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Original poster

Advice on suitable dress

26 replies

lesley33 · 03/01/2012 22:42

I am getting married in late summer. We have been together 21 years - I am 47 and a size 16. It will be an informal affair, so I don't want a big white wedding dress, but I do want to look really good. I have been looking around, but can't really see anything I really like. So I wondered if anyone had any ideas?

I have disproportionately larger upper arms so always wear at least elbow length sleeves - even when I was slim.Have always had large boobs whether slim or not. I have dark hair and a celtic looking face.

I want something special and don't mind spending a lot to look good. I don't like over flowery or fussy styles e.g. ruffles. But apart from that I am pretty open to any ideas. So any ideas are gratefully received.

OP posts:
Original poster
lesley33 · 03/01/2012 22:42

Also, I am an apple shape - or hourglass when I was younger!

OP posts:
OldBagWantsNewBag · 03/01/2012 22:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
lesley33 · 03/01/2012 23:06

I like red, white and black best. But like most colours. I tend to wear slightly smarter but still casual stuff i.e. blouses or shirts, rather than t shirts.

Would prefer knee length or long - but I am only 5ft 3. I could wear a cardi - but most look pretty frumpy. I don't want to wear a shawl that I spend the whole day rearranging again on my shoulders. I want to be able to dance laugh and have a good time without worrying about stuff like that.

Budget - tbh I would be happy to spend anything up to 2 to 3k for the right thing. Obviously if I can get something cheap then great - I am not bothered about labels or designer stuff. But its more important that I look good. I have never got married before and intend to never do it again.

OP posts:
tethersend · 03/01/2012 23:44

More traditional Biba

Original poster
lesley33 · 04/01/2012 00:02

Thank you! I love the black vivienne westwood and antonio beradi. Both stylish and with sleeves - thank you. Where do you find stuff like this?

OP posts:
tethersend · 04/01/2012 00:08

Ah, I love a bit of fantasy shopping Wink

Plus, like you, I have to have sleeves. I cannot stand to see expensive, well cut dresses covered with crappy wraps and cardis. When I see a nice sleeved dress, I remember it.

I also saw this which is cheaper, but lovely.

Original poster
lesley33 · 04/01/2012 00:14

Can't get the harrods link to work, so will try it again tomorrow. Just realised the vivienne westwood dress says you really need to buy it a size larger than you are, so as largest size is 16, it won't fit without weight loss - but will check measurements tomorrow.

If you enjoy it, any other ideas are gratefully received. Basically I like the more stylish ones, but not more clingy fitted ones that I fear will just show all my lumps and bumps - inevitable after 4 dcs.

OP posts:
tethersend · 04/01/2012 00:27

With the budget you have, I'd be tempted to get one made...

I will have another look tomorrow Smile

TapselteerieO · 04/01/2012 00:31

I am here just to look at the fantasy shopping, really love the red one and the short VW one, but all lovely.

Original poster
lesley33 · 04/01/2012 11:13

Spoke to DP and said I had seen a lovely black dress. DP, who doesn't care about fashion, reacted with horror at the idea of me wearing a black dress to my wedding. Said it would be bad luck and look as if I was in mourning! So I gess the black vivienne westwood dress is a no then.

OP posts:
thaliablogs · 04/01/2012 11:28

I'm with DP, not black for a wedding and certainly not your own wedding! Don't you like the Lanvin and gold VW ones? I think they are AMAZING.

Original poster
lesley33 · 04/01/2012 11:50

No sorry I don't.

OP posts:
CitrusZest · 04/01/2012 11:51

that Vivienne Westwood dress is amazing!
If I were you, I'd find a dressmaker to copy it in another colour. It's fab!

Original poster
lesley33 · 04/01/2012 12:10

Yes I like the vivienne westwood dress too. Its stylish, but more forgiving on someone who is a size 16 with lumps and bumps.

OP posts:
tethersend · 04/01/2012 14:00

How about this from Joanne Fleming?

I think you can choose colours/fabrics- not sure about price though.

tethersend · 04/01/2012 14:01

It's the Chocolate duchesse satin at the bottom of the page

Original poster
lesley33 · 04/01/2012 14:12

Sorry no I don't like it.

OP posts:
tethersend · 04/01/2012 14:30

That's as similar as I can find to the VW one without getting one made- which I really, really think you should do.

Original poster
lesley33 · 04/01/2012 14:48

Yes perhaps that is the way to go - thank you very much for all your suggestions, I really appreciate them.

OP posts:
tethersend · 04/01/2012 14:55

I think if you re-title this thread to point out that you want a wedding dress, and be clear about your generous budget, you will get a lot more responses; people love a wedding; in fact, it's a dream S&B thread Grin

I am still searching, though Wink

Original poster
lesley33 · 04/01/2012 15:21

Okay thanks - I will do.

OP posts:
tethersend · 04/01/2012 15:41

Dolce and Gabbana

Vionnet

Original poster
lesley33 · 04/01/2012 16:14

The vionnet dress is lovely - don't like the dolce and gabbana one though - thanks.

OP posts:
tethersend · 04/01/2012 16:37

I like the style of the vionnet one, but it's not special enough fabric I think...