The Dress

Absurdly flattering very soft ivory tea-length dress. The bodice is fitted and lightly boned satin with a gentle sweetheart neckline and concealed back zip under buttons. Has self-fabric sash. The skirt is lined with soft satin on the interior, a few layers of stiffer horsehair-style crinoline, an outer lining of the bodice fabric, and a few layers of tulle overskirt. I wore it under a lace button-back Justin Alexander jacket (see photos 2 and 4) to imitate the look of my grandmother's wedding dress, but it's stunning with or without a topper! Both were bought from Creatiques bridal boutique in Southsea.

It's a very happy piece of clothing. I've held on to it for years intending to dye it so I can wear it again, but unfortunately it no longer fits so I'm sending it out into the world to make another bride feel gorgeous! I fell in love the second I tried it on - it fits like a dream, super comfy to move and walk in, supportive bodice and gorgeous construction. I was a size 14/16 when I bought/wore it and not very confident in my body. I cried when I tried it on in the shop because I felt like a ballerina/princess/goddess/pin-up. It does a perfect job of highlighting some curves and minimising others and is absolutely the most flattering article of clothing I've ever worn. I felt like *me* walking down the aisle, and I was happy, comfy, and confident the whole day. I wore it for some 14-16 hours and didn't feel like I needed to change - it wasn't too heavy or constricting.

It was spot-cleaned by a textile professional and boxed after the wedding, but is currently hanging as my cat has chewed up the box. Only damage is a single picked thread about 1mm long 2mm up from the skirt on the back of the bodice - it sits under the belt, and is not visible unless you're looking for it and within arm's reach; I think it might be a tailor's tack I didn't take out that was holding the belt to the dress originally. There is a very faint grey smudge (possibly dust?) about 1cm long on the front of the bodice acquired while in storage - it would come out with a dry clean or a proper spot clean, but as I had planned to dye I hadn't bothered getting it done!

The jacket (photos 2 & 4) is Justin Alexander A085 - eyelet lace over tulle, 3/4 sleeve button back, in soft ivory. Perfect condition - the top button loop had pulled away at the top, but has been invisibly repaired. It was £250-£300 new, happy to throw it in for £100, so just let me know if you want it!