Help me find a formal!

[JoyNChrist]

Let's play dress up!

I'm going to a Mardi Gras ball at the end of February, and I need a formal dress.

I'm 6', size 4. Little boobs. I like my shoulders and back, so backless or strapless would be fine. No empire waists. I look best in jewel tones or black. No pastels, whites, or champagne colors. I have pretty short hair, so it will probably be simple (maybe with a jeweled bobby pin), and I want to find some great earrings.

I want to look pretty, but not like I'm going to my senior prom, ya know?

I'd like to stay around $300 or below (we live in the middle of nowhere and nobody's gonna know or care who made the dress, lol).

Bonus points if you find shoes too. DH is 6'6", so I can get away with heels. :)

[crl]

Do you like this?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3016595?origin=category&resultback=0

Catherine

[JoyNChrist]

Ooh, very pretty. And very Mardi Gras appropriate, being purple. :)

[crl]

Here's one from JCrew, $250 in black.

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/weddingsparties/PRDOVR~63050/63050.jsp

Catherine

[elektra]

I found my Oscars dress last year at a Saks outlet. Do they have those where you live??? Or a Neiman's outlet??
I really feel like I have to try those types of dresses on to get a feel for what they will be like. It's like jeans- t's hard to just get them online without trying them on. However, being tall AND slim (I am just tall), I bet you would have more luck.
The dress I ended up with was empire waist though, it was a Max Azria BCBG- so not expensive at all.
It's probably so 2010 but I just love the one-shoulder thing, like this, http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3088368?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=3512

Have fun shopping!

[crl]

And here's one from Macy's--sounds like it might fit you from the reviews.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=487889&CategoryID=20367

Catherine

[JoyNChrist]

I found this that I LOVE, but I don't want to spend that much money. :(

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/3133697?origin=related-3133697-0-0-2#reviewAnchor

We don't have much local, but I have an aunt who lives in Houston, which is only a couple hours away, so I may try to arrange a weekend visit to try some things on in person. I do tend to have good luck shopping online though - I have kind of a "model build," although I'm not that thin - just tall and straight, if that makes sense. No hips, no boobs, lol.

[JoyNChrist]

Oh, I probably should have added that a little glitz would be good (either some beading or a shimmery fabric). It's Mardi Gras, so think gaudy, lol.

[crl]

I found this that I LOVE, but I don't want to spend that much money. :(

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/3133697?origin=related-3133697-0-0-2#reviewAnchor

We don't have much local, but I have an aunt who lives in Houston, which is only a couple hours away, so I may try to arrange a weekend visit to try some things on in person. I do tend to have good luck shopping online though - I have kind of a "model build," although I'm not that thin - just tall and straight, if that makes sense. No hips, no boobs, lol.

That's such a fabulous color!
Catherine

[TwinFoxes]

I like this one, because I can't wear backless
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3103966?origin=category&resultback=0

[crl]

This one is a little bit daring.

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Betsey-Adam-Long-Beaded-Open-Back-Dress/5483097/product.html

Catherine

[cckwmh]

are you set on long dresses?

i love this short dress:
http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/London-Times-One-shoulder-Taffeta-Party-Dress/4714723/product.html

[cvanbrunt]

Check out Bluefly.com. They bring the bling!

http://www.bluefly.com/Designer-Evening-Dresses/_/N-fim/list.fly

Returns are no problem, either.

[fauve01]

wow there are so many gorgeous dresses in the links in this thread!!

OP, i don't know if this site will help you, but my BF is getting married next month and she picked a dress for me to wear from this site:
http://www.lightinthebox.com/wholesale-Weddings---Events_c1180

there are tons of dresses here and the prices are pretty decent. i haven't ordered yet, but reviews i've looked at seem positive. looks like turnaround time is quick too.

be sure to let us know what your order!
anne

[Indianamom2]

This one is similar (a little fuller at the bottom) to the one you said you liked:

http://www.lightinthebox.com/Alyson-Hannigan-Trumpet--Mermaid-Sweetheart-Court-Train-Taffeta-Emmy--Evening-Dress--FSD0383-_p67993.html

It looks like it comes in a variety of colors as well. Still looking....

[WolfpackMom]

I have a one strap beaded and sequined number I can mail you, but it is from my senior prom circa 2001 lol. Sitting in my closet waiting for some mardi gras action!

[happymom]

I love the first one that Catherine posted. The purple one. Beautiful!

There's also this one- it has the ruching you like, but only on top.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3117057?origin=category&resultback=3212

Ooooh, I love this one too!! You get to show off your shoulders and back, and I have to say the model looks pretty flat-chested herself! LOL. Its purple with some shimmery glotzy stuff going on...
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3145073?origin=category&resultback=6341

I actually own this dress in brown...its a beautiful dress and has a really nice shape to it.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3026903?origin=category&resultback=4200

[JoyNChrist]

are you set on long dresses?

i love this short dress:
http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/London-Times-One-shoulder-Taffeta-Party-Dress/4714723/product.html

I think I'm set on long. Some krewes are okay with cocktail dresses, but I haven't been to an event with this krewe before, so I don't know if they're one of them. Long and formal is the safest bet.

I can't look at all these links on my phone, but I'm gonna check them all out on my computer tomorrow. You ladies rock!

[amldaley]

http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=502410382&splashlink=header_wapparel&N=1604009&searchUrl=%2Fendeca%2FEndecaStartServlet%3Fsplashl ink%3Dheader_wapparel%26N%3D1604009&R=03392022

I have a different version of this dress from JS. BEAUTIFUL color IRL and beautifully made.
http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=502465997&splashlink=header_wapparel&N=1604009&searchUrl=%2Fendeca%2FEndecaStartServlet%3Fsplashl ink%3Dheader_wapparel%26N%3D1604009&R=03422054

Love the blue
http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=502432747&view=20&No=40&splashlink=header_wapparel&N=1604009&searchUrl=%2Fendeca%2FEndecaStartServlet%3Fview%3D 20%26No%3D40%26splashlink%3Dheader_wapparel%26N%3D 1604009&R=03401114

My BFF had this one in dark royal for a USMC Ball. Super sexy.
http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=502440619&view=20&No=60&splashlink=header_wapparel&N=1604009&searchUrl=%2Fendeca%2FEndecaStartServlet%3Fview%3D 20%26No%3D60%26splashlink%3Dheader_wapparel%26N%3D 1604009&R=03405155

A smidgeon out of your price range but I thought the stripes could be very cool for Mardi Gras
http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=502539517&view=20&No=100&splashlink=header_wapparel&N=1604009&searchUrl=%2Fendeca%2FEndecaStartServlet%3Fview%3D 20%26No%3D100%26splashlink%3Dheader_wapparel%26N%3 D1604009&R=03392803

[JoyNChrist]

I spent some time on BlueFly...what do y'all think of these? Both are just a little over $300, so I could go for either.

I love love love the neckline of this...wonder if the fabric is nice in person. I think it kinda has a Marilyn Monroe feel to it.
http://www.bluefly.com/Marc-Bouwer-GlamIt-red-sateen-jersey-v-neck-long-dress/cat20110/305658901/detail.fly

I think this is very cool and I love the back...just wondering if it's not glitzy enough? I could glam up the jewelry.
http://www.bluefly.com/Nicole-Miller-magenta-stretch-silk-draped-one-shoulder-gown/cat20110/307926601/detail.fly

I also found this one in the navy color on eBay for $300, so it's an option (I couldn't afford it at full price from Nordstrom).
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/teri-jon-ruched-taffeta-gown/3085556?origin=related-3085556-0-0-1

Thoughts?

[WolfpackMom]

I LOVE the third one!

[DrSally]

I love the ruched one you posted from Nordstrom. The brighter color is gorgeous, but IKWYM about the price. I really think that these sorts of things need to be tried on b/c you never know what it's going to look like on you. I think going with a brighter color is really festive.

[JoyNChrist]

I really want to be able to go try some things on, but we have nothing local. I hope to get over to Houston one weekend to visit and shop, but if I can't manage it, I want some ideas. I may end up ordering a couple and sending back what doesn't work.

Sigh...the joys of living in the middle of nowhere. ;)

[fauve01]

I LOVE the third one!
:yeahthat:

i'm wondering if the first one, the red one, would look good without big boobs? maybe you would have to sew those pads in or wear the cutlets with that one. not sure.

i love that third one. so gorgeous!

[elbenn]

Love the ruched dress. It is gorgeous.

[kozachka]

How about this All Saints dress? I like that it's black (so easier to re-wear later) but it also has bling. And would be perfect for your body shape.

Short http://www.us.allsaints.com/women/dresses/akiko-dress/black/wdf211-5

Long http://www.us.allsaints.com/women/dresses/akiko-maxi-dress/washed-black/wdf213-162

[JoyNChrist]

How about this All Saints dress? I like that it's black (so easier to re-wear later) but it also has bling. And would be perfect for your body shape.

Short http://www.us.allsaints.com/women/dresses/akiko-dress/black/wdf211-5

Long http://www.us.allsaints.com/women/dresses/akiko-maxi-dress/washed-black/wdf213-162

I'm really intrigued by this one. It's very unique. I wish they had a pic of it on a model. I think I might really like that one.

[kozachka]

It is certainly different but at the same time classic. I could only find the short dress (http://us.asos.com/All-Saints-All-Saints-Akiko-Dress/voguq/?iid=1424802&SearchQuery=all%20saints&Rf-700=1000&Rf900=1465&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Black&mporgp=L0FsbHNhaW50cy9BbGwtU2FpbnRzLUFraWtvLURyZXN zL1Byb2Qv)on a model. Long one will probably look more flattering. All Saints is a UK label that is known for their hitched skirts (http://www.us.allsaints.com/women/skirts/lorinna-skirt/black/wsj042-5)(which creates more volume), deconstructed, topstitched dresses (http://www.us.allsaints.com/women/dresses/amka-trench-dress/black/wdg055-5), parachute dresses and to-die-for leather. Very modern design but they also make nice normal looking pieces (I just ordered a pair of black tailored trousers for work). Accidentally, they are having a major sale right now, short dress is an especially good deal IMHO.

ETA: If you do decide to get All Saint dress, then be sure to go through Mr. Rebates for 10% rebate. HTH!

[cvanbrunt]

I love the Nicole Miller! I think the drape of silk is going to be nicer than the red number. With either of those all you would need is a pair of fantastic chandelier earrings I'm not big fan of tafetta. Too reminiscent of brides maid or prom dresses. That dress is lovely color but that is an awful lot of ruching. But then, its just not my style. I like the All Saints as well. Very cool.

[cvanbrunt]

It is certainly different but at the same time classic. I could only find the short dress (http://us.asos.com/All-Saints-All-Saints-Akiko-Dress/voguq/?iid=1424802&SearchQuery=all%20saints&Rf-700=1000&Rf900=1465&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Black&mporgp=L0FsbHNhaW50cy9BbGwtU2FpbnRzLUFraWtvLURyZXN zL1Byb2Qv)on a model. Long one will probably look more flattering. All Saints is a UK label that is known for their hitched skirts (http://www.us.allsaints.com/women/skirts/lorinna-skirt/black/wsj042-5)(which creates more volume), deconstructed, topstitched dresses (http://www.us.allsaints.com/women/dresses/amka-trench-dress/black/wdg055-5), parachute dresses and to-die-for leather. Very modern design but they also make nice normal looking pieces (I just ordered a pair of black tailored trousers for work). Accidentally, they are having a major sale right now, short dress is an especially good deal IMHO.

ETA: If you do decide to get All Saint dress, then be sure to go through Mr. Rebates for 10% rebate. HTH!

I love the short version. I'm too short for the long one. I can't tell if the sizing is UK or US in this link. Do you know? How does their sizing run? I am a US 4. A hundred bucks for that is a great price! Might need to stick that in my closet to have on hand.

[kozachka]

I love the short version. I'm too short for the long one. I can't tell if the sizing is UK or US in this link. Do you know? How does their sizing run? I am a US 4. A hundred bucks for that is a great price! Might need to stick that in my closet to have on hand.

It's UK sizing. You are probably size 6 but I'd go by All Saints size chart if I were you. They have contemporary sizing, so if it's says "slim" that means that the item runs quite slim ;) I don't think this applies to Aikiko dress though, it should be pretty forgiving. Too bad it's not a style that works for my body shape, or else I'd jump on this deal.

Their leather jackets are really nice, too. I live in the South Bay Area (so don't need much in terms of jackets) and already have a great Mackage leather jacket, or else I'd get one. This is final sale, just FYI.

[cvanbrunt]

It's UK sizing. You are probably size 6 but I'd go by All Saints size chart if I were you. They have contemporary sizing, so if it's says "slim" that means that the item runs quite slim ;) I don't think this applies to Aikiko dress though, it should be pretty forgiving. Too bad it's not a style that works for my body shape, or else I'd jump on this deal.

Hhhmm, according to their site I'm an 8 or 10. The 10 is closer to my actual measurements. Does look like it could be altered if needed to you?

Thanks a bunch for posting this site. I love your taste.

[kozachka]

Hhhmm, according to their site I'm an 8 or 10. The 10 is closer to my actual measurements. Does look like it could be altered if needed to you?

Thanks a bunch for posting this site. I love your taste.

Thank you for the compliment, Carrie! I have not tried this dress so can't comment on whether it can be altered or not. It probably depends on which part of the dress would need to be altered. I thinks it's one piece of fabric that is folded a certain way, if that makes sense.

I always try to go by the measurements in the most fitted/critical part of a garment For me that would be hips for pants, bust for blouses and dresses that are fitted on top. I have small waist in comparison to my hips so that is normally is not a limiting factor. Looks like this dress would be more fitted on top so I'd go by bust measurements if I were you. Not sure if this helps, but that's the best I can do. Maybe be call/e-mail customer service and see what they suggest?