Due to family health issues I'm getting married in 2 months, and don't have time to order a gown from a boutique. I ordered several dresses from Amazon to try out, and was so pleasantly surprised by this gown. I used to work in a high end boutique years ago selling Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Reem Acra, Ramona Keveza, etc., and also worked at David's Bridal. Unfortunately, this wasnt a great style for my body type, and I bought a size too small. However, the quality of this gown, the construction, the lace, and the belt were top notch! The lace isn't stiff or plastic feeling, the train moves beautifully, the lining is soft, the shirring looked lovely, and the belt and detail were of a nice quality for the price. The hem can be shortened by removing the lace edge, hemming, then reapplying, but it almost fit perfectly with me at 5'4" in 3" heels. I'd highly recommend this for a bride with a bit more of an hourglass shape than I have. Professional Advice: laces go from top to bottom, and the tails should always be tucked in. Most gowns will need a little bit of altering so always order for your largest measurement (fit your bust if your hips are smaller, etc.), and bustles can be added easily for after the ceremony. The loop underneath a skirt is for hanging, not to hold while you dance! I bought a size 14, 5'4", 38D, approx 200lb. It was several inches too small to fit around my ribcage, but that's my fault for not checking the size guide better.