All right guys, here's the dealio. This was not the style of dress I wanted *at all* but I chose it anyway because it's the most beautiful dress in the world. Want to feel like a princess? This is your dress. Don't want to feel like a princess? I thought I didn't either, but then I put it on and said I'M A FREAKIN' PRINCESS.
This is a strapless ball gown with a sweetheart neckline which is so IN these days, which is why I didn't want this style. I wanted to be a special snowflake. But the really fun thing about this dress is the asymmetrical extra layer of lacey goodness over the main skirt that gives it a really unique and fun look. Or at least I thought so. Asymmetrical lace = special snowflake status achieved. One more bonus to the extra layer is that it completely disguises the bustle, which I loved.
It's comfortable AND beautiful. It's traditional but with a unique twist. It's majestic AND fun. What could be better?
Helpful info: The label size on this dress is 8, my street size tends to be around a 6. This was $1800 retail. My measurements are 34-26-38, and with the 2.5 inch heels I wore on my wedding day, I was 5'7". Although as you might be able to tell from the pictures, an extra inch or two of height wouldn't have hurt - the dress was almost too perfectly at floor level.
I worried a lot about comfort, and also about having semi-substantial boobs (C cup) with a strapless dress. Wasn't a problem at all and I actually didn’t even wear a bra with it. There is a seatbelt-type thing (sorry for the technical terminology) on the inside that holds it super steady on your torso; plus the cut of the dress just sits on your waist really nicely. I also didn't find the dress to be heavy or uncomfortable at all; on the contrary, I was sad to take it off after the day was over!
No major alterations were made in terms of sizing, but one large thing was done: I didn't want the dress to be overly poofy, so I requested that the tailor remove the multiple layers of stiff, itchy tulle under the skirt. As an alternative, the tailor suggested adding a very light hoop to the lining of the skirt itself. This turned out to be a total win-win, as the hoop does double duty helping the dress to keep its shape while also keeping the skirt COMPLETELY off of my legs - which was such a relief on a super hot wedding day! I would've died of heat exhaustion if all of those poofy layers were still in there. And it made dancing a (literal) breeze as well.
Final note: it has been professionally cleaned and I paid a pretty penny for it too. The dress looks like new. And on a personal note, I hope it goes to a super, super special snowflake, because I truly do love this dress... but my poor tiny closet does not.