UPDATE: DH is going...help me get dressed (black tie event)

[JenaW]

UPDATE: DH was able to get his call switched, so we are going together. Thanks for all your advice on whether or not to go. I was strongly considering it, but am so much happier that we can go together. We have since found out that we know several other people who will also be there, so we are excited. We don't get out much! Now I am stressing about what to wear, so feel free to chip in if you have any other ideas. THX!


ORIG POST: Friends of ours prepaid for a table at the local community hospital's annual gala. It's thehospital where her dh works, not mine. I'd love to go WITH dh. We don't ever do things like this. But it's very short notice - next fri. He doesn't own a tux and I don't have an appropriate dress, AND he is on call that nite. He's already trying to switch a call the following week for a school event. My hubby saw the other hubby this am and apparently he asked if I would go without him. Other than feeling a bit like a third wheel, I'm sure I'd have a good time with thiscouple. We get along great and have a yon on common. But it seems strange to go without my hubby. Wwyd?

Sent from my phone - sorry for typs

[SnuggleBuggles]

I'd go! I'd wish my dh were there but I think the pros of the night out outweigh that con. :) It sounds like fun!!

Beth

[bluestar2]

with another couple or a group of friends, sure!

[crl]

I think I'd go.

Catherine

[Andi98989]

I'd go, but I love an excuse to dress up

[Fairy]

I'd definitely go, have yourself a good time.

[elektra]

I would go, and have done things like this without DH in the past. Maybe bring a friend that this couple also knows? (Not sure if that would be uncouth or not but if it's prepaid?)

[sunshine873]

DH and I just had this discussion the other night. His work Christmas party is going to be happening while he's out of town. A friend of mine wanted me to go with her, as her DH is going to be gone too. I declined, because I wasn't comfortable going to his work's Christmas party without him. He's new at this place and I haven't met anyone except for this one friend who I knew before. I just don't want to go meet everyone without him, KWIM? He agreed.

However, if the event was for something else (as the one you're mentioning,) I'd be all over it. I love a reason to dress up!

[bubbaray]

Probably not, though I don't particularly like BT events in the first place.

[hillview]

I'd go!
/hillary

[TwinFoxes]

I'd go! I'd wish my dh were there but I think the pros of the night out outweigh that con. :) It sounds like fun!!

Beth

:yeahthat: Adding in the opportunity to buy a new dress? I'm so there. I'd miss DH, especially because we don't get to go out together any more, but it would be outweighed by the chance to spend an evening like a grown up! :)

[mommylamb]

I was at a black tie event w/o DH the weekend before Thanksgiving. Granted, it was for work, but DH wasn't there, and that was just fine by me.

[gatorsmom]

If you are good friends with them and comfortable around them, I'd definitely go. I'd miss DH for sure, but I think it would be a fun night out.

Get dolled up and go enjoy a dressy night out without 5 kids tagging along after you! You deserve it!

[JenaW]

ok. you have convinced me. DH just called from work and said he is still trying to finagle a deal with someone to switch call, but he is not optimistic. We'll see. In the meantime, how do I find a formal dress, preferably under $100, in less than 10 days? I've looked around online but haven't seen much that I like. I am kicking myself for not buying some fabric last year for my mom to make me something. I found some gorgeous pumkpin orangey dupioni silk at JoAnn's with a dark brown embroidery on it. I thought she could make me a floor length skirt and I could find a brown velvet tank to pair with it. but I had nothing to wear it too, so I let it go....Bummer. I found this dress online - this is a style I can see myself wearing. http://www.ariadress.com/Desciptions/Desc162FA.htm However, the floor length silk price is $225!!! and since it is a bridesmaid dress I doubt it could be made and delivered to me in my time frame, unless it had an even heftier price tag. I found some gorgeous orangey violet silk fabric on ebay,
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150356010913&ih=005&category=28162&ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1
but I know my mom could not whip something up for me this fast, even if I could get the fabric within a few days. Any suggestions? I have a few "little black dresses" but nothing that could be close to black tie formal. I do have a bridesmaid dress from my cousin's wedding 10 (OMG) years ago that MAY work, disregarding the fact that it is 10 years old! It is a fairly classic style, with no bows or big poufs or anything. I'll attach a pic, but it is only a head shot, so you can't see much. Can anyone help me shop???

[Twoboos]

Glad you're going, sounds like fun!!

As for the dress, I would check TJMaxx/Marshalls, they sometimes have great dresses for cheap. (Last year I saw a drop dead gorgeous real Vera Wang at Marshalls - I stood in front of it for so long wishing I could go to the Oscars!) Also Nordstrom rack/Off Saks. Then there's the clearance racks at the real places, including Lord & Taylor - my SIL gets great dresses there, usually on sale w/an additional coupon.

Doing some looking

comes in red/teal/brown/navy/black
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2999692/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6026421?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6026421&P=1

Hmm, also a full length version
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2980341/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6026421?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6026421&P=2

This teal halter is on sale for $38! (It also comes in black for $79) Yah, I know it's junior sizing...
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3038347/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6026421?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6026421&P=3

Couple other options a bit over $100

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2970327/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6020250?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6020250&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2952482/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6020250?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6020250&P=2

Calvin Klein for $69!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2943594?refsid=204260&refcat=0%7e2376776%7e2374325%7e2384754&SourceID=&SlotID=2&origin=related&cm_Sp=Related-Items-_-Product-_-Auto

$129
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3053242/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6020250?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6020250&P=3

ETAagain: OK, the Nordstrom evening dresses section has a TON under or around $100, I can't even believe it! I was put off by the ones over $1k I was seeing, but the more I looked, the more I saw sale prices! I mean really, $70??
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3023187/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014150?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014150&P=4

[SnuggleBuggles]

It's a good time of year for this b/c NE dresses are out. my SIL went to an inaugural ball last year and pretty much every store in the mall had options (White House/ Black Market had some really good ones).

Probably not dressy enough but here's something at a good price.:
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=9451&N=1200030&pCategoryId=3942&categoryId=1739&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_1739&loc=TN&defaultColor=Iridescent%20Espresso&defaultSizeType=Regular

Beth

[gatorsmom]

A few years ago I found a beautiful dress (a Scott McClintock I think was the name) on the clearance rack of Macy's to wear to a black tie formal we were invited to. I wasn't planning on finding anything of any quality there but the store is close to our house and so I thought I might as well try before driving all the way down to the Mall of America. It fit me well and was really classy. So, you just never know. If you have a Macy's or Nordstroms near you try their clearance racks first. Or if there is a consignment shop near you? Black tie formal wear are the types of things people wear rarely and you'd probably find something in great condition.

Oh, gotta go, kids are crying. back later.

[ciw]

Did you try Chadwicks? They often have dresses under $100 and always have coupons floating around. JCPenny online often has inexpensive formal dresses too.

David's also has a sale section on its website with a lot of dresses hovering around $80. Here's one of their dresses in orange (since you seem drawn to that color)!
http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49997260&currentIdx=11&subCategory=-49998492%7c-49997958%7c-49997260&catentryId=6125935&sort=
Another possibility: http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49997260&currentIdx=67&subCategory=-49998492%7c-49997958%7c-49997260&catentryId=6126272&sort=

[turtledove]

Can anyone help me shop???

Sure, what are your criteria? Budget? Colors you like/hate? Dress length? Silhouette? Strapless or no? Size if you are comfortable posting for sites like Overstock/Bluefly/Smart Bargains etc that may have limited sizing (I COMPLETELY understand if you don't want to share this info). Fabric (you seem to be gravitating to silk) you love/hate?

I find it so much easier to shop for others!

[JenaW]

It's a good time of year for this b/c NE dresses are out. my SIL went to an inaugural ball last year and pretty much every store in the mall had options (White House/ Black Market had some really good ones).

Probably not dressy enough but here's something at a good price.:
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=9451&N=1200030&pCategoryId=3942&categoryId=1739&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_1739&loc=TN&defaultColor=Iridescent%20Espresso&defaultSizeType=Regular

Beth

I LOVE that one, but I'd have to buy both and sew them together. I need a 10!

[wellyes]

Aw, now I wanna go to a black tie event! Sounds like so much fun.

[JenaW]

Sure, what are your criteria? Budget? Colors you like/hate? Dress length? Silhouette? Strapless or no? Size if you are comfortable posting for sites like Overstock/Bluefly/Smart Bargains etc that may have limited sizing (I COMPLETELY understand if you don't want to share this info). Fabric (you seem to be gravitating to silk) you love/hate?

I find it so much easier to shop for others!

ok...let's see. Probably not strapless...mainly because I think I would be tugging on it all night. Plus they never seem to fit me right. Definitely NOT a halter style, because they never seem to work with my chest (38DD). I AM leaning towards silk because I hate the shininess of satin and taffetta. I do like matte satin - my wedding dress was a very slightly off white matte satin. I THINK I am a 10. I'd like something leaning towards modest (meaning no deep plunging necklines) but still sexy! Is that an oxymoron? I think I need to go with floor length since it is black tie...is this a wrong assumption? Probably a bit more a-line than straight column, as I have a bit of a baby belly and I am hippy (as in generously sized hips)! I'd like to stay around $100...haven't really discussed it with DH yet.

I like the neckline of this one, because it is modest, but still classic looking.
http://www.ariadress.com/Desciptions/Desc162FA.htm
I also like the two tone look, though not necessarily the color. I tend to look good in green (as I have bright green eyes) but I am not sure I want a bright green dress. Black is always a good standby, although I may look better in chocolate. I am so drawn to the orange silk, but again not sure I want a dress that screams "look at me."

I love the color of this.
http://www.ariadress.com/Desciptions/Desc170KA.htm


Here are some dresses I found on ebay....would that be absolutely crazy?? I hope to hit some of the department stores/Marshalls tomorrow if I can. I'm waiting to see if my sitter can come for a few hours, because I am NOT taking my three little ones dress shopping alone!

Is this one too wedding-ish?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390053539188&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I like the look, although I am not loving the huge bow on the butt.

I am not sure about this one because it is straples,s but the price caught my eye
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310185926661&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

This one caught my eye, but it is strapless and straight, so prolly not the best.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390046352064&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

This one is so NOT modest, but I still like the look of it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400046371851&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Is this too casual?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400013964864&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

ARGH. I hate this kind of stuff. DH and I are so not high society, so I have no clue why I think this is a good idea. However, the couple I would be going with (and hopefully DH too) are so much fun, and very laid back too. I need some fun in my life right now.

[JenaW]

Glad you're going, sounds like fun!!

As for the dress, I would check TJMaxx/Marshalls, they sometimes have great dresses for cheap. (Last year I saw a drop dead gorgeous real Vera Wang at Marshalls - I stood in front of it for so long wishing I could go to the Oscars!)

Never thought of TJMaxx/Marshalls. Thanks for that suggestion. I'm off to look at your links too. Thanks!

[bubbaray]

I like the 2nd to last one you posted. The last one is too casual. THe others are too wedding/bridesmaidy for my taste.

[JenaW]

Did you try Chadwicks? They often have dresses under $100 and always have coupons floating around. JCPenny online often has inexpensive formal dresses too.

David's also has a sale section on its website with a lot of dresses hovering around $80. Here's one of their dresses in orange (since you seem drawn to that color)!
http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49997260&currentIdx=11&subCategory=-49998492%7c-49997958%7c-49997260&catentryId=6125935&sort=
Another possibility: http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49997260&currentIdx=67&subCategory=-49998492%7c-49997958%7c-49997260&catentryId=6126272&sort=

I saw that orange one, but no 10's available! I think there is a David's nearby though, so I will check and see if they have anything off the rack. Thanks!

[SnuggleBuggles]

The last one is too casual, imo. The one that you call not modest is my favorite. Very pretty.

Beth

[bubbaray]

Just a thought on the style -- you mentioned your chest size. I think actually that 2nd to last link would look better with your chest than your first pic with the more sheath styling. I think if you try to cover up a larger chest, it can make you look heavier, KWIM? And, I think the waist emphasis of the 2nd to last dress might actually help conceal a bit of tummy.

[JenaW]

I like the 2nd to last one you posted. The last one is too casual. THe others are too wedding/bridesmaidy for my taste.

I just went back and looked at the listing for that one again. I DO like the dress. The measurements - hmmmm - the 36in bust could be done (although I will be going all night without nursing, so I may be a bit on the bigger side). The 39in hips are ok. The 27in waist - NO WAY! If that gold waist is only 27inches, I would be in big trouble. My waist at the level of my belly button is more like 31. MAYBE 29 1/2 if I suck it in and don't breathe. That may rule that dress out. Sigh.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I can't help but post this one even though it doesn't fit your criteria well b/c it's so pretty:
http://www.bluefly.com/Aidan-Mattox-blue-jersey-drape-detailed-strapless-gown/cat20110/304261001/detail.fly

Over budget a bit:
http://www.bluefly.com/Amsale-amethyst-sateen-pleated-strapless-gown/cat20110/214593800/detail.fly
http://www.bluefly.com/Amsale-bordeaux-sateen-strapless-gown/cat20110/214593100/detail.fly

[jgenie]

I would try to find something on the Nordstrom's website. I needed a maternity dress for a wedding in October and picked out several from the website - enough to qualify for free shipping and then just returned the extras. I was able to try the dresses on in the comfort of my home and they didn't give me any trouble when I went to return the extras.

[hellokitty]

If you know ppl that are going and are friends with them, then go! We were in a similar situation. Fancy hospital dinner event and silent auction for hospice. One of the docs on the board, bought tickets for the entire heart team, which was really nice of him. Well... I was only 1 wk postpartum by the event, there is no way I would leave a newborn to go to something like this, even if I could have brought the baby with me, I was just so exhausted from this last birth. I told DH to go by himself, but he didn't want to be the odd person out. So, he didn't go. Turns out that several ppl did not bring spouses. Some of them brought their teenage children or grandchildren as their, "date" and some went alone, they all had a nice time, b/c he got one table for the entire heart team. So, my DH should have gone, he would have had a nice time, he is friends with ppl at work, so it's not like he isn't friendly with them.

[Twin Mom]

I'm not sure how far upstate you are in NY but if you have Loehmann's near you, they typically have a larger formal section than TJ Maxx/Marshalls. TJM/Marshalls will be more hit or miss. I think at Loehmann's you really have a chance of finding something without having to go all over town.

Not to say that it can't happen at TJM/Marshalls since I found a long black dress that I loved at Marshalls a few years back for $40. I had nowhere to wear it at the time but for that price I bought it anyway. I've worn it multiple times btw.

Good luck and have fun.

[JenaW]

I'm not sure how far upstate you are in NY but if you have Loehmann's near you, they typically have a larger formal section than TJ Maxx/Marshalls. TJM/Marshalls will be more hit or miss.


No Loehmanns within 200 miles of my zip :(

[JenaW]

Well...the title is no longer relevant. DH was able to get his call covered, so we can go together. Now we need to get him a tux and find me a dress.....in a week!!! Let me know if anyone else has any suggestions. I checked Macys, JCPennys, TJMaxx, Marshalls, and two local consignment stores today. I am hoping to drive about 45 minutes to the "posher" side of town tomorrow. I think they have a Lord and Taylors, as well as some other upscale stores, and possibly some nicer consignment stores too. If not, I think I will order something from ebay. One of the sellers offers returns (minus shipping of course) within a week. Unfortunately, that is not the seller that has the two dresses I like the best. DH found this one for me -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400041537125&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

which I really like, but the measurements suggest it will NOT fit. The other consensus favorite -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400046371851&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

also has a much smaller waist measurement than my own.

Does anyone like the look of this one? It is one I can return if it doesn't fit.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310185926597&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I also REALLY like this one. no one commented on it earlier. Any one???
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390053539188&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

J

[mamicka]

That last one is gorgeous! I also like the first 2 & the 3rd one I think really depends on the person. I don't like it much on that model.

[bubbaray]

I still say with a larger chest, you'll find the deep v styling more flattering, plus you might be able to wear a non-strapless bra, which will give more support. It d/n have to *be* the 2nd one, but I like that silhouette.

GL!

[SnuggleBuggles]

Of your ebay links, in order
1 Love it
2 2nd favorite
3 distant 3rd
4 not a fan of the color or the straps. plus, would it make it to you soon enough to get it pressed?

Beth

[gatorsmom]

What about some of these? They aren't terribly expensive and since it sounds like my figure is similar to yours (or at least it was when I was nursing :D), I was looking for things I think would look good on me and I might wear.

I like that this one is loose and has soft pleats in the stomach and hip area. You could easily wear a strapless bra underneath and the mesh top would add a bit of coverage if you wanted that.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3053245/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014150?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014150&P=1


I like this one even better, comes in other colors and is a beautiful dress for $118!. It looks like you could definitely wear a strapless bra with it and is nice and loose around the stomach and hips. Plus, I always love out soft pleats hide skim over problem areas nicely. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2952482/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014150?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014150&P=1

This one is stunning for $69, again you could wear a strapless bra with it and it's fully lined which helps hide stuff. It's pretty form-fitting though: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2943594?refsid=204260&refcat=0%7e2376776%7e2374325%7e2384754&SourceID=&SlotID=1&origin=related&cm_Sp=Related-Items-_-Product-_-Auto

This is pretty, simple, classic and $98. Aline skirts are so forgiving. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2965939/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014150?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014150&P=1

I love the bodice on this. I also, again, love the soft pleats and the flowing jersey. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3065236/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014150?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014150&P=2

This one has GREAT upper body coverage and slightly A line through the skirt. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3012649/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014150?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014150&P=2

I also really like the last one you mentioned. The cream-colored dress. That is beautiful.

Hope this helps. Make sure you let us know/post links to what you chose so we can live vicariously through you! And I think it will be so fun now that you DH can go too. :bighand:

[JenaW]

Lisa

THanks for all the links! The first one wasn't really my style, but I LOVED all the other ones, especially some of the red ones. The red strapless A-line was a fav! I think I may order 1 or 2 of them, since there is free shipping over $100, so all I'd be out is return shipping if they don't work.

I'm leaning towards ordering the cream colored ebay one too. I emailed the seller to see if it could go out today. If she sends it priority, I could have it Mon or Tues at the latest. I am HOPING that our local cleaners could press it in a day or two (fingers crossed). if not, I'll have it for DH's "holiday" party in Jan.

[JenaW]

I still say with a larger chest, you'll find the deep v styling more flattering, plus you might be able to wear a non-strapless bra, which will give more support. It d/n have to *be* the 2nd one, but I like that silhouette.

GL!



Of your ebay links, in order
1 Love it
2 2nd favorite
3 distant 3rd
4 not a fan of the color or the straps. plus, would it make it to you soon enough to get it pressed?

Beth

I LOVE #'s 1 and 2 too, but I am really worried about my waist in both of them. The suggested measurements are a 27inch waist! Mine is more like 30-31. I can suck it in to 29 1/2 (if I don't eat dinner and don't breathe at all!!), but that is still 2-3 inches shy of 27! #1 looks too straight to have any give in the waist. While I really do like that dress, I think I'd need to drop another 5-10 pounds to look ideal in it. Because I am stuck with them since it is ebay, and that seller doesn't offer returns, I am hesitant to go with them. If I knew we would be attending this gala annually, I might get it and hope I would fit into it next year. It is a steal at that price. The gala is a huge fundraiser for the community hospital of the small town we live in, but not the hospital that DH works at. I can see us, down the road when we are a bit more established, actually attending it on our own. We do know several of the physician and other clinical staff that work there, and it is a huge benefit to the community to have our own hospistal (even though we don't use it much ourselves)....

#4 has a more generous cut. The straps ARE removable, although I would probably keep them on because I think I would be tugging at the dress all night unless it fit snugly enough around my chest. I also already have a pair of pearly strappy heels that I think would match that dress well, so I am leaning towards it. It all depends on whether the seller returns my email and says she can mail it out today or tomorrow. Any later and it WOULD be too late to get it pressed. SIGH.

I think I will also order the red strapless one that Lisa linked to from Nordy's. Hopefully it will get here in time too. If not, the only dress I actually have on hand is the bridesmaid one from my cousin's wedding from 10 years ago! It is actually a pretty timeless style, and assuming it still fits (I'd have to borrow my cousin's - mine was ruined) it would be "okay" - not great, but ok.

Now I am on to what to wear on top. It is supposed to be 30's and snowy next weekend. Do I just have hubby heat the car up first, and make a run for it? I have a few shawls - a white one and a black one...neither of which would be perfect with the ebay dress, but the black one would be doable with the red dress. I don't own any furs (AND NEVER WILL) which I imagine is what many of the other ladies will be wearing. Maybe I'l just "borrow" DH's tux coat in the car since he won't wear it while driving anyway :)

Thanks for all your help. I am open to any other suggestions or advice. I don't know what I'd do without you guys!

[happymomma]

I think I would if the couple I was going with are people that I love to hang out with.

[cchavez]

Target and JCP have fake fur jackets that are reasonably priced and would be a great cover up!

[mommy111]

I love love love that cream one you posted. Elegant and modest. Totally one that I would wear myself.

[cvanbrunt]

Here's a link I liked defining black tie. It has nice suggestions about options, fabric, etc.
http://www.ehow.com/how_1463_dress-black-tie.html

I like dresses someone posted from Nordstroms. The others are pretty but they really scream bridesmaid to me. It's the fabric that's really the issue. I think they all are from a wedding dress maker.

It seems risky to order via mail for an event so close. I'd try to make it to a store so you can try stuff on.
Have fun and be sure to let us know what you end up wearing!