High-drama ballgown needed fast and cheaply!

[OhBuggerandArse]

My mate is giving a recital next weekend, and the dress she ordered from China looks like it won't make it here in time. She should be preparing, not schlepping round the shops - so I wondered if any of you lot had any good ideas for where to go looking, on line or as a relatively sure bet?

In case it helps you think, she is tallish and slim, with reddish brown hair at the moment - mid-twenties and likes fashion so it could be on the dramatic side, but needs to be properly long and formal. And singable-in.

Go on, get stuck in, this is surely the S&B equivalent of property porn threads...

[OhBuggerandArse]

Damn, that sentence went a bit odd - I meant 'in a real-life shop as a relatively sure bet'. Or something like that.

[omydarlin]

Where is she based? Best bet would be one of those "occasion wear shops" but check out the brands they stock first so you can check out t'internet!

[OhBuggerandArse]

All major shops available here - and some good (but v pricey) boutiques - but I think she'd really like something unusual, that doesn't look like it came out of the prom department at Debenhams.

[OhBuggerandArse]

Anyone know of any sales still going of party stuff from the winter, or anything like that?

[omydarlin]

Ah well - may not help on the "not looking like from the prom dept " but you could try TKMAXX or ebay ?

[wonkylegs]

TK maxx may be worth a try but it's very hit and miss
I've got some amazing ball gowns (I go to a lot of professional do's) but they do sell a fair bit of tat too

[landofsoapandglory]

I've used Sexy Her on a few occassions. If it is in stock, it is delivered the next day. For the price they are well made and the quality is good. If you need help they are at the other end of the phone too.

[Teeb]

I wonder if this would work possibly. Classic and simple, with lots of choices re colour/style.

[ClaireFromWork]

How about a jumpsuit? Too casual? They can look fab and v. elegant with statement jewellery and high heels. Phase Eight have some at the moment.

[OhBuggerandArse]

That is lovely, Teeb, but I think probably more than she is hoping to pay. I'll pass it on though - thanks!

And there are some possible looking ones in Soap's site too - some wonderful shockers, too! I think I'd be nervous about the fabric there - how have your dresses from them been?

Jumpsuit definitely too casual, I'm afraid.

[ClaireFromWork]

Where do you live? I have a 2 floor length numbers (size 8 - 10), one red, the other black.

[Catsmamma]

Roman Originals often have fancypants cocktail/ballgown dresses, they're usually in outlet villages.

can be very cruisewear and mother of the bride, but well worth a look, I 've got a couple of very classic coats and heavy cardis from them, and often eye up the frocks!

[OhBuggerandArse]

That is very kind indeed Claire, but she doesn't even know I'm asking for suggestions, I shouldn't start getting her into a loan arrangement! But thank you for the offer.

[BarnMummy]

I heard about this place on the radio: hire a seriously expensive dress for a fraction of the retail price.

[landofsoapandglory]

The dresses I have had from there have been lovely. DH is in the Forces so we go to a few balls. They look really nice on and dry clean well after the event too. Infact, I went into our local bridal/ballgown shop and she had quite a few of Sexy Her's dresses in there at more than double the price!

[ClaireFromWork]

I also have a purple one much like the one that Teeb linked too. Very versatile and very comfy. Mine has a matching boob tube to ensure the reduction of excess boobage which may detract from the singing!

[OhBuggerandArse]

Ooh, that hire place looks interesting!

And thanks, Soap.

[BarnMummy]

This could look good with reddish hair: hire.girlmeetsdress.com/collections/long/products/victoria-emerald

[BarnMummy]

MyCelebrityDress is another one, although they don't do too many full length.
www.mycelebritydress.com/index.php/dress-style-1/maxi/forever-unique-vivian-maxi-gown-in-blush.html

[Teeb]

I was thinking green would look lovely with the red hair too BarnMummy.

Would also give a thumbs up to the girl meets dress site, I've used them once or twice before and you do feel rather special in your expensive dress that you are unlikely to bump into anyone else at the party wearing.

[OhBuggerandArse]

What happens if somebody tips red wine all over you? Is there insurance or something? I think I might be Very Nervous...

[Teeb]

Give that person the killer glare!

I think you can take out an insurance, which was about £5/10 I think, that would cover 'minor accidents', so spills or stains that would come out after dry cleaning or a broken zip maybe. I do think you need to be careful, but no more than you would want to be at a fancy ball anyway, iykwim?

[LydiaWickham]

well, there are some truely horrible dresses out there! I fould [http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_007010634360_-1?breadcrumb=Home~Women~Dresses this one]] in Debehams, not that exciting, but is cheap, and they are currently doing free delivery and returns so she could order it and then if her dress from China turns up in time she can return it and it'll cost her nothing.

[LydiaWickham]

She might look nice in this one

[LydiaWickham]

sorry, first one clickable