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Holy grale of shopping fun - help me choose a long formal dress! :)

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I have a very formidable style challenge coming up at the beginning of April. It's so formidable, in fact, that preparation must begin now. My dad has decided that the entire family is going on a cruise to celebrate Mom's 65th birthday. Seven days in the Caribbean sounds lovely, but also stressful. For one thing, Corey won't be there (it's crunch time for his master's degree and he can't get away). For another it means seven days of unrelenting, undiluted family scrutiny in a climate that won't let me cover up.
The recent weight loss (which I plan to continue) will surely help somewhat, but there will be much agonizing over every detail in the coming weeks. My initial plan is to just get a lot of my existing summer clothes taken in rather than stock up on everything brand new. There is one thing that I don't currently own, though, and it's the most fun of all. There's a formal night on this ship. Ergo I need a formal long dress! Squee!

Rina's boutique has an amazing dress selection, and I do intend to stop there, but I came across a page with a great roundup of current designs from the labels she carries. I wanted to get your take on these before I do anything else. Nordy's and Macy's also have some options, but I will focus on those selections in another thread.

For now, do any of these strike you? I'm wide open on things like sleeve length, colour etc:
http://www.curvety.com/product.....;SubCat=17

Shopping

29 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

MsMary

Veteran

I think the "Simone" gown would be PERFECT for a cruise! The neckline looks modest with no cleavage. It's a lovely satin bodice with about one-inch wide straps, and a knife-pleated white skirt with a lovely floral print. Comes in "jade" or "fuchsia," both lovely.

How do you feel about sleeveless? You could always do a little shrug or bolero over it.

Meredith1953

Veteran

I agree with MaryK,
The Simone dress is lovely and formal without being over the top. I'd wear a shrug or shawl also. I particularly like the jade color although the fuschia is nice also.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I concur with Meredith and MaryK;

I think the Simone dress will be lovely for you; and I prefer the fuchsia over the jade colour - I think it will look showstopping with your lovely hair!

*BIG HUGS* Sounds like a very exciting adventure!

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Mary and Meredith, I'm ok with sleeveless. won't object to a shrug, of course, but I'm not as sensitive about my arms as I am about...other parts. :p
I'm surprised a patterned gown seems to be taking the lead. I would have thought a solid would be more timeless and me-looking.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I can also see you in the Lenore Lace one too - I love the sleeves that are elbow length and black lace see-through; but I'm not sure if you'd be okay with this? I like the higher neckline and the way the dress drapes on the model - very slimming!

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I'm ok with lace, though not high necklines.
What I really need, I think, is structure, waist definition and classic glamour. That's what I want in a formal dress, with or without the parents.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I am quite in love with "ESTRELLA GOWN IN RED" for a waist defining gown - I love the brilliant red colour; reminds me of red carpet glam; I can see it with a bold red lip and a black fascinator on the head. It reminds me of the red dress in Inglorious Basterds

MsMary

Veteran

I also like the Estrella for you! Honestly, I picked the Simone because it's so... cruisey! If it were for a different occasion I might have gone to the Estrella first. But that lovely print is just perfect for a balmy night at sea in the Caribbean!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

OK, my favorite for you is the socialite. Although it is very simple and probably more to MY taste than yours...it does have split sleeves with rhinestones, although other than that it is very plain...and comes in black or a bright-ish purple.

I also like the Margot gown (it is bright blue, not really cobalt, IMO). It has a deep V neckline and a slight off the shoulder sleeve...which I think would look lovely on you but not sure if you can do a strapless bra?

The third choice of mine for you is the lace Analisa dress. It is a teal satin with a black lace overlay. V-neck and long lace-only sleeves.

Another dress which looks like it has potential is the Evangeline dress.

I think I would prefer a v-neckline for you rather than a straight-across neckline. I think it would be the most flattering. Also, do you wear empire waists well? I think your blue dress is empire?

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

In terms of "structure" you would have to wear underpinnings with the Socialite and Margo gowns because they look to be jersey. The lace Analisa dress with it's satin underdress would likely provide more innate structure, and the Evangline dress has a substantial empire waistband that would likely do the same (plus, it is also satin, not a knit). So, I guess in terms of structure you'd probably feel more comfortable in the Analisa or Evangeline dresses. I like the emerald color for the later. I'm thinking something with a halter v-neckline and empire waist might do wonders for you.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all your suggestions, ladies!
Jenava: I really liked the sound of the Evangeline when I was reading through things, but that Analissa sounds lovely too. For some reason I was drawn to the idea of the amethyst evangeline, though emerald also sounds appealing. Empire waists can be hit or miss - they have to be cut right for my longer, taller body. When they work, though, they're wonderful so long as it doesn't poof out all maternity-style.

mirrorlight

I'm immediately struck by how pretty the Evangeline is - I really like the overall shape and the rhinestone detail. Both colors are pretty but the dark amethyst is my fave, I think.

PJ

They are all elegant, but I like the Lenore for you. It is a little more fashion-forward and youthful with the lace sleeves and layering.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I hear you on the "maternity" look that empires can sometime cause! The Lenore, IMO, is a bit odd...it has two very high slits in the skirt, although there is a long, unslit lace overlay. Other than the slits the dress actually looks a little matronly to my eye.

Of course, you have plenty of time to shop, so hopefully you can try some things on at stores, as well?

I think the Evangeline might work because the empire is more of a cummerbund style and is an inverted v shape. So, it's not just a thin, high seam. That might be something to watch for in other dresses as well, as it will skim your smallest part right under your bust and (hopefully) keep the "maternity" affect to a minimum?

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

The only one on the nordies site I liked was this one:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ad.....tback=1213

Reported to be "slimming" by several reviewers. I am pretty sure this is the same dress that Kristen (forum member with the blog Low Fat Dressing) owns.

ETA - yes, here is her post on the dress...
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....own-update

This dress is more fitted in the skirt. It, too has an empire waist but it doesn't go out under the waistline - it stays fitted. It has short tiers that look like shutters or scales all the way down it's length and it flares out a bit from the knee. The top is a very simple crossed bodice with black lace overlaying a nude/pink satin material (I think).

cobaltblue

Veteran

The Evangeline gets my vote! I think its V neckline would be super flattering on you.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I *love* the suggestion Jenava has just made - beautiful dress, and it looks fabulous on Kristen ...

Something about this particular dress (as per Jenava)? It could work for both warm-ish or winter-ish weather. The cruise is in April, and it's also to a warm-ish destination - something to consider in your search. Another thing to consider is being able to wear it again. I love the patterned skirt one that MaryK likes - absolutely perfect for a cruise...but I am not sure where you'd wear it again, unless you take up cruising to tropical locales. All of that said - if you're losing weight, then being able to wear the fancy formal dress again might not be on the agenda.

What's the shipping like for you from Nordstrom? A hassle? I'm kind of curious for my own sake too (well, my Mom's ...since she loves to shop for clothes and there are a lot of things on the Nordstrom site that might work for her too...just that we're stumped as to what it's actually like to order from Canada).

April's really not that far away...eeek! Also - is there one or possibly *two* formal nights on the cruise? The cruises I've been on have two...

Hope you enjoy your trip. If you can swing it, I recommend getting a stateroom with a balcony - nothing like putting your feet up late at night and enjoying the ocean air, all by yourself, and away from all the hubub.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I really like the dress that Jenava suggested that KristenKP owns. Extremely flattering and so pretty. As you mention, though, I can also see you in emerald green - you have the ideal coloring for it.

Sylvie

Veteran

I really like the Evangeline if you feel comfortable with wearing a sleeveless v-neck dress with your family. You've mentioned before how they sometimes want you to cover up more than you need to. The jeweled detail of the Evangeline is beautiful.

Second choice is the Analisa. The lace sleeves are so classy (although it also has a plunging v-neck)

I'm not as big a fan of the Simone (sorry) because the solid top half and colored bottom looks too casual for my eyes. Fine for a nice dinner on a cruise but not it's not that formal/glamorous.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all so much for the input, Ladies!
Jenava, you and I are sharing brainspace. When I looked on the Nordstrom site last night, that was the only dress the sounded appealing and I meant to show it to you guys in the next round. Sounds like it's already gaining traction.
If I were to order, say, that one + the Evangeline for a head-to-head showdown, would you go for the amethyst or emerald in the latter?

sarah

Veteran

Michelle, both of those dresses seem like great choices for you. For the Evangeline, I could imagine you in BOTH colors. Perhaps the emerald is touch more "spring-like", but honestly, they would be look fabulous on you. Both are quite deep dark shades of their respective colors, FYI.

What fun to be planning a cruise! I hope you share your cruise capsule with us.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Michelle, both of those colors will be fantastic on you, so choose the one that most appeals to you! Can't WAIT to see them...

Anonymous

I'll reserve comment until seeing you in the gowns, but it looks like you have several beautiful options. Since green is trending, the emerald might be good. How exciting to go on a cruise! The ship will probably be quite large and afford lots of opportunities to get away from the family at times.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

My favourites are the Evangeline, Estrella, and Analisa, in that order. Or the one at Nordstrom's. I don't like the elbow length sleeves on the Lenore. Maybe it's just me but somehow that feature always screams "I'm a plus size and I am trying to hide my arms" to me. Too many encounters with poorly designed formal wear, perhaps? But I like the longer sleeves, especially with the contrasting teal, on the Analisa dress.

I need to invent a black tie occasion. I have this fantastic ball gown that I have never had a chance to wear. This sounds like an exciting event!

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Ha, oh my gosh look at my old thread appearing again! Too funny. I did so love my dress with the shuttered pleats; it was great at keeping all my lumpy parts in and in place without having to wear a girdle or too much Spanx. The downside is that you see that style everywhere so it is likely you won't be the only one in it.

Michelle, I would caution on the Evangeline only because it really looks like it is shaped for severe pairs; the top half is much narrower than the bottom, and that is what it emphasizes. I'm a pear myself -- I don't need my dress to do it for me, you know? I prefer the Estrella, the Annalise in black (the teal looks...cheap?), or the Lenore.

I was actually at Nordstroms yesterday and I spotted a stunning new evening dress there that I was scrambling to figure out if I had a place to wear it, but it is empire-waist style and short so I won't even bother linking it for you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My first reaction to your dress selection was the Lenore dress with the lace sleeves. That screams Michelle to me.

If you were my client, we'd go down to Nordies and try on dresses by Tadashi Shoji and Adianna Papell.

How fun, Michelle! We are here to help you every step of the way

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all. Much appreciated.
Angie, I looked on the Nordy's site and didn't actually see any Tadashi dresses available. Some were on the Bloomingdales site, but I couldn't get a good read on how they looked. Are there any particular AP styles htat have jumped out at you of late? Would Kristen's dress be an option?
I'm making an appointment with Rina to go over her selection. Yes she carries some of the styles from the labels I originally linked to, but she always has a lot more in store than she advertises. I'm hoping she'll be able to help me out again.

rute

Veteran

My favorite are:
1. Lenore
2. Analisa

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Unfortunately nothing online is grabbing me at the moment, Michelle - other than the Lenore. I prefer the longer sleeve on the Lenore as opposed to the grown on sleeve on Kristen's dress. But the style of Kristen's dress is great and I have seen it on bodies many times!