Oh dear god. Going to a 'ball'. Please advise

[chrissnow]

It's DH's summer ball in June (I know this is very advance, but I suspect I will need to save up pennies to buy dress!!). It's black tie. Very posh hotel we're staying in. Directors etc will all be there. I want to look fabulous. Prefer not to wear a black dress as I suspect every woman and her dog will be in one!!! I need to compete with the very rich wives whilst not being at all rich (think champagne lifestyle - lemonade budget)
Anyone out there to help? What details of my size/colouring do you need?

I honestly think that Monsoon are really brilliant for really cheap evening dresses. They always look nice, and I can count on something when in a tearing hurry. I'll try to find some options for you online.

tk maxx is a great hunting ground for ball gowns and evening dresses

I second Monsoon. Usually something there to suit everyone. The other route to think about would be to hire something if you think you would never wear anything like this again. That said, if you chose carefully from Monsoon you could probably find something that you could wear again to a posh wedding or similar.

What size/shape are you?

Monsoon but they're not cheap and everyone tends to wear them.
I'd go to TKmaxx, more likely to find one offs and loads of colours and styles.
What size and shape are you chrissnow?

if you are a 10 I may be able to lend something

what shape are you? could you go braless?

Is the hotel where it is being held close to home? I recommend going to your hairdresser on the day and getting them to blowdry your hair - or even put it up for you, if thats something you'd like. Also, suggest going to a department store and getting someone to do your make up - either on the day or shortly beforehand and teaching you. Most places are happy to do it provided you spend a certain amount on products (which you'll probably want to anyway). Feeling professionally 'groomed' is always fun, I think.

I am what you'd call awkward shaped. Trinny and Susannah's shape guide said vase!! The outfits the computer generated were foul!!! Hance I thought the MN massive would prob be better.
MrsBadger - thanks...bra-less at 32E probably best for everybodie's safety that I keep 'em strapped up!!!
I'm 5foot ish. size 8 bottom - with the norkage tend to be 12ish on top.
I'm dark haired, but pale (but not pinky english rose pale) hazel eyes - just in case that is helpful for colours. I love colour but tend to wear black/brown/grey (I am working on getting out of that rut!!)
I do have some fab fab fab shoes (posted pic on profile - ignore furry stole thing - they're pics from my wedding album) 4/5 inch heel - dead glam I'd quite like them to receive an outing as they were hideously expensive and have only ever been worn on wedding day)

OOh chrissnow, i could see you in deep emerald green

boudoricca - No it's in London. we're in Essex and prob not leaving early enough for pampering session. (childcare!!!) I have short hair anyway so that's not an issue. Although now you've said that I may need to re-think my spiky do if I'm wearing evening dress!!!

green? Don't think I've ever owned or worn green. Willing to try it.

Your lo's pics are just beautiful, what amazing eyes.

thanks!! Yes they are gorgeous. Hence they don't need style tips - I DO!!! sorry just kidding!!!

I think short hair can be very glamorous. Might be interesting to see what the make up people recommend, maybe once you've found your dress, you can recreate their look later.

Your dcs are gorgeous

Spikey hair will be cool, with evening dress, just make you look different to everyone with their up do's etc. (I have short dark cropped hair as well you see and love it being different)
I would definately try some rich colours

hmm - I have a Monsoon dress in olive green which would fit and will take a bra underneath (bias cut so small arse no problem) but it isn't really wow

can photograph if you like

I should be ok make-up wise. I'm quite good at that bit. I tend to go dramatic on the eyes (like the LO's my eyes are my best feature) and I can pick out what colour I'm wearing in the eye makeup. I did consider a facial beforehand, but is that going to leave me red and blotchy? Maybe a couple of days before so I have lovely soft skin to ruin with too much make-up, booze and late night!!??

MrsBadger you are very kind (and funny) since when has a small arse caused a problem!!!

gold

teal

on sale

any of these?

hmm?
Love the colour (would it suit me?)
Love the top half (need a fab bra!!)
Is it too long for a short arse though. Would I look like I'm floating??? Or dressed up in my mom's clothes?

lovely colour, worth trying on with shoes for length

get a fake spray tan the day before
whatever you wear will look twice as fab!

(no good on style advice)

well it's green!!

I kinda like being pale!! It works for Nicole Kidman.

much better
bra may be an issue though