seeking inspiration for a winter wedding

[goodnightmoon]

i'm not the bride, just a random guest looking for something fabulous but not overly formal to wear to a wedding in a week.
I am really tired of my usual dress-up uniform of Karen Millen cocktail dresses, though they are probably what flatters me best and reflect my somewhat retro sense of style.
I am 5'4", size 10ish, with a fairly slim hourglass figure but not so nice legs or arms.
My legs are fine with tights but I don't really feel like baring my arms at this stage in the season, though it may be inevitable.
Any tips are welcome. I have no idea where to look/shop, after having exhausted the Coast and Karen Millen sites, as well as ebay.
many thanks!

Tried Phase 8?

ooh, some nice stuff there.
any other suggestions?

John Lewis

Hobbs. Much more sober though

LK Bennett

i'm going to have to go shopping, aren't i? for some reason i am dreading buying yet another cocktail dress. especially after my last debacle buying a (reasonably good) fake karen millen on ebay that looks half fabulous (the top)/half terrible (the bottom).

i kind of want to be one of those guests wearing something slightly inappropriate (skirt and top?) but still looking great!

I have this app4.sellersourcebook.com/members/watch/enlarge.php?vers=4&aid=&img=57667/rose_ditsy_plum_s_black_fu shiafrillsbfly_051.jpg&eid=99-97-114-97-109-101-108-98-105-115-99-111-116-116-105&enc=1&cc=ebay.co .uk skirt but can't figure out a dressy top for it.

That's a dress tghough.

actually it's two pieces. i have the skirt only.

If you like retro style, try Vivien of Holloway (google for the online shop) and get either the wiggle dress or the fab circle-skirted dress and a big fluffy petticoat. Could wear it with a bright, long-sleeved fitted cardigan for the cold bits during the day (perhaps with fabulous vintage brooch) and also fishnets (flesh coloured) or seamed tights and then take off the cardi/replace with a little matching bolero in the evening. I have a fab wiggle dress and matching bolero from Whirling Turban but would be too late to get anything from there as they are in Bali and the shipping takes an age.

Also Unique Vintage do fab retro stuff, especially the Stop Staring! brand which is lovely, but they're in the USA so again shipping takes a while. Have always been pleased with the quality of stuff from there though.

ok, that sounds good but i've bought two dresses now. Thanks moondog for introducing me to Phase 8. I bought this and this

Both look better than the photos actually. Now i have to find shoes!! (and decide which dress to wear.)

did i just out my alterego? i guess so - i have two mumsnet names! oops.

i see i already did it the other day anyway. doh.