The Dress

This now-discontinued BHLDN Octavia dress is used and professionally cleaned. I loved wearing it from the first time I tried it on in the store and was my dream dress: clean and minimal, but with some drama from the back "straps" and train; comfortable fit; price tag that didn't break the bank; and POCKETS.

I'm 5'3," 32C and 126 lb at the time of the wedding. In addition to the measurements above, the length of the dress front from the waist to the floor is 42.75".

I had ~$1100 in alterations done by Cheryl A. Lofton and Associates in DC (the owner used to tailor former First Lady Michelle Obama's clothing!) and had the dress professionally cleaned after the wedding.

Comes with the original BHLDN dress carrying bag and the ribbon/belt I asked the tailors to create.

Here's the original description from BHLDN:
This taffeta gown features a deep v-neckline and a strappy open back accented with angular illusion panels. The full A-line skirt extends into a sweeping train. From Jenny by Jenny Yoo collection only available at BHLDN.

Alterations

Besides shortening the gown (moved up the horsehair braid with it to maintain the shape) the tailors also shortened the straps (folded and sewed the tops), added a French bustle, lightly sewed in breast cups, and created a ribbon/belt from the leftover fabric.