The other checks

I got two other big items checked off my to do list. They were the invitations and a dress for the reception.

To start with the simple one. We finally finished designing and writing our invitations and ordered them. This was a very fun process and I really enjoyed using Dan and my creativity to make one of a kind invitations. Of course I am still keeping them a secret and in fact no one knows what they look like or even concepts except the Stationer, Dan and I. We are keeping it that way so that you all can see them at the same time. My lips are sealed.

Moving on and this happens to be a good transition. So as many of you may see on the banner to the right. One rule that will be followed to a t is that the bride will be dancing as long as the DJ plays. This rule presented a problem. How in the world is my petite frame going to handle my huge and cumbersome wedding gown all night? I really don't want cuts on my shoulders and sweat dripping all over it. I am planning to donate the dress to a charity to benefit a good cause (haven't determined one just yet) but I don't just want it laying around the house. So there are two good reasons for another dress. One final reason is why not have two dress, it's my day.

So on Sat my bridesmaid Shannon and I tackled this challenge in the Mall of America. This great mall is the mecca for all shopping. Shannon and I were casually shopping when she mentioned that J Crew always has cute, simple, nice and slightly casual attire. Which is perfect for me as I'm not a flashy person and don't really like highly over the top outfits. So as we ventured into J Crew I was slowly looking at the racks and found a nice white casual dress. I grabbed my size which happened to be the only size available so I went and grabbed another dress in a size up. Shannon and I were here to either get a dress or get a size so I could order one online. After these dresses we found (only really a couple dresses in store) I went to try them on. The first white dress turned out to look super bad. It didn't my frame at all, that back and front pleats we too large and didn't lay flat. This got me bummed.

The other dress was just for sizing purposes. It was a short, strapless cocktail dress with raised metallic stripes. Certainly not my style or is it. Low and behold the dress I dismissed to swiftly actually turned out to be PERFECT. Shannon and the nice gentleman immediately changed attitudes when they saw it and I'm pretty sure I was beaming. I felt amazing in it. It fit perfectly (doesn't need any alterations) and looked so cute. Not to mention it is ivory (still bride like) and is a fun more casual dress perfect for dancing in. Though I was still a little cautious in wanting it because I am trying to be less spontaneous with shopping. I like to think my purchases over and debate if I really want it.

After some deep contemplation in the store I decided to go for it. I then realized I had no idea what it cost. Shannon the shopping savvy person that she is said don't be surprised if it is up near $200. This took me down a notch and I just had to know. As I got the price tag out and turned it over I noticed my heart stop beating. $128!!!!!!!!!!! What, is that even possible. While some of you out there may think that is a lot of money (it is) but not compared to the alternative. I found bridesmaids dress I liked but was indecisive about it and that one started at $169 and would have needed alterations. So this dress was a steal not to mention no sales tax being that I bought it in MN. All that combined with a 15% discount made the dress a little more than $100. Totally perfect for my budget and to allow me the second dress I really wanted.

My only problem with this dress is that now I need another pair of dancing shoes to match. I was already gonna buy dancing shoes but now I need to match the dress. So I get tons more fun looking at the internet shoes stores to find the next perfect pair of shoes.

Here is the link to the dress. The dress is shown in grey and I got it in the natural color. Just select natural and you will see what it looks like (sorta its looks whiter in the pic it is more ivory in person). Hope you like it.

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Feature_Assortment/NewArrivals/dresses/PRDOVR~26673/26673.jsp