Dress help needed

[katydid1971]

I have a reunion at the end of the month and I need to find a dress for the "Social and Banquet". Its cocktail dress I think. I had planned on wearing a dress I bought last summer but the weather is going to be too cold still and I need to find something else. If it could do double duty like when I go to the theater that would be great. Also under $150 if possible. I'm an "apple" big boobs ;), big tummy :( decent legs. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me shop. The mall here is so bad, it only has shops for the 15-22 yo crowd.
Thanks so much

[crl]

Most cocktail dresses are pretty skimpy. Could you add a wrap to the one you already have? Or were you thinking of long sleeves, maybe?

Catherine

[katydid1971]

See I don't want skimpy. I was hoping for something nice but not matronly. I haven't been able to find a "nice" dress that looks ok on my in years. I hate dress shopping!! :banghead:

[SnuggleBuggles]

What about a 3/4 sleeve wrap dress? If you choose fun, youthful accessories and shoes it could work. I get tons of use out of my dress like this.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41558&vid=1&pid=833035

http://www.landsend.com/pp/34sleeveSolidCottonModalWrapDress~217742_59.html?b cc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::IP3&CM_MERCH=IDX_Women-_-DressesSkirts&origin=index

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=39292&vid=1&pid=833023

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50129&vid=1&pid=813523

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=30623&pCategoryId=3939&categoryId=180&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_180&N=1200007&loc=HP1&ICID=HP1_30DressFS_041111&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=Smokestack&defaultSizeType=Regular



YOu sure you don't want to do sleeveless? If you'll be inside it won't matter what the outside temp is. :) It doesn't have to be skimpy.
Like this one, it's over budget so what about just the style?
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/weddingsparties/PRDOVR~96061/96061.jsp

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=32440&N=1200007&pCategoryId=3359&categoryId=211&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_211&loc=TN&defaultColor=Gravel%20Grey&defaultSizeType=Regular

Beth

[weech]

I'm probably a similar shape to you, so I feel your pain on dress shopping. I really like the Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique dresses at Nordstrom. Try to find something with structure (not the super drapey oversized-looking style, probably not jersey material), and possibly with ruching through the midsection. Pleats under an empire waist will probably be your worst enemy :)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-faux-wrap-cotton-blend-dress/3152275?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=570

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-ruched-stretch-satin-dress/3020180?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=5016

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-lace-sheath-dress/3151351?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=5130

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-draped-matte-jersey-sheath-dress/3098464?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=2394 (this one is jersey, but it's worth a shot!)

And definitely get a wrap!

[SnuggleBuggles]

atin-dress/3020180?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=5016 (http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-ruched-stretch-satin-dress/3020180?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=5016)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-maggy-boutique-lace-sheath-dress/3151351?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=5130



Ooh, I love the lace one! All are pretty but now I want to buy that one. :)

Beth

[katydid1971]

OK I love that J Crew one but it really is over budget but maybe I'll order it anyway :bag I'll try Banana today and I if I don't find something there I'll order a couple of the Nordstrom ones I really likes.
Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

[katydid1971]

Following your suggestions, found this today at Macy's. I like the fit and I think it will work for both occasions. Do you think it looks matronly? If not how would you accessorize? Thanks for the help I am so clueless anymore. I spend my like in jeans, a t shirt and a cardigan :bag
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-elsie-shirred-jersey-dress/3145007?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=456

[SnuggleBuggles]

:thumbsup: Perfect!

Beth

[DrSally]

Following your suggestions, found this today at Macy's. I like the fit and I think it will work for both occasions. Do you think it looks matronly? If not how would you accessorize? Thanks for the help I am so clueless anymore. I spend my like in jeans, a t shirt and a cardigan :bag
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-elsie-shirred-jersey-dress/3145007?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=456

Love that one. With some great accessories, that will look smashing!

ETA: I've also had really good luck with that brand.

[katydid1971]

Love that one. With some great accessories, that will look smashing!

ETA: I've also had really good luck with that brand.

Any suggestions on how to accessorize it?

[weech]

Following your suggestions, found this today at Macy's. I like the fit and I think it will work for both occasions. Do you think it looks matronly? If not how would you accessorize? Thanks for the help I am so clueless anymore. I spend my like in jeans, a t shirt and a cardigan :bag
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-elsie-shirred-jersey-dress/3145007?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=456

Love it! Super chic. You could really do anything. You could go classic with pearls (not my fav), modern with silver bracelet and earrings or necklace, or you could make it more fun and "night out on the town" with a chunkier multi-colored necklace and fun heels. I always tend toward understated and sleek, so my go-to would be silver accessories.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I'd go with a fun bracelet or a few bangles.

http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=16&pageId=1&productId=570022506&viewAll=&prd=Tangerine+Coil+Bracelet&subCatId=cat210036&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=15&catId=cat210005&cat=Jewelry++Accessories+Jewelry&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=
with a bracelet like that my necklace would be more simple but earrings would be in the middle. :)
http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=43&pageId=1&viewAll=true&productId=570022486&prd=Tangerine+Bauble+Earring&subCatId=cat210038&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=30&catId=cat210005&cat=Jewelry++Accessories+Jewelry&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=

eta- and colorful heels or metallic. I wouldn't do black unless they were killer and fun. A boring black pump? No way. But a fun open toed sandal could work.

Beth

[katydid1971]

I'd go with a fun bracelet or a few bangles.

http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=16&pageId=1&productId=570022506&viewAll=&prd=Tangerine+Coil+Bracelet&subCatId=cat210036&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=15&catId=cat210005&cat=Jewelry++Accessories+Jewelry&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=
with a bracelet like that my necklace would be more simple but earrings would be in the middle. :)
http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=43&pageId=1&viewAll=true&productId=570022486&prd=Tangerine+Bauble+Earring&subCatId=cat210038&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=30&catId=cat210005&cat=Jewelry++Accessories+Jewelry&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=

eta- and colorful heels or metallic. I wouldn't do black unless they were killer and fun. A boring black pump? No way. But a fun open toed sandal could work.

Beth

Beth,
I like those a lot. That will add the color I really want for this outfit!! Off the WH/BM then DSW shoes to see if I can find some cute pumps to match ;)

Beth, thanks a lot you helped me with my outfit issue last week (for the same reunion/ different night) and now--I really appreciate it!

[SnuggleBuggles]

Beth,
I like those a lot. That will add the color I really want for this outfit!! Off the WH/BM then DSW shoes to see if I can find some cute pumps to match ;)

Beth, thanks a lot you helped me with my outfit issue last week (for the same reunion/ different night) and now--I really appreciate it!

I :heartbeat: shopping for others. I get the fun of picking things out but I don't have to spend any $! :D Glad that I helped some.

Beth

[DrSally]

ITA about the fun, metallic sandals and fun bracelet/earings. You could also do a clutch in a fun color.

This could be pretty for a necklace:
http://www.thelimited.com/detail/metal-disc--pearl-bead-necklace/1487363

Bangles:
http://www.thelimited.com/detail/9-piece-bangle-set/1751156

Earings:
http://www.thelimited.com/detail/hammered-metal-drop-earrings/1617207
or these:
http://www.thelimited.com/detail/faceted-mixed-stone-earrings/1821511

Not that you would want to wear all 3 together, maybe bangles and earings or necklace and bangles...