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When I got engaged last October, the first thing I was itchin’ to do was try on dresses. (I’m sure I’m not alone in that sentiment!) I knew exactly what I was looking for:
a) V-neck. Being slightly top-heavy, I’m not comfortable in strapless. I’ve only worn a strapless dress once in my life, and that was as a bridesmaid when I had no choice.
b) Lace!! I love the whole romantic-vintage-y look.
c) Trumpet flare. I adore the look of this silhouette.
d) Ivory. Because it’s a little softer than true white.
e) Empire waist. No specific reason, I just like it!
But didn’t know if 1) my dream dress existed, 2) if it would be within my budget, and 3) would it even look good on me?? (We all know that when it looks good in your head, sometimes it doesn’t always translate perfectly onto your body.)
Anyways, lo-and-behold, I found THE dress at only the second store I visited. It has elements a through d, which is pretty darn close! I actually found it at a sample shop, so I walked out the door with the dress in hand for a mere $860, and I was ecstatic. Even though it was technically a sample, it was in perfect condition, and the store owner told me that it had only been on a mannequin before. My only disappointment was not getting to try on more dresses cuz it was so much fun, haha! 
The Problem
But now… I’m starting to panic. When I bought the dress in November, it was REALLY tight. It was a sample size 8, and although it zipped (just barely), it gave me a horrendous case of back fat… you know, where it squeezes your skin so tight that it creates uhmm, extra “rolls” where there weren’t any to begin with. Moving/eating/drinking would be very difficult. However, this dress was too amazing to pass up, and I bought it anyways (hey, real Alencon lace dresses are generally much more expensive! I couldn’t let this go…)
The plan was to lose weight. No problem, considering I had 10 months left at that point! Except now we are under the five month mark and the scale hasn’t budged. It’s crept up two lbs, and down two lbs, but essentially I am still the same shape as I was in November (despite working out 4x a week). Unfortunately the whole muscle-weighs-more-than-fat/maybe-you-have-lost-inches theory doesn’t apply to me cuz all my clothes fit exactly the same. ARGHHH. 
I have about two more months before I start my fittings, so something needs to happen, ASAP!
The Mystery
My dress is completely tagless, besides the tag from the store stating “size 8″ in handwritten letters. There is nothing on the inside, not even a tag telling the material it’s made from! I have no idea who/what I’m wearing, but regardless, I love it. So If you have a guess, PLEASE SHARE! Without further adieu, I present to you… my dress!
(My mother insisted on an ivory sash, so I’m gonna go with that instead.)
Super gorgeous. Looks like Monique L’hulier (sp?).
For me, a month South Beach Diet melted 10 pounds in 6 weeks and I was never hungry.
Jim Hjelm maybe?
It is gorgeous. You could always have a panel of lace added to the back to disquise the “back fat” you speak of.
Five months is a long time yet! I have one month and two days, and would still like to shape up my thighs and tummy! I would suggest investing in seeing a trainer, being honest about your goals and abilities and see where that gets you in two months. They should be able to target your efforts better.
Beautiful! What a beautiful dress. You look great! It’s the same type of dress I’m looking for. Monique Lhuillier does a lot with the sash, but a lot of designers are copying that trend too.
p.s. regarding loosing the weight, have you tried stopping eating 3-4 hours before bed? That always works for me. Or try Atkins for quick results (although it’s not something I would want to do forever).
Miss Emerald did you get your dress at Wedding Belles in Barrington? I only ask because I seriously went through the SAME THING! I found my dream dress there, but there is absolutely no indication as to who the designer is, just the size handwritten on a tag inside the dress. For months I scoured the knot and various wedding dress websites trying to find my dress. It still bums me out a little that I don’t know who the designer is, but I love my dress and it was a total bargain, so I guess I can’t complain too much.
As far as dropping a few pounds goes, I second South Beach. My cousin dropped 10 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks by following the strictest part of it. I know how you feel about the scale not budging though. I have been working out more than ever and haven’t lost anymore than about 5 pounds. 
Could also be Alvina Valenta (or possibly Jim Hjelm) - I was reading your description of what you wanted and you basically described the dress I tried on (except its strapless) and fell in love with, but at $4000 can’t afford! So nice find!
It looks like a Jim Hjelm
I think it’s Jim Hjelm…my wedding dress is based of the neck line of the same dress. But it could still be a Monique. The price you paid will be a better indicator if its Monique or Jim. Over 5K- then its a Monique. BTW- I love the criteria for your dress, mine are the same except that the back should be out- but I looove lacy.
If you are up for it, try Weight Watchers. I started in February and dropped weight very quickly. I actually am having to maintain weight now and not lose anymore so that I don’t have to have my dress taken in again. After the wedding I will go back to the plan to lose the rest of the weight I originally planned to.
Can you ask the store where you got it? I mean, you bought the dress, so they should not mind telling you who the manufacturer is. Bring your receipt with you if they need proof. Also, you look great in the dress! I don’t see the back fat.
Weight watchers is the way to go. I lost 20 pounds and went from a 12 to an 8 in little time!
You look fabulous…and it is almost exactly the same dress as mine- which made me almost fall out of my chair because mine is a Judd Waddell that cost $4k. You got the exact same dress for incredibly less, kudos to you. Time to pick my jaw up off the floor ands top being jealous over the difference in price. Ditto about the South Beach diet- also, if you currently drink ber or wine, try cutting those out between now and your fitting. That always works for me.
I bought the dress at Here Comes the Bride in Addison, IL. When I asked the shop owner, she actually said that she had NO information on the dress, and it came that way. I think other stores send her their samples. And from what I’ve heard, a lot of times stores actually rip out the designer info from the sample dresses so that brides can’t go try it on and then order online… at least that’s what happened at the first boutique I checked out!
$869?! what a steal. good find. the dress is beautiful. you look lovely! it does look like a watters & watters dress…could that be it?
It’s a gorgeous dress. Very similar to what I was initially looking for (like a lot of brides, I got something different.)
As far as losing weight is concerned–the best way to do it is to combine exercise and calorie restriction. Are you doing at least 45 minutes of cardio at least 4X a week? Strength training is great, and will eventually help you lose weight, but not quickly. You need cardio, and you need to eat less. I lost a lot of weight (125 lbs, no, not kidding) by eating fruits, veggies, lean protein, whole grains, a lot of fat-free dairy, and a reasonable amount of fat so I didn’t crave it or get too hungry. You don’t need a “diet” diet, although it could help if you need to lose weight fast. My basic diet was Instant Breakfast and fruit for breakfast, a giant salad with grilled chicken or hardboiled egg and a small amount of full-fat dressing for lunch (bought every day at one of the many “toss bars” in Manhattan), and usually lots of cereal and skim milk for dinner. Fruit or non-fat yogurt for snacks. That’s how I lost it! (With running, too.) Luckily, I don’t mind eating the same thing all the time. 
Good luck!
You look beautiful in that dress!
It looks similar to my dress - check out the site
http://www.casablancabridal.com/Products/Detail.asp?ModelNo=1816&Cat=Best+Seller&SubCat=
Think your dress maybe Waters Bridal
Ooo. Pretty.
Love the dress, it’s gorgeous! I was going to suggest calorie counting also. I have resisted calorie counting for years because I thought it seemed kind of overly obsessed with dieting and I was determined not to be that way. But nothing else was working for me.
So back in January, I joined Sparkpeople.com (great site for weight loss and support, by the way - all the stuff I would expect from Weight Watchers website, but free) and started calorie counting. I was very careful, measuring out butter in tbsp spoons before spreading it on toast and everything. I was ASTOUNDED at how much I was underestimating my calories. I cut back immediately, and as soon as I figured out how to spread out my allowed calories throughout the day so that I didn’t get hungry between meals, I started dropping weight, FINALLY. I’ve lost 9 pounds in 3 months and that’s being kind of lax on the diet side because I have a lot of time to lose weight. If you were strict about it, I bet you could lose a lot more quickly than me.
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Mrs. Emerald, Chicago Age and Occupation: 26, Wedding Planner Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Paralegal Engagement Date: October 8, 2006 Wedding Date: September 2007 Blogging Since: November 29, 2006 Venue: Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook IL About Me: I have been dreaming about my wedding forever, and flipping through bridal magazines since high school, so I am in my element! I am calling our theme "Vintage Inspired French/Asian Fusion." Mr. Emerald is very involved in the planning process, but of course he generally defers to me cuz I have a strong opinion of how I want everything to be :-).
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