That dress looks SO good on you--the color, shape, cut--EVERYTHING! I don't think your chest looks really large in it, I actually think the solid, bright color and the detailing makes them look less noticeable.

Off topic--have you ever thought about a breast reduction surgery? I'm not necessarily for or against it, but if your chest really is uncomfortable and bothering you, it might be worth it to look into. My aunt had one because she was having major back problems. She went down to a C cup, and she has been absolutely thrilled with it because her back doesn't bother her anymore and it's easier for her to find clothes. Again, I'm definitely in the camp of women should love their bodies and all that, but if this one thing is REALLY uncomfortable, it's an option to consider.

Nicole you look beautiful in this dress and shoes and necklace. You have a beautiful figure and you are so toned. Many women would just die to have a figure like you. Your bust does not look too big. This is a wonderful/perfect style for you. Also the color is so great. I love everything about this outfit on you. Hope you don't take all the attention away from the bride by being so stunning.

I have been WAITING for this update.

You look absolutely KILLER! The dress is PERFECT in every way. Mum did an outstanding job and you look stunning. STUNNING!!! You are merely out of your comfort zone. Deal with looking fabulous in a dress my dear – compliments shall be a plenty. I guarantee it. Please, please, please wear it to the wedding and I personally like it best with the metallic necklace and shoes.

Getting our beloved Nicole into a dress ( and what a fabulous dress), was my proudest YLF forum moment. Thank you for doing me proud. I’m doing a happy waddle.

I agree that you look stunning! I like the necklace best that matches the shoes, but both are good.

Give your mom a big hug from YLF. What a great mom to alter your dress.
I love the metallic necklace matching the shoes.

Oh my! Thank you everyone! I won't be changing my mind on the outfit come Saturday. My mother would be so disappointed. She said ironing this dress was a royal PIA, she thought ironing it was harder than all the alterations put together.

I appreciate the words of encouragement and support. I know that this is an issue I struggle with especially on special occasions. I think it is why I don't feel comfortable wearing dresses. I hope you are right that I'm just outside my comfort zone and need to relax and stop worrying about it.

I think I'll go with the metallic necklace. I like the fact that it gives the shoes something to relate to.

Thank you again everyone for the whole experience. I know it must sound silly to anyone outside our forum--but shopping for and actually buying a dress was a very stressful undertaking for me--and I don't think I would have perservered alone.

I decided to let the men wear shorts to this wedding. I was going to insist on dress pants, but then I thought it would be really cute if LT wore dress shorts and a shirt and tie. Then I saw these adorable plaid shorts and a white and grey polo shirt that will look crisp and keep him cool. Then I saw similar plaid shorts in my husband's size. He thinks I'm crazy--so he may chicken out at the last minute. But I thought it would be really cute for the two of them to show up dressed similarly. My husband likes to stand out in a crowd though, so maybe he'll surprise me. My daughter will be wearing that purple dress I showed you all before. She wants to wear yellow polkadotted sandals with it. I'll be sure to take a family photo and share it here.

Again, everyone, thank you so much!

That sounds so adorable, Nicole--looking forward to the family shot!

Nicole, sounds like your family will win the award for the most adorably dressed family ever! Can't wait for the photos!

Oh and Ana, to answer your question about breast reduction surgery--Yes I have considered it over and over and over again. I've met with surgeons, I've researched surgeons, I've spoken to half a dozen women who have had it done.

I have a very difficult time with anesthesia--it makes me deathly ill for weeks and weeks. The last time I had surgery was on my hand and wrist--about 3 years ago. I couldn't get out of bed for almost 2 weeks--not from the surgery itself, but from the effects of the anesthesia and pain medication. And once I did force myself to function, it took another month for me to feel like my old self.

So, I dread the recovery process and basically chicken out every time I talk myself into it.

One other major issue for me with BRS, is that there is no guaranty that my breasts wont grow back. I couldn't imagine going thru all of that, only to be big again in a year's time. Of the six women I talked to, (one was my niece, one was a family friend and the other four were strangers that I was referred to by other friends and relatives), 2 of them had a fair amount of their breast tissue grow back. One thru weight gain, but one for no apparent reason.

Well darling, YOU did it. We were there to cheer you on, but credit goes solely to you (and Mum, whom I hope loved you in her altered creation). I completely understand that this process was stressful, but you ARE fearless and have done your daughter proud too. Bravo!

I adore the sound of the unconventional family wedding ensemble. Can’t wait to see pics!

Ooy. So much to ponder with BRS. A very hard decision. Have you given yourself a deadline Nicole?

No, I really have not limited myself to a do or die date. The one thing I found in common in the women I have spoken to, they were all overweight (according to medical charts). Every single one had to lose weight before the doctors would even consider them as candidates. A few of the women, went on these ridiculously unhealthy diets. Right now, I am at the top of my weight chart for a "large frame" person. I've always said that I wouldn't go back to talk to a surgeon unless I was at the right weight to begin with.

What a lot of people don't understand is when you are so full busted, sometimes it's easier to just be chubby--it makes your bust look more in proportion to the rest of your body. Some women are too embarrassed to exercise. But many are just built with more curves and ample flesh. Telling a person they need to lose weight before conducting BRS surgery is degrading, IMO. I also think it's an insurance company rule that doctors must follow. I think this increases a woman's risk of having the breast tissue grow back, since crash weight loss usually leads to more weight gain.

Did you know that many insurance companies wont pre approve the surgery because they want to know how much breast tissue is removed during surgery? So if you don't meet that magic number, they refuse to pay? I have tried to take the money out of the decision process though. If my insurance wouldn't pay for it, we could afford to pay for it--and my husband is very supportive either way. I think he'd rather I didn't take any unnecessary risks, but he knows how I feel about it and would back me up both emotionally and financially if I did decide to do it.

I have spoken to my girlie doctor abotu it too. She thinks I would be a good candidate and has offered me her full support as my doctor. But I feel that I have found ways around dealing with it. Two bras when I exercise, European bathing suits that are sold by bra size, not letter size etc.

So, I don't know...we shall see....as it is right now, I'm not convinced it's worth the risk.

I hear you. I’m glad you have a supportive husband and girlie doctor either way. The risks are clearly heavy. I had no idea. I don’t think the people I knew who had BRS were even aware. But they got lucky and all is well. Has the size of your bosom gone down with your recent loss of weight?

Nicole, I'm late but you look stunning! Love this dress. Makes you have a teeny-tiny waist.

Nicole, I just wanted to add that you look gorgeous! Your mom did an amazing job. It's very exciting to see the pictures. Any chance you could get her to sew dresses for you on a regular basis?

Nicole, best wishes on wearing this dress with confidence, knowing that you look smashing. I'm betting your husband will step up.

I know I'm late to comment, but I just wanted to add that the dress looks great! Your mom did a lovely job with the alterations. The colour is super on you, and goes great with metallic accessories. I hope you'll go to the wedding feeling beautiful.
I'm also attending a wedding on Saturday- exciting!

Chiming in late as well...just wanted to say that that dress is incredible! You look absolutely fabulous in that color. I agree with everyone else and think it's just going to take your eye some time to adjust to a different look! Your mom did an wonderful job! Have a great time!

marianne, Yes my mom has offered to design and create anything for me. I'm not keen on asking her to do so much work on my behalf though. Only because I'd feel terrible if I didn't like it when it was done.

Just wanted to add in that you look stunning! I hope you have a good time at the wedding and receive many compliments.

Oh, I'm so sad I'm only discovering the updated dress photo today, and now all of the great adjectives are taken. I'm just gonna have to repeat some. Nicole, you look AMAZING in that dress, absolutely 150% stunning. Classy and hot and flattering and perfect. YAY!

Now are you gonna get the green one Tanya showed you a few days ago, too??

Oooh you are quite the troublemaker, Antje!

I dunno....we'll see. It might have to wait til I finish paying off all the credit cards for all the shopping I did last month!

I tend to use store cards for purchases--which is why I like to shop at The Gap, BR, Macys and Kohls. All places I have store cards to. But I don't carry credit card debt from month to month. This keeps me from overspending. If they still have the dress in the next few weeks, I will probably try it out.