UPDATE in post 16 -Wedding Next Month; Need a Dress

[lizzywednesday]

I'll be attending what I presume will be a fairly formal wedding next month.

I'm nursing & will need to pump at some point, so easy-on/easy-off tops would be a plus.

I have heavy legs & would prefer something below the knee. My figure is pear-shaped & I've still got a tiny bit of postpartum baby-pudge in the belly. I'd also prefer something I can wear a regular bra with ... and tips on choosing an underwire nursing bra would be appreciated. (I am a 38 F/G. I think; I need to re-measure myself.)

Dress size-wise, I'm kind of between a 16 & a 14.

IDK if it matters, but the bride is Chinese, and there will be a tea ceremony after the wedding vows but before the dinner/dancing portion of the reception. I'd like to be dressed appropriately for this cultural experience, which I am very interested in! Any colors or elements I should avoid in accessorizing would be MUCH appreciated so I don't inadvertently offend any of the relatives.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Because of the pumping, would a 2 piece outfit be better?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2975213/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014178?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014178&P=4

or something different but 2 piece?

I don't know the rules for the culture so these are just some pretty dresses to start narrowing things down.

Too casual?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3053137/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014178?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014178&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2931325/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014178?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014178&P=1

Too formal?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3016595/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014178?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014178&P=3

Beth

[lizzywednesday]

Oh Beth I love all of those!!!

I'll just have to figure something that doesn't make me look matronly.

The 2-piece idea is good, but I don't know that I can find a top that doesn't make me think of Neil Diamond ... most stores' 2-piece selections around here lean towards the beaded or sequined.

[boolady]

There are some pretty dresses at Anthropologie that don't look terribly short, if they're dressy enough.

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES-KNIT&id=033053&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&sortProperties=&navCount=200&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=008&colorName=GREY
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES-PRINTED&id=18320226&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&sortProperties=&navCount=200&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=009&colorName=BLACK
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES-PRINTED&id=033070&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&sortProperties=&navCount=200&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=040&colorName=BLUE&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=030000&parentid=BAYNOTE

Although I have never ordered from them, I have been coveting some of the beautiful dresses on shabbyapple.com. They're not super dressy, but I think could definitely be dressed up with jewelry and the right shoes. I think almost every one is longer than knee-length.

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-439-carnival.aspx

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-510-bette-d.aspx

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-579-desert-blossom.aspx

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-582-espina-bonita.aspx

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-222-marthas-vineyard.aspx

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-52-ballerina.aspx

[lizzywednesday]

Jen, you've convinced me I need to go up to the Anthropologie store to see if any of those would work. I like the black one with the cinched waist a lot.

And the ones from Shabby Apple ... wow.

Thanks!

[boolady]

IIRC, you're not too far from an Anthropologie, right? There's also White House/Black Market right across the mall from them. My sister just got a beautiful dress for a wedding at WHBM a few weeks ago. Good luck!

[lizzywednesday]

IIRC, you're not too far from an Anthropologie, right? There's also White House/Black Market right across the mall from them. My sister just got a beautiful dress for a wedding at WHBM a few weeks ago. Good luck!

The one at Market Fair? Oh yes.

FWIW, I got my rehearsal dinner dress at WHBM 3 years ago and hit it for another dress for an evening out with DH 2 years ago.

A lot of their summer collection is strapless, though, which isn't going to work for my boobs right now. Next year.

[boolady]

The one at Market Fair? Oh yes.

FWIW, I got my rehearsal dinner dress at WHBM 3 years ago and hit it for another dress for an evening out with DH 2 years ago.

A lot of their summer collection is strapless, though, which isn't going to work for my boobs right now. Next year.

You know, the dress my sister got was strapless, now that I think about it, and you're right-- there is a lot of strapless in there. I guess if you're my sister, a size 2 who's never had kids, it's all good!:)

[DrSally]

Could you nurse/pump in something like this?
http://www.target.com/Merona-Sleeveless-V-Neck-Dress-Smoke/dp/B003IUGQSY/ref=huc_ic_2_pn

They have it in various colors/prints. I think I saw the purple one at the store. You could wear a wrap or cardigan over it. Not sure if it's too informal though.

[lizzywednesday]

Could you nurse/pump in something like this?
http://www.target.com/Merona-Sleeveless-V-Neck-Dress-Smoke/dp/B003IUGQSY/ref=huc_ic_2_pn

They have it in various colors/prints. I think I saw the purple one at the store. You could wear a wrap or cardigan over it. Not sure if it's too informal though.

Yes, I think that it would work on top, but it's just too short. My legs are heavy & anything above the knee just looks disproportionate.

[lizzywednesday]

Bumping for accessory help ...

OK, so I've ordered this dress from Shabby Apple:

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-582-espina-bonita.aspx

And these shoes from Zappos:

http://www.zappos.com/touch-ups-twilight-silver

I have a silver Pandora bracelet with purple Murano glass beads that's become my default "I'm getting dressed up" wrist-wear. My wedding band & engagement ring are white gold.

I have an iridescent silk wrap in purple. I think I have a silver evening bag in my closet.

All I need to figure out is a necklace, earrings and find my makeup. Probably a new lipstick is in order and possibly new eyeshadow.

[kozachka]

Love your choices in terms of dress and shoes, but I would try not to go all matchy-matchy. Do you have something purple to play off Murano bracelet? Sounds like you could use a bit of color in your outfit.

P.S. Just noticed that you are going with a purple wrap. That should add color to your outfit.

[lizzywednesday]

Love your choices in terms of dress and shoes, but I would try not to go all matchy-matchy. Do you have something purple to play off Murano bracelet? Sounds like you could use a bit of color in your outfit.

P.S. Just noticed that you are going with a purple wrap. That should add color to your outfit.

Thanks!

Should I add a bold necklace and go simple with the earrings? (I know I have a pair of diamond studs somewhere.)

Would a bold necklace be too much with a wrap? I doubt I will be wearing the wrap all evening even if it is silk; it's been hot & humid here and I don't know when the weather's expected to break.

I will see the shoes IRL today; Zappos upgraded my shipping. I am assuming the shoe is more of a matte finish while the bag I have is fabric in a subtle paisley kind of pattern with sparkly threads. If I were to shop around for a new evening bag, would I want to look for something in purple, silver or another complementary color?

[luckytwenty]

Love those choices--looks very glamourous. Enjoy!

[lizzywednesday]

OK, the dress arrived today and I definitely need a good bra, but it's otherwise fine.

The shoes are perfect as well, though I need some anti-slip pads for the soles. And a pedicure.

The wedding is 2 weeks from Sunday & it looks like I am set!

THANK YOU ALL for your help. =)

[DrSally]

Love the dress! So sexy/sophisticated, and fits all your criteria! I think it will look great with the purple wrap. I've never heard of Shabby Apple, their prices are very reasonable.

[infomama]

I can not wait for an occasion to order from Shabby Apple.

[kozachka]

Thanks!

Should I add a bold necklace and go simple with the earrings? (I know I have a pair of diamond studs somewhere.)

Would a bold necklace be too much with a wrap? I doubt I will be wearing the wrap all evening even if it is silk; it's been hot & humid here and I don't know when the weather's expected to break.

I will see the shoes IRL today; Zappos upgraded my shipping. I am assuming the shoe is more of a matte finish while the bag I have is fabric in a subtle paisley kind of pattern with sparkly threads. If I were to shop around for a new evening bag, would I want to look for something in purple, silver or another complementary color?

It's difficult to say without seeing how everything goes together. Personally I would not buy an evening bag just for a wedding, I'd try to make do with the one that I have. I'd rather invest into an accessory that I can wear close to my face (more people will notice it) that I can wear again later. If you absolutely have to get a bag, than black, silver or red are both neutral, i.e. go with everything, in my book. Silver might be difficult to match to shoes.

I'd go with a bold necklace in color that goes with your bracelet and that you can wear again and again later. I prefer classic, small earings so that influences my choice, too. Hope this helps, and remember - your smile is your best accessory :D

[lizzywednesday]

It's difficult to say without seeing how everything goes together. Personally I would not buy an evening bag just for a wedding, I'd try to make do with the one that I have. I'd rather invest into an accessory that I can wear close to my face (more people will notice it) that I can wear again later. If you absolutely have to get a bag, than black, silver or red are both neutral, i.e. go with everything, in my book. Silver might be difficult to match to shoes.

I'd go with a bold necklace in color that goes with your bracelet and that you can wear again and again later. I prefer classic, small earings so that influences my choice, too. Hope this helps, and remember - your smile is your best accessory :D

Thanks!

I looked in my closet for evening bags and I have a black mock-croc print clutch that I bought for my brother's wedding that I think will work fine; the shoes have a very subtle snakeskin pattern in a couple of places, so it's a fun echo.

I'll shop around for a necklace and plan to wear my diamond studs. (I tend to go simple on accessories, but can carry off a lot because I am a big person. Not just tall, big.)