Style inspiration needed for DD christening next month

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Need to feel fabulous - Even though am carrying approx 10lbs of excess weight and still BF so feeling rather buxom!

I am pear shaped - 14 bottom and 12 top - waist gone a bit AWOL recently.
Brunette - shortish hair - can wear strong colours.
Needs to be knee length not short.

Am a classic ( safe) dresser- been eyeing up the LK Bennett Davina dresses for a while - could probably justify spend as would wear for work stuff afterwards ( if suitable colour)

www.lkbennett.com/dispatcher?search=Davina

But am worried it is a bit austere (dull) and that maybe if I had time to get round shops for a thorough trawl I might do better for less £££. Also will need shoes so need to factor that in to spend.

Anyone got a Davina or seen one on? Or anything else I might try?

All ideas appreciated

I got a brochure for Brora sale in the past few days. It starts on 5th Jan. I did think that some of the dresses (at about 1/3 original price) might be nice for a christening, but I am currently 33 weeks preggers so not planning to buy myself! Might that help?

Never looked at their dresses - thanks will investigate!

Anyone else with any bright ideas?

I like the Davina dress.

Some other ideas:

DVF

Vivienne Westwood

Boden

MaxMara

second DVF - that Davina dres sis fab though, I love dresses that are plain but have a 'feature' somewhere. Make a splash then with shoes/bag.

I love the Davina dress (and also the Tina one). My mum and my sister have both tried it on - it suited them both really well, but my mum was reluctant to spend the money and my sister would have spent the money but was worried my mum would change her mind and they'd end up with matching dresses .

Hobbs have a few that are similar to the LK Bennett one, but they don't have as much ruching so maybe not as flattering?

Recently phase eight has been coming up trumps (I think). How about
too dull?
floral
I love this, but maybe too evening-y?
same shape as above but with a pattern
draped

Ooh thanks all - need to be asleep an hour ago but will have a proper look at all these tomorrow!

The problem now is i want them all!
Haven't bought anything really lovely since pregnancy - the excitement is too much.
Tethers - loving the DVF and Vivienne Westwood - but not sure they would get the wear at the moment to justify the spend.
Pastgrace - printed Verity is lovely but looks unavailable - looks like phase eight needs further investigation.
Still tempted by Davina.

Think the only way forward is going to be to try a few on really - so need to get myself to the shops - definitely feeling more inspired now thanks all!

I bought the Davina for dd christening. Was nearly sick at handing over my credit card as I'd never spent so much on a dress before but it is super flattering. Once I'd tried it on nothing else compared. Happy shopping

Thanks BrissleBabe i know that feeling of almost palpitations when you spend a lot on one item! Thing is I have a few LK Bennett dresses that always look good and have been worn enough to justify the price!

Must find a way to get out to try some on.

It's good to know it worked for you as a christening outfit - out of interest what colour do you have? Will be trying to balance versatility with not looking too staid if I do end up down the Davina route.

I got plum as purple is my favourite colour. Wore it with a black cardigan which I know is frowned upon on MN .

Have a posh 40th do to go to at the end of the month so will wear it there too...minus the cardigan!

brisslebabe sorry I thought I posted a reply days ago but didn't appear!
Plum sounds lovely and am sure the odd cardigan isn't the worst fashion crime - is it.?!
Enjoy the 40th it is great having something fabulous at the ready ( a rarity for me at the moment)
I have yet to go shopping properly but am looking forward to it.