The ultimate dress...

[ApplesandBananas]

Can you help me? I don't generally buy designer clothes but need a 'wow' dress that has to be elegant. Budget of around £1000.

I had a look on the Selfridges website, and like this -

www.selfridges.com/en/Womenswear/Categories/Dresses/Evening/Knot-detail-shift-dress_159-78064228-DEO RA50183157/

but it's out of stock. And it's nice, but not 'wow'. But it gives an idea of the tone I'm going for - is needed for a work do, professional but glam.

Am a size 10, not very booby and don't suit strapless at all. And needs to be knee-length or close to it.

Come over to Wise and Avid we'll help. Have you looked at Victoria Beckham - I'll try and find the one I like. Does it have to be black?

yy to VB

And look on Net a Porter.

Whilst I know you have a fab budget - have you thought of hiring something - girl meets dress is a fab website - have a peek even if its just for some ideas

Wise and Avid?? Am a complete beginner, you'll have to explain .

Would actually prefer something other than black, just that style gives an idea of the sort of thing I liked.

I get overwhelmed at net a porter!

Hiring won't work as it's overseas - although if I can get a bargain (sale?) I'd be very pleased!! I'll look at the hire site though, as you say, for ideas.

Isolde Dress in Hobbs

phase eight £110

Jaeger

Ok, let's start...

I know it's black but what do you think?

classic I think, but black again

black AND white

OMG, beautiful

[http://www.net-a-porter.com/product /94060 love love love, but not the zip]]

Stella McC - they always look better on that you think

perhaps too loose but a bargain

I misread your budget I thought it was £100 not £1000. I was trying to be polite when you said it was a great budget.

I rejected loads!

I'd be tempted to get to Selfridges and see a personal shopper with that budget to be honest.

God - how exciting

I would do the same as tracey suggests.

I just feel a bit daunted - tbh, there's no budget, but I'd set myself that as a benchmark as I usually go for around the £300 mark, but I want something a bit more 'top-end' designer.

I liked this, after the VB recommendations

www.net-a-porter.com/product/100146

Squeaver, the 2 black ones are nice, but I can't help feeling I should be getting something a bit more stand-out (garish... I hope not... ) for that sort of money!!

I like the black and white. The blue is nice but too floaty for the event I'm going to, and the Stella McC won't suit me as I have very skinny shoulders.

I'm slim, but look best in structured clothes, as I don't have boobs, good legs, curves, and I'm quite pale (that sounds lovely doesn't it!).

There is no such thing. My ultimate dress is one I got in Debenhams sale two years ago, wasn't sure about and wore twice before realsing it was perfect.

Why do you need a wow dress and why is the budget so high?

Have you looked at net a porter and net a portabello

Love this VB one

And this gucci

The personal shopper might be an idea, but I'm always disappointed in Selfridges, I don't really rate their customer service (or their range, actually) and it's usually lots of hip young things hanging round giving despairing looks at middle-aged me!

Maybe Harrods or Harvey Nicks for a personal shopper.

I'm not in a rush, have plenty of time to find something, just looking for some inspiration on designers and what's about this Autumn/Winter, as I just get completely fazed in department stores, then as I'm pushing the budget, I end up talking myself out of it. So I need to be quite focussed!

Tracey, I LOVE that gucci one (not with the boots for work, mind...). And the VB is good too.

TDWP - the do is with clients from the Far East who, rightly or wrongly, place great store by labels and the trappings of wealth/success. So while I completely agree with your philosophy and never usually worry about the cost or brand, this time I need to push the boat out.

It is a real treat in some ways, but I do feel a responsibility to get it right at these prices! And I am a complete novice at v v expensive...

not that you need to explain yourself.

Sheesh.

AandB how exciting!! am very

I need some encouragement to be excited - I hope it doesn't sound ungrateful, but I just feel a bit daunted.

But lots of good ideas on here already, thanks. I didn't think I'd be in Gucci territory, even on that budget, and the VB dresses are really, really nice.

I always had a secret hankering for Chanel... would I find something suitable there or is that mega-money?

Wow! Am taking a seat and indulging in dress porn whilst watching Mistresses on BBC1, how fab

according to friends harrods has an excellent personal shopper service, especially if your trying to get excited a personal shopper will make it fun - you get free champagne, and they won't let you make the sort of scary fashion mistakes that are so easy when one gets boggled!

Get the Gucci one, TB suggested. It is AMAZING!!

Although actually I second the personal shopper idea. Go for it.

Thanks, I will give Harrods a go (I've recently found I get on a lot better there than Selfridges which is perhaps a sign of advancing age...).

This is pretty

Could be fantastic - dependent on your colouring/skin tone.

Alexander McQueen

Very lucky to have all this shopping ahead of you - am jealous!

The Gucci one has sold out in my size... who buys this stuff?! Can't believe there's such a market for such expensive frocks.

You can't buy Chanel on line. St John is very similar to Chanel and that can be viewed online and is also available in Harrods.