Hello Monday: The prettiest dress

Earrings: Forever 21 | Necklace: Kendra Scott | Bag: Christian Louboutin (non-studded version here) | Dress (rented): Nha Khanh "Karla" | Bracelet: Express | Hand Bracelet: Kendra Scott | Shoes: Valentino

This weekend, one of our work besties got married, so it was a pretty big deal and I was ready to get dolled up. Exactly one weekend ago, I still had no idea what I was going to wear and I hadn't even shopped around yet. The husband's cousin rents pretty regularly through Rent the Runway, so I decided to give it a try. Normally cocktail type dresses don't fit me well off the hanger without alterations, so I went into this pretty pessimistic that I would find something that would work for me. Clearly, I was wrong.

The reviews are very helpful, though I wish they would have people put in their physical measurements vs. just their bust, dress size, height, and weight. Two people the same weight, the same dress size, and the same height could carry their weight completely differently! I finally decided to order this in a size 4 with a size 6 as my backup. The 6 ended up working out so perfectly that I didn't bother trying on the 4. I only ordered the 4 because the reviews convinced me that's what I would wear, though had I not been influenced by the reviews, I would have ordered the 6 to begin with. Perhaps next time I will just go with my gut! It was very convenient that they send you two different sizes!

I also ended up ordering this Milly dress as an extra backup. While it was pretty, it didn't feel as special as this one. Plus, the torso ran long so the straps were a little big. When I got both dresses, I sent try-on photos to the husband. He texted back immediately after the first one and said, "Wow!" I couldn't tell if it was a good "wow" or a bad "wow" since after all, the tulle is a bit big and obnoxious. It turned out to be a good "wow!" and he agreed that the Milly dress was definitely not as good.

I am so glad I made the husband snap some photos of me before we left because the lighting at the banquet hall was not the best and it was too busy and breezy outside for me to have felt comfortable taking any photos in the parking lot. But here are a few inside, and yes, that is a real life parrot in the cage behind me, which I thought was random!

I cannot express how much I loved wearing this dress! I think it is even prettier than my own wedding dress was! Ha! Granted, we got married on a beach, but still! I felt really pretty and everyone was so sweet with their compliments, even strangers not associated with the wedding! And you better believe that I rocked the Cupid Shuffle wearing this! The tulle was so fun to dance in!!

Irresistible Me "Silky" Natural Black, 20 inches, 200g (c/o)

Remember my Irresistible Me hair extensions? Last weekend I had a hair appointment, but I didn't want anything other than a bang trim because I knew I had the wedding this weekend and I wanted my hair as long as possible! I also asked my stylist to trim my extensions so they blended better with my real hair. Let's face it, my hair is long. I don't need more length, I just wear the extensions for extra volume. I wish I had the husband take a back view of my hair. I loved the extensions even more now after the trim. They lasted all night, and even as I was curling my hair, I couldn't tell if I was curling my own hair or the extensions! I brought my teasing brush with me in case any clips started to show through, but they stayed concealed, even with all the dancing.

For my accessories-- I wasn't going to bother with a necklace since the lace is so prominent, but I felt like it needed just one little pop of bling, and this simple drusy fulfilled that need quite nicely. And since I was renting a dress, I figured I should at least go big with my own bag and shoes. This Louboutin clutch is fierce and I don't carry it enough. Truthfully, it doesn't hold much - just my phone, a compact, lip gloss, and my ID and debit card. I managed to fit my teasing brush in there, too, but it was a tight fit. It's just a beautiful piece; I definitely use it for its looks more than its function.

I feel like I wear these Rockstuds all. The. Time. But I guess that just brings down the price per wear! I was hesitant to wear them once again, but the husband thought I was crazy if I didn't! I was on my feet all night dancing and mingling, and my feet never hurt! I do have ball of foot pads in these shoes, which certainly help with the comfort factor, though they're pretty comfortable anyway. As comfy as high heels can be...

I told the husband that I don't want to give the dress back! He said it's too recognizable and I wouldn't be able to wear it to another event anyway. While that's true I guess, I would happily wear this to the grocery store or Target! It's hands down the prettiest dress I've ever worn.

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