When I first saw this dress, I knew I wanted to be married in it. The v-neck in front and back are so elegant, and the lace is classic. It is the perfect dress for a formal or informal ceremony. And it is too beautiful to keep in my closet! I hope another bride will wear it and love it, too!
Here's the story: After seeing the dress online, I went to a local store to make sure I knew what size to get. Confirmed I was an 8, I set it all up with a woman online to buy her dress. I was so excited! Everything confirmed, I awaited the invoice from the woman so I could pay her... and then she backed out on me at the last minute! Luckily, I found another one in the same size before my wedding. And I think I got the better deal: it was even more beautiful. It is a really lovely ivory color – almost champagne – with a slightly lighter over-layer of ivory lace. It's stunning, and the photos don't do it justice.
I was a little nervous when I ordered it because I wasn't 100% sure it would fit. I am small-waisted but have wider hips (34-26-41.5) and the woman listing it had given the measurements 35.5-31-36. Yet since I had worn it in the store and she hadn't taken anything in/out (and it was getting close to my wedding!), I decided to go for it. And I'm so glad I did! It fit perfectly. It makes me appreciate how forgiving and flexible this dress is – I think it can accommodate a slight range of sizes.
Alterations: Before I received the dress, the previous owner had added cups (34C fits great; no need for a bra!) and she also had the neck line stitched a little to make it a little less revealing. I liked both of these alterations and thus I did not make any additional changes to the bust.
Again, no sides were taken in/out. It fit both me (34-26-41.5) and the previous owner (35.5-31-36) comfortably.
The previous owner had also put on a one-button bustle that rested right below the butt. I did NOT like the bustle there, so I had it changed upon receiving the dress. Now, the dress has a 7-point under bustle (with labeled ribbons & loops!) for the bottom layer. The top, lighter layer of lace has 3 hidden loops that hook around 1 button (matches the buttons going down the back). I don't have any photos of this, but I can try to take one at home if you are curious to see exactly what it looks like.
The only other changes I made were to take off the bling. I had the beaded sash removed (which I still have and can send along with the dress if you like). I also had the sparkly buttons from the back removed. The remaining ivory buttons were repositioned evenly. I really loved how this turned out, but if you like the bling, both of these alterations are easily reversible.
Photos: I have MANY more photos of the dress, but I am having technical difficulties getting them uploaded. Send me an email and I will send you additional photos of the dress!
Added bonus: I ended up wearing a different dress for DANCING. It is also a v-neck, but a bit simpler/lighter, and thus easier to groove in. It was custom made, using organic cotton/soy/spandex with and overlayer of organic cotton gauze and it has some sweet lace trim along the neck, bustline, and hem. It's really lovely and if you are interested in purchasing both dresses we can negotiate a price for both. I originally paid $500 for it. I can include photos in an email if you are interested.