I don't understand dress sizes

I went and picked out a dress on Friday. I had on some plus size 24's from the designer I am getting and they fit with no problem.

I went back today to officially put a downpayment on the dress, and have them take my 'initial' measurements (they will take final measurements end of January and send those off to the manufacturer)

When they took my initial measurements, if you go by the chart, they said I wouldnt even fit into a size 26! But I fit in a size 24 dress from the SAME DESIGNER with no problem on Friday (both post turkey day, so thats not an excuse..)

The salesperson said this is a typical... What will happen in January when I probably will fit into a size 26 on the chart, but in real life I would fit into a 22/24? What do I order ?!?!?

Let alone the fact that I want to lose weight after I put the dress order in, but they say it's a bad idea to order the dress a size smaller...

This is so frustrating.

Did you try on the dress at the store that measured you? I would suggest trying on the same dress at another place. Maybe they are measuring you differently...to get you to order a bigger size...that way you have to do more alterations. Is there a cap on alterations? Something doesn't sound right.

PS. They also seem to make bridal gowns about 2-3 sizes smaller than your normal clothes...which doesn't make you feel very good! Good luck.

There is a cap alteration, so I dont see why they would order it too big... I saw what was written in the chart (scary numbers) and it all seemed right...

Allright, what kinds of exercises should I do to focus on losing inches in my waist and hips... Anyone have any specific videos they could recommend?

*sigh*