[renielarson]

Well, I've got to hijack this thread just a little cause I went looking for a nice dress to wear to a wedding in August. It's the same experience as trying to find the right bathing suit. Aaaargh!

Have any of you tried to find a somewhat sexy dress that was also flattering and hid the parts that needed to be hidden?

Well, last week I spent 3 days in deep depression (not really but I want you to understand how frustrated I was) because all I could find were dresses made for 16 year olds! My body does not like clingy dresses that stores carry now!

I'd try on a dress, look in the mirror and see a mature woman in a clingy, thin polyester dress that hugged every bulge and roll, spaghetti straps that brought attention to broad shoulders and fat arms, and an empire waistline that made me look pregnant.

I finally decided The Villages's stores had nothing for me so I trekked to Macy's in Ocala yesterday. Lo and behold, I found a dress...in fact, the first one I tried on.

I wasn't concerned about price tags and was willing to pay whatever for the perfect dress...$100, $200, $300...I didn't care as long as I found a dress I felt comfortable.

Well, what a shock when I went to the cash register (nope, I never looked at the tag cause, remember, I didn't care) and it rang up at $12.99 marked down from $70.00!

Mind you it needs shortened and the hips taken in a bit but I'm finally happy! And, my neighbor 2 doors down offered to alter it for me.

But one more thing...I made up (and then some) for the savings on my dress when I found the "perfect" shoes to wear with it!

Next comes the jewelry...lol

Now, don't get me started on bathing suits...