Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Please help....no dress for the ball

48 replies

Only1scoop · 22/06/2016 22:12

After great success on the wonderful posters on S&B sourcing me a gorge wedding outfit last year....I'm back for more.

I have a black tie ball in 2 weeks. No dress. No clue. Wanted to lose 2 stone and haven't.

I'm 5'6" about a 16 12.5 stone snd feeling vile. I need a posh frock. I have dark hair will softly spray tan. Need longish with my arms as covered as Poss. Will have to wear scaffolding style pants under whatever to hold me in.

Can't really highlight best bits as currently are none.

Used to be quite stylish/glam and now....am not.

Don't even know what's in it or out.

Like Jewel colours....midnight blues....rich purples or of course. Black.

Any ideas at all?

Can access high street JL house of F etc....up to around 200.00

Need shoes too, not spiky heels tendon injury and slightish limp.

Thanks so much for any help.

OP posts:
Original poster
Only1scoop · 23/06/2016 07:09

Will do Orange and thanks again, fingers crossed I don't look too hideous in it.

The phase 8 is lovely. I'd need arm coverage though....

OP posts:
Original poster
Only1scoop · 23/06/2016 07:12

Same with the Biba

Beautiful colour though

OP posts:
blueskyinmarch · 23/06/2016 07:20

Do you really need arm coverage though? I am 53 with arms to reflect that. The top bit isn’t too exposing and in the dim light of a ballroom no-one will notice your arms. They really won’t. You will boil in a long sleeve dress.

YesThisIsMe · 23/06/2016 07:23

If you're off to John Lewis in person then you could book a personal shopper to help you - this is exactly what they're there for. Leave some space in your budget for specific underwear if necessary. Have a nice time.

Original poster
Only1scoop · 23/06/2016 07:25

I really do, they are currently awful.

Last time I had an event and was this untoned, I spent the whole Eve faffing around with some scarfy pashmina wrap thing.

To be honest if my arms weren't this awful, that design is the kind of cut I'd go for.

It's a lovely dress I bet it looked gorgeous on you

OP posts:
Original poster
Only1scoop · 23/06/2016 07:29

Yes

I was wondering that. I've never done that before.

I've ordered the two dresses to be delivered to the local Waitrose by tmrw. If they don't look ok I may return them in person to store and book a personal shopper.

Thanks

OP posts:
Eastpoint · 23/06/2016 07:32

What about Gorgeouscouture.com? They have lots of dresses, with & without sleeves.

ScarlettDarling · 23/06/2016 07:42

This isn't the colour you wanted but I think this dress is gorgeous

ScarlettDarling · 23/06/2016 08:00

Love this dress too!

Please help....no dress for the ball
adrianabelshaw · 23/06/2016 10:45

I'm a fan of Ted Baker so would definitely recommend you to check out what they've got in store!

MissBianca · 23/06/2016 13:03

I like the blue Asos one ScarlettDarling linked to, the one with the cape shoulders.

I am a bit worried that some of the other ones are perhaps a little old/dowager, rather than glam...I am a bit older than you and would not really think of wearing some of these, although I am not thin.

Original poster
Only1scoop · 23/06/2016 13:14

Thanks so much for all these suggestions.

Wouldn't have even know these web sites of exquisite dresses even existed.

I do like the navy Jacques Vert I ordered that last night.

Dreading the try on though.

OP posts:
Original poster
Only1scoop · 24/06/2016 19:00

They have arrived!!

Think it will be the JV structured navy strapless with the cape thingy it's quite fitted so with scaffold pants etc holds my flab in quite well.

The other whilst lovely is ruched all round including bum area and I feel a bit large in it....it's also really long.

Going to try on with proper shoes later....

Will give verdict.

Thanks so much all

Are fitted chokers still in or a bit naff? I'm wondering if a simple one around neck would be OK?

I'm thinking silver shoes and I have a lovely silver envelope clutch. Are they too with the ark? Grin

OP posts:
orangebird69 · 24/06/2016 19:36

No choker!!!! If the Kardashians are wearing it, it's not good. Silver would be lovely with navy though.

Original poster
Only1scoop · 24/06/2016 19:39
Grin Thanks Orange

I bought it years ago from a jeweller who crafts wire creations it's very muted silver but I'm going air on the side of caution though....

OP posts:
Original poster
Only1scoop · 24/06/2016 19:43

The dress is the Navy JV one that

Shehasawildheart kindly listed.

I'm hopeless at links etc.

Jacques Vert though I always think of it as slightly granny....

But if it does the job heyGrin

I have below shoulder long layered straight hair but I'm thinking up?

What do you reckon?

OP posts:
orangebird69 · 24/06/2016 20:51

I would up-do with that neckline. Ok, post a picture of the choker and I may reconsider Grin

Mess55monster · 24/06/2016 22:05

That's a lovely dress OP. Glad you've found something you're happy in. Enjoy your do.

Original poster
Only1scoop · 24/06/2016 22:12

Ah thanks Mess

Keep looking at the AP one again now.

It's really lovely....

However I need to be comfortable and I think I'll be better in the JV

Thanks so much all

Wouldn't have found these without you all.

OP posts:
Original poster
Only1scoop · 26/06/2016 21:48

Tried it on again and think it looks a bit bridesmaid....then I read description and it says ideal for bridesmaid Confused

What do you reckon?

I've ordered another 3 different ones....will try and link.

OP posts:
Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 27/06/2016 08:09

Have you tried Lindy Bop. The dresses on there are fab.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page