Weddingbee boards

Hello again Bees, and thanks in advance for reading.

So, I went dressing shopping with a co-worker. I don't know her that well (we get along very well, but we have a very short history), but she's very reasonable. My parents, in-laws, and fiance are all across the country, so they couldn't go with me.

My body has changed a lot over the years, leaving me with little notion of what looks good on me anymore. Couple that with a job that forces me to work in comfortable/style-less clothes, and it's been a long time since I knew how far the envelope could go and how comfortable I was taking it there.

I'm sad that no one who knows me or my personality and prior style could be there to give perspective - although the consultatnt on hand was very nice and showed preferences between one dress or another - I can never really be sure that she's being truthful; after all, she is a saleswoman.

My friend that went also seemed honest and gave opinions, but I do feel a little lost without my mom's wonderful style advice.

That being said, I have no idea what to do now. I'm deadlocked. I have photographs, but my mother has no internet. It will take some time before I print out photos, send them out, she looks, and she may say none of them flatter me. I'd like to ask others nearby (coworkers, friends), but I feel like a) they won't care and b) how can I trust their judgement? They don't know me well and may not want to be honest.

What to do?! This is driving me crazy!

Oh, one last thing: my FMIL is going to pay for the dress - I want to send her photographs as well to sort of "involve" her (because that would make her happy) and the dresses I looked at so far are within the budget, but should I even open myself to her criticism? I'm not even sure how to approach the financial discussion to begin with.

do you have friends who know your personality and prior style that you could share the pix with? alternatively you could upload the pix here and ask for opinions. we won't know your personality but we might be able to tell you which we think looks better. most importantly go with the dress that makes you feel the best.

Could you upload the pictures somewhere online and have your mom go to a local library (or friend with internet) to look through the pics?  You guys could be on the phone discussing them as you flip through them together.... it may help :)

My mom is always 100% honest with how things 'really' look on me - so I know the importance of having your mom invovled in this decision!