It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!!  While the time leading up to turning 40 was a bit emotional for me, I had a wonderful, relaxing day for my actual 40th birthday back in May.  I think we've all been pretty bummed that our plans or visions for this year haven't been able to happen, so I have been pretty bummed about not having a 40th birthday party yet.

When the day shall come that I have my prom-themed party (I never went to a prom, so I want one of my own), I will be wearing this tulle confection of a dress.  I started crying when I saw it online because it was so much like the type of dress I dreamed of wearing to a prom.  It also reminded me of one of my favorite Barbie dresses that I constantly put on my doll any chance I got.  In today's post, I'll be reviewing this look, though this dress is sold out online already.

Before we get started, I am 5'9", typically wear a 22/24, wear a 40B bra, a size 11 wide shoe, and my measurements are 52/49/58.

As I mentioned, this dress made me immediately emotional.  As a teen assuming I'd go to a prom, I wanted a fluffy, full skirt with a 1950s flair.  Think the dance-off scene in Grease.  But alas, I went to three high schools and didn't have many friends in the last two.  And I wasn't who I am today, so I didn't go to a prom.  I'm sure it would have been a disappointment back then anyway, so I look forward to one day having my own.

I initially ordered a size 24, but fit is really important with a cupcake-style dress like this.  Too much fabric can look frumpy, tent-like, and add a pregnancy belly look to my silhouette.  The 24 was fine, but the extra skirt fabric was a lot and the bust was just slightly too big.  I was worried about sizing down and having the bodice be uncomfortable, but I went ahead and ordered a size 22.  The lining and empire-waist are stretchy, so even the 22 is comfortable to wear.  It fits closely on the bust without being too tight.  The skirted portion is still a lot of fabric, but it lays better.  I did find that the closer the bodice fits, the better the skirted portion looks.  I could belt this look and define my waist more.

The ombre effect is very subtle.  The color is a pale peach to me, but I occasionally see a bit of pink or a slight ombre.  Because I have a smaller bust, I do feel I need more interest at the top of the dress.  For this, I bought a sequined capelet to go with it for next time.

The rhinestone headband was purchased on a whim because SPARKLES!  It is a great stand-in for a tiara when I want to tone done my extra just a smidge.  I'm wearing the Naturalizer shoes in an 11 wide.  I bought them to go with a bridesmaid dress I was supposed to wear this year, but that is postponed until next year.  I have lots of rose gold shoes, but the silver felt a bit more party-ready for some reason.

This was the first outfit shoot I did in a really long time.  I already felt inadequate and rusty.  We initially went out to an empty office park on a Saturday because it has nice lighting and flowers.  But as we were working on getting the camera lighting right, some Paul Blart-esque security dick made us leave.  We have shot at that location multiple times, no one was there, and it just pissed me off.  We had to drive around town looking for a new spot.  My hair fell.  My makeup was being weird.  We finally settled on a wooded trail in a mostly empty park, but the lighting was off.  I wanted to redo this shoot to have better photos, but I really don't have the time or energy.  And these don't suck, but I had better photos in my head. 

Special Occasion Peach Pink Mesh Tiered Ruffle Midi Dress - Torrid
Caine Wedge Sandal - Naturalizer
Beaded Clutch - Target (circa 2007) (similar, similar)
Padded Rhinestone Headband - Amazon