Please help....no dress for the ball

[Only1scoop]

After great success on the wonderful posters on S&B sourcing me a gorge wedding outfit last year....I'm back for more.

I have a black tie ball in 2 weeks. No dress. No clue. Wanted to lose 2 stone and haven't.

I'm 5'6" about a 16 12.5 stone snd feeling vile. I need a posh frock. I have dark hair will softly spray tan. Need longish with my arms as covered as Poss. Will have to wear scaffolding style pants under whatever to hold me in.

Can't really highlight best bits as currently are none.

Used to be quite stylish/glam and now....am not.

Don't even know what's in it or out.

Like Jewel colours....midnight blues....rich purples or of course. Black.

Any ideas at all?

Can access high street JL house of F etc....up to around 200.00

Need shoes too, not spiky heels tendon injury and slightish limp.

Thanks so much for any help.

[Ilovetorrentialrain]

Ted Baker have some absolutely gorgeous stuff at the moment inc. black tie worthy dresses. I'll have a look...

[Only1scoop]

Ooo thanks I love.

I'd probably squeeze into their size 4

[Only1scoop]

Used to love TB

I'm now 43 but endeavouring to be far younger

[orangebird69]

m.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-drape-covered-gown/p/1131921

This?

[Only1scoop]

Orange

Love that ....gorgeous

Will seek that out in JL on Fri

Thanks

[Ilovetorrentialrain]

I've been having a look but can I find something for a black tie with long sleeves? No! Damn.

Could the sleeves come from a cover up of some kind?

[Only1scoop]

I guess so ....maybe a wrap or those sleevy things?

[Ilovetorrentialrain]

I know this is over budget but the colour! www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Clothing/Dresses/JEYLA-Sheer-panel-lace-dress-Oxblood/p/127880-41-OXBLOOD

[orangebird69]

Wraps are a pain in the arse. I'd buy that JL dress if it would be long enough on me and I don't even have a function to go to! Love the sleeves and the ruching. And the colour would be gorgeous with dark hair and a bit of tan :)

[elephantoverthehill]

If you have that kind of budget why not look into local seamstresses who could make you something original and fit.

[Only1scoop]

Agree Orange they are

Will ruching hold me in?

Love the sleeves


That TB is exquisite don't think I'd do it justice though

[Only1scoop]

Elephant

If I had more time, although I wouldn't know where to start.

[elephantoverthehill]

Sorry that sounded really twee and old fashioned like me I guess better sounding would be a 'dressmaker'.

[orangebird69]

Ruching hides a multitude of sins not that I'm saying you have any!!, but a pair of control pants or a nude control slip from Marks' would probably elevate everything!

[Only1scoop]

Elephant

[Only1scoop]

Orange I'm going to try that one.

Do you think nude shoes/ clutch or a pewtery silver maybe?

Going to check it out

[Mess55monster]

That Adrianna Papell one is gorgeous. I'm the same height/weight/size as you OP and have several dressed with this sort of ruching and gather at the waist. Very very flattering I find. I think you'll love that if you try it on. Great price to. AP dresses are usually well out of my price range.

[Mess55monster]

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[Mess55monster]

I think pewter/silver would be great - would pick up the jewels on the waist. Wouldn't go for nude with that dress. Even black would work. Good luck.

[orangebird69]

Pewter FTW! I'm quite jealous now

[Only1scoop]

Couldn't wait so have ordered rhe dress and also J vert cape dress in navy reduced to 99.00 on JL site, just so I've got something else to try on really.

Thanks so much all

[orangebird69]

Let us know how you get on!

[NashvilleQueen]

This would be lovely with your colouring if you reconsider on the sleeves issue.

m.houseoffraser.co.uk/Biba+Deep+V+full+skirted+maxi+dress/186291038,default,pd.html

[blueskyinmarch]

I had a hideous day in Edinburgh a week ago searching for a long dress for a ball. There was very little in the shops. I am the same height and size as you and anything I did try in was very unflattering. I eventually find the dress I have pictured. I love it. It is comfortable and elegant and also very slimming. I wore it on Friday night and felt great.

[blueskyinmarch]

Here is the picture!