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Original poster

MN STYLE GURUS: VERDICT NEEDED!

33 replies

juliab · 31/03/2006 14:18

Have to go to a posh-ish wedding and thought I could cut a reasonable dash in \link{http://www.marksandspencer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=2651&Product_Id=1957883\this}
But dh says it's 'a horrid, Abigail's-party, middle-aged dress'
Now, I'm not exactly a fashion queen, so need to ask you all: what do you think of it?

OP posts:
moondog · 31/03/2006 14:19

Fine if you are about 5 7 over and no more than a size 12.
Otherwise forget it.

Pruni · 31/03/2006 14:21

I think if you are really fresh-faced, lithe and sparkly, it'll be great.
Me, I'm none of those, so would look frumpy.

Pruni · 31/03/2006 14:21

(Despite being of the dimensions mentioned by MD, I meant to add.)

harpsichordcarrier · 31/03/2006 14:21

I say no, I'm afraid
i agree with your dh
it would look cute on someone aged under 20 and size eight
otherwise... bit frumpy
sorry

georginarf · 31/03/2006 14:22

I think the shape is nice but not the pattern

Fimbo · 31/03/2006 14:24

I have seen it in the flesh so to speak. It does look much nicer in rl than on the website. It's the kind of thing I think you would need to try on, it could look great or it could look pants.

Original poster
juliab · 31/03/2006 14:25

Can just about do MD's dimensions (if I breathe in a bit) and maybe the freshfaced bit
BUT I am not under 20 (even if I breath in!).
Humph, dh is obviously right (again).
Shame - cut of the dress is v flattering...

OP posts:
Original poster
juliab · 31/03/2006 14:26

Fimbo, was real-life wearer a lithe 20-year-old?

OP posts:
compo · 31/03/2006 14:26

I think it looks nice in the picture but would look hideous on me as would show off all my lumps and bumps Blush My dh would hate it too because he hates anything floral - I once bought a fowery top from Monsoon for £45 and he hates it!!

Fimbo · 31/03/2006 14:28

It depends what size M & S dummys are mean't to represent!! They have something similar in black & white too but its no longer on the website - just in store.

Original poster
juliab · 31/03/2006 14:31

Thanks for all your comments.
In the end, then, is it better to look frumpy but slender or younger and chunkier?

OP posts:
Wuxiapian · 31/03/2006 16:50

juliab, seems as though it's just me who likes the dress. I think it's gorgeous and would suit anyone of any shape. If you like it, you should go for it instead of wearing something others will like and you won't feel comfortable in.
Let us know what you decided.
When's the wedding?

WideWebWitch · 31/03/2006 16:53

I think it's horrible, sorry.

lou33 · 31/03/2006 16:54

i like it, but you have to have sexy killer heels with it

JoolsToo · 31/03/2006 16:55

another no - sorry - I mean you couldn't get a better figure than the model and it doesn't really do her any favours!

Original poster
juliab · 31/03/2006 16:56

thanks wuxiapian! wedding's still a month away so I've plenty of time to dither and fuss and change my mind 100 times!

OP posts:
anniemac · 31/03/2006 16:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

anniemac · 31/03/2006 16:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Nbg · 31/03/2006 17:02

I like it and I think it could work.

The picture and model don't do it any justice IMO.
The model is too skinny and a bit of a plain jane and her hair is too boring.

I think it would look great with a pair of fab heels and nice little "up do" with the hair.

Nbg · 31/03/2006 17:04

That sounded really bitchy didn't it?!!!

Original poster
juliab · 31/03/2006 17:04

Not at all NGB - love idea of a model being too skinny Wink

OP posts:
MrsBadger · 31/03/2006 17:06

I think if it's the shape of the dress that particularly works for you, then keep that in mind and perhaps look for one with a less floral pattern - a plain one could look stunning.

Actually, looking at it again, I think the only thing that tips it from funky to frumpy is the sleeves - the same shaped dress (empire with wrap-type front) but sleeveless will look great for a wedding. Wouldn't particularly recommend any of \link{http://www.boden.co.uk/popup/pop_up.asp?strStyle=WH062&strStatus=M&strStackOrModel=Stack&tintSexCode=1&desname=Cotton+Print+Dress&strTheLink=%2Fcol%2Easp%3Fsegname%3DWomen%26styid%3DWH062%26segid%3D6%26gpname%3DDresses%26desname%3DCotton%2BPrint%2BDress%26gpid%3D6%26gen%3D\these patterns} but you get the idea - some more ideas \link{http://www.principles.co.uk/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=511\here} and \link{http://www.principles.co.uk/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=416\here}. In fact that last one is quite similar to the one you initially liked, but because the sleeves are snug rather than billowy I much prefer it.

good luck, and don't give up just because the MN jury don't share your perceptive powers!

Nbg · 31/03/2006 17:06

Well she is really.
It looks as though they've had to pin the dress behind her back so it fits her waist.
It looks too big on her everywhere else, I think thats why people are saying it looks bad.

nailpolish · 31/03/2006 17:07

i think its the colour

too old-wifey (sorry!)

there are loads of dresses around very similar style, but in better colours

anniemac · 31/03/2006 17:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.