Black tie work do in a few weeks...what to wear/buy? help needed!

[VelvetSpoon]

I have a big work do coming up in about 8 weeks. It's in an amazing venue (museum) and will be tres glam.

I have nothing to wear.

Last year I wore a fab dress I bought from a colleague for a bargainous £30 (she'd bought it online, it didn't fit and for various reasons she couldn't return it) which was v swishy and lovely. Obviously that was a one off!

My budget isn't great, £100 max (and ideally a fair bit less!). Added complication is I am dieting, 2st down since April. I have a fair idea of what size I'll be by the party (probably a good 14), BUT another reason for not spending loads is that I am hoping to carry on with the weight loss, and so this dress may not fit for too long.

Any ideas/help gratefully appreciated! :)

Sizewise, as mentioned I will be a 14 by then, fairly hourglassy, qiute happy to show off arms, etc. No real preferences as to colour or style (other than full length).

Spoon, may I ask what age bracket you are and are you short/tall? How long is your hair? Will then find some dresses.

Age - 40, but I have a tendency to dress a lot bit younger than my age.

Height 5ft 6, so sort of average? I do generally wear v high heels though.

Hair is long, dark brown, mid-back length-ish.

waterfall dress

love this
should be possible to glam this up - all 3 colours available in a 14 only
pink not strapless but needs strapless bra
top of the budget but a beauty
thsi, in either colour is most lovely
purple

Would you consider hiring something?