The Dress

**MEASUREMENTS ARE AN APPROXIMATION TAKEN FROM THE DRESS. DRESS WAS SIZED AS US18/UK20. I was 45+ pounds heavier at the time of the wedding and do not have a record of my body measurements at that time, but the dress ran true to size at US 18. I found the tag from the corset I wore with the dress, and it was 38C, so the measurements should be pretty close, but are not exact.**

*Includes 3/4 length silky bolero (from different designer; not by Mori Lee).

Layered satiny ivory gown with silver and clear beading details on the front/front left, and center back. Corset lacing on the back. Heavily pleated sweetheart neckline, and bodice gathered at the left front hip. Gown layers flow free when walking, and there is a small train. Gauzy fabric in innermost layers of the skirt. Includes original tags and small bag of replacement beads. Purchased new in 2010.

On a personal note, I don't really like wearing dresses, and as a tall, heavyset person I struggled to find one I felt good in. I was so glad I found this one! I felt the gathers were flattering for my curves, and the beading wasn't over the top. The whole thing was reasonably comfortable, if a bit heavy. We had a late autumn wedding, so I purchased the bolero separately (not by the gown's designer) to cover my shoulders and arms and help myself be a little warmer during our evening wedding. The fabric is satiny and looked really good under candlelight and the string lights we used during the ceremony. The skirt was swishy and fluttered in the breeze or when I walked quickly, and fluffed out like something from a romance novel when you sit down. If I had worn petticoats or a crinoline, I think the skirt could have been significantly fluffier even though it isn't a ballgown style.

I tried searching for designer pictures of the gown to give that professional view of it, and the only one I could find is here (copy & paste URL into your browser): https://www.sophiesgownshoppe.com/morilee/106ww15w111w1704.

Regarding its condition, I had it on exactly four times: trying on pre-purchase, tailor's fitting, post-tailoring fit check, and the day of the wedding. I was very careful throughout taking photos and at the wedding. I didn't spill anything on it, and as far as I can tell it has no tears, but some of the beading is loose. It was dry cleaned during the week after the ceremony and has stayed sealed in its dry cleaning bag until photographing it to sell here. It has been hanging in a closet since 2010 and will need some creases steamed out.

Alterations

Minor tailoring to fit my body at the time. No design changes.