Gala: What to Wear? - YouLookFab Forum

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Gala: What to Wear?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I just learned that I have been nominated for two National Magazine Awards!

While this is wonderful news, it brings a new dilemma. There is a gala, which I should attend. And -- you guessed it -- I have nothing suitable to wear!

My ordinary life does not include many dressy occasions of this type -- and I just purged my "fancy" LBD as dated, ill-fitting, and just plain unfab.

So, it looks as if I may need to do some shopping! Some information to help guide the decision making:

The event will be held in early June, in Toronto, in an upscale hotel. Cocktail reception followed by dinner and awards ceremony. I have never attended one of these before, but I have attended the Western Magazine Award Ceremony and dress was cocktail, although many women wore long gowns.

I am in Canada, so ordering online from Nordstrom's is unfortunately quite tricky and unreliable. Also, to complicate matters further, I live in a small town where brick and mortar options are few. Worse yet, I will only have a three week window when I return from my current trip. I will have one short visit to Toronto during that time and might be able to do some power shopping if I could pick my destinations in advance.

Online options that would work: J. Crew, BR, the Bay, maybe Shopbop (I haven't tried them.)

Would love your thoughts for an ensemble and/ or shopping destinations!

Dressing

66 replies

Latest reply was from ElleH

tarzy

Veteran

Congrats! I'm useless for gala outfit suggestions, but I'm excited that you've been nominated!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Congrats, Suz - do you have a Melanie Lynn in your area? They seem to have very lovely dresses for events such as yours - I am outsized there, so you might be as well. I find Le Chateau quite hit and miss, but you can always pop in there to check, maybe? They just got in a bunch of summer stock and it's so pretty I must avoid going at all costs!!!

I also have a gala I apparently need to go to - I think I'll just call in sick :p

Anonymous

What about Le Chateau? They have cocktail, formal and wedding/events categories for dresses.

http://www.lechateau.com/style...../cat360104

Glory

Veteran

Suz congrats on this fantastic honour!
I would check Melanie Lynn definately. Also Laura might have some options - they have tons online so might be worth a look.
I would also look at Simons.ca - they have free shipping and returns.
In June it will be quite warm, especially in a banquet hall so that must be considered. I love the idea of a full skirt and fancy blouse. Probably harder to find than a dress though.
Can you give us a steer on what you might like and then we can hunt for you?

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations, Suz! How exciting for you! I think you should wear something classic, simple and in navy

Kristin SF

Veteran

Congratulations!! What a great honor!

I seem to recall from a previous WIW that you wore a LBD with the most gorgeous jacket (ivory?) that you borrowed from a friend, for another dressy event. That outfit looked so classic and chic. Can you reproduce that look with new items when you go shopping?

I also think your new tux shirt with a long black skirt would look fantastic, a la Sharon Stone at the Academy Awards (am I dating myself??).

ETA: Oops color was lavender but you get the idea: http://cashmerejeans.blogspot......shirt.html

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Suz, congratulations, writer extraordinaire, on not one, but TWO award nominations! This does deserve something special and I like where Ingunn is going with this.

You are so fit and have gorgeous arms that a sheath, either sleeveless or with sleeves, would look beautiful on you. Last year there were so many lace options (think Kate Middleton) and I can also see a silky/satiny version of one in a signature color of yours (navy, cranberry, creamy white, pewter, teal, etc.)

Cheers to the Wordsmith! Please keep us posted on your shopping trip.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, thank you everyone!

I have no Melanie Lyne in my area, alas. Nor a Laura. But could go there in Toronto, though as Lyn says, the sizing is often no good for me.

I just found a beautiful navy lace sheath at The Bay -- but it is not available in my size.

I fear this may be a problem in general.

If I had a really gorgeous black tux jacket I would actually love to go in an androgynous Ellen look -- that would be fun, Kristin!

Unfortunately, the LBD I wore in the summer is really too worn and unfab to go to this event, and I do not have the jacket. I looked and looked for something similar after wearing it, but could not find anything like it.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Congratulations, Suz! I am clueless about dressy events and even moreso about shopping in Canada, but you've got some great ideas here already. I love that Sharon Stone look, and you would look great in it. (Um, I imagine you'd button a few buttons, though!)

Can you shop while you're on this trip? Any cool shops or thrift stores where you are now?

Beth Ann

Veteran

What a marvelous dressing dilemma! A gala! An award! The only thing better is an orchestra and a curtain call!

I'm on the run today, but I'll be musing about this. I'm looking for dressy-dresses myself, so I'll keep an eye out for "Suz-Style."

nancylee

Veteran

Congratulations, Suz! What exciting news!

You've gotten a lot of great advice already, so I'll echo what others have said and add that ink or navy blue might be a great color for a summer event. Blue has the simple elegance of black but in a color more suited to warm weather. That said, you can't go wrong with basic black.

Whatever you end up buying should make your heart sing since you'll probably be wearing it often in the future. I'm sure this won't be the last time you receive such honors.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Beth Ann. Firecracker -- I am high in the mountains in a National Park. The only shopping I can do from here is online!

Update: Just checked the Bay. NOTHING in my size. Lots of great-looking sheaths, etc. But none that will fit me. At least not online.

Now I know what Carole and Unfrumped and Joy were freaking out about being MOTB or G. Mine is not as specific a need (I can only imagine!!) but it's something of the same situation. Oy.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

First of all, HUGE congratulations Suz! What an honor. We'll be able to say "we knew her when...."

Now on to business. Agreed that this is a short time frame but it can be done. I assume you want something to fit without requiring alterations since that would add to the time frame? Also, do you have a budget you want to work within? What type of sleeves do you think?

I'm on the same page as Ingunn in terms of navy - so lovely on you and just as classic as black. Plus if you choose something not "too out there", it can become your replacement LBD.

Laura/Laura Petites has a fine selection of cocktail and formal wear dresses IMO and the quality is very good.

Here's just a couple of quick ideas - let us know based on these what is good/not good about them and we can start to help you narrow things down.

http://www.laura.ca/4532-Lace-.....Dress.aspx (I've seen this one in person and it's gorgeous)

http://www.laura.ca/5648-Uneve.....Dress.aspx (may not be dressy enough)

This is taupe, another fab color on you and timeless IMO, from The Bahttp://www.thebay.com/eng/wome....._Dress-they

And speaking of Topshop, you could always liven things up with this dress (which I actually love) http://www.thebay.com/eng/wome.....bay/332170

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Just popping back in as I just read your comments about not having your size in certain items at The Bay. Let me know if I can track down anything for you in person Suz - either from The Bay, or Laura or Melanie Lynn. All three stores are within 1/2 hour from me.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, how the heck did you find that Lauren dress? It might actually fit in a 2 and yet I didn't find it when I searched by size. Hmm. It is gorgeous and reminds me of the one Diana just bought! But Angie will probably advise me against that neckline, alas....I can't really fill it out. I would try it on in person to be sure, but it's unlikely to work.

The lacey one from Laura might...and I actually love the Topshop snake dress, too, and that would not be as short on me as it is on the model!

And thank you SO much for your offer of tracking stuff down. I will do an online shop of those stores to see.

Joy

Veteran

Congratulations! you need to celebrate with a fabulous replacement for your LBD, only it could be taupe or navy. Also, Do you still have that beautiful bronze vintage dressy skirt? Could you find a top you like with it? As I remember, it was classic yet arty. Happy hunting.

rachylou

Veteran

First of all, congratulations!

I'd wear a pretty dress or fancy cigarette-pants suit, not a gown. Sparkle/shine yes, frou no.

Sarah A

Veteran

Congrats Suz! Not sure about the Canadian shopping experience but JCrew my have some good options...

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../71611.jsp

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../49284.jsp

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../34227.jsp (although I might switch the self belt....)

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../25087.jsp (fuschia on sale!)

their bridemaids selection seems to have some good things too... that come in lots of colors!

http://www.jcrew.com/wedding/W...../94433.jsp (and no I didnt just pick this one b/c it is called the Sara Dress)

http://www.jcrew.com/wedding/W...../65251.jsp

Hmmmm... will have to go see the other links fabber have posted to shop for my imaginary lifestyle now

kellygirl

Veteran

Ooh, congratulations, Suz! How exciting. I've got no experience here but am looking forward to seeing the visuals!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations Suz! What a great honor and fun event to look forward to attending. I'm also not very good at dressy/formal events but I like the rec's you've gotten so far from those more in the know. I know whatever you pick, you will look fabulous and I can't wait to see the options.

Mia

Veteran

Congrats! How exciting.

Do you have a BCBG? Here in Vancouver they have lots of gala appropriate gowns and small sizes. I could also see you in vintage for something like this but I appreciate that your time is limited. The skirt Joy mentioned sounds interesting. I also can empathize because putting together this type of ensemble can be expensive and time consuming.

If you can elevate an existing piece with great statement jewelry or bag or top that will have a life outside the awards circuit that might be the way to go. Who wants to spend a bundle and only wear once or twice?

Susie

Veteran

Suz, congratulations on the nominations; that is such an honor!

I don't know if they ship to Canada but you could try "Rent the Runway" if you want a special dress but know that you will only wear it the one time.

Susie

Veteran

Ok, sorry, I checked and they only ship in the US.

Do you have any bridal shops in your area?

Anonymous

OH MY GOODNESS! That is beyond exciting Suz, the heartiest of congratulations to you. You really deserve this honor.

The only thing I can think of that hasn't been mentioned is to go to that fancy high-end consignment shop (was it in TO? I can't remember) and see if you can find some small size couture dresses. Good luck!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Congrats to you! What major dept. stores are in your area? I would go check out their stock for formal/dressy wear and check out JCrew. They have pretty formal dresses.

Mona

Veteran

I am so excited for you, Suz! Congratulations!
You know I am a total novice when it comes to dresses but i am sure you will find something great from above suggestions.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, everybody. I just talked to my husband, who reminded me that I will have a day in Calgary before I come home; he suggested I ask my friend to take me shopping there. So maybe that is what I will do. Claire, brilliant suggestion for Thrill of the Find....they do carry amazing stuff there. I could email her in advance to see what she might have in stock, too.

Mia, we do not have BCBG in my city but maybe in Calgary. Thanks again!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

CONGRATS!!! We will be rooting for you

So you've solved the shopping problem - DRESSY. That's my only other input. And a question. Can you order from Zappos and Amazon?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Angie, thank you -- Zappos won't deliver to Canada. Amazon will (I think) because Shannon has done it. Or at least they will for some items. Not all.

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