The Pretty Perspective Series: Denise's Story

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. The Pretty Perspective Series is a tribute to women celebrating their unique perspectives on beauty. Each story is written from the heart by women in different life stages, sharing what the word Pretty means to them, and when they consider themselves most beautiful. I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I do, and I encourage you to share your story with us in the celebration of feeling beautiful.

W.L at Pretty Organic Cosmetics



Denise's Story

A few short months after my boyfriend had proposed to me, I finally gave in and thought I would do the most traditional and exciting thing for a newly-engaged woman. Wedding Dress Shopping.

So, with my best friend in tow, and latte in hand, I trekked my way through to a series of bridal gown appointments with visions of the two of us crying when ‘THE dress’ finally draped itself on my body.


Oh, who am I kidding? As a ‘mature’ bride-to-be in her mid thirties, I found myself barricaded by a never-ending sea of ivory and diamond white dresses and in the company of other bride-to-be’s but of the other variety: younger, slimmer and very beautiful. I couldn’t help but notice the accompanying stretch marks everytime I stripped down a gown to put another one on; then walk out to see an ‘older’ image of me in the mirror. Sure, the girl next to me could have passed for half my age, but I couldn’t help but think of the series of ‘bridal bootcamps’ I’d have to attend to slim myself down to her size.

I thought back to when I was a daydreaming 6 year old girl envisioning the Perfect day; my Ken-doll groom in a tuxedo, and slim Asian-barbie version of myself in a bridal gown. This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind while standing before the full-length mirror in a tight charmeuse gown. (Might I add that charmeuse, will show every single curve, dimple and panty-line known to woman-kind.).

I made my way home and changed into my pajama pants and my Fiancé’s oversized hoodie, washed my face, and put my hair up in a ponytail.

“How did wedding dress shopping go?” mused my Fiancé. “Was it everything that you thought it would be?”
“I work in Marketing, honey. I think I just fooled myself,” was my reply.


He draped me in a big hug and kissed me, and proceeded to tell me how cute I looked in his old high school sweatshirt. Tackled me onto the couch and snuggled with me while watching one of my obsessively girly TV shows.


How is it that I felt more beautiful in his arms than in the prettiest wedding gown worth 5 figures?


I guess what I’m saying is it’s not the dress that you wear, nor what the fairy tales and what youth promise you that make you feel Beautiful. It’s those special people in your life and around you that bring out the best in you, no matter what.

D.P.