Please help style me: one outfit for 2 occasions

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

OK - I am bravely entering this thread as I am totally and completely useless at shopping for me. Can some very kind ladies here help style me for 2 occasions coming up - but one outfit? A 25 year school reunion (want to be fashionable, smart but not OTT, look good - you know the drill) and an outfit that will then double up for an evening reception of a civil partnership a couple of weeks later - both in June.

Now, I'm 5 foot 2, size 14 and rather heavier on the hips since DC3 was born 4-1/2 months ago. Have gone distinctly pear-shaped. None of my pre-preg size 12's will go near me. With baby in tow, can't really spare time to go to one of those wonderful personal shopping experiences. Any ideas?

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Should also add that I'm 41!! So no spring chicken. Would prefer to keep tops of arms covered as very pasty white at the moment and not best shape post bub.

[cupparooibos]

Maybe if you could provide a few more details about the occasions (afternoon? evening? all day? indoors/ outdoors etc) it would help the insanely chic women on here narrow it down and come up with some suggestions.

Also, your preferences re: budget, colours, heel height . . . etc.

[cupparooibos]

What about
dress

and cashmere cardi

very Michele O. but I will stop there without looking for shoes to check if that's the direction you're thinking.

or were you thinking a suit?

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Reunion is an evening do - private function room of a bar/club with disco also provided.

Evening reception of civil partnership will also be far more about dancing and having a good time.e

Not fussed about budget - want to get look right. Heel height: cannot do massively high heels, but moderate OK - would quite like wedge type heels actually as feel more comfortable in those...

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

OK checked out dress (gorgeous) and cardi. Both lovely but not feeling right for this occasion. Want to feel young (!), trendy, but shape/age appropriate. God I wish I was better at shopping!

[cupparooibos]

Okay, we're narrowing it down . . . obviously need danceable shoes, for a start. Now, can you name a celeb or two whose style you admire?

[cupparooibos]

Also: Colours you find flattering? Have you ever had your colours "done"?

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

No - never "had" my colours done, but I know those that suit me are strong blues and greens and deep pinks.

[cupparooibos]

What do you think of this dress?

If you were to pick a celebrity whose style vibe you would like to project, who would it be?

For instance, the dress above is a bit Dita von Teese, IYSWIM.

[cupparooibos]

. . . whereas this is amuch more boho, Kate Moss at a festival type deal.

[cupparooibos]

and (not to go on and on) we're honestly not trying to copy some celeb.

We're just trying to find a way to describe what resonates for you, articulate how you want to look. (I might have been way off base with the Vivienne Westwood dress!)

From what you say about young/ trendy I'm thinking very generally a dress in a print, knee length for dancing, and empire-waisted -- even halter necked if you want to go barer? Or a classic DVF-style wrap?

Wedges with a bit of platform in front (the shoes should be really special), a clutch and cool jewelry. Then possibly a shapely knit coverup of some sort . . . ?

[cupparooibos]

Gorgeous DVF

[cuppa scans horizon anxiously, hoping to spot arrival of MN Style & Beauty cavalry . . . ]

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Sorry Cuppa for not being back earlier. 4 month old baby and sleep IYKWIM!

I just LOVE the Vivienne Westwood and DvF dresses. They are simply divine and would totally suit my shape. In fact, I think the DvF probably more so. Would be happy to go halter neck too!

Yes, where are the MN Style and Beauty cavalry???

[cupparooibos]

With DVF dress maybe shoes like these?

Givenchy slit cuff sandal

slightly boho and not too high

Is a US shop but they ship -- plus Givenchy is an international label so doubtless available in London/ UK.

Going to bed . . . am in wrong time zone!

[AngryPixie]

I want that DVF dress but totally sold out

[cupparooibos]

I think I know where you can get it but possibly OP has dibs (at least on her size?)

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Size 14 UK....

[cupparooibos]

think that makes you a 10 US?

www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446361083&FOLDER %3C%3Efolderid=282574491208767&ASSORTMENT%3C%3Eastid=1408474395222441&bmUID=1274459548470&ev19=1:7 4

They ship.

[cupparooibos]

oops . . . didn't do the MN approved style link dress

[cupparooibos]

bumping your thread, OP. really hope you found something for your special occasions . . . and that someone here other than me (a UK shopping n00b!) will help you out??