woohooo!!!

I got my dress!!!!

My mom had referred me to a small place in McHenry, called Gipper Formalwear, a long time ago. I called them on Thurs, to see if they even did bridal, because their website was all about tuxes and prom dresses. The owner told me that they were going to get out of bridal, and starting that day, they were going to sell all of their samples, and everything was going to be marked down 40%. I confirmed that they had a big range of sizes (a room full of size 8s would do nothing for me), and left work a little early, just to see what they had.

They had 2 full racks, but a lot of it was too small for me. They did have some really nice dresses though, so if you are in the market for one, go! I picked out 3 to try on. I really really liked the first one I put on, the detailing was gorgeous, and I was really close to getting it. Then, I tried on the second one. It was really, really great. The owner lady, who was helping me, had teary eyes, and she said that she didnt think she could put me in anything else after seeing me in that dress. I tried on one more, which was not good. Then, I put the second one back on, and decided to get it.

Off the rack, it fits almost perfectly. As long as I stay roughly the same size, it will need minimal alterations -- in at the top a little bit, and hemming. It's got all of the things I want (controlling, shaping top; sweetheart neckline, buttons all the way down the back, lace/embroidery), and none of the things I don't want (tons of glitz, beading, lace-up back, ASS BOW!) I wasn't too excited when I first bought it, I was more like "ok, lets get back into street clothes, and do the sale , so I can get some dinner and you guys can go home (they stayed and let me do most of this after the store closed, which was awesome. Felt all VIP, ha)", and the owner was very sentimental, lots of congrats. As soon as I got in the car, then it was "Woooohoohahsdkfhsdlkfhdskhfkashfdsh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! holycrap i just got my dresss!!!!"

Since it was pretty impulsive, I thought I would have buyers remorse in the morning, but it was the exact opposite -- I am absolutely confident that this is "THE DRESS". It is almost perfect for me. Its a little minimalist, and classic, and timeless, and really is beautiful. Every time I see it in my closet, i get a happy glow. (gag, right??) ha. I am not sure if this is because of the dress itself, or the fact that i never have to go wedding dress shopping again, and its already purchased, paid for and done, and i can move on to other things.

The funny part is how unplanned this was. I did not have an appointment, I didnt have anyone with me, I was unshaven, wearing a black bra with straps, neon green underwear, no makeup, and absolutely no support garments, and i was able to be successful... so screw you, bridal industry! you dont need shit to get things done, and done well.

Here is the link to pics of the dress -- It's by Allure bridal, and is from their Spring 2009 collection, so no really good zoom-in type pictures seem to be left anywhere on the internet. MATTHEW -- DO NOT LOOK !