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'.

what do you guys think about this dress?

I think you would feel out of place in a short dress. People will be swishing about in long frocks.

I think if it's black tie at the Dorchester then you should go for full length, if most other people wear full length you'll feel out of place in a shorter dress. We do a fair bit of black tie stuff with DHs work, and TK Maxx has been a lifesaver (and purse saver!) on more than one occasion - my advice would be that you can never be too glam for a black tie event, so get your sparkles out and have a fab time!

I forgot TKMax definitely worth a look. DD nearly got a prom dress from there.

Eventually used a web lot who I can't recommend as they sent the wrong dress. Fortunately it fitted and she liked it, as they don't do free returns.

Get the exact dress code. I suspect it will be 'evening' ie a full-length gown/dress, but clarify this first.

Then I'd suggest a dress agency too. IME they LOVE it when someone comes in with a specific brief and asks to be dressed. And they know their stuff. This place is terrific.

the invitation says 'black tie' i like this but my sisters are saying no.

Then you can go long, midi or on or just above the knee, although I think a lot of women interpret 'black tie' as 'long gown' so you may be in the minority if you don't go full-length. Not that that matters! It needn't be black, either.

I agree with your sisters on that dress, sorry; too flirty and prom-like. I think you need to go for a more elegant look; if you go for a shorter dress it should be straighter and less 'fussy'.

Seriously, hie thee to a dress agency. It'll be fun!

Yep - that last link is lovely.
Perfect for a ball.
It's very ME as well. Christmas is coming up........mmmmm
Go for it. If it feels comfortable then all is good.
I love the green Phase Eight one as well though.

Oh bugger - it's out of stock.
That was going to be my Xmas 2014 dress.

OP I have something in my "worn once never going to fit again" pile...will pm you a picture later. When do you need the dress for?

But I also love the first dress!!!

Sorry to de-rail OP, but I love that dress that you've linked to in your OP. Can I ask how much delivery is to the UK?

If you're in London, book yourself a personal shopping session in a big Debenhams or House of Fraser.

There's some nice ones in the Black Tie section on John Lewis: www.johnlewis.com/women/women%27s-dresses/black+tie=dressbyoccasion-womensdresses-7000003054/c600001506

would show off you shoes but would need a bolero is your arm conscious

If you are a 14/16 you are hardly huge. If you can buy off the peg on the high street I'd really recommend you go to a dress hire shop. Book an appointment, try everything on. You'll find something jaw dropping that won't cost the earth nor hang in your cupboard forever.

Issa

This is so gorgeous I think I want to get married in it

Roland Mouret

Mango

Bargain- a US 10 is roughly a 14

Ditto

you girls are fantastic! I feel much better with all of your suggestions. It's been ever soo long since I've had the 'girlfriend' type of conversations.

As far as the dress from 'want my look' I haven't received my customs bill yet, but I'm assuming it'll be £15-20.00. The charge for shipping was $15.00 though. I'm very nervous about it getting here on time--so I went to harrods today. I ended up buying more shoes and avoiding the clothing section altogether. I don't know what is wrong with me.

I'll go back tomorrow, and I'll try on a bunch of dresses. If I post the pictures, will you girls help me by choosing one?

Black tie = long dress. Usually ballgown rather than cocktail.

The good thing about ballgowns is they are pretty forgiving - tend to have boning and structured bodices so you can wear magic underwear and hide the bits you don't like, as well as wearing a posh shawl for example to cover your arms and shoulders.

If you are dark with olive skin and it's a winter do then I would recommend you go for a vibrant colour such as emerald green, purple, magenta etc. You will look STUNNING (I'm thinking a la Nigella Lawson)

I love the colour of this

This would be flattering

also, for anyone that liked the link I had in the OP; I just found this site: www.gorgeouscouture.com/ but there isn't anything on it that I am in love with for this event. Although, I do think it's a great site for clothes to wear to work (with a wrap cardigan/blazer). My DH loves when I wear stuff like this.

I've still got my hopes for Xmas dress pinned on the ASOS one you linked to (black and silver)
They had no stock.
Then only in a size 6
Today they have a size 8
Although losing weight not sure I'll be a size 8 in a few weeks.
Keep checking for that illusive size 10!

I'm sure you'll look stunning.
Shoes are always good. But dress shopping today!!!

Hellbells, pre-order it here- stock comes in on the 22nd of Oct