I can't find a dress. Anyone up for a challenge?

[craftynclothy]

I want a dress to wear to dh's work Xmas party. The women at the party are mainly in two "types" and I'm not in either. There's the late 30's+ (most of whom have children) and then there's the early/mid 20's (who don't have children). I'm 30 with 2 children. So I'm looking for something that isn't going to make me look older but also isn't going to make me look like I'm trying to relive my teens

I'm only 5 foot, my bottom half is a 16 and my top half is a 14 and I'm a 34FF so I have problems getting anything that fits me.

Oh and your max budget is £50

[TapselteerieO]

Have you looked anywhere, is there a particular style or colour you like? Are you happy to go sleeveless?

I would start by looking at Dorothy Perkins, they have a petite section, would you consider getting a dress shortened?

[tethersend]

Snakeskin

Black

Linen

Yellow

One shoulder

[craftynclothy]

I've looked at ASOS (that's where I tried two dresses from but they don't fit my shape - one was too big on the bust and one too small and both were size 14).

I tend to go for black or at least quite dark colours (navy, dark purple) but would consider others. Have my hair dyed in a dark red brown colour but have v pale skin so some colours make me look really washed out.

Style wise I tend to go for something that shows a bit of cleavage . Not too bothered about whether it's fitted or loose skirt iykwim.

Would definitely prefer sleeveless.

Happy to go for something that needs shortened depending on fabric and how easy it would be as I go to sewing classes so would have plenty of help to shorten it.

[craftynclothy]

This is the dress I liked best from ASOS but it really didn't fit (not enough room in the bust bit and cut wrong in that area so not just a case of needing the next size)

[craftynclothy]

I like this one from Dorothy Perkins but it's a bit like the one I wore to his company weekend thing last month.

[keepingupwiththejoneses]

Saw this range advertised on tv this morning, would be great for you, not a huge range yet but should fit well

[TapselteerieO]

Purple version of the DP one you like - it was the first one that caught my eye.

[craftynclothy]

Love that TapselteerieO but they only have a size 4. I'd have to chop my body in half

[ThatsNotMyBabyBelly]

a bit over budget

sale

butterfly

bargain

[Gillybobs]

Damsel in a dress have a 70% off sale on at the moment, I just got the Paige dress and its incredible quality and cut and under £40. Have a look

[LikeABlackFlameCandleBNQ]

this?

[LikeABlackFlameCandleBNQ]

little bit over, but a bargain!

[craftynclothy]

Absolutely LOVE the Phase Eight one but not in stock.

[LikeABlackFlameCandleBNQ]

They have it in grey on the website too, but its £77

[craftynclothy]

Well I popped to Debenhams this morning to see if the Phase Eight there might have one of those dresses but they didn't. However I managed to get an absolute bargain in Coast. It's this dress but it was reduced from £125 to £25 and I had a £5 Debenhams voucher so it meant I was only paying out £20.

I think the straps might need shortened a little but will take it to sewing group and beg someone to do it get help with it.

[LikeABlackFlameCandleBNQ]

Oooh, that is lovely! You set us the challenge and then whooped our arses.

Have a great night at the party