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Help, got a work party in 10 days time and want a new dress

22 replies

Freezingmyarseoff · 11/02/2010 12:26

Just realised our work "winter party" is only 10 days away and haven't got anything I want to wear to it. I haven't bought any new evening clothes for years, so want to use it as an excuse to get a new outfit. It's only a small affair, out for dinner with work colleagues & partners (will be 14 in total) but at a upmarket hotel restaurant.

I'm fairly small - size 8-10, 5'5" with an okay figure, (slinky dresses can be quite flattering on me). I don't really like anything v strappy because my bra straps always show, and I've yet to find a comfortable strapless bra that fits (yet to find an affordable bra that really fits, but that's another thread).

Don't think I'm going to have much chance to get to the shops, so need to do this online. I recently tried a couple of black dresses from Boden but they weren't right, and would rather something more colourful.
Oh, and, (if you've managed to get this far), I'm crap at accessories, but would love to add a funky necklace and earrings because I reckon they always make a big difference, just don't have clue what to choose.

Any suggestions of dresses or even just online stores would be v gratefully received.

OP posts:
runforit · 11/02/2010 21:47

Try www.oli.co.uk they have some unusual and nice things...if you are not good at accessories how about an embellished dress? I like this:
www.oli.co.uk/Almost-Famous-Grecian-Dress/productdisplay.stm?An=673&A=15K135_12&N=4294965277+4294967 158+673+697+715+4294966593&Nao=0&Au=PMasterItem&Nu=PMasterItem&Ns=PColour|0||PSize|0

Freezingmyarseoff · 11/02/2010 22:02

Thanks, looks beautiful. Have never heard of oli so will check it out

OP posts:
notyummy · 11/02/2010 22:06

What sort of style do you like? Trendy/classic?

Age?

Covered up or not?

Short, mid or long?

Budget?

notyummy · 11/02/2010 22:12

www.pretaportobello.com/shop/dresses.aspx

Quite funky stuff

www.very.co.uk/rf/vry/s.do/women/dresses/party-going-out?N=151+4294955675+4294956003+4294965120+85+3 103&Np=1&Nu=this_product&seo=t

Liking the Fuse by Preen stuff on this page

www.warehouse.co.uk/fcp/product/fashion/Dresses/stripe-asymmetric-dress/299451
Great with killer heels and big earrings

notyummy · 11/02/2010 22:19

www.net-a-porter.com/product/64993

Slinky - and a mere snip at only a grand.

It's Leger dontcha know.....

Clure · 11/02/2010 22:40

orange
lace
purple
turquoise
blue
green

notyummy · 12/02/2010 08:33

Liking the bottom four of the ones you linked to Clure - although the purple one seemed quite short.

Although as I hurtle towards 40, that could just be me getting old!

Clure · 12/02/2010 20:28

nah! If you have the pins to carry it off. I'm 42 and would wear the purple one! (with tights obviously)

notyummy · 12/02/2010 20:37

Oi! OP! Come back and look at these dresses...

I want to know what you are going to buy.

(I must NOT buy any more dresses so I will just do through others for a while.....)

cornsilk · 12/02/2010 20:41

I tried this on in black but it was a bit tight under the arms for me. Bargainous.

cornsilk · 12/02/2010 20:41

matches deliver super quick BTW.

Clure · 12/02/2010 20:42

cornsilk, that is beautiful

cornsilk · 12/02/2010 21:03

it's a lovely dress - was gutted that it didn't fit.

kissmummy · 12/02/2010 22:44

where has freezing gone? perhaps she got too cold to look at all the suggestions. My fave was your suggestion runforit
Feel like Cornsilk's recommendation should be purchased on principle it is so bargainous. you could prob actually make money on it by selling it on.

Freezingmyarseoff · 13/02/2010 19:26

Sorry, had computer problems for the last couple of days so no replies or online shopping just yet, but about to have a look at all the suggestions and hopefully make a purchase.

OP posts:
Freezingmyarseoff · 13/02/2010 19:37

Also meant to say thanks everyone for the suggestions.
To answer your questions notyummy, I'm 36, budget around £75, mid or short and would prefer something nearer to trendy than classic, but since I've not been out partying much or to the shops much in the last year, my idea of trendy might be a bit behind these days. Having said that, I need to get my monies worth from whatever I buy so classic might be better given the current state of my social life.

My fave two from the suggestions are the purple from clure and the one from runforit.
Will let you know what I go for, and come back with more questions on jewellery and something to keep me warm!

OP posts:
Clure · 13/02/2010 19:50

freezing - just looked at the asos website and the purple one is only in stock in a size 16. They do it in red in a size 10. you could try ebay, don't think oasis stock this anymore.

Clure · 13/02/2010 19:56

there's this purple similar

Freezingmyarseoff · 13/02/2010 20:11

Thanks Clure, I think I prefer the red and they have it in a 10 so will probably order it, although it does look quite short!
also found this fusion pink (hoping the link worked)

OP posts:
Freezingmyarseoff · 13/02/2010 21:35

Well I've just ordered 3 dresses in the hope 1 will be okay
lace
red
and
lbd

Will let you know how it goes....

OP posts:
Clure · 13/02/2010 22:34

all three are lovely dresses. You should find one that works for you!

Freezingmyarseoff · 22/02/2010 12:18

Well unfortunately none of the dresses suited (either poorly fitting or didn't suit me) so I ended up buying a skirt to go with a top I had already.
Thanks for your suggestions though, at least now I've found out about a few new online shops.

OP posts:
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