Dress for a birthday meal

[24kPalamino]

I have a summer birthday. I’ll be in The Keys and going to a lovey beachside restaurant.
I’ve seen this dress and I really like it, but my friend has put me off a bit saying it looks a bit cheap.
This is an AI picture, because I wanted to see how the dress would look against my colouring. The original model was blonde. The dress however looks like this.
Thoughts welcome and appreciated.

I have done. Fingers crossed, but I do have time before we go. I’m sure something perfect will come up.

The muffin was arguably worth the trip, so I’m not too mad. I should have known to ring, but I think I got a little over excited 😂

This is cotton, so would be cool. Pretty print.

https://www.otrium.co.uk/product/louisa-alexis-dress-orange-multi

Very beautiful! And looks like it could be dressed up or down for daily wear. Not expensive either!! Two size 6 left, no 8. But quite a ‘loose’ fit, so probably would fit well! Even if I didn’t wear it for my birthday, it’s a lovely day time dress.
Thank you for this link. If you’re not a personal shopper and stylist you’ve missed your calling!

Can I ask your opinion on this one from Next?
I’m not as beautifully bronzed as this gorgeous model, but think with a bit more of a tan the colour would suit.

It's a good website for higher-end high street stuff like LK Bennett etc at really reduced prices. You might spot other things for your holiday on it.

I was just looking for red/orange/pink shades in dresses, after your comment about sunset colours. Might be a good idea to diversify a bit though - in case you get swallowed up by a visiting group of Hare Krishnas ... 😁!!!

Thanks very much for the compliment! I am a designer, & did at one time swither about changing over to fashion or jewellery - but stuck with my Landscape Architecture degree & now specialise in garden design! But still love fashion (& jewellery!).

I really like it! I'm a big fan of one shoulder dresses - very retro. I have a lovely early 60s one-shouldered dress in a similar colour with a sort of train/scarf trailing down from the one shoulder - it reminds me of that! Though this is a bit more 70s.

Thanks, I find Next super easy for returns so I might grab it and see what it looks like.

Thanks again for your help!

You could always look at true vintage options ... I used to wear a lot but am bigger than I used to be. You're a perfect size to fit vintage dresses - like this beauty ...!!

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1903588745/1950s-frank-usher-evening-dress-floral?ref=share_ios_native_control

Oh wow! 🤩

I meant to also say, have you ever tried on Rixo dresses? Mostly bias cut & similar styles, so if one suits & fits well, then most should.

On the pricier side new, approx £200-400 - but lots on eBay/Vinted for less if you see something special. Lots of silk & bright/jewel colours. This sort of thing.

Lots of good deals on silk/cotton Rixo dresses, short/long etc. These are all size 8 & under £100 - mostly under £60!

That red silk halter neck is gorgeous! And it costs about the same amount to buy it as it does to rent it for 4 days from Hurr ... And the cotton chevron one is a great day dress.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7752493435-rixo-midi-dress

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7349594203-rixo-golden-mini-dress

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8070051053-rixo-valerie-silk-printed-dress

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7881120182-eco-sandstone-dress-retro-chevron-8

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8202974833-rixo-june-red-floral-ruffle-midi-dress-100-cotton-xs

This just popped up too. Really strong warm rose pink - polyester though, but rather nice ...

https://gerarddarel.com/en-uk/products/robe-elvy_6623

Squeaks in under budget ...

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/poupette-st-barth-mabelle-printed-front-slit-midi-dress-pink-p00945554

Fireworks not sunset - but really well-reduced, silk & floaty & dramatic!!

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?

Or this by the same brand.

https://nrbyclothing.com/products/dahlia-silk-placement-flower-dress

There are some beautiful dresses here! The fireworks dress is lovely. Very unusual and I have other evenings where this would be perfect! Fireworks viewing from a boat for example. The Rixo brand i’d never heard of, but some of those dresses are lovely. I actually really like that little black one with all the coloured spots and the halterneck is lovely. At this rate, though I’m gonna need a bigger case lol! I’m not sure I realise there was anything out there beyond Marks & Spencer’s and next!
At least I have lots to choose from.

There's loads of other places!!! Thing is, M&S & Next have basically become the online equivalents of department stores, & stock lots of different labels. So it's probably quite easy not to look any further.

I love the little black & metallic dress too - that's why I posted it as well as all the sunset ones! Wasn't sure if you liked short stuff though, but it's very 80s disco in an excellent way! A silk-mix too, & the halter neck is silk too - so they'd roll up to nothing on your case 😁

Make an offer & take the risk? If you don't like them you can always resell with the near certainty of at least getting your money back (or more, if you put on really good photos & a proper description).

Some more info & photos on the black one:

RIXO's 'Golden' dress is woven with metallic fil coupé threads to resemble bird feathers. Made from silk-blend chiffon, it has a plunging wrap-effect neckline and artful ruching through the skirt. Style yours with glittering accessories and heels.

• 65% Silk 35% Metallic
• Lining 100% Polyester
• Product Code: 1647597286064921

And the Valerie red peony print dress is a lovely shape. Some more photos & a description of it.

DESCRIPTION
The RIXO Valerie Peony Flora dress is the perfect piece to wear for your next evening event. Luxuriously crafted from pure silk, the sleeveless dress boasts a unique high neck with a tie detail, a fit and flare hip fit, two slits at the front. Style your beautiful dress with elegant jewellery and a distinct bag.
DETAILS AND CARE
100% silk
Fit and flare hip
Midi dress
Sleeveless
Button fastening at back
Zip fastening at back
Two splits at front
High neck
Tie at neck
Dry clean only