I've watched too many brides spend their "big day" pulling up their strapless gowns, and decided that while I wanted a flattering, elegant, and timeless dress, I didn't want to worry about cleavage issues all day. David's Bridal seemed unsure about my resistance to strapless, since they have many more of that style, but were able to find a sweetheart-style illusion neckline with elegant lace "tank" straps.
I also wanted a very short train, so I wouldn't be tripping over my dress the whole day. The third dress I tried on seemed to fit the bill, but they warned me it would be too small to actually zip up. (It was listed as size 4 and they measured me size 6 - I'm usually 6-8 in street size). However, thanks to people trying it on before me, it had apparently stretched out and fit me perfectly! Looking at pictures later, the train actually looks longer than I realized - it is easy to move in and not cumbersome at all. The included, removable white ribbon around the waist (tied in a bow in back, beneath the v-back lace) was nice, but rather plain... so we decided to replace it with a ribbon matching my brides maid's dresses. Their dresses were a "spa" color chiffon material, but the satin "mint"-colored sash actually matched more closely, so we went with that.
I loved this dress from the first moment I tried it on to the time it came off after the wedding. While I'm not a frilly, dress-oriented person by nature, I truly felt like a princess in this dress. The A-line was flattering, the design simple and non-flashy but modest and flattering at the same time. I felt beautiful! But just as importantly, it was comfortable. Not overly heavy, not prone to slipping down, shoulders provided ample room for movement, and not overly hot, which was perfect for our outdoor wedding in August. I knew I could easily bend over to talk to kids or eat cake without wondering what people were seeing, and my husband's design-minded coworkers all assumed it was a designer dress and were shocked at the low price I got it for. I considered waiting to look for a cheaper veil (shoulder-length with beaded design on the edges), but when we realized the "perfect" match was available in the store we decided to go ahead and get it all at the same time. With a shorter engagement (4 months) this helped alleviate the stress of wondering when pieces would arrive!
I'm selling the dress, the elbow-length veil, and the (large, expensive, supposedly size 10 - who makes these sizes?) slip that gives the dress it's gorgeous A-line shape as one package. The bra isn't included but can easily be found in your size at David's Bridal or elsewhere. Feel free to contact me for more detailed pictures of the dress - it truly is beautiful with the lace on top and transitioning to simple but elegant (layered) tulle from the sash down. The sash flows down the back of the dress adding a subtle pop of color which makes the dress especially unique.