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Original poster

these dresses - nice or nasty?

32 replies

iheartdusty · 30/05/2008 19:04

I am invited to a cocktail party tomorrow with old friends and I want to wear a dress.
problem is I am total apple shape with big knockers and enormous tum, so dresses are a problem. also I am 43 so no spring chicken.

I bought 2 today planning to take one back when I have tried them again in peace without the 'help' of the DCs.

can you give me your opinion on each of these please?

this one fits excellently - fresh and pretty or sad and old?
first

this one fits much less well but is nicer design:
second

OP posts:
DoubleBluff · 30/05/2008 19:05

Prefer 2nd one

Saymyname · 30/05/2008 19:05

I like the second one

Neena28 · 30/05/2008 19:05

Second one with nice bits and bobs i think is better.

JackieNo · 30/05/2008 19:06

Tough choice - I like both - I like the colours of the second one better, but if the first one fits better and you feel good in it, go for that one (ie, go for the one you feel most comfortable in).

yama · 30/05/2008 19:07

Actually, I like the first one. Weather is to be nice this weekend so it will be apt.

savoycabbage · 30/05/2008 19:08

I like the second one better too.. Tis lovely.

WinkyWinkola · 30/05/2008 19:10

The first one is pretty but it's very prim. I think you need a bit of sass at a cocktail party.

What about a funky skirt like this one and a cardigan like this nice and simple one ?

CountessDracula · 30/05/2008 19:10

I prefer the second but it has a waist which is not good for apples
does the first have a band just under the norks or a waist (can't tell from photo)

modernart · 30/05/2008 19:12

I like the second one best if I was choosing for me, but I wish we could see them on you.

CountessDracula · 30/05/2008 19:13

get thee over here to see what shapes you should be wearing

Original poster
iheartdusty · 30/05/2008 19:13

thanks everyone.

winky, you have put your finger on it, I fear the first one is prim, but with big norks I feel too exposed in a low cut dress and no 2 is very low cut on me (unlike that foxy model).

maybe I will wear no 2 with a vest under it. Only kidding.

OP posts:
WinkyWinkola · 30/05/2008 19:14

Can't you wear No. 2 with a little black shrug that you can take off after a few glasses of champagne and your confidence grows? Wish I had a big nork problem!

Original poster
iheartdusty · 30/05/2008 19:17

CD they both have shaped bodices, so do a lot for an apple! they are a low-rent version of your lovely monsoon dress on the other thread (no monsoon within reach by tomorrow night)

OP posts:
controlfreakyagain · 30/05/2008 19:21

well you could wear simple plain fitted white camisole under 2nd one and it would still look fab, but you wouldnt be worrying about the lowcutness.....

chonky · 30/05/2008 19:22

Definitely no,2

teafortwo · 30/05/2008 19:25

WOW WOW WOW!!!

The second dress is absolutely stunning - it is sophisticated but the pattern is bold enough to make it feel a bit edgy and youthful too.

The problem is, you say it doesn't fit well... I was thinking...can you or do you know someone who can do a few alterations here and there to make this dress p.e.r.f.e.c.t - perfect!??!

I cannot sew but bought a "must have but it doesn't fit" dress and was amazed at how cheaply dress makers will do that sort of thing. The only problem is time is not on your side if the party is Saturday!!! Perhaps you could look on yell.com this evening? Or find out if any mners who can sew and live near you...Mmmm??? So, ladies... Anyone out there?

LavendersBlueDillyDilly · 30/05/2008 19:26

No 2 looks nicer, but always go for the clothes that fit you beat, they will alawys be more flattering.

HOWEVER, it sounds more like a confidence issue to me, and maybe you need to get the confidence to flash your cleavage a bit more. If you can't flaunt it at a cocktail party when can you?

I have large norks and have only in the past few years starting wearing low cut tops, but have slowly realised that on occasions they are an asset and can look good with a bit on show, instead of feeling like they are rather embarassing and need to be covered at all times.

Saying that I bought a low V top dress similar to your No2 from warehouse and it was so low I did wear a cami under it to give a bit of coverage, but it was a Holy Communion, had in been an evening party. I'd probably have just got them out!

oxocube · 30/05/2008 19:28

love number 2

CountessDracula · 30/05/2008 19:28

what sort of cocktail party?
I mean is it smart? I wouldn't wear that monsoon one to a cocktail party for eg

CountessDracula · 30/05/2008 19:29

How about getting a really nice bra that you wouldn't mind flashing and wearing that under no 2

LynetteScavo · 30/05/2008 19:29

I prefer no 2, by far.

CountessDracula · 30/05/2008 19:31

where do you live dusty
you really need this dress I bought for a wedding the other day it is perfect for apples and norks are well under control (see other thread recentish post)

Original poster
iheartdusty · 30/05/2008 19:33

not smart, it is a fun party at the home of old friends but they want everyone to dress up a bit.

the fitting problem is mostly to do with the low-cut-ness, tbh, there is a bit of spare material at the sides of the bodice but not too much.

I think I will try to hoick up the top a bit, if I pin or sew the straps up a bit and choose my bra carefully it might be OK.

Thanks for your comments Lavenders.
several years (and about 1.5 stones) ago I wore a low-ish top to a party and got loads of comments - they were all nice comments, but it still made me feel a bit selfconscious, and now I feel my general lack of body maintenance and grooming means I can't really live up to clothes which flash skin and call for attention.

OP posts:
Lazycow · 30/05/2008 19:35

Well I was going to say I prefer no 2 as well but I'm not sure it would suit an apple shape really. That may be why it doesn't fit very well. I would always go for something that fits well and feels/looks good on over what it looks like in a picture.

Could you post some pictures of you wearing them?

Then maybe we could judge better Not that I'm being nosy or anything -

LavendersBlueDillyDilly · 30/05/2008 19:39

As CD says, get a bra which was designed to be seen....apply fake tan the fake tan, have a glass of wine, apply makeup and bronzer liberally, have another glass of wine, put on high heels and perfume....

you will feel confident, look good, sparkle with wit and flaunt your norks with sexiness and humour, belive me I've tried it it works