UPDATED! Help Me Find a Black Dress

[lizzywednesday]

UPDATE 3: photos in #27

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UPDATE 2: The dress arrived on Friday.

It is perfect.

Thank you all for all your suggestions and awesome Google-fu!

Now all I need is a good pair of shoes ...


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UPDATE: Boden's Pittston warehouse had 2 received as returns as of Wednesday.

They called, I was unable to complete the purchase then due to low funds (groceries & DD's PullUps) but said I'd call back today.

THEY HAD THE DRESS IN MY SIZE!!!
I placed the order not long ago & since it's shipping from Pittston, PA, it will be here quickly.

Customer Service came through in a huge way!

So now ... keep your fingers crossed that it fits well. ;)


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So, after months of poking & prodding, we've finally begun rehearsals for our Alumni Chorus's 4th Carnegie Hall gig.

I've been wearing a tea-length black wool skirt, black wide-strap cami/tank, and black cardigan since our Christmas concert in 2010.

Frankly, the cardigan has seen better days and I'm sick of the way the cami/skirt combo looks sloppy on my Mommy-bod.

My neutral isn't black; I hate the way I look in it. But, as a performer, I need to suck it up and deal.

I had my eye on the Roseberry Dress at Boden, but it's sold out in my size ... and I need the dress IN HAND by May 19th.

I am 5'8" tall and "pear" shaped, with heavy legs. (Do a Google Image search "Peter Paul Rubens nude" for my body type. Really.) I wear a Boden 14L in their dresses, but am somewhere between a 14 and a 16, depending on cut.

Requirements, besides color (BLACK):

(1) Sleeves should exist; I prefer 3/4 sleeves because they're the most versatile option, but short sleeves are OK. No cap sleeves; they make my chunky arms look even chunkier.

(2) No embellishment. NONE. Really. (Sequins, beading, etc., will catch the stage lights, possibly distracting the conductor or other musicians. It would be gauche and rude.)

(3) Skirt length must fall below *my* knee. Tea-length (mid-calf) is ideal, and an added bonus if the brand makes a "tall" size, as the waist & darts are more likely to fall at the proper places on me than a longer "regular" size.

(4) Fabric must not be "cheap" looking or sheer. (I don't have the time or patience to get a slip; it's bad enough that I'll need a new bra!)

(5) Should cost $140 or less.

(6) No boat-necks; they widen my shoulders. Almost any other neckline is fine.

Am I asking too much? Does such a thing exist?

HELP!

[crl]

Quite plain and maybe not dressy enough?

http://www.travelsmith.com/tres-elegant-knit-tea-length-travel-dress/women/dresses/720002?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=3

I think it may be tough because of the season to find black, sleeves and a tea length hemline.

Catherine

[pb&j]

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/lauren-ralph-lauren-matte-jersey-dress/3408971?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=BLACK&resultback=9300

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/tadashi-shoji-asymmetrical-ruched-mesh-dress/3166053?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=3200
Though this is a little out of your budget, it is gorgeous.

http://www.dillards.com/product/Jessica-Howard-PortraitCollar-Party-Dress_301_-1_301_503761963?df=03600897_zi_black

[lizzywednesday]

Quite plain and maybe not dressy enough?

http://www.travelsmith.com/tres-elegant-knit-tea-length-travel-dress/women/dresses/720002?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=3

I think it may be tough because of the season to find black, sleeves and a tea length hemline.



Yeah, the fabric is too casual.

And I do this every year - I see if I can improve on my "uniform" and I can't.

I wish I were an 8; then I'd have the perfect thing - my performance gown from college!!!


http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/lauren-ralph-lauren-matte-jersey-dress/3408971?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=BLACK&resultback=9300

This fabric is perfect; the dress is too short & too close-fitting for my body type. I have more lumps & bumps than would allow me to wear something cut that straight! (This is true even when I'm in shape.)


http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/tadashi-shoji-asymmetrical-ruched-mesh-dress/3166053?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=3200
Though this is a little out of your budget, it is gorgeous.

I would have to see that one in person, but I think it's the same - too close-fitting and too short.


http://www.dillards.com/product/Jessica-Howard-PortraitCollar-Party-Dress_301_-1_301_503761963?df=03600897_zi_black

I think the division of fabric between the bodice & the skirt will be a problem - it will hit me just under my boobs & the lines won't lie right. Too bad I don't have a Dillard's nearby or I'd check.

Thanks for trying!

I think I'll e-mail Boden to see if there's any way I could get a 14L before May 20th, despite the "out of stock" reading. (Maybe if I tell them how completely perfect it would be on stage at Carnegie Hall??? Hey, it's worth a shot.)

What would be awesome is if we could get everyone to agree that performance gowns are THE way to go for womenfolk, but we've been really cautious about asking people to spend more money than just the costs of our scores.

[ilfaith]

Could you wear a sleeveless dress with a (new) cardigan over it? Might give you more options...and greater versatility for the dress.

[lizzywednesday]

Could you wear a sleeveless dress with a (new) cardigan over it? Might give you more options...and greater versatility for the dress.

Well, if I need to find a new cardigan, I'd be just fine with the stuff I've got.

I kind of want something new, but don't necessarily have the budget for two new quality pieces. A dress, with sleeves, fits the bill. Does that make sense?

[citymama]

How about the Boden Loulou dress in 14L?

http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Dresses/Below-Knee-Dresses/WH429/Womens-Loulou-Dress.html

There's also this BR Gemma Wrap dress in Tall:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=31221&vid=2&pid=818522002

The model is wearing it above the knee but maybe it would be knee length or below, given that the length is the same as the Boden 14L which is supposed to be below knee. I find wrap dresses are great for pear shapes! Only problem is that it's sold out in L, but available in XL.

[crl]

I wonder if you could find a seamstress to make one for you?

Otherwise maybe update one piece at a time? Sweater this spring. New skirt next Fall. . . .

Catherine

[erosenst]

Have you tried one of the sites like eshakti. Com? You can choose the length, sleeves, etc. I looked quickly at the lbd section and found several that might work. You can also get custom sizes.

Good luck....

Sent from my phone. Please excuse typing errors I've made, and auto correct 'fixes' I missed.

[turtle12]

http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi30081&rootCategory=cat90030&catId=cat80018&sortKey=Default&section=Sale&conceptIdUnderSale=cat90030

http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?zoomImage=31036041&id=prdi30471&rootCategory=cat70008&catId=cat80018&sortKey=Default&section=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70008&rootConcept=Misses

(Both have options in black)

[mikala]

Lands end also has a few options but they may be too casual. http://www.landsend.com/ix/womens-clothing/Women/Dresses-Skirts/Color=Black/Length=Below+the+Knee/index.html?seq=1~2~3~4~5&catNumbers=83~130&visible=1~2~1~1~1&sort=Recommended&pageSize=24

You might also check Jcpenney. I've had good luck with their dresses and you'd be able to afford a cardigan and dress or skirt there with your current budget.

[twowhat?]

How about this one from jcrew?

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/suiting/super120s/PRDOVR~48444/99102428915/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294966902+4294 964877~15~~~~~~~/48444.jsp

It's technically "suiting", but it's on sale for only $80 and comes in 14 tall. It's also a tailored/structured wool so it would do a nice job of hiding lumps. Those pleats in the front work SO well for hiding extra belly (all my dresses have these pleats now because they really work). It's described to fall below the knee (you can see some of the model's knees but I bet she's tall and wearing a regular length), and if you want to look even more covered up, pair with black tights.

http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/48444_BK0001?$ary_tn250$

Oops eta: it's actually $150, but with the extra 30% of sale going on RIGHT NOW, would be within your budget.

[ilfaith]

How about this from Chico's...it is slightly over budget at $149...but seems to fit your other criteria...
http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=14&pageId=1&productId=570063711&viewAll=&prd=Silva+Maxi+Dress&subCatId=&color=001&fromSearch=true&inSeam=&posId=14&catId=cat40004&cat=&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=

This may or may not be long enough...
http://www.coldwatercreek.com/product-detail/65531/72408/all-flattery-aside-dress.aspx?colorid=030&refLink=dresses.aspx

Sleeveless...but comes in Tall
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonline/product/itempage.aspx?item=CO064B&BID=296515294&h=T&pfid=10&sk=M

This claims to be "below knee length" although it appears shorter on the model
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonline/product/itempage.aspx?BID=296515294&PFID=207&item=TU078Q&h=M&sk=M

[lizzywednesday]

How about the Boden Loulou dress in 14L?

http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Dresses/Below-Knee-Dresses/WH429/Womens-Loulou-Dress.html

There's also this BR Gemma Wrap dress in Tall:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=31221&vid=2&pid=818522002

The model is wearing it above the knee but maybe it would be knee length or below, given that the length is the same as the Boden 14L which is supposed to be below knee. I find wrap dresses are great for pear shapes! Only problem is that it's sold out in L, but available in XL.

I was looking at the LouLou but was concerned after reading some of the reviews. However, I probably don't need to worry as they were all written by petite women!

I am actually a 16 at Gap companies, so the XL might work. I never successfully wore a wrap dress before trying Boden's. At least if I order from Banana, I'll get it quickly - Gap brands is based in OH and I am in NJ. It's not far, shipping-wise.

[lizzywednesday]

Lands end also has a few options but they may be too casual. http://www.landsend.com/ix/womens-clothing/Women/Dresses-Skirts/Color=Black/Length=Below+the+Knee/index.html?seq=1~2~3~4~5&catNumbers=83~130&visible=1~2~1~1~1&sort=Recommended&pageSize=24

You might also check Jcpenney. I've had good luck with their dresses and you'd be able to afford a cardigan and dress or skirt there with your current budget.

I cannot wear Land's End. The last dress I bought from them was not only too short to be decent, but its darts & waist seams fell in all the wrong places. It was horrific. I won't buy a dress from them ever again. Their "fit model" is 5'6" and I am 5'8" ... it's dreadful. Until/unless they begin offering a true "Tall" size, I am sticking to swimwear & polo shirts.

I haven't shopped JC Penney since high school. All of their dressy clothes have looked too dowdy for me.

[lizzywednesday]

How about this one from jcrew?

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/suiting/super120s/PRDOVR~48444/99102428915/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294966902+4294 964877~15~~~~~~~/48444.jsp

It's technically "suiting", but it's on sale for only $80 and comes in 14 tall. It's also a tailored/structured wool so it would do a nice job of hiding lumps. Those pleats in the front work SO well for hiding extra belly (all my dresses have these pleats now because they really work). It's described to fall below the knee (you can see some of the model's knees but I bet she's tall and wearing a regular length), and if you want to look even more covered up, pair with black tights.

http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/48444_BK0001?$ary_tn250$

Oops eta: it's actually $150, but with the extra 30% of sale going on RIGHT NOW, would be within your budget.

Oh I so wish!

Sadly, I don't think I could fit my hips into a J Crew 14!

[lizzywednesday]

THANK YOU everyone for the suggestions - and please keep them coming!

You're getting me to think outside the box, and that is good.

[twowhat?]

Oh I so wish!

Sadly, I don't think I could fit my hips into a J Crew 14!

Oh no!! Even with their vanity sizing (which IME has gotten almost to the point of ridiculous)? But too much of a risk, I agree...I think it's a final sale item which means no returns/exchanges. I hate J Crew that way.

eta: actually I'm not seeing the final sale/no returns constraint on any of their items in the sale section...it may be worth a call to find out! Wonder if they changed their return policy?

[echoesofspring]

I think tea length is going to be a challenge this time of year, especially given your height (which, at 5'2" I envy, I typically have the opposite problem) Most dresses are going to be knee length/cocktail length for summer weddings, etc. Or maxi, but then probably too casual/revealing on top.

If it was me, I would hit an actual department store (or an outlet for someplace like Ann Taylor or Talbots) in person, and try to find something from the holiday season in the clearance department.

I might consider hitting some bridal stores and looking at bridesmaids/mother (gasp!)/prom gowns?

Alternatively can you revisit the idea of a dress and replace either the top or skirt? I know getting a top & skirt to hang just right together can be a challenge, but there's always belts, etc. to help pull things together.
Mother of the bride column skirt like this, etc. http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi29181&rootCategory=cat70008&catId=cat1980065&sortKey=Default&section=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70008

Or....there's always vintage on ebay, you might find some sort of tea length vintage gown, but that's a whole different ball of wax as far as alterations,etc. (I find a lot of my performance attire there, but I'm intentionally trying for a specific look and not trying to blend in with a group)

[lizzywednesday]

I think tea length is going to be a challenge this time of year, especially given your height (which, at 5'2" I envy, I typically have the opposite problem) Most dresses are going to be knee length/cocktail length for summer weddings, etc. Or maxi, but then probably too casual/revealing on top.

....

My parents are 5'6" and 5'10"; my brothers are both 6'5" ... my mother's family is all tall - I have aunts who are close to 6' tall! - there's no way I could possibly have been petite.

At 5'7" and 5'8", my sister and I are "average" for our family, but still taller than most women we know.

Maxi dresses have to be cut exactly right for me to wear without looking like I threw on a trash bag.

I am totally kicking myself for not buying the dress earlier, but I didn't want to buy it and not have anywhere to wear it, KWIM?


Or....there's always vintage on ebay, you might find some sort of tea length vintage gown, but that's a whole different ball of wax as far as alterations,etc. (I find a lot of my performance attire there, but I'm intentionally trying for a specific look and not trying to blend in with a group)

If I were a soloist or a harpist, I have a list of places I'd go for attire.

I'm just a chorister, so I have to look professional without standing out too much. It's a tough balance to hit!

[crl]

Google came up with this website. Don't know anything about it though. . . .

http://www.concertattire.com/category_s/43.htm?searching=Y&sort=2&cat=43&show=120&page=1

Catherine

[lizzywednesday]

Google came up with this website. Don't know anything about it though. . . .

http://www.concertattire.com/category_s/43.htm?searching=Y&sort=2&cat=43&show=120&page=1

...

Thanks.

I think I'd have to go in with a group to place an order, though.

For the record, the high school kids (and my college choir) wear something similar to this one, but rather than full satin, the bodices are velvet (high school) and matte satin, with chiffon overskirts:

http://www.concertattire.com/205_Short_Sleeve_Scoop_Neckline_p/205.htm

They run small, if I recall correctly. My gown from college is an 8, but at the time I was wearing a 6 in many brands.

[lizzywednesday]

Keep your fingers crossed & send me dress mojo because I heard back from Boden today.

There is a chance I'll be able to get the Roseberry dress - AND on sale! - but no guarantee. (I can't buy it today - I don't have any credit cards except a Macy's charge & DD's S&S diapers were shipped over the weekend, so I am cash-poor 'til payday.)

If I lose out on the Roseberry, I'll get the wrap from Banana.

Again, keep your fingers crossed that I can get the Roseberry!

[lizzywednesday]

Update in OP!!!

[lizzywednesday]

Last update in OP.

[citymama]

Photos! We want photos!

[lizzywednesday]

Updated with pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lizzywednesday/sets/72157633498695891/

I'll just have to get another bra like the one I'm wearing to take the photos (it's a nude-colored Freya semi-balconette style I got at Nordie's while pregnant with DD to wear for my brother's wedding) so things line up properly.

[citymama]

Updated with pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lizzywednesday/sets/72157633498695891/

I'll just have to get another bra like the one I'm wearing to take the photos (it's a nude-colored Freya semi-balconette style I got at Nordie's while pregnant with DD to wear for my brother's wedding) so things line up properly.

Looks great on you!

[crl]

Updated with pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lizzywednesday/sets/72157633498695891/

I'll just have to get another bra like the one I'm wearing to take the photos (it's a nude-colored Freya semi-balconette style I got at Nordie's while pregnant with DD to wear for my brother's wedding) so things line up properly.

Yay, success!

Catherine

[goldenpig]

You look lovely in the dress!

[Mommy_Mea]

Updated with pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lizzywednesday/sets/72157633498695891/

I'll just have to get another bra like the one I'm wearing to take the photos (it's a nude-colored Freya semi-balconette style I got at Nordie's while pregnant with DD to wear for my brother's wedding) so things line up properly.

Looks awesome!

[lizzywednesday]

Thanks everyone!

I will definitely have to write to Boden CS to tell them it's perfect and I will finally look put-together on stage.

Also *squee!* my concert is a week from Monday, so I am getting excited & nervous all at once.