I know, I know, I live across the river from the fashion capitol of the U.S., and every store or boutique I could possibly want is a subway ride (or a lunch break) away. However, I don’t particularly like shopping and I’m on a limited budget, so I’m here just looking for inspiration, suggestions and pictures to start the process. Here is the deal:
It is for a fancy, but not necessarily formal, party. Funky-creative is better than evening gown, but still classy. Any length is OK though I’m partial to knee-length.
It must be gold or have significant gold features such as trim or beading and such.
It must be be appropriate for hot weather; the party’s in late summer.
It must either be vintage, retro, or have a retro feel. Ideally 20s-era, or suggestive of that time (flapper-ish would be great).
I’m nearly 40, short and round-ish. I wear a 12, sometimes a 14 depending on the store, but of course I’m going to lose 20 lbs. before then.
I have pale skin.
shoes??
Oh, and my boyfriend will need some sort of suit - or even just a jacket - that fits the “gold/retro” theme as well. I’m imagining one of those Vegas-y jackets with the black and gold pattern, but I have no idea where to find something like that.
I’d look into renting a dress. How often are you going to wear it?
Besides the cost, you’ll end up with a dress cluttering up your closet or your home. Besides, if you buy it, but almost never again wear it, that dress will give far fewer people joy then if you rent it or buy it vintage and sell it again on e-bay.
/steps off “why does everybody always want to OWN stuff”-high horse.
Great links so far - lots of possibilites is exactly what I was looking for, especially from those more fashion- or shopping-savvy than myself.
Budget: I guess under $200. I have to fly to this thing, so I’d feel really bad going over that. Plus half the fun is trying to find something affordable that still looks great. Maastricht, I am totally up for renting! How does one go about that?
Body type: Bascially pear-shaped on the way to apple. Big ass and thighs, and since I passed 35 suddenly I’m getting a gut. So I would say emphasizing the cleavage (I’m a D-cup) and de-emphasizing the gut/ass is a good thing.
But, again, I’m gonna lose 20 lbs, I swear!
ETA: Suse, oh my frickin’ gawd - the one in post #5 is PERFECT. A little pricey though and I’m not convinced I’d look good in it (I’d have to measure myself) but that’s exactly the sort of thing I’m looking for.
Generally speaking, I’d say the flapper style is not what you want for your body type. The typical “flapper girl” figure is skinny and flat - a more hourglass-shaped woman screams “40’s Hollywood” to me. I know I’m always disappointed when I try on the flapper look no matter how much I like it on the hanger - I look my best in dresses that need my curves.
Hm. Good point. I always love those straight-up-and-down styles because I think they’ll skim over my curves but more often I end up looking like a box.
I was thinking that the second link (the Nine West one) suggested by sugar and spice could fit the bill, though maybe it would be the same problem. I’m always afraid of anything curve-hugging, but emphasizing the hourglass (yay for spanx) might be the way to go. A lot of structure would be good.
I really appreciate the suggestions all, please keep them coming. Also thoughts on shoes/accessories and men’s jackets (my man is a big guy) are welcome as well.
So I would say emphasizing the cleavage (I’m a D-cup) and de-emphasizing the gut/ass is a good thing.