Should I hire an evening dress?

[franch]

I've been invited to a party and the dress code is "Dress for the Oscars" [groan].

As I'm unlikely to need an Oscar-style dress ever again, I'm thinking of hiring something.

Have you done this before and if so, where from and how much did it cost?

All info/advice gratefully received.

[Macaroona]

You could try TK Maxx - they do cheap randomly posh full-length dresses?

[Macaroona]

Or look on EBay - there are loads of China-based sellers who'll make and ship you a posh dress for £30-£40.

[franch]

Good tips, thanks Macaroona. Will have a look at TK Maxx.

Re ebay, that's a really interesting idea. Am worried what I'd do if it turned up and didn't fit though! Also have never ordered from abroad on ebay before for fear of customs charges.

[franch]

Wow, you weren't kidding about ebay - they're so cheap!

[Macaroona]

A friend of mine had a stunning ball dress made from an eBay seller - it was too big, but the deal included free alterations. She paid about £50 iirc. A long, slinky blue satin dress with sparkly criss-cross bits on the back. You have to allow plenty time for it though if you need stuff fixing. I wish I'd done it for my wedding dress tbh.

[plinkduet]

If you're buying from China, bear in mind they're cut to Asian standards - generally a dress size smaller than your own. It's a complete lucky dip - regardless of their eBay feedback (which can be bought in bulk, feedback...) - and not recommended.

[franch]

Gosh I didn't know that about feedback, how does that work? Hmm. Have you bought one of these dresses plink?

[franch]

Macaroona, do you have to send it back to China if it needs altering? I see some of them are made to specific measurements rather than dress size, which is good.

[worldgonecrazy]

I second TK Maxx, pray to the Gods of Shopping before you go and your perfect dress will be there for £29.50.

[franch]

Thanks WGC. Should I go to one of the bigger branches? I'm in South London.

[worldgonecrazy]

Bigger branches, most near me (Birmingham) get their new stuff in on a Tuesday.

[Macaroona]

My friend's dress had alterations included in the price, but yes she would've had to send back to China. I think she will do, but couldn't for the event in question as she didn't have time.

If you take specific measurements, that sounds relatively foolproof though

Try a couple of TK branches first though, you never know what you might find.

[franch]

Thanks all, very helpful.

[sazm]

i found a few dresses on ebay for balls and also 'oscars' i got a lovely full length dress, all from uk ebay shops,def worth a look,and would def say tkmaxx - so long as your not needing a size 20+

[rara67]

Just to give you even more choice...what about a dress agency? Our local one sells lots of things that have obviously just been bought and worn once. You could even take it back!?! Also if you dont mind second hand, charity shops...Cancer Relief now have a specific rail for top end of high street and designer. I think Oxfam also have a designer store. Finally, I have a new cocktail dress in the wadrobe which I got from TXmaxx, I bought it just in case, may never wear it but for £25 couldnt leave it there. Good luck (also with shoes and bag!!!)

[franch]

Thanks sazm and rara67!

[franch]

Very tempted to order this .... But what if I try it on and hate it ...?

[franch]

Oh what the hell ... I see they have a returns policy ... I've ordered it! If it's no good I'll try TK Maxx. Also I'm in Finsbury Park next week - Fonthill Rd is full of eveningwear shops and I expect a lot of the stuff is fairly cheap - just remembered that.

So thanks for all the tips - I feel a lot less stressed and grumpy now :)

[Macaroona]

Ooh slinky dress

Let us know how you get on and post a pic!

[sazm]

aww fab,see that was easy really!
i nearly died when my ds's playgroup announced they were having a fundraising ball ( im a jeans and hoody girl) but an hour on ebay and i was sorted:)

[franch]

Will do! :)