Getting the look right - all help appreciated

[xmorpheus]

Ok I'm getting married - blah blah blah - that's the bridezilla bit over with, now let us never speak of it again!

But getting the look right is causing me some issues.

I've picked a dress

I've picked a makeup look - Gaiman's Death

On the makeup front, although it's definitely going to be very pale and lots of liquid eyeliner (I'm getting my make up done for me as I'm crap!), I'm thinking of a dark red for the lips rather than black - I've never been able to carry off black lipstick - it just looks silly on me.


I'm stuck on two things.

1. Hairstyle - my hair is aubern red and shoulder length. I don't want to dye it at the moment as I like the red so really I need suggestions for a style (and if you have pics that would be brilliant).
   
2. Will a hat work with this outfit? I can't honestly decide. I've found a brilliant hat that I love, but I just can't decide if it will work with the dress - my gut feeling is that it doesn't - but again, opinions from you guys would be much appreciated. Link to hat page - it's the Midnight Rose hat I'm looking at - they don't allow hotlinks to their photos!

I'm pretty much fashion challenged at the best of times so I really need help and advice.

For ref, I'm 5'5" and currently a size 18 (16 UK size). I've already lost 21lbs and hope to lose another 56 before the wedding - but I'm prepared for the fact that I might not manage this. The dress I've picked comes in a large size too.

Oh and advice on corsets. I definitely want one, but I'm very wary of ordering one too early as I don't know what size I'll be later in the year. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations?

All assistance gratefully appreciated!

[Lucretia_my_Reflection]

with your hair i suggest something like this
http://i1.tinypic.com/skunnn.jpg
with the midnight rose Victorian top hat
and with a few red roses in your hair to top it all off
and for many many other bits and peaces plus the perfect corset i recommend


http://www.wysteria.co.uk/

and

http://www.daregothic.co.uk/welcome.htm

seeing as your a fan of dare have you checked out there corsets they have a wider range then wysteria but still both sides rock so check em' out .
im 6 foot and a size 18 so i know where your coming from
my dear can you please post pictures after the wedding ?

[xmorpheus]

love to post pics - wedding is Halloween so we've a while to go yet!

I'm a little concerned about getting the corset online but there's only one company in Ireland that does custom corsets and they're unbelievably expensive.

Dare seem to be very good - I emailed them with a couple of queries and they were brilliant about responding. I'm really wanting a full length corset that covers tummy and hips though so that all is safely gathered in - and they don't seem to carry that style.

I like that hairstyle - very simple and not too difficult to maintain - thanks for that!

[Lucretia_my_Reflection]

your welcome ^^

regarding corsets is there any local people that make corsets they will set you back abit of money that dress doesn't necessarily look like it needs a corset thats just my opinion anyway have a great evening

-nicole

[Underwater Ophelia]

Your hair might look pretty down and touseled, but I'm not sure what your hair is like in regards to thickness and such, so I could be totally wrong. I love the hat you've picked out, just make sure it doesn't cast an odd shadow on your face, what with the extra pale makeup and dark eyeliner.

[Underwater Ophelia]

And as for corsets, will this be your first corset, or no?

[xmorpheus]

yes first corset!

Hair might work down, but I have a tendancy to fiddle and fuss with it when it's round my face, so probably better to have it out of my way!

[Underwater Ophelia]

If it's your first, I'd suggest www.trashydiva.com. They have really basic corsets that work for first timers. They're boned in steel, and have twill tape, but they're basic enough to look extra fancy if you wish, or dressed down.