[Boomer]

Well, the dresses have arrived. And I really like both of them.

But they are just a little big. I ordered the black one in the next smaller size. It is on its way.

But the one with the jacket is not available in the next size down. It's the dress anyway, not the jacket. And it can be taken in a little. And I have to make that knee decision, too.

That gorgeous dress will not be taken in by me. That would be a disaster. In the days in which we all had to take home ec classes, my teacher used to just shake her head at me during the sewing classes. Once while trying to hem a skirt, I somehow managed to sew it to the one I was wearing. I remember to this day, the look on my teacher's face, when the bell rang to leave, and there I stood with one skirt sewn to the other.

I have several weeks before the wedding. I can either work on becoming a bit more zaftig or have the dress taken in.

I ordered the size I normally wear. Could these be the people who were always telling Oprah that she wore a single digit size? Even when she was at her smallest, you know that we were all thinking, "Huh?"

And, girls, if that black dress has any appeal to you whatsoever, you might want to give it a try. That one is the second link in my August 1 post in this thread.

I am no tall thin model type, but that black dress has the greatest feel to the fabric. It is lined and has something going on with the design at the shoulders and waist that actually works for this old broad sitting here writing to you. When the smaller size comes, the shoulders should work a little better. The fabric has a little stretch to it. And it does not need to be hemmed because of the design of the skirt. There is nothing like a matte jersey that gets the drape right. It can cover a multitude of sins.

Also, about shoes, zappos.com, mentioned here by Susi, has the most amazing customer service of anybody I have ever found. I started using them when I would find shoes in a store, only to find they were not in my size. My size is not unusual. It's just everybody's size. So when that happens, I just head home, look at Zappos, usually find what I want and they arrive quickly on my doorstep. It is an interesting company and an interesting concept and so far, from what I have seen, they are getting it right.

Thanks again to all of you for helping me with this quest. One more thing though. Does anybody know a source for great sparkly earrings? The ones that look like the real thing. I have checked for the perfect pair at jewelry counters for years and have never hit it right. I will try again. But if there is a good online company, please share. Thanks.

And remember, there is no need to fear that black dress. It is quite forgiving.

Boomer