Holiday party take 2......

[ang79]

Update: I tried Macy's yesterday, very pathetic selection and most way over my budget :( Tried our other mall today. Went to JCP first and actually found several I liked and good prices (all $55 or under!). I finally ended up with this, as it was the least dressy, so I feel like I can wear again to a wedding or elsewhere. And I don't need to get a special bra to go under it (like I would have had to do with a few of the other dresses). It looks much cuter than the picture. Mine is pretty fitted in the skirt, the skirt is just above my knee (and because I'm short and a sz. 4, it is better proportioned than on the model, not as much long black skirt). Also the lace sleeves are just barely capped over my shoulder and not as big as on the model. At first I didn't think I'd like the leopard print, but it kinda grew on me. The cashier gave me a discount, so it was only $28 and it does feel better quality and not as teen as what I had tried on at Ross.

http://www.jcpenney.com/women/dresses/lace/nicole-by-nicole-miller-paneled-lace-dress/prod.jump?ppId=pp5003160375&pageSize=96&searchTerm=nicole+dress&dimCombo=null&dimComboVal=null&catId=SearchResults

Because I'm so indecisive I also looked at New York & Co. (nothing really dressy there), Maurices (some cute separates but I didn't try any on), and Boscov's (not much selection). So I'm sticking w/ the JCP dress. Found some black wedged heels at Payless that are quite comfy (more so than the pricier shoes I tried on in other stores!). Now what to wear on my legs? Black tights? Might try to find some fun jewelry at Kohls, looking for something red to add some pop.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone gave!




I feel like I've tried on a gazillion dresses the past 2 weeks, trying to find something to wear to DH's office Christmas party (fancy dinner and dancing). Because I'm short, I have a hard time finding dresses the right length. Most dresses seem to hit below my knee and feel too long on my 5'2" tiny frame. I was looking for something more versatile that could be worn to my cousin's wedding in the spring (which will probably not be too formal, knowing my family). DH wanted me to get something fun and sexy since we never really go out other than to dinner and a movie sometimes.

I went to Ross the other night and tried on a ton of dresses. DH had me model the ones he liked best and I came home w/ these two cocktail dresses (which were also recommended by a random stranger who was standing there waiting for her daughter to try stuff on). Thoughts? On the plus side they were both super cheap, but I'm not sure when I might wear them again, or if they look too young for me (I'm only 34 but they came from the juniors section).

One is like this but the top part is a royal blue and not sparkly and there is a black sequined band underneath the blue part:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Enfocus-Studio-metallic-gold-mesh-with-black-tiered-skirt-cocktail-dress-NWT-10-/161096197032?pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&hash=item258214e3a8

The other is like this but the top halter part is white rather than black:
https://poshmark.com/listing/51e0714ce1267a67e10158f1

I also tried on this one. DH liked it but I didn't like it as much as the others:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sweet-Storm-Black-Red-Dress-size-Med-/310807272532?pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&hash=item485d8e9c54 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sweet-Storm-Black-Red-Dress-size-Med-/310807272532?
pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&hash=item485d8e9c54)

I liked these two but DH did not:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Womens-Cocktail-Dress-Size-20W-/121220692092?pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&hash=item1c3950f87c
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Enfocus-Studio-/181265836938?pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&hash=item2a34492b8a (this one came in all black)


I still need shoes, thinking black heels, but I can't do the high thin heels that I am seeing everywhere. And are nude or black pantyhose a big no-no now? I go bare legged in the summer w/ dresses and wear tights and tall black boots in the winter, so not sure what is in right now to wear with a dressy dress! Thanks for the help!

[SnuggleBuggles]

The halter and the red and black one look too cheap. That's a problem with juniors stuff. What is your budget? Let's try and find something that you are comfortable paying but looks a bit more polished and will be a wardrobe staple. The first one is ok if you just want to call it a day.

I'd get something like a fishnet type tight. I have a selection of different colors that I wear with nicer dresses in the winter. I tend to stick with black for fancier nights though.

[specialp]

It's really hard to imagine with all the changes. Maybe post pictures with you so we can see what is flattering. Another option when length is a problem is to try separates. There are so many fun and festive skirts and sequin tops out there that you can sort of make your own cocktail dress look and you can have versatility with different pieces.

[echoesofspring]

There are a ton of petite dresses online at nordstrom rack right now. Not sure what size you are, but some of them are really cute:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/rack-womens-petites?origin=leftnav#category=b60174214|f8000802&type=category&page=1&defaultsize3=&size=&width=&color=&price=&brand=&instoreavailability=false&lastfilter=filtercategory_1&sizeFinderId=2&resultsmode=&segmentId=0

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/lauren-ralph-lauren-leather-cap-sleeve-sheath-dress-petite/3572494?origin=category&BaseUrl=Petite

[SnuggleBuggles]

JCP had some decent options as I walked through.

[ang79]

JCP had some decent options as I walked through.

Thanks, I may have time on Sat. to run to the mall and check stores there. So far I've checked 2 Kohls, 2 Ross, TjMaxx and Dress Barn and have found very few that are a good length on me :(

The party is next Sat. so I don't want to buy online and I really prefer trying on in store. Wanted to stay around $50 or less, but would like something that I could wear again to a wedding or something, so not super formal and not too much of a party dress, which I'm kinda feeling about the Ross ones (though for $16 or less like I paid, I wouldn't be too upset if it only got one or 2 wears).

[SnuggleBuggles]

I think it's worth a splurge to go in and feel like you rock it. :). It could just be me but I always feel better and more put together if I spend more or at least get a great deal on a great brand. A good staple is a jersey Lauren sheath at Macy's. Not fancy but around $100 and likely deals this weekend.

[AnnieW625]

Have you thought about Rent the Runway.com esp. if you don't think you are going to wer it more than once?

I just bought two dresses at Nordstrom Rack yesterday and I agree they had a nice selection petites there. I am not a petite, but I ended up with dresses by Taylor Dresses, and Ivy & Blu.
http://g.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Large/3/_7992343.jpg
Taylor Dresses (this dress is actually really flattering. I picked it up on a whim and I am really happy I did)
http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4750484124730911&w=135&h=188&c=7&rs=1&pid=1.7
Ivy & Blu dress, except mine is more of a medium bright fuschia

I will try and look on the Nordstrom Rack website when I get home and I'll see if I can find the links to the dresses.

I agree with Snuggle Buggles if you have a large JC Penney they might have some nice stuff as well.

[ilfaith]

Ann Taylor is currently offering 50% off all merchandise. Loft is 40% off. Both have some good options for petites. Some of the Loft dresses are in the $50-60 range with the discount. The AT dresses are a bit pricier, but tend to be more classic styles you would get more wear out of.

http://www.anntaylor.com/petite-sheer-dot-shift-dress/325833?colorExplode=false&skuId=14943867&catid=cata000028&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600
http://www.anntaylor.com/petite-floral-jacquard-flounce-dress/325836?colorExplode=false&skuId=14959844&catid=cata000028&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=5843
http://www.anntaylor.com/petite-lace-overlay-short-sleeve-sweater-dress/319557?colorExplode=false&skuId=14895272&catid=cata000028&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

http://www.loft.com/petite-colorblocked-jacquard-sleeveless-dress/323507?colorExplode=false&skuId=15100146&catid=catl000036&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600
http://www.loft.com/petite-scalloped-lace-dress/323493?colorExplode=false&skuId=15055415&catid=catl000036&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600
http://www.loft.com/petite-tiered-ruffle-spaghetti-strap-dress/323581?colorExplode=true&skuId=14939631&catid=catl000036&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=5074

Since it is a party for your husband's company I would lean toward sophisticated rather than sexy.

[SnuggleBuggles]

AT has some good pics in addition to the above. I love this LBD http://www.anntaylor.com/petite-draped-cowl-neck-sheath-dress/318937?colorExplode=false&skuId=14325489&catid=cata000028&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

The JCP version doesn't look as nice but could work: http://www.jcpenney.com/women/suits-separates/separates/liz-claiborne-sheath-dress-/prod.jump?ppId=pp5001600429&catId=cat100300003&subcatId=cat100250027&deptId=dept20000013&pageSize=96&dimCombo=null&dimComboVal=null&colorizedImg=DP0815201213032449M.tif

Macy's has some decent picks: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/agb-petite-dress-belted-v-neck-fit-flare?ID=702944&CategoryID=55596#fn=DRESS_OCCASION%3DDay%20to%20Ni ght%3B%3BEvening/Formal%3B%3BParty%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D186%26ruleId%3D 65%26slotId%3D1
Some Lauren sheaths; not over the top sexy, appropriate for parties and weddings:
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-sleeveless-side-twist-dress?ID=1014082&CategoryID=60098&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_LENGTH%3DKnee%20Length%26sp%3D1 %26spc%3D28%26ruleId%3D25%26slotId%3D20
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-dress-cap-sleeve-jersey-a-line?ID=1148546&CategoryID=60098&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_LENGTH%3DKnee%20Length%26sp%3D1 %26spc%3D28%26ruleId%3D25%26slotId%3D22
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-sleeveless-floral-jersey-dress?ID=1014080&CategoryID=60098&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_LENGTH%3DKnee%20Length%26sp%3D1 %26spc%3D28%26ruleId%3D25%26slotId%3D24

The Express has some cute dresses. And, since they cater to more young, party gals the length is on the short side- so would be a good length for a petite. :)

[ilfaith]

You could also consider separates...

A skirt like these...
http://www.anntaylor.com/ombre-feathered-fringe-skirt/320450?colorExplode=false&skuId=15337894&catid=cata000016&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6229
http://www.anntaylor.com/sequin-mirrored-skirt/304315?colorExplode=false&skuId=13037550&catid=cata000016&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6001
http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~07795/07795.jsp
http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/skirts/mini/PRDOVR~06327/06327.jsp
http://www.loft.com/lace-pencil-skirt/321415?colorExplode=true&skuId=14898501&catid=catl000017&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

with a simple sweater or blouse will give you options to mix and match.

[ang79]

Updated in OP! Now, what to wear on my legs? I'm afraid I'll be cold (its been in the 30's here the past few days) w/ bare legs. I have black tights but they are pretty opaque and a bit shiny. Thinking a thinner pair of black tights, maybe w/ a bit of a pattern (like thin pin stripe, etc.)?

[SnuggleBuggles]

Updated in OP! Now, what to wear on my legs? I'm afraid I'll be cold (its been in the 30's here the past few days) w/ bare legs. I have black tights but they are pretty opaque and a bit shiny. Thinking a thinner pair of black tights, maybe w/ a bit of a pattern (like thin pin stripe, etc.)?

Update? :)

[ang79]

Update? :)

Its there now, got a bit distracted :)