The perfect mix.

This stunning cream lace, dropped waist dress with scalloped hem and tulle ruffle layer was the one for "DJ" Sophie (never just Sophie to us...). We had brilliant fun during her fittings getting to know her and her family over bubbly. We took the sleeves off, opened up the back and replaced the sad tulle layer around the hem. We made a petticoat and DJ Sophie decided on a a cut-edged veil to get married in, but a vintage pearl brooch on a band that we created for the evening. DJ Sophie also went for Rachel Simpson's Marilyn shoes.

"Ladies, ladies, ladies... I found FCNK through a friend's recommendation after three other shop trips. I'd had a horrible experience before I found you, falling in love with a dress, struggling to hunt it down and then trying it on with 3 other brides fighting for space in a tiny corridor changing room in St Albans. The experience was nothing like I'd imagined and nor was the dress - I was devastated.

FCNK was my last appointment and BOY was it different - the welcome, the bubbly, the privacy and the dresses, oh the dresses. How I shall miss playing adult dress up with you both. From that very first visit I knew I had stumbled across something very special.

My dress initially had sleeves but even with those and the high back, from the moment I put it on I fell head over heels in love with it. I couldn't get over how slim it made me look, I actually felt dainty in it and loved that someone else had walked up an aisle in it before me.

On the day it was so comfy and just wowed everyone, I didn't stop talking about it (or swooshing round in it like a demon). The shoes may have come off around 1am but the dress stayed on til 3.30am and I'm already eyeing up a charity wedding dress ball in the autumn where I can wear it again.

As Hamish is sitting beside me on the sofa now, here's a word from him on La Dress: "It took me completely by surprise, although I did suspect it wouldn't be a traditional floor length gown. It was really pretty and made her look like a beautiful little doll." That'll do for me!

Thanks so much for everything, from the welcome, to the dress ideas and transformation to the beautiful, unique headpiece you made to match my vintage flea market earrings and my Nan's pearls. You are geniuses with the power to make every girl feel the most beautiful in the room. I'm only sad there are no more fittings and giggles to look forward to.

I haven't stopped boring friends silly about you since I first came in (and I don't think mother has either...) I've already persuaded one bride to come your way and be sure Fur Coat No Knickers has been getting some serious coverage across the Oxfordshire airwaves! Thanks a million for your help, much love DJ Sophie"










Pics by Anastacia Fox