Help - I am searching for a "mother of the bride" dress for my daughters upcoming December wedding. Not happy that I have not reached my weight loss goal. I need to dress for my body, but don't want to dress "old lady". I am plus size (size 20 - 22) with large chest and belly - my best feature are toned legs - worst feature is untoned arms. My biggest challenge is finding a dress that is not sleeveless. I don't mind a jacket or bolero but dont' want a shapeless "old lady" jacket. I want to feel good for all the activities and photos on my daughters wedding day - not uncomfortable about bare arms - so a shawl is not a good answer. I am willing to be creative and have a seamstress add some arm coverage if I could envision a good style to request. Any suggestions ? Colors are black, silver and red. I'm not excited on wearing black for my daughters wedding (bridemaids are wearing black and carrying red flowers) would prefer red or silver.

Not sure if it's ok to post links here or not, but I hope it is. What about something like this? http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/alex-evenings-plus-size-beaded-tiered-dress-and-jacket?ID=662549&CategoryID=37038&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_OCCASION%3DEvening/Formal%26SPECIAL_OCCASIONS%3DMother of the Bride%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D27%26ruleId%3D%26slotId%3D17 Or this? http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna-papell-beaded-illusion-gown-plus-size/3347657?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Lead&resultback=571&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_2_D I love Adrianna Papell dresses. I just feel beautiful when I wear them. The fabric is always very form flattering. Try a bunch on, you'll know when you find the right one, it will just feel right. Just like I'm sure your daughter felt when she found her wedding dress. Good luck, congratulations and have fun!

Those are good suggestions sdmom. The Adrianna Papell dress is gorgeous! Plus it would be easy to alter to show off beautiful legs. No jacket needed so no extra bulk.

I have not read this book,as m kids are only 10 and 6, but I love this ladies blog. Take a look..... http://www.fabulousafter40.com/mother-of-the-bride-ebook ~Gwen