would I look like mutton in this dress....?

[MooMinCow]

Tried on this dress on last week.

Am 36, slightly pear shaped size 12ish, olive/dark skin and black hair. Not what I go for normally but sales assistant picked it out as she reckoned the ruching (sp?) on sides would flatter, not emphasise my big bum/hips.

In my head I looked like Kim Kardashian/JLo, but am I kidding myself? Would I look like mutton? Don't want to make an expensive mistake! Or should I play safe and get this top instead?

Much prefer the top, not keen on the dress.....

Think the shop assistant was talking bollocks.

Top lovely though!

Dress a big mistake. Like the top.

prefer the top - what about this? I tried it on today - and although I'm much bigger than you it was really quite flattering

That's a lovely dress lal123 - never look at phase8 stuff normally.

Think the SA must be on commission and trying to flog the more expensive dress (is only a small boutique in town so doesn't stock the entire range)

TBH I've never heard of the brand before but am seeing lots of stuff on there I like. Has anyone tried their stuff? What's the sizing like and does it wash and wear well?

This is lovely. What is their sizing like? Does everything stop at 14?

That is lovely Tethers - great sleeves

I want it. I am a 16... do you think it would fit?

Phase8 sizes are generous - don't know how they wash - haven't worn dress I bought ther yet

Not the dress, it's horrible!
The one from phase 8 is nice though and would look lovely on someone of your age and shape. Or the top you picked.

I don't think wearing a bodycon dress would necessarily make you look like mutton - I don't think the ruching's the problem as much as the straight panel down the centre.

Tether's one is lovely.

Back to Phase8 - I tried this on today and 'twas very flattering - but I decided my 47yo arse needs a bit more work before imposing it on the world in that way!

I think some of the Wise & Avid people like Full Circle stuff; I've never come across it before, but intend to have a good look now! Like the top also.

Btw, the first Phase8 one goes to below the knee, which I find very ageing.

I've just ordered that dress WWWY. Hope my arse is up to scratch in it!

Does anyone know what the full circle sizing's like? I really want that dress now...

I love bodycon style dresses and am 38 so I'd say not mutton but I may be delusional

Not loving the full circle one though and the top is ok but not worth £45 - you could get similar in gap for a lot less.

Love the one that Tethers loves - that is gorgeous.

The phase 8 Janice dress is very popular on S&B at the moment but it did nothing for me but am only 5ft and it was just too long and big really.

Yes the dress is a bit yukky...not mutton though...just yak. Love that top though! V nice with some silver or gold jewelry.

dexter, i'm sure your arse is fine. Mine's not too bad for an old -lady-- actually - I just have a vision in my head of how it should look and can't bear to think of anyone going at my rear view.

I would have bought the gorgeous thing if the girl at Debenhams hadn't directed me to the wrong till and I stood there for 10 minutes before flouncing off.

Bodycon dresses are ageless imo - good posture, shoes and spanx are the key things.

thanks ladies for your honest opinions. think will go for top or try on some more of their items (they have a store in covent garden apparently)

traceybath-I never see tops like that my llocal gap?

do you have a flat stomach? I think bodycon dresses only work if that is the case. Ala KK. I have the same dimensions as KK and wish I had the gits to wear what she does but I always think people will think I look fat as we are soo used to seeing skinny everywhere.

guts..not gits!

I think Tether's dress is nice, but you need a pretty perfect figure to pull it off - very unforgiving if you have any lumps and bumps (and who doesn't?!). If you are going body-con stick to thicker fabrics as they are much more smoothing.

stomach is fairly flat and would always wear some kind of spanx type contraption underneath to smooth everything else. quite like some of Posh's dresses. thought carol vorderman looked amazing in them-but would have to remortgage to afford!

I think if your stomach is flat and curves are in the right place then go for it. Bear in mind kK and j lo are about size 8-10 bit kK is short .. I struggle with my curves but my husband loves it when I wear body con stuff. As long as your boobs aren't on display it can't look muttony.. Did you see Danni minogue on x factor tonight, she is older than you and looked fab .