Lamb & Bear

Brand & Blog

by 2 Comments

That dreaded first wedding dress fitting…

A few weeks ago I had my first dress fitting since buying my wedding dress. I have to admit I was pretty nervous.

Why? Because wedding dresses are expensive and if you don’t fit the one you’ve already paid for (10 months ago), you’ll have a bit of a problem on your hands!

Ok, so the seamstress at the bridal shop could work her magic, sure, but it’s difficult taking a dress out if you’ve put weight on. And that’s exactly what I was worried about.

Luckily for me, I’ve managed to maintain my weight since I bought the dress all those months ago. Phew.

I knew there would be alterations to be done. The top part was way too big and the bottom part was too small, (I have a bit of a Kardashian bum) but the main thing is, it still fits!

I’m off for a second fitting on Friday. This will be to check the alterations to the bust are correct, and to pin and fit the bottom part, and take the length up as I’m a shorty!

Here are my top tips when going for your first dress fitting:

  • Take your wedding shoes! Make sure you have chosen your shoes in advance. They have a huge affect on the fitting of the dress. How you stand, how tall you are. You must take them to every fitting.
  • Take accessories. Shrugs, jewelry, veil, even hair pieces. Anything that you need to try against the dress to make sure it goes well. I had 2 shrugs and a pair of earrings. The shrugs worked and the earrings didn’t. But at least I had the opportunity to make the decision before the big day.
  • Turn up with you hair and make up looking nice, possibly how you might want it on the day. If you want an up do, then go with your hair up etc. Again, this gives you the opportunity to work out if the look is right for your dress. Remember, everything should work around the dress, you don’t work the dress around the extras.
  • Decide on your underwear. Depending on the material, some underwear will not be suitable fro the dress. For me, I will have to wear seamless underwear and nothing textured. Have a look at yourself in the dress and think carefully about what underwear will be suitable.
  • Take a bridesmaid! Make sure you have someone with you that totally gets the look you want, and will be able to give you their honest opinion.
  • Take photos. Vicky took loads of photos, which has proven really useful when having my hair and make up trial. You can look back and figure out what will work.
  • Finally, take your time. Do not let them rush you. If you want to stand and look at yourself for 15 minutes, then do it! You have spent a lot of money on that dress, so if you want to soak up every moment wearing it, then you should! Have a walk around the shop, get to grips with how it will feel on the day – you’re going to be wearing it for a long time!

Well, that’s it for now. I hope you have found this post useful. I’m really looking forward to my second fitting on Friday. I’ll let you know how it goes! If you want to read any more posts from my wedding series you can find them here.

Alex x

by Leave a Comment

Bryony – a beautiful bride

Well, another one of my closest friends is married. Which means only one thing, i’m next! All year there has been a countdown to many weddings of my nearest and dearest, making mine seem so far away. However, those weddings are now over, and i’m on the 3 month countdown to our wedding.

IMG_0062.JPG

IMG_0006.JPG

All dressed up for Bry & Tim’s wedding.

I’ve known Bryony since secondary school. We went to college together, then off we all went to separate universities, but stayed close throughout. I feel so lucky to still be in touch with so many friends from school. Not everyone has the opportunity to keep old friendships going strong. We all truly love each other, and I couldn’t image my life without friends like Bryony in it.

The ceremony was beautiful (of course). I got to see my maid of honour strut her stuff up the isle as bridesmaid for Bryony too! She’s a popular girl! Bryony looked stunning. She has a figure to die for (always has), and couldn’t have picked a more perfect wedding dress.

IMG_0064.JPG

It’s been so long since we were all together. Bryony and her husband work on a yacht sailing the world (I know, jealous too?) We probably see them a couple of times a year at the most, so being able to celebrate their wedding was precious. Unfortunately not everyone from the group was there. Alice (my sister-in-law) is currently living in Australia and wasn’t able to fly home for the wedding. But we all had a drink (or two) for her!

IMG_9981.JPG

Besties.

IMG_0063.JPG

Would you believe me if I told you Bryony organised everything from the ocean? Well, she pretty much did! Whenever and wherever she picked up wifi she was planning, and I can’t fault it. I think my fave part of her wedding had to be the home made bunting. She printed photos from her sailing rally and made bunting to decorate the whole barn! It was am-a-zing.

Bryony and Tim – if you’re reading this, I want to say a huge congratulations on your perfect wedding. It was an honour to be a part of your day, and I wish you a lifetime of fun and happiness. Love you guys.

IMG_0067.JPG

Alex xx

by Leave a Comment

Preparing for that 1st fitting…

Ok, so it’s now less than 3 months until our wedding. Yikes.

For those who haven’t read my dieting posts, I am a keen follower of the Weight Watchers diet. In December last year I reached my goal weight, and lost 2 stone of baby weight in 4 months. Not bad eh?

You can read about losing my baby weight here.

Having reached my goal I allowed myself to book in a day of trying wedding dresses. You can read about finding my wedding dress here.

20140701-103735-38255755.jpg

Don’t worry, this isn’t my dress! But it came a close second…

It’s been 8 months since I last tried on my dress and I’m about to book my first fitting. I’m so scared! I have no idea if my shape or size is the same. I’ve been weighing myself when I find some scales (I refuse to own a set or I’ll get a tad obsessed) and I think I’m around 4lbs lighter than I was in January. I wanted to be even lighter than what I am, everyone keeps telling me I shouldn’t lose anymore, but it’s my wedding! My wedding! I want to look amazing, and I would feel better if I Iost a few more lbs.

The thing is, I just can’t get back into the diet! I’m so comfortable with my weight. OK, yes I’d be happier if my hips and bum were smaller, but I’m a size 8 on top, which is a-ma-zing. 

20140704-122034-44434269.jpgSince reaching my goal weight I’ve stuck to eating well. Kind of. As Mummy Bear will see this I better be honest and admit to the odd take-away (every week 😉 ) But other than that I still eat healthy, home cooked meals like I would on Weight Watchers. I think that’s why I’ve kept the weight off. It’s simple isn’t it? Eat well and exercise. My exercise comes from running around after my son. I don’t go to the gym – I hate working out. So I go for walks with Lamb, run around the garden with him, and generally pick him up a million times a day!

image

So what can I do to lose a few more lbs? Well, I’ve decided to cut out carbs (from at least 2 meals a day). This is going to be difficult for me at lunch time as I usually have a sandwich. Dinner time will be easy. I love stir fry’s so I’ll just take away the rice or noodles and and add more meat and veg. Or I’ll cook a big bowl of low fat curry and bulk our with veg etc. Easy peasy. Breakfast will consist of a ‘grill up’. Grilled bacon medallions, low fat sausages and eggs. Yum. This dieting doesn’t sound so bad now does it?

I don’t want to stress about weight leading up to my wedding. In my head i’m happy. Ok, so yes I have a bum like a Kardashian (my friend actually calls me Kimmy), but so what? For the first time in my whole life, I’m actually comfortable with my curves. I think becoming a mum, gaining pregnancy weight, then losing pregnancy weight, has helped me become proud of what I have achieved with my body. I created a life! And I have the stretch marks to prove it! We should all stop worrying about what other people think, which we are all guilty of in some way.

So when I book my 1st fitting at the bridal shop, I know it’s going to be nerve wracking (just because I haven’t tried it on in so long) but it’s also going to be a huge achievement, personally. The style dress I have bought is a style I never thought I would be able to wear, honestly it isn’t. It’s going to surprise a lot of my guests, hopefully in a good way!

I can’t wait to share my dress with you. Obviously I’ll wait until after the big day (which isn’t that far away now – eek!) In the mean time, look out for my next dress post which will be about having my first fitting (fingers crossed it goes well!)

I feel like this post has suddenly turned into a weight therapy session. Funny how your thoughts just run away with you. If you’re reading this and I’ve made you smile, and feel good about yourself, then I’m so glad. Or if I’ve inspired you in any way to get motivated to lose your baby weight then fab! Us mums all go through the same body changes, you should be proud of what your body has achieved!

Alex xx

IMG_9106.JPG

Here I am in a size 8 dress for the first time in years! Notice the Kardashian hips though 😉

baby weight

And I here I am about 15 months ago!

by Leave a Comment

Bridesmaid Dresses – what i’m loving – Maxi Dresses

Choosing your bridesmaid dresses can be almost as difficult as choosing your wedding dress. Actually, I would say it is more difficult. I wouldn’t describe choosing a wedding dress as difficult. That’s not the right word. It’s a huge mix of emotions, but not necessarily difficult.

Finding a dress that fits 4 girls, all different shapes or sizes, all different heights. Now that’s difficult.

I was lucky. I found my bridesmaid dresses pretty quickly. And its a style that will fit most shapes and flatter most heights. Phew.

If you’re turning into a bit of a bridezilla (don’t worry we all do), and have a style in mind and there’s no budging from it, have a think about small details you can compromise on, that can not only works for all of your bridesmaids, but makes them feel comfortable, which is extremely important.

I have decided to start a series of posts with some of my fave dresses on the market that would be perfect for your big day.

Today’s post is all about maxi dresses from ASOS. Here are my top 6 maxi’s in neutral colours, perfect for a spring/summer wedding.

cut outgrecian

tedmaxi 3

jewelflutter

Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are a popular choice for a bridesmaid dress. They are glamorous, striking and will stand out enough without taking attention away from the bride. The options above, in my opinion, are perfect choices for a spring/summer wedding. In fact, one of my closest friends got married this weekend, and the first dress I have given you is the dress her bridesmaids wore, and they all looked stunning.

What I love about maxi dresses, is the comfort of wearing one all day. Personally, I hate my legs, and would hate to have them on show in front of hundreds of guests. Maxi’s (as long as they aren’t too fitted) are easy to walk in, comfortable, and will most likely hide any lumps and bump that want to be hidden.

Perhaps consider a short sleeve if you aren’t planning on giving the bridesmaids a cover up (not everyone loves their arms!)

If cream is too pale, why not try a soft pink, or a print to add a bit of colour?

Even though your wedding is your wedding, turning into a total bridezilla isn’t pretty. My advice would be to ask your bridesmaids what they don’t want to wear, anything they struggle with on their figures, or colours that totally don’t suite their skin tone. Make life easier for all of you. Don’t put them in something they feel uncomfortable in – the last thing you want is a fidgety bridesmaid in the wedding photos that cost you over £1000 to get, trying to stand in a position that hides their lumps and bumps (which I’m sure they don’t have, but we all have our problem areas!)

I hope you have found this post useful. Look out for the next post in this series looking at more dresses I think would be perfect for bridesmaids.

If you want to read any more of my wedding posts, you can find them here.

Alex xx

by 4 Comments

Our Wedding: Choosing My Dress

First of all I want to start by saying, do not expect to know what dress you want. You may have an idea of what you like, which will influence what you start with when you’re trying on dresses, but you should definitely go into the bridal shop with an open mind.

I work as a fashion designer, so I understand the complexity of a wedding dress, and what you have to realise is what they look like on the hanger has no reflection on what it will look like on your body. Trust me, I am the perfect example of someone who looks completely different in a wedding dress to what I expected.

I have a very difficult figure to dress, Iam a size 8/10 on top but a 12 on the bottom (sometimes a 10 🙂 ) so very pear shaped. Fitted clothing is a no no for me. Unless I find something that magically does wonders for my hips, which is rare, I never show off my curves. It also doesn’t help that since breast-feeding, my boobs have shrunk, a lot. I’m totally out of proportion. Wow, I’m not painting a very good picture of myself am I! It’s not that bad, but we all have our body issues, and mine is my big hips.

So back to trying on dresses. Luckily for me, my bridesmaids sister works at a bridal shop called Grace & Lace. Charlotte is very honest, so I knew she wouldn’t let me buy the wrong dress. She’s also good at her job. Really good. She let me try on what I wanted but also made suggestions that she knew would suit my figure.

Like I said earlier, you really need to go into a bridal shop with an open mind. I went in knowing what my dream dress would look like (but deep down knew wouldn’t ever look good on my figure) and what I definitely didn’t want. Boy was I wrong.

“I don’t want anything satin or shiny and I don’t want those horrible ruched or gathered dresses.”

Well, Charlotte let me try on a few lace dresses, get it out of my system. They weren’t right for me. They just didn’t make me feel special enough. I felt silly actually. Big skirts and longs trains just aren’t my thing. I’m quite a confident person, but only around people I know well. The last thing I want is to feel like I’m playing dress up at my own wedding.

Then she pulled out exactly what I said I didn’t want to try. A shiny, satin, fishtail covered in gathers, and asked me to “trust her”. What can I say, I hate being wrong!

It was at this point I realised you can’t expect the wedding dress of your dreams to be the dress you actually buy!

I won’t say much more about the dress I have chosen. I obviously have to be careful as my hubby to be can see this! But here is a sneaky preview of the dress I almost bought! This was ‘the one’ until I found my dress! And no, I’m not giving anything away by showing you these pics, my dress is completely different!!

Alex xx

20140701-103735-38255755.jpg

20140701-103737-38257679.jpg

Categories

BritMums
mumsnet

Archives

TOTS100 - UK Parent Blogs
TOTS100
BritMums
%d bloggers like this: