I'm a street size 13/14 depending on where the clothes come from, almost 5'3" and to give you all the TMI, right now I weigh about 170. I got my dress at David's Bridal, and actually ended up buying a size 14, since it has the corset back, I can adjust it as I lose weight. From the hips down there is loads of room, and I liked the way the lacing is more spread out on the back so you can see the different colored fabric detail. When you get a larger size and pull the laces tight, there's not much point to having it be a different color. (Well this is how I feel about MY dress, on ME, maybe not everyones cup of tea!)
The bodice gives you great curves.
Hope this helps!
Oh and BTW, I'm standing on the raised platform and need major hemming to be done! I wish I was as tall as I looked in these pics!