make, Renaur, recommended by the helpful salesperson, but I see it was made in China.

I wore it twice for travelling, as planned. So it was only gently used while I sat in airports and on planes en route to Iceland. However, the condition on arrival was so bad with pilling that II did not wear it again and I took photos when I returned, I did not wash it and I called the store on Monday. I was told to call back on Tuesday when the owner would be in. In anticipation of our conversation I took photos to show why I was so unhappy and sent an email for her attention. I did not receive a reply to my email and when I called on the Tuesday, as requested, the owner was busy. I left a message but by Thursday had not had a response so I called again. On that occasion I spoke to salesperson Ann who, was very helpful and assured me that the message would be passed to the owner, who again wasn’t available, but I have heard from her, and that was over a week ago.

The selection of clothing in the store is great, and the quality of the merchandise seemed to be good, but the after sales service from the owner is totally unacceptable and would deter me from going back or recommending the store to others.

To ignore messages and an email with attached photos from a dissatisfied customer is unacceptable . On each occasion I was told that I needed to speak to, Olana, the owner and I addressed the email for her attention. When I called on the days suggested, she wasn’t available and she has not had courtesy to reply to my email or return my calls.

Due to the pilling that occurred, I am left with a sweater I cannot wear.. I don’t know which is worse, the quality of the sweater or the total disregard by the owner.

catherine M.

I have been shopping at The Dress Shop in Carleton Place since it opened and have always been pleased with both the quality of designer and other items as well as the personal service when alterations are sought or when I wish to discuss an item with the designer/owner. She is always personable and helpful. Now that we have been dealing with the pandemic I was glad to hear that The Dress Shop is open again. I have shopped there twice in the past month. Social distancing is maintained, everyone is masked, all efforts are in place for a safe and pleasant visit and, as always, I am delighted with my purchases. 🙂

Kathleen B.

I was there just the other day and I was very impressed with the fashionable, unique, quality items inside. I found a beautiful cardigan that will be a wardrobe staple for years and a cute raspberry tunic. The best think about having the owner also be one of the designers is that when you ask for "this tunic, in a small, but with medium sleeves, and a bit longer and taken in at the waist" they say "no problem! We'll make it for you custom, at the same price as the original." 🙂 I love shopping here, it's a great store!

Wendy H.

Sad day when a dress designer loses a customer over a request for an exchange.This designer does not stand behind her line. I noticed a flaw on the fabric of a $40 Dominica cami. I was offered 50 % reduction on a replacement. I drive 1.5 hours to visit this store. Never again!
times

Stephanie M.

I love the shop for my go to dresses. The owner, although not always the friendliest person in the world, is always willing to customize my items. for instance she will add pockets or change the size of the top half of a dress. she has a really nice line of cotton bamboo knit dresses in solid colors that are classic and also fun designs and are easy to dress up and customize with big jewelry a scarf or a vest. if you don't see the color or size you want on the rack she will make it for you and the price remains the same.

She also brings in a great selection of other designers. We're really lucky to have this in our small town!

Sylvia L.

Love this place. Wish I had discovered it earlier; I had thought it was "old lady" so don't be deceived. Lots of great pieces, that are well made and reasonably priced. The owner with adjust your item at no charge and can also do mods like adding pockets for a reasonable fee.