Is this retro or just old lady?

[kijip]

I need a dress for the spring and summer battery of weddings etc. I am glad to say the ones I wore last year are too big. However, I only want to buy 1 this year as I should be an even smaller size next summer (should hit my goal sometime in the fall or winter). I prefer to not go the black and dark dress route as I have a little black dress I can make work for evening things and I want something summery. I like things with a fuller skirt which I fancy as being retro, cute and flattering but perhaps this one verges to being too old for me? I think it is the pink that is tripping me up. Pink is very flattering on my skin tone but I don't want to look like I need gloves and a pill box hat ala my grandmother.

http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi26368&rootCategory=cat70008&catId=cat80018&sortKey=Default&section=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70008

I am 30.

If you like it and have shoe and arm coverup ideas, let me know. I can't do heels much anymore because it is just too bad for the boot camp running and roller derby. I need my feet and shins to not be in pain. So shoes would need to be flats or very low heel.

Thanks in advance.

[DrSally]

*LOVE* it!!
Love the fabric, cut, and print. I think the key to making it look more modern will be the accessories.

I was just browsing 6pm and saw these sandals, very low, wider heel:
http://www.6pm.com/vaneli-walberte-silver-metallic-nappa
or these:
http://www.6pm.com/vaneli-webber-plantino-metallic-nappa

I could see a very lightweight, gauzy wrap.
Maybe don't wear pearls if you don't want to look 50's. Maybe some long, dangly earings and a chunky bracelet?

ETA: I also love that you're doing a colorful dress (perfect for daytime weddings, IMO), and congrats on the weightloss!

[Smillow]

That dress is GORGEOUS! I am far, far from someone who should be offering fashion advice, but I think some patent ballerina flats would look nice (but sandals would probably be more feminine.

[DrSally]

If you end up getting this dress, can you report back on how you like it? I looked it up and it's not avail in store by me. It seems like it may be a bit long for a shorter person (I need right at the knee or above), so I may need to order it in petite. I just love the pink color on the model's tan skin, but I also love the neutral.

[citymama]

It's classic and pretty!

[TwinFoxes]

I think it's very pretty. If I were short I wouldn't wear it. If you're afraid of looking a little too "ladies who lunch" I'd go with funky jewelry, and skip anything dainty, definitely no pearls!

Do you really need to cover your arms? I think a lot of covers will take away from the pretty cut of the dress. If I needed something, I'd probably do a simple shawl.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I think it is really pretty. If you are uncertain still though and want some other ideas, I am in love with about half of the dresses at Anthropologie. These 2 in particular:
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20527677&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&navAction=top&navCount=18&color=060&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&templateType=subCategory
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20474060&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&navAction=top&navCount=48&color=069&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES-PRINTED&templateType=subCategory

I think your choice is great. I just had to share the others b/c I always love finding fun summer dresses. :)

I also agree with pp, no cover up would be much better. A shawl type thing could tip it older. I don't have arm issues though and only cover up if I have to be outside (and then I usually suck it up).

Beth

[jvs195]

I think the dress is beautiful.

If you want flat shoes maybe something like this:

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=34759&vid=1&pid=838538&scid=838538002&actFltr=true

I agree with pp on funky jewelry and just a light shawl/wrap if you really need it. Anything else might make it dowdy.

[kijip]

Thanks. I am going to order it.

The coverup is more of a matter of I am incapable of entering a house of worship with exposed arms. It is just too big of a taboo for me. However, I am fine without an arm covering for receptions and outdoor ceremonies. Especially in another month of pushups and weight training. I am thinking of a very thin, elbow length cardigan that I can just wear in church or if I was making the outfit double duty at a fundraising event.

I am tallish 5'9" and not thin so the length should be fine. I would love some killer beige or pink high heels but there is no way. Heels kill my feet now with running and derby so thanks for all the low shoe ideas.

[mariza]

I love that dress, so pretty and very classic look (minus the old lady!). I don't know why but when I first opened your link I immediately pictured Ashley Judd. I love her simple, classic style.

[kijip]

I think it is really pretty. If you are uncertain still though and want some other ideas, I am in love with about half of the dresses at Anthropologie. These 2 in particular:
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20527677&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&navAction=top&navCount=18&color=060&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&templateType=subCategory
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20474060&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&navAction=top&navCount=48&color=069&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES-PRINTED&templateType=subCategory

I think your choice is great. I just had to share the others b/c I always love finding fun summer dresses. :)

I also agree with pp, no cover up would be much better. A shawl type thing could tip it older. I don't have arm issues though and only cover up if I have to be outside (and then I usually suck it up).

Beth


Those dresses are fab. But I will have to hold off on that whole store till next year. I am aiming to be a 12 by this winter (I am very muscular and large, that is a slim as I can get with my big frame) but for now, I am just glad to be down to a 16 or 18 from being up to a tight 22 last year.

[smiles33]

Beautiful choice, Katie! Congrats on the weight loss, too.

[g-mama]

I think it's a great choice. Very pretty and looks like it would be flattering.

[s7714]

I love it and would definitely try it on if I was in the market for such a dress!

I'd probably look for a pair of strappy dress sandals (with no or low heels) to wear with it, but I'm in SoCal where people wear sandals year round. ;) As for a wrap, I'd just find a large mostly solid color scarf that coordinates with the dress colors and use that as a wrap if needed.

[katydid1971]

First I have to say that Roller Derby is awesome!!! Love the dress, very pretty. A cardi or a shawl would nice for your arms. Not sure if this is the right color but I think they would be pretty with the dress. http://www.zappos.com/nine-west-jemmy-pink-leather

[ohsara430]

Love the dress!

For a cover up, you could use a light cardi or shawl. To keep it current, use some chunkier jewelry, steer clear of peals.

For shoes, here are a few options:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=556075&CategoryID=50295#fn=COLOR%3DPink%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D 36
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=551076&CategoryID=50295&LinkType=#fn=COLOR%3DPink%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D36
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=495688&CategoryID=13614&LinkType=#fn=COLOR%3DTan/Beige%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D10

[DrSally]

Love the dress!

For a cover up, you could use a light cardi or shawl. To keep it current, use some chunkier jewelry, steer clear of peals.

For shoes, here are a few options:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=556075&CategoryID=50295#fn=COLOR%3DPink%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D 36
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=551076&CategoryID=50295&LinkType=#fn=COLOR%3DPink%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D36
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=495688&CategoryID=13614&LinkType=#fn=COLOR%3DTan/Beige%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D10

Love that first pair of shoes with the pink dress.

[hellokitty]

That is such a classy looking dress! Doesn't seem old ladyish to me at all.

[AnnieW625]

I kind of like it but if you go with the greenish print one I would add a pop of color to it. Not sure if you think that this cardigan will go with the dress, but I love this Tie Front Cardigan from Boden (http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Knitwear/Cardigans/WK629/Womens-Tie-Front-Cardigan.html) and I think that the lemongrass one might be interesting with the green, and that the coral one would be interesting with the other redish color one.

[sadie427]

Check Boden for cardigans, they have some good lightweight wool ones and I find they last pretty well. The tie front one that was posted was nice. Agree that some chunkier jewelry would make it more modern, but I don't think it's matronly at all.

[gatorsmom]

The dress is beautiful. I'd try to do a very low, half inch heel if possible. If the heel isn't very high, you won't put as much pressure on the balls of your feet and toes. Also, it won't be to hard on your Achilles. I really like these but the heels are higher than what you probably want. But I think they'd be darling with that dress (depending on if the colors worked together): http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kate-spade-new-york-truce-pump/3143265?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=586 the color looks red but it's actually a coral- orange (I just drooled over them IRL).

As for your arms, I'd do a white or cream shrug. like this: http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=37&pageId=1&productId=570000061&viewAll=true&prd=White+Shrug&subCatId=cat4769288&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=33&catId=cat210001&cat=Tops+Cardigans++Shrugs&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=

Have fun at your wedding!

[kijip]

I kind of like it but if you go with the greenish print one I would add a pop of color to it. Not sure if you think that this cardigan will go with the dress, but I love this Tie Front Cardigan from Boden (http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Knitwear/Cardigans/WK629/Womens-Tie-Front-Cardigan.html) and I think that the lemongrass one might be interesting with the green, and that the coral one would be interesting with the other redish color one.

Oh, I like that. I ordered a pale pink cardigan from Talbots to try out but I like this tie one a lot and think it might work well with the front of the dress. I ordered the Tulip one since I got the pink dress. I have crew neck sweater in that color and it looks good. Never thought tattoo-ed and nose pierced me would be buying pink sweaters, did ya? Neither did I. But it does work for my skin.

Thanks everyone for all the shoe and coverup ideas. I promise to post a picture when I get all the pieces together. I will need you ladies to advise me if it all needs to be returned! :ROTFLMAO:

My husband was really happy that I bought a few things for myself this weekend. I think the uniform (jeans, t-shirt and cardigan or pull over sweater) at my work is not his ideal date night attire and that is what I have been rockin' lately.

[DrSally]

My husband was really happy that I bought a few things for myself this weekend.

:thumbsup: He's prob just happy you're spending some time and $$ on yourself. You deserve it!