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Style and beauty

Where can I get a cheap 80s style super puffy dress?

21 replies

Reastie · 20/06/2015 07:41

For a dressing up thing, so quality and condition isn't important, but cost is. I've tried gumtree, eBay, local selling groups on fb, oxfam wedding dress site, but either nothing or the items are too nice and expensive. Also tried fancy dress places but can't find anything similar.

I'm thinking full length puffy ball gown pref white or very light fabric. Can look really really tacky and that's ok. There must be somewhere I've missed? Or will this be a charity shop challenge that will likely never be found...

OP posts:

Report

Pigleychez · 20/06/2015 08:03

my first thoughts would be eBay or charity shops.

mrssmith79 · 20/06/2015 08:20

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/215843432/vintage-80s-prom-dress-pink-puff-sleeve?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=80s%20bridesmaid%20dress&ref=sr_gallery_2

Like this OP? Etsy have loads, I love 'em

Reastie · 20/06/2015 10:35

Yes but etsy is expensive for a one off wear and so many have added shipping costs from usa. Hmm, I wonde how hard it would be to make. I guess fabric cost alone would be prohibitive.

OP posts:

FauxFox · 20/06/2015 12:52

£12
pink?
£38
pink again

Can you get to a vintage warehouse? We have a local one that would be sure to have this sort of thing if you had a rummage.

FauxFox · 20/06/2015 12:56

Reastie · 20/06/2015 19:04

Rese are all great 80s dress links but I'm thinking puffier though s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/23/a6/bf/23a6bfb17f3f1c933df97abbdf4433e5.jpg here is a pic of the one I need to base it on

OP posts:

MamaLazarou · 20/06/2015 19:39

Try Oxfam online? They have tons of groovy retro stuff.

Reastie · 20/06/2015 20:53

Ohh thanks mama, off to look

OP posts:

textfan · 21/06/2015 04:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FauxFox · 22/06/2015 11:39

wedding dresses?
flouncy
drapey

Or ask at theatres to see if they have any panto princess costumes you could borrow?

FauxFox · 22/06/2015 11:43

Reastie · 22/06/2015 17:18

Great links. I got one on eBay last night, it's puffy and white and very 80s. Only catch is its too small so hoping I can somehow stitch it to make it work somehow.

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Pantsalive · 22/06/2015 20:09

If it's just for fancy dress, you should be able to do something around the back and cover it up with some lace or similar. Or even turn it into a corset back?
How much too small is it? Do you want to post a pic for ideas?

Reastie · 23/06/2015 15:16

It's got a back with buttons closely together all up the back, maybe I could elastic the buttons with button hole and put fabric behind? [clueless]. It's a size 10 but since it's vintage the sizes tend to come up smaller so assuming more a pn eight. I'm a 12...

OP posts:

Pantsalive · 23/06/2015 16:35

That might do it. Depends how active you're going to be. Also how neat does it need to be?
Is there much extra fabric in the side seams? Or is there any extra fabric where it fastens? I'd be tempted to see if you can make some holes (possibly eyelets) and lace it corset fashion, either putting fabric behind or just leaving it with ribbons and a glimpse of skin on show.

Reastie · 23/06/2015 18:17

Wow, this sounds far too complicated, I don't even know what you're talking about . It hasn't arrived yet so I don't know allowance on seams etc

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Pantsalive · 23/06/2015 22:44

Sorry. I didn't mean to make it sound complicated as it really isn't. All you doing is making the back lace up rather than fasten with buttons or zip.

If you google 'change dress to corset back' there's loads of guidance.

If it doesn't need to be neat, it's even easier than they suggest as you can get away without sewing loops onto the dress. Basically do it up as far as it'll go with the buttons or zip, then make some holes on either side the rest of the way up (trying to do it in firmish fabric a bit back from the edge of the fabric), then lace it up with some ribbon, just like lacing shoes or boots.

I hope that helps. I'd be really happy to do it for you if you lived near. :)

Reastie · 24/06/2015 18:41

Thanks. I'm in the South East if that's close to you? Would be happy for any help.

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Pantsalive · 25/06/2015 18:14

Sorry, I'm not close enough

Reastie · 26/06/2015 18:32

Pants the dress has aired today and the top and bottom button does uo and it looks fine from the front but alas all the other back buttons won't do up. Can I pm you a picture of the back to see if you think it'd be easy for me to sort out?

OP posts:

Pantsalive · 26/06/2015 22:46

Reastie - absolutely

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