I purchased a sample dress in this style, Alvina Valenta 9854, size 10. The dress retails for $3800 new and I was able to bargain the shop down to $995 from $1600. Dress was bought at Merry Go Round in Houston, TX. It is a satin mermaid style dress with gorgeous alencon lace overlay at the bust, waist, and hemline. The back is a deep V and has covered buttons going all the way down.

I wore the dress once for our indoor wedding. We took photos outside and the hemline got a bit dirty but it came out fine with professional cleaning. No stains or snags.

I usually wear a street size 2 and I had it altered dramatically to fit me. The results were amazing and I loved wearing it on my wedding day. The dress was taken in, hemmed, had the waist adjusted to fit a more petite frame, had two elastic straps sewn in for bust support, and had an elaborate bustle added. My measurements are bust 33”, waist 25”, hips 38”, height 5’2.5”. I wore flats for the wedding.

While the dress is fitted it is not tight around the legs so it is easy to move around in. The bustle is fabulous and it is really fun to dance in. I never thought I would wear a mermaid style dress but I found it very flattering for my petite frame. Most dresses I tried on just overwhelmed me.

I think this dress is too pretty to sit in my closet for the next 20 years so I want to find it a new home! If you live in the south Texas area you are welcome to come and try it on. I will be storing it at my parents house in San Antonio.

If you have questions or concerns feel free to email me. I also have lots more photos I can send as well.