Red carpet dress

[Rosebag]

I never cease to be amazed at how this forum sorts people out. Maybe you an also help me. In January I have the one red carpet moment of my life...hosting a function.I am looking for a full length 'black tie' dress and am looking to spend up to £1000. I think there's a real gap in the market in the £500-£1000 price range in this country.I am not young...will have just turned 50 in January although told I look much younger. I am not thin....12 in the top and 14 round the hips, 5'6" with longish legs. Passable upper arms, good shoulders and 32E's. My colours are 'clear Winter' and I particularly fancy something in silver. I see lovely dresses on American sites particularly on netfashionavenue.com and on the Neiman Marcus internet site but shipping to the UK (and more importantly doing returns) seems problematic. Any ideas? I am also looking for a really good makeup artist. I am based in North London. Thanks in advance.

Anyone?

I can't believe no-one's answered yet-

How do you feel about:

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Over budget

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I second the rachel gilbert dress! But if you've got that sort of budget then I would take a trip to london and take advantage of the personal shopping service at somewhere like harrods

Just had to say I loved your choices - am consumed with frock envy and want a red carpet event to attend!

Sooo jealous. I have some lovely 'red carpet moment' clothes but no where to wear them to.

Love dress number 3 above - Gold Goddess, and the last one - blue one shoulder number.

Have a wonderful time

Ah...there is someone out there! Thanks so much Tethersend. I am drooling over those dresses. Yes...certainly the Rachel Gilbert and the over budget Jenny Packham one. Poor DH will go pale. I have to watch it with some of the shapes....partic if fitted over the hips as mine are ample. The best shapes for me are Empire line...fitted over the bust with A line below IYSWIM. Fortunately I live in London so can visit the shops. Interestingly a friend of mine looking for a dress - similar occasion and budget, felt that Harrods had gone a bit trashy and bazaar-like? Is this true? Are there any other places in London I should go where there's lots of choice in my price range and the staff won't balk at the fact that I'm not a size 10?...................................................can't get those silver dresses out of my mind!!

ps..this only the second red carpet moment of my life. At the first I had a 3 month old baby whom I was BF-ing, a toddler and one a bit older , and was large, tired and felt revolting. I was determined that the one next was going to be different!!!

Ditto dress number 2 - look no further. I also love the last dress, something so stylish about midnight/navy blue - knock 'em dead !!

Don't worry about hips - Spanx are a lifesaver. Re London shopping I have heard that the John Lewis personal shoppers are amongst the best so could you head for Peter Jones or something?? May not be designer enough - if not, Harvey Nicks?

I like the blue issa dress as well - it's gorgeous

maybe not but i likie this anyway
love some of the other styles already suggested

Should add that I do need some sort of bra....how to manage that with the blue Issa dress?

Invest in a good strapless bra

I like the first dress and LOVE the fourth dress (gold one). It is stunning

Issa ones or no.2 are goooooooorgeous...

Try Liberty's or wonder down [http://www.streetsensation.co.uk/mayfair/obs_east.htm] and see if anything catches your eye.

By Chrismas all the lovely, clasic, wear forever with a twist stuff will have gone so good to start your search now.

For all your foundation needs..www.rigbyandpeller.com/stores/mayfair.aspx

Yes, Rigby and Peller is excellent isn't it. I have a very good strapless bra but I'm still struggling to see how it won't poke out at the back! Showed the links to DH...he wants me to order some of them to try on! Also discovered Jenny Packham shop in Mayfair. Might give them a call although think most of their stuff will be out of my price range.

What do you think of these?

I would suggest a day in London with the inhouse personal shoppers at Harrods, Liberty and Selfidges, book them all in advance and take a friend with you whose opinion you trust.