Well I was out shopping last evening and spent some time looking through many options including simple strapless and a few long line designs. Based upon responses to-date a long line backless design that would allow me to wear pantyhose seems to one direction to take. The woman who was working last evening also showed me a sleek alternative to the more heavily boned corset that my seamstress had suggested. It was a smooth satin style from Godddess (style 710). Its not only strapless but also a "corset" style with detachable garters. They had a semi-annual foundation sale on so I splurged and picked this up on a whim! I also picked up some stockings as well. I'm wearing it today at work! My roomate was surprised this morning as I'm wearing one of my nicer spring outfits. Work is business casual and I usually wear pants or skirt sets. She was very surprised when I showed her I was wearing stocking and garters. So far I'm finding it surprisingly comfortable and the garters/clips haven't been a problem. The clips are plastic and don't seem to cut into me at all. Of course the full slip probably helps as well. BTW on the ankle bracelet, I realized that I had not mentioned in my previous post that the bracelet WAS a special gift from my fiance. I do think I won't wear it as it really would really detract from the ankle strap on my shoes. I go in for another fitting (my final fitting) at the beginning of May and need to come to a conclusion on what I'll wear under my gown before then. Lori

I honestly don't know anything about what would be an appropriate gift in Boston. In fact, as far as Houston (where I've lived my whole life), AFIK there's no "custom" gift. Not that I'm up on all that stuff!! The thing is, I give what I feel comfortable giving rather than trying to figure out what the couple expects or what the local tradition might be. If money is the custom there, they'll already be getting a lot of checks. Why not make your gift one of the few personal items that stand out and get remembered? I have a few quotes below from a very wise person who frequents this forum. See if you can figure out who said all this: When I got married, I did not have enough experience to know what would REALLY come in handy as my family and entertaining needs grew. Even then, I could see the difference between the gifts our peers gave us -- "unique," fun, or short-term stuff (e.g., a bed tray and a subscription to a book review) -- and the things the "grown-ups" got us: serving pieces, carving board, tablecloths, dishes, flatware, etc. We liked and appreciated all of it, but I could see the older generation had the better idea, and theirs are the gifts I am still gratefully using almost 26 years later. Registries tell me colors, styles, etc. I often give a silverplate water pitcher (there's an example of something you don't know you'll need but never have enough of, if you entertain). I look at the couple's registry to decide whether to choose a very simple or more ornate style. Not many young couples need giant serving platters or dishes, flatware, and crystal for 12 or 18. But years later, when they start to take their turn hosting holiday meals and family get-togethers -- for a family that will probably be getting larger -- they are going to need all that stuff -- at least many people do. Twenty-six years ago, I never imagined serving 29 people dinner in my home. But that is what we are doing tomorrow! So even though at the time it seemed like we would never use all the platters, bowls, and pitchers, I have used every one of them many times over the years. The nicest bonus is that every time I use the "boring" items, even all these years later, I think fondly of the person who gave it to me. That is a very lovely experience you don't get if all you get is cash or things you registered for yourself. My favorite gift was a big, fancy silver plate platter from my great aunt. She had received it as a wedding gift when she married into our family in the 1950s. I certainly didn't have occasion to use it much in the early years of our marriage, but I use it all the time now, and I think of her every time I see it. This is probably more a matter of local and ethnic custom than anything else. In many communities the northeast, for example, it seems that cash gifts are so customary that "thing" gifts are unusual (for wedding gifts \-\- these people also often give very large "thing" gifts for engagements and showers). But several posters who live in the south have reported that in their communities cash gifts are considered impersonal to the point of being a no\-no. Both are common here. I prefer to give a "thing" gift, but that's just my preference.

Thanks everyone. Patti you may be right about the cream vs the white. I am a pale-skinned, freckled redhead and even though i do have a lot of white blouses, I really do not look good in white. And I love Steinmart! I think I will stop in there tomorrow and also there is a TJMAXX in the same shopping center. I am 60 yrs old, tall, but 30 pounds overweight (recently lost 35, 30 more to go) and busty, I was thinking a print might make me look fatter. I have a cute new top that is a leopard print, but wondered if it would be too much! My DD tells me I dress too much like an old lady, well I am one. Maybe I will pick up a couple tops and have a pre-party fashion show for DH and DD. I appreciate the great ideas!

Annie, you are right... and that was my thinking in ordering it even after I discovered that the daisy dress now fits. However, where it is a little too big now is in the bodice.. for a surplice dress that means some gaping. At my current weight, i can tack it or pin it... but as I lose more weight (knock on wood), i imagine I will lose more through the bust and back which could make the gapping more than a pin can manage. IDK. I do have wide shoulders and a large rib cage -- meaning the bones, not the fat on top lol.. so it may not be too bad. I think the waist/hips etc will be fine and very adaptable-- though the waist and tie are sewn in vs an elastic band. This is part of what makes it attractive IMO.. it looks more presentable AND it cinches in more than an expandable elastic band. I tried it on yesterday "as I was".. hair in a ponytail, slippers and (ahem) no bra. I thought it looked flattering and nice even then. I will try it on this weekend with proper undergarments and shoes and see what I think. It isn't terribly expensive so if it looks great when done up, I will likely keep it. I think it could work for a lot of occasions ... and since my weight loss is slow/steady, I would imagine it would work for awhile without alterations-- but weight loss is a funny thing. You can't always predict what will change. (Also, I will continue to watch to see if the smaller size comes back in stock) Thanks all for your thoughts, encouragement and recommendations!