Help - NEED a dress for a summer ball and haven't got a clue where to start....

[triffictits]

Please help me - this is desperate.

I'm going to a summer ball (its in an Officers Mess, so if any forces people around who could advise it would be fantastic) but I need a dress. It has to be full length and can either be a long evening dress or a ballgown type. I dont want to get one from Debenhams (got one a couple of years ago) - they are fab but 4 others had it on .

Soooooo can you help me please - I am quite tall 5ft 10.

When I say ballgown i dont want a huge fluffy ball, but something a little like a bridesmaids dress maybe? I dont know where to start!

Must avoid high street wherever possible as I dont want to be in the same dress as anyone else!

Have you tried Ebay?

I found this - I reckon it would look good on. (Obviously not sure what size you are so just put 14 to see what's on there!)

quite like that one sidge, but just not convinced about all the pleats.

I'm a 12 - 14.

I really have in my mind a gold dress, but no idea why!

oh, sidge that is one nice dress.

Something like this, or is that a bit too full?

Or something much plainer?

its Shawbury lapin!

What do you think of this one?

www.johnlewis.com/16229/Look.aspx

love the first one sidge, but its just a tiny bit too full.

I'm going to be a nightmare for all you ladies aren't I

triffictits - I really dislike the something much plainer frock. sorry.

i always wear black lapin and want to avoid it if possible.

Well, i dont know if bridesmaidy is the right word - i mean a bit like the second link that sidge posted. But yes, know what you mean.

no, 3rd one! Why, do i sound like a ball virgin

I think the plainer one is too plain, but it's good for comparison I think.

I reckon the fuller one has a net petticoat under it for the picture, so I bet it wouldn't be quite so full in reality.

That dress is gorgeous LL!!

i know lapin, i have this nightmare everytime and when i get there i wonder why i was so worried!

Oh god, i love that dress - where can I buy it lapin?!

i mean the first one - i'm based on the Wirral

Coast?

coast is lovely but too popular iykwim.

I'm off to bed now but will check back tomorrow. Thanks everyone for your help.

OK do you have £615 to spend on this ?

I loved this

choosy! Erm, no i dont have anything like 615 to spend!

Thanks lapin - do you know the stock number of the dress or any other details so i could call them first to see if they stock it?

If not, I'll just have to have a trip over there! Thank you for your help - I'll get one eventually and post a pic for you all. Of course, when i get the dress i'll be back asking for shoes/bag etc!!

Right, must go to bed.