The Right White Dress

 It's difficult to find clothes that fit right directly off the rack.  Especially when I'm extra petite (short) and a bit curvy (chubby).  Many silhouettes do not flatter me.  When it comes time to begin searching for a dress, know what you want, be open, trust the person helping you, and take your time!

I attended a bridal show with my ladies by my side.  We watched the fashion show, and like many girls .. we were in awe of all the dresses.  Every silhouette was an option.  Originally, I had booked an appointment with a big multi-chain bridal store in the city I was going to wed in.  Unfortunately, I couldn't make it due to my work schedule.
I did a lot of research for dresses in my price range, and settle on a designer whose collection I admire.  I saw that a trunk show was coming to a local boutique.  So, I made an appointment.  The day came, and I didn't know what to expect.  My two sisters joined me in my search.  The lady helping me was very professional.  She was attentive and gave me multiple options of silhouettes to choose from, and from the collection I had been eying.  Her patience endured as I tried on dress after dress.  She gave insightful suggestions, and at the end of two hours, I walked away knowing I picked the perfect dress.
Tip #1:  The color white will wash us (olive skin) out.  So, go with ivory.  My dress has a light gold undertone with an ivory lace.  Two of the dresses I tried on had that option, and those were the two I liked most.
Tip #2:  Try on a cut that you normally buy when dress shopping (whether for church, special occasion, or just to have), and then explore.  I normally buy pencil skirts or sheath dresses.  I geared towards those first, and then tried on the more traditional mermaid/trumpet, A-line, ball gown, and flare dresses.
Tip #3:  Ask if you can take pictures.  Some places won't allow it.  But, this little boutique suggested it right after I walked out from the dressing room.  It's nice to see how the dress will photograph on you.  Last thing this petite girl wants to see is a dress making her look even shorter.
Tip #4:  Go a bit dolled up.  Get your hair done is a similar style (more tone down though) to how you think you'd wear it on your wedding day.  Wear a little bit of make up.  That way, you can see the entire picture of "you", rather than just the dress.
Dress shopping was so much fun!  I learned a lot and can't wait for my other sisters to get married so I can help them find their dress.