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Original poster

HELP! I need a posh frock miracle...

30 replies

clippityclop · 21/05/2013 21:54

to make me look sort of effortlessly elegant at a family wedding in a country house Vienna later this year. I'm 5'1", 40 sort of blonde strawberry ish mid length hair, green eyes size 8-10 with a narrow waist and not a clue about what suits me and completely confused by the choice on the internet. Please take me in hand o wise ones! I prefer natural fabric wnd, don't do big fussy prints though. It's an all day 'do', so perhaps something that will look nice day and evening perhaps with a cap or short sleeve so I don't have to faff about with a pashmina? I'll be running around after dds no doubt so I'd rather not have anything too tight. Shoe suggestions too please. Will I have to have a hat at a Catholic wedding? Other guests will be arty/academic types. Something understated please, please. HELP!

OP posts:
hellymelly · 21/05/2013 21:58

What is your budget?

Original poster
clippityclop · 21/05/2013 22:04

Wow that was quick, thank you! I suppose if it's something I'll wear again say £150.00?

OP posts:
MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 22:16

YOu'll need good coverage in church for a catholic wedding, I'd say. THis with this?

Theironfistofarkus · 21/05/2013 22:19

No more need for hats at catholic wedding than any other.

MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 22:23

Urg. sorry. shoes along the lines of these and a grey snake print bag. Red pedicure and lips.

MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 22:23

Hats are a Good Thing in the style stakes though, IMO.

Original poster
clippityclop · 21/05/2013 22:46

Thank you ladies! The shoes are lovely, but not certain about the slim shape of the dress, it'll be quite warm hopefully. I'd worry about the fascinator falling off! Do like the idea of a hat but could easily look like a mushroom...

OP posts:
MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 22:48

Slightly over budget but silk. Model is 5'11" (same as for the grey) so a good bit longer on you.

MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 22:49

That honestly counts as a hat. Is to do with the size of the base.

Dilidali · 21/05/2013 22:50

I would say two dresses! Not because of vanity, but for practicality(small children, day event and evening reception)
I want to say green satin.
Or a back dress with a silvery organza 'thing'(shawl that does nothing, just looks silvery). Minimal jewellery.
A pair of silver sandals, not too high heeled, fine straps(buy those now and wear them around the house).
You see, the mistake I always make is to focus on the dress. What I should do more often is to make sure I have a good haircut, nice nails, a facial, proper waxing 2-3 days beforehand and very very pretty underwear. It changes everything and it makes me much more confident.
To do this in England would cost you a fortune, take advantage of being abroad :). And have fun.

MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 22:53

yy, it's not the dress that does it, it;s teh woman in the dress. Quite right.

2 dresses would be best.

MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 22:59

silk but pattern. again, longer on you.

MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 23:06

this (also in navy) is pretty.
OOOH!!

Dilidali · 21/05/2013 23:11

I love this one
www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/phase-eightMimi-3/4-Sleeve-Dress/202294507
The possibilities are endless and you could wear it again and again

Original poster
clippityclop · 21/05/2013 23:12

Thank you again MrsLettuce! Dilidali I like green and had forgotten I have a suedey silk bias cut just-on-the-knee length cap sleeved bottle green dress which is years old but I really love it. This will be my fall-back dress I suppose, but really want something new, perhaps the same as my old green one but different if that makes sense? I've got horrid knobbly big toe joints which need hiding but silver sandals are a lovely idea. Have booked a hair for a couple of weeks beforehand. Had forgotten about nails all together. And a bag, I'll need some sort of bag...if anyone has links I'd be grateful? (Hopeless...)

OP posts:
Dilidali · 21/05/2013 23:14

Just spotted how short it is!!!! That's a top!!!

Dilidali · 21/05/2013 23:16

Hmmm, google keira knightley green dress. When I grow up.

MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 23:16

sorry, navy. and, shoes and bag

MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 23:17

x post. glad to hear you like green!

Original poster
clippityclop · 21/05/2013 23:24

How do you do this so quickly?! Thank you! Dilidali the Phase Eight one is lovely but would be very short even on me. I like the shape of the navy one MrsL but not sure about the coloured bit...

OP posts:
MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 23:26

The coloured bit is great - means you can stick with simple navy bag and shoes and still look most stylish.

MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 23:34

green silk probably too casual

Original poster
clippityclop · 21/05/2013 23:47

Goodness, MrsL you're right and I have a good navy bag and shoes..the green is lovely though. The Oasis website is new to me and some of the smaller prints there are lovely... Dh and our girls are already kitted out (new suit, Monsoon white cotton flower print party dresses) I really must go to sleep now, but thank you all for your help.

OP posts:
Original poster
clippityclop · 21/05/2013 23:51

Dilidali, just looked at the Keira Knightly green dress - amazing! Thank you so much for your help.

OP posts:
MrsLettuce · 21/05/2013 23:59

How about a new bag and shoes with your much loved green dress for evening? It'd surely be lovely to be able to slip into fresh things after a hot day.

Sleep well.