help please! I have to go to a ball

[hydeparkhottie]

I'm sorry if I'm rambling. I'm quite insecure (even online!) My husband has asked me go to a ball at the dorchester. I will be surrounded by ridiculously beautiful and glamorous women. I'm thinking about wearing a complete burka or even a giant kaftan--but my husband has asked me not to.

I have had two children and my body is a disaster. I have okay-ish if quite fat legs but my arms and tummy are a mess. I ordered this dress dress

but I am worried it wont get here on time.

I plan on wearing a pair of leopard rockstuds to liven up the black...but I do have a great deal of many shoes.

If the dress doesn't come in time does anyone have any other suggestions? I don't mind the price, but I just feel like I should have a back up dress. I'm in London so I can go anywhere but I feel super hideous. I'm a size 14-16, huge floppy breasts that I can make attractive with the use of a heavy duty push up bra. I'm in my early 30's and have olive skin. Stylistically I live under a rock but do try to stay 'current'.

yes MrsWolowitz, I'm happy to try anything. I'm adventurous with shoes and accessories but with clothes I have no clue. :(

Have you linked to the right dress? The one I can see is pretty much backless - no heavy duty bra could be worn under it!

I love the dress, but I think my arms aren't going to do well in it, if I did a dress like the one you are suggesting (which is beautiful by the way!) would I need a shawl or a cardigan?

oh this pepperberry dress is pretty! but will it go with the leopard shoes? or should i wear normal black ones?

Have a look at Grey & Osbourne dresses. They have some quite nice evening-y ones.

Surely a ball needs a ball dress.
Go to your nearest real department store with an open mind and try some one.

Round her the best for older larger women is House of Fraser. (Debenham's sometimes, but they are a bit prom/bridesmaidish)

Oh yes, *cleanlines, the dress I linked originally can be worn backless. I have one of those backless bras..and I'm a wonder with tape.

also, I've never been to a fancy 'ball' so I have no idea what exactly the dress code is.

Could you do red? This is lovely and has sleeves! m.hobbs.co.uk/product-detail?productid=0214-5155-3704L00&productvarid=0214-5155-3704L00-DARK%20RED-10&refpage=dresses&view=2&searchpage=1&pagesize=150

m.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/phase-eight/occasion-dresses/cindy-lace-full-length-dress/202600548 - this also looks very flattering, imagine the green could work well with your skin tone?

I have this in my closet I wear it for work...could I also do this for the party?

I have chocolate brown hair

oh, the phase eight green dress is stunning. I just don't think my tummy would fit into it.

as far as red--i just don't have enough confidence for bright red. I would love to be invisible if possible.

I would go to a dress agency, ie hire a dress or try a pre-worn one. Agencies are generally absolutely full of fabulous, stunning, knock out dresses, and they will have something for your size and shape.

The dress you first linked to is quite dramatic, so I guess you have a fairly striking look in mind. A 'ball' at the Dorchester requires a full length dress, IMO.

Black is always acceptable, but you need more glitz than your first link. Look out for beading, touches of velvet, chiffon trim etc.

If you do decide to buy, perhaps something like this? or this?

what's your budget?

dress for hire

As far as a budget goes, I don't mind spending. I won't say no to a dress over a price tag...I am however incredibly weary of clothing as nothing ever looks good on me.

I don't mind spending on shoes because they always fit and take up less closet space than clothes...and I always wear all of my shoes.

If I go for anything except black, I was thinking I would wear these as I picked these up over the summer (on sale) and am dying to wear them.

Phase eight usually very generous sizing wise - I would give it a try, I'm an apple and generally have no problems with cut/fit.

I agree that you need long OP. And I guarantee that the skinny Minnie's will be outnumbered by normal women!

When is the Ball? Soon I'm guessing?

A dress agency to hire would be great. Failing that, do try and visit House of Fraser and try on some dresses. Bet you'll be amazed.

I was your size for years and one thing I learned was that trying to hide in looser clothing made me look bigger. You've obviously got great taste so try to be braver.

Have fun - the Dorchester is fab!

Seriously I missed the living in London bit.

That means you can get yourself to a decent John Lewis, who look like the best black tie selection on the web. or a 1000 small shops.

Get on face book or in person, pick the brains of any friends who have black tie works do's.

Many bridal shops do evening dresses too.

Also google dress exchanges, the nicest heavenly beaded lace dresses with a bit of sleeve on JLs site are £300. That's silly for one night. Your in a place with real money, that means really good second hand if you know where to go.

You're