Oh No & a wardrobe hole identified (ETA check out pic added @ bottom) - YouLookFab Forum

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Oh No & a wardrobe hole identified (ETA check out pic added @ bottom)

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Last night I decided to try on the blue lace dress with my shoe and clutch options to start to narrow down what I was going to wear to my son's grad dinner & dance. And you know what? The blue lace dress DOESN'T fit! It's not that it's either too big or too small, but somehow the shape isn't fitting my body anymore. Seriously, it was unflattering.

So then I tried on my black sheath dress and it just didn't dress up the way I was hoping. It looked too casual.

A dressy dress is now a major wardrobe hole I have identified. I do not need a formal/cocktail dress very often but I do need to have one fabulous one that I can grab when I need and feel great in.

I now have three weeks before the grad to figure something out. Nothing like adding a little stress to the mix

I will first of all be hitting my favourite high end consignment store as they often have fabulous formal dresses. It's actually an item that can be purchased quite easily for good consignment stores as they are often bought by someone to wear once or twice and then sent off for sale. I really don't want to spend a fortune as I have other more pressing household expenses right now as well as the cost of the grad itself, so if I can snag a gorgeous dress for a great price, all the better.

Wish me luck!

Shopping

57 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, I was wondering about that. It is a good problem to have, but there's no doubt that it is a problem! I wonder if Wonder Woman can do anything with it? In case you do not find anything, I mean.

I had this issue, too. My LE program was only 6 months so I would have been at the end of it around this point you are now. And that is when I suddenly realized that my clothes not only did not fit, but did not look right. I needed to look for new shapes and silhouettes for a lot of things -- it was quite an adventure, and I'm still learning!

Good luck!

Mochi

Veteran

Good luck, Shannon. As it turns out, I am suddenly (as in, before June 16th) needing a dress for a dance, and it has to have a certain type of flair to it, and obviously look good, and I haven't even owned a dress in years. I mean YEARS. So I have no idea where to shop for one, I am flailing about, I just ordered a Bailey 44 thru Nordstrom that I hope 1. gets to me on time 2. fits and 3. really looks and feels nice so that I can dance in it. And even then it's gonna cost me $175, which is way more than I would normally feel comfortable spending on an occasional-use item of clothing I may even size out of and not be able to alter down the line.

So I am hijacking your lament to say that yeah, we can panic together!

Anonymous

Even if you find something different, wise Suz has a good idea about taking the blue lace and maybe the black dress to Wonder Woman. A great little black (or other neutral that goes with your jackets) dress would be good to have in the closet for those surprise occasions.

Deborah

Veteran

Shannon is the black sheath you mention your BR dress? I was thinking how lovely that would look with the right accessories etc.

dizzys

Its funny that you mention formal wearat the consignment stores. Its amazing how much formal wear I find at the goodwill and other second hand stores. Just a matter of finding something that works for you. Good luck to you!!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Well, if anyone would find the perfect dress in a consignment store, it would be you. Too bad about the lace dress, though! Is it nothing to be done about it? However, I suppose it is good news too, as in that the exercise and diet is working Good luck hunting, Shannon - and I think the black sheath would do fine as a FBO if nothing else turns up.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Suz - I'm not sure it's worth taking the lace dress to Wonder Woman. I suspect my shape is going to continue to change and altering it to fit me now may not work in a few months. Plus it looks "off" - I don't know how to explain it. Suddenly it's too loose looking just under the bust, but tighter feeling in the shoulders and then tighter feeling in the waist and looser in the hips. I guess it's all based on where the inches are coming off and where muscle is being built. Does that make any sense?

Mochi - yikes! Your time frame is even shorter than mine and heck ya, we can lament together! Good luck right back at ya!

Joy - I definitely need to find a great little dress that will always work.

Deborah - yes, my black BR sheath. But I find it borders on a bit too short for me and even dressed up, it seemed too casual.

dstalksalot - isn't that true? Formal wear can be a major good find in thrift stores. Let the hunting begin!

Kristin L

Veteran

Good luck Shannon! It was brilliant of you to check now and realize the issue as opposed to waiting til the night before or worse, the day of.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes, it makes perfect sense, Shannon. This is what happened to me, too. I lost from the bust area (a ton, or so it seemed -- not where I wanted to lose, but oh well, LOL!) but my shoulders and back got a bit broader (not a ton, but enough that I could feel a difference.) Then the hips got a lot smaller. Eventually the waist area got smaller, too, although it took me longest to lose tummy fat. (That is probably due to long -term stress adrenal issues.)

Anyway...in some cases I needed a whole new cut and style to look right. And even where the style still looked okay on me, in some cases, brands that once fit easily no longer fit "just so" in any size. I was actually very surprised by this because in the past if I was slimmer I still fit into the same kinds of clothes -- just a different size.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Oh nos!! How about our twinny dress?
I had to replace all of my jeans this year because they just don't fit the same
I haven't gained weight but my shape is different.
ugh!!!

trinity

Shannon, I can't wait to see what you come up with! I love your style. I'm currently on a weight loss and fitness journey. Although I haven't lost a lot of weight, I'm losing inches and it's showing in how my clothes fit. A good problem to have, although inconvenient at times. Best of luck in your hunt.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

But we just saw these frocks on you! And they fit, Shannon. I'm confused.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Suz - it is strangely comforting to know you had the same fit issues as you went through your LE journey. Don't you just wish it would come off the tummy area first???

Rita - I thought about the twinny dress (for those of you wondering what that is, it is the black/white Maggy London wrap dress that Rita, Natalie, Thistle and I all have). Is it dressy enough you think?

I've been peeking on the Laura Petite website and see a few that are good in price - any of these worth checking out? Of course, it doesn't mean they have them in the store in my size. They are black I know but black works on me...

http://www.laura.ca/4393-Lace-.....Dress.aspx

http://www.laura.ca/6557-Sequi.....Dress.aspx

http://www.laura.ca/1710-Panel.....olero.aspx

http://www.laura.ca/1106-Ruffl.....rooch.aspx (this one is dark purple)

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Angie - posted at the same time!

The pictures of the blue lace dress in my other posts today were older pics - the one withe the black/white bomber was taken two months ago and the one with just the lace dress and cobalt pumps is from last summer.

The black sheath fits fine and I do like it but I'm not sure it's dressy enough.

I had made the decision to wear the blue lace dress before trying it on again.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Oh, that sucks! One of the downsides of change, I guess. I like the idea of getting one on consignment or for less since as you mentioned your shape is like to continue to change.

Mochi

Veteran

Not having immediate access to pics of your black sheath dress, I'm wondering if it could be used in a pinch. I would bet that accessorized nicely with the right jewelry, jacket and shoes and one of your stunning bags, it would do a perfectly fine job. In case you can't find the right dress in time. Just a thought.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Losing weight is great, but it serioulsy poses problems for the wardrobe especially for special occassions like this. I wish you luck in finding it at Consigment. If your body is going to continue to change,,, this won't fill the hole, but be a temporary fix and you will find yourself here again. Spending the least amount for now is a good idea.

Carole

Veteran

Seems to me the black sheath dress should be the perfect solution with some great accessories. Isn't that one of the reasons we all have the LBD in our closet? But if time and budget allows, the consignment route makes sense, there might be the perfect dress just waiting for you. Good luck.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Good Luck!
I hate it when you discover a hole, and have a deadline to fill it. I had to find my daughter a bikini *yesterday* since she leaves for a dance competition in Vegas today. Shopping on a deadline is no fun for me.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I'm right there with you on the body changes - I'm still not used to mine. And it's a rude shock when you pull on something that used to work only to find it doesn't get you anymore.

However, I do wonder if this is a want or a need, and if you can find a way to make something you have work? Because buying something when you think you're going to change again means mounds of stuff in your closet.

Anonymous

Given the fact I think the lace dress is one of your best frocks, I would tailor it. I'd hate for you to give up that dress. It is a memorable item. I would equate that to me giving up my white/ cream KS bag.

Sarah A

Veteran

Oh no! It is so funny how diet and exercise form our bodies. I hope you find a great dress at the consignment place. Or maybe even dressy seperates? I have pinned a sequined skirt/silk blouse look that I have yet to have an occasion to wear. Maybe someone else will get some mileage out of the idea...

http://atlantic-pacific.blogsp.....idays.html
http://inthecitywithcrystalin......8555894210

Jules

Veteran

I honestly wonder how dressy you need to be for this event. If you want to celebrate your son's success (especially after everything he went through) and feel great about what you are wearing, you certainly deserve to do that. But on the other hand, isn't it all about the kids? The young girls will probably be very "dressy" (with varying degrees of style and appropriateness), but I imagine the parents' clothes will be all over the map, even more so depending on how mixed the school is culturally and income-wise. I bet many other moms do not have the perfect thing in their warddrobe and will be making do. In that scenario, I personally think I would feel comfortable as long as I was appropriate.
It's really all about what YOU *want*, of course. But I think you have many dresses that would be appropriate, especially with your fab accessories.

unfrumped

Veteran

I can relate for sure to finding dresses for special occasions.

I have to say, though, que sera, sera. Enjoy shopping but have a backup plan. Photos will be taken and so that’s an issue—but your LBD, which has a nice neckline, as I recall, with sparkly necklace and your great smile will surely look fab and no one would notice that might not be your perfect frock. To be more dressy, I would be sure to wear some kind of sheer hose –IMO that really helps when the length is on the shorter side--and your great pumps.

I like what Jules said--to me, you want to look chic, and proud, but it's actually to your advantage not to fully embrace the "formal" look.

Mochi

Veteran

Actually Jules articulated what I was still formulating in my head. I am not sure why the level of dressiness is "that" high for the parents. Sure, look nice and not overly casual. But it's hard for me to imagine a nice sheath dress and some classy accessories not being enough.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Jules - are you in my head??? I literally was just thinking "why am I fretting over this, it's Iain's grad, not mine". Yes I want to look nice but it is indeed about the kids. Somehow the word "formal" in the invitation threw me for a loop. I actually found a sweet pair of gunmetal sparkly strappy sandals on my lunch break (yes...I went to the consignment store...no judgement please). They will work great with a gunmetal sparkly wrap I have - I'm going to pop that on over my black sheath dress, grab my vintage pearl encrusted clutch and Bob's Your Uncle (or however that expression goes).

I don't want to spend any money on a dressy dress right now due to hopefully continuing body changes. It would be wasteful.

Zap - I will definitely look into having the blue lace dress altered but not until I reach my size and weight goal. No point in doing it twice.

Thanks for the reality check ladies

unfrumped

Veteran

Shannon, you are spot on. Dress codes do conjure up images and naturally we want to be correct, but you'll clearly be in the spirit of the occasion-- celebratory, pretty, tasteful, STYLISH--effort will have been made!

T-Rex

Veteran

I went back and found a pic of the blue lace dress you posted. It is absolutely beautiful. I hope you can find a way to make it work without completely remodeling it.

I'm thinking the black sheath with the right accessories is the way to go this time. I mean, as long as the sheath isn't made of an ultra casual fabric, I can't imagine that it wouldn't be a good base for a dressy outfit. Do you have pics of that one you could point me to?

catgirl

Veteran

Shannon, I'm glad you decided not to fret over this. I guarantee you will be well-dressed without a new purchase, and anything you buy now will be subject to the same future changes in your body as your current items. If you wait you can shop at your leisure for the right dress to have on hand (which knowing you, will just fall in your lap!), but for this event, I think you should just go with something you have.

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