I wore my alternate instead of this (Nicole Miller Tyrian Purple gown). The 2R fit but was not fitted, it would have been very comfortable but did not hug my waist, hips or bum and was thereby a very conservative fit (not my aim). The zipper isn't too tough. The length of the 2R worked well for my 5' 3" height with four or six inch heels, about an inch above the ground with the latter. 5' 6" and taller would probably prefer a Long version if planning to wear heels. The embroidery is beautiful and has multiple shades of gold/beige, and includes beading/applique along the front just about the black tulle pouf layers. Note that the embroidered layer does extend the full length, while the lining stops at the black tule poufs. Can be worn with a standard strapless but you need to lower the back, so probably not the best idea.

Falling Roses Gown

Marchesa Notte

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Size Worn: 2R

Usual Size: 2

Height: 5' 3"

Weight: 113lbs

Bust: 32C

Note that the true color of the dress is better reflected in the close-up rather than the full length flash photo included with this review, more toward eggplant (thought not actually eggplant) than toward violet - model photo is pretty accurate on this one, though it does appear a touch darker than it does in person. The 2R dress I received was in good shape and the zipper, hook and button were all properly functional. 2R was true to size (5'3" 115#, waist ~26", slim hips/bum). Allows for some stretch (I have larger ribcage) but also flatters figure overall in that it does hold in a bit in the tummy and has ruching across the mid-section. Size up if you are busty, with a small C cup and a strapless bra, I looked relatively busty but a bit squished. In fact, it may be wiser to avoid this is you are above a C-cup, the dress is cut to frame cleavage like crazy and enhances size. I was able to wear a regular strapless bra with the back pulled a touch down, did not have to adjust too frequently but cups poked out of neckline a touch a couple times. The dress lining did roll out at the neckline a bit and had to tuck that a few times. If there were a petite available, it would have been a good idea, as at 5' 3" with six inch heels, the dress was still brushing the floor and stairs were a bit tough. If you are 5' 5" or shorter, I would recommend petite unless you are comfortable in the tallest shoes available. Even using some salve on arms to prevent chafing, I did get several scrapes on the skin of inner bicep from the sequins. If you have especially sensitive skin, I would not recommend this dress, as the cut of the straps make brushing the sequins basically unavoidable. Loved wearing the dress, several compliments among a well-dressed crowd at an arts gala (saw at least a dozen other RTR dresses, only one of which was duplicated), would recommend.

Sequin Tyrian Purple Gown

Nicole Miller

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Size Worn: 2R

Usual Size: 2

Height: 5' 3"

Weight: 113lbs

Bust: 32C

The hanging element is one stiff piece, the earrings are long enough that my shoulder/neck curve made contact with the bottom and threw the lay of the earrings off a bit. They were still beautiful and sparkly and worked with my look (Nicole Miller Tyrian Purple Sequin dress).

Silver Pave Weave Earrings

Kenneth Jay Lane

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Usual Size: 2

Height: 5' 3"

Weight: 113lbs

Bust: 32C

These were for an alternate look that I did not choose to wear (Marchesa Notte Falling Roses dress). Were very pretty, in good shape, went well with that look.

Hummingbird Feather Earrings

Marchesa Jewelry

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Usual Size: 2

Height: 5' 3"

Weight: 113lbs

Bust: 32C