*Veil (New from Nordstrom) and bridal belt (New from Anthropologie-BHLDN) included in sale*

I purchased this dress during a sample sale at the Nordstrom Tyson's Corner location in late 2017. I was immediately drawn to the fabric with the ribbon stripe. The original dress came with a gray sash to be tied around the waist but it was not in great shape so I discarded it and opted for a bridal belt instead. The way the fabric is layered gives the dress great movement. The skirt gives you your drama (being a big ballroom dress) but it is surprisingly easy to move around in. My husband and I did a choreographed Latin dance with a lot of spins and even a lift and the dress was great for all that. Being a sample, it is a touch worn in a few places, but the ivory color makes those little imperfections blend. As you can see from the pictures, it photographs very well. I did wander around a farm a bit on my wedding day, and the hem got a little dirty from that, but a cleaning before you begin your tailoring process will take care of it. With the sale of the dress I will also include my veil if desired, which I also purchased from Nordstrom brand new. It is fingertip length with staggered sprays of small pearls on the edge.

Alterations

When I purchased this dress, it was a size 12, and it was tailored down to my size, closer to a 10 (in bridal sizes). It is floor length for me, (I am 5'5" and wore 2 1/2" heels). During tailoring it got a brand new zipper and push-up bra cups sewn in. Also added during tailoring was a beaded bridal belt purchased new from Anthropologie BHLDN (which will be included in this sale). This dress has a chapel train, and after your ceremony you can bustle it for the reception. The tailor added a total of four buttons, two very close together on either side of the zipper in the center, and one on each side of the dress at about 4:30 and 7:30 on a clock where your navel is 12:00. It is an American bustle (as opposed to French) and the bustle makes all the layers really pop and move when you dance. The way the buttons are spread out makes the bustle very balanced rather than all being in one spot. The bodice stayed in place very well through the whole day and night, I never had to pull the dress up once.