Shopping in Manchester ... Need a show stopping dress

[Fisharefriendsnotfood]

have never been shopping in city centre before. I have already shopped the entire Trafford centre o no avail so am looking for more boutique independent shops. Please point me in the right direction

Panicked yesterday and bought the other dress I liked

Honest opinions please, which one should I go with?

Red one defo

I am going to throw a spanner in the works here - I prefer the Ted Baker one but agree that the red one more "look at me" however I find the lace one more "now" whereas the red one a bit more older and timeless look. Any chance you would try them both on for us and post photos on your profile??!!

Oh bloody hell. Not sure I'm brave enough

Which one do you prefer as they are both gorgeous - I'm only going by what I'd choose for myself!

I much prefer the red one, the black just seems a bit boring. Agree with posting photo's if you dare though!

The ted baker one hides everything.. The red would look better if I was down a few pounds. Think I'll get something in black for my head and bring oth dresses home and prob decide on the day.

I am struggling to get motivated to diet because ds is on sleep strike at the moment. The bag and shoes will go with either.

I'm thinking barely black stockings with ted baker one and flesh with the red. Yes?

Thanks everyone

Ok, give me the week to starve prepare and I'll post photos next weekend

The red one, loads of women will be wearing black... How about one of those inch loss wrap thingies the day before? I've had one and it was fab.

How many weeks to wedding? I always use the MyFitnessPal app on my iPhone if I want to lose few pound fast - allow myself 1200 cals a day - just put all food you eat and any exercise into it and you know what you're consuming. Bit fiddly but worth it without spending mega money on WW or Slimming World!

Less than two weeks, it's just I'm so so so tired...

Oh just read about the inch loss thing....interesting

I defo recommend the personal shoppers in Harvey Nicks in Manchester, they're really helpful and have lots of good ideas and in my experience are not snobby at all. I'd look at Amanda Wakeley or DVF dresses, or Theory if you fancy a neat suit. They have some great shoes but I think the shoe hall in Selfridges is better, or try Kurt Geiger if you're quite trendy.

You could also look at the boutiques in Hale - Vanilla and 3:11 are really good and have lots that is really individual.

I do second fannybanjo though, IMO a great pair of shoes is worth their weight in gold and with a good bag will really dress up a high street dress if you get it tailored or tweak the design a bit. The only risk is someone else will wear the same thing as you..... which I guess you'd rather avoid.

Look on eBay for designer shoes though, there are often some great bargains on Manolos or Louboutins. I'd say Manolos run true to size whether leather or fabric but Louboutins are always small for the size (e.g. I'm a 5.5, 38.5 in Manolo but 39 or 39.5 in Louboutin if that helps).

You could also look at Isabella Oliver 360 online - they have some lovely non-maternity things!

Good luck wowing the ex!

Soooooo we are waiting for photos fish!!!

Hmmmm I'm busy starving fanny

Friday I promise, going to get hat/fascinator tomorrow or Thursday so I can present the complete ensemble.

Oh my god! I just got dh to take photos of both dresses and the photos of the red one are horrific think beached whale stuffed into red sexy dress.

So by process of elimination the black one wins

Picture please! I prefer the black anyway so I win!