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Original poster

Arghhh please help me with 'posh' clothes advice!

35 replies

janeite · 08/07/2009 21:02

Can't say too much without outing myself but dd1 (14) and I are going to an 'event' soon which will require Dressing Up. Think cocktail dresses or modern prom-style, rather than ball gowns I think. The clothes also have to survive a train journey.

I have a black satin-ish skirt and a corset-type (but pretty and flattering, not tarty) that I think will do, although I could do with a top of some sort to go over it.

What on earth can dd wear though? She is tall - 5'7-8 and very, very slim but with quite broad shoulders. Light brown hair and green eyes. She would look great in a bin bag I imagine - which is about the budget we have!

Shops she buys things from: Gap, H and M, Topshop, Oasis, Warehouse. Shops she aspires to - Chloe, Westwood, Ted Baker, Coast.

Any ideas - as cheap as poss please!

OP posts:
Original poster
janeite · 08/07/2009 21:20

Pretty please?

OP posts:
Original poster
janeite · 08/07/2009 21:57

Oh please, please, please

let me, let me, let me

get what I want, this time.

My lovely dd needs your help!

OP posts:
frAKKINPannikin · 08/07/2009 22:03

Try Monsoon - they do very nice prom dresses. Alternatively Debenhams can be good. With broad shoulders I would avoid halternecks and strapless dresses.

H&M can be fabulous!

Is it an evening do?

Jackstini · 08/07/2009 22:05

I have bought a few Ted Baker things on ebay recently - brand new at very reasonable prices. (

Jackstini · 08/07/2009 22:07

Also where are you? Maybe try an outlet place - e.g. Bicester Village has Monsoon and Karen Millen at great prices

purlease · 08/07/2009 22:08

I've managed to find some great stuff in TKMaxx but it is very hit and miss

Lulubee · 08/07/2009 22:10

Seriously, what is your budget? Without having something to go on we can't start looking! You're lucky that there are LOTS of sales on ATM.

Lulubee · 08/07/2009 22:13

this is rather nice perhaps?

Original poster
janeite · 08/07/2009 22:15

Thanks all.

Evening do, yes. Am in Birmingham, so all high street shops available. Will need to get it this weekend. Her pic is on my profile (the tall one!). She has a beautiful silk twenties style dress but it is far too short now.

Budget - argh - no more than 50 squid max, cheaper if poss, as she will probably never wear it again and is likely to need shoes too. Even better if you can find something that will do for this but that is simple enough to wear to parties etc afterwards.

OP posts:
Original poster
janeite · 08/07/2009 22:17

Ooh yes - that cream one is nice but I suspect she is too skinny for strappy things like that! A nice skirt and top would do too.

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Lulubee · 08/07/2009 22:20

God she's got legs I'd kill for. Is is wrong to be jealous of a 14 year old?

So if that dress is too strappy would something with a bit more 'cover' up top be better? Cap sleeves maybe? I think with her legs she'd be mad to want to cover them up, and also young girls in long dresses look a bit ridiculous IMO - like they're dressing up in mummy's frocks...

oranges · 08/07/2009 22:24

lots here on sale

Original poster
janeite · 08/07/2009 22:24

Cap sleeves better - and yes to showing the legs as they are damn good legs! Her silk dress barely covers her knickers now though and she has to get across town by herself to meet me so I don't want the new dress to be toooooooo short!

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Original poster
janeite · 08/07/2009 22:25

Thanks the ASOS link. I want to get it in town though, so we can try it on/buy/sorted!

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Lulubee · 08/07/2009 22:27

Ahh. I just found a lovely one from Oli, I will post it anyway

here

Original poster
janeite · 08/07/2009 22:29

Link just goes to main page!

We have just about every shop I think - so should be able to get something without resorting to online.

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Lulubee · 08/07/2009 22:31

This is a nice one from Debs but as it's in the sale it's debatable whether you'll get it in the shop...

et voila

Lulubee · 08/07/2009 22:32

You can try though, Debenhams usually have quite a good formal wear selection...

Original poster
janeite · 08/07/2009 22:35

V nice shape but I suspect the colour would wash her out. It looks like Debenhams might have a few possibilities though, if anything is left in store in the sale.

Thanks for your help. Am off to bed now but may bump this tomorrow!

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EachPeachPearMum · 08/07/2009 22:41

What about that gorgeous white dress from M&S.... the model was about 12 IIRC...

EachPeachPearMum · 08/07/2009 22:44

Oh and if you want it... I have the most faulous Karen Millen cocktail dress you could borrow..... certainly could try on....

Original poster
janeite · 09/07/2009 19:39

Thanks for the offer. I'm sorted for me. DD is probably between a 6 and an 8 but I suspect rather taller than you!

I'm going to take her to town for a girly mooch on Saturday. If we don't find anything, will send a panic-filled email on Saturday night!

She doesn't like the lovely white one.

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EachPeachPearMum · 09/07/2009 21:23

Well... DD's cousin is a 6/8 and is a teenager... so if we have to.... She is a bit of a clothes horse too IYKWIM.

TKMaxx is usually good for scouting- often have great prom type things...

Am v intrigued as to what the event might be though... so email me anyway!

Original poster
janeite · 09/07/2009 22:38

You have mail....

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Ewe · 09/07/2009 22:43

Do you have a French Connection? They do so many gorgeous dresses for tall leggy thin people!