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sodascouts
04-13-2013, 05:30 PM
calling all fashionistas! I need your help!

The charity gala that Don is playing next week is a black tie event. I initially planned on wearing my old bridesmaid dress but my parents generously offered to buy me a new dress, so now I'm really jazzed! The only problem is that picking out a formal dress is actually pretty difficult. I'm looking online for ideas and I thought maybe you guys could help me.

Here are my preferences:


Nothing tight or low-cut; I'm going for "classic and elegant" not "sex kitten"
Nothing short; the occasion calls for floor-length (but no trains - I would just trip over it and fall down)
Nothing that requires a flat stomach to look good; I don't have one of those!
No strapless; I am not big-chested and I'm always having to "adjust" those dresses to keep them from "going too far south"
No "corset style" cuts; I am short-waisted and those just don't suit me
Nothing with a lot of embellishment (lots of sequins, ruffles, bows, etc.); I prefer a more understated look


Finally, the colors I look best in are magenta/darker purples, deep red, and dark green. I really don't look that great in pastels and allthough I'm open to black, I'd prefer a bit of color - I already have several black dresses.

What I'm looking for are links or images to recommended dresses. I understand if no one has the time to help, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask!

Henley Honey
04-13-2013, 05:57 PM
http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/Women/featured_shop/weddingshop/brides/receptionrehearsal/PRD~150098355251/Cachet+Halter+Jewel+Neckline+Gown.jsp?cm_mmc=Searc hDex-_-Product+Pages-_-Rehearsal-_-cachet-halter-jewel-neckline-gown-P150098355251

http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/Women/shop/dresses/designer/PRD~1500230262875/JS+Boutique+Beaded-Neckline+Gown.jsp?cm_mmc=SearchDex-_-Product+Pages-_-Favorite+Designer-_-js-boutique-beaded-neckline-gown-P1500230262875

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-dress-sleeveless-empire-waist-gown?ID=814922&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_LENGTH%3DLong%26DRESS_OCCASION% 3DEvening/Formal%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D139



I liked these 3 for you, Soda. What are your thoughts.

sodascouts
04-13-2013, 05:57 PM
Here's some I found on pinterest that might work, although a couple are a bit more low-cut than I like (it seems most are that way).... I don't know. I can't find anything that just screams "WEAR THIS!"


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/dresses/b73ef137317c41c938ce109a6e0b5139.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/dresses/b821c769e98e7d09f4df4abb698135d4.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/dresses/35f1229ea88d4d30c7d1c75df4781bca.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/dresses/30f9105ad7cd2e4ea2d290f8f9c75670.jpg

sodascouts
04-13-2013, 06:01 PM
Out of your three, HH, I really like this one:

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-dress-sleeveless-empire-waist-gown?ID=814922&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_LENGTH%3DLong%26DRESS_OCCASION% 3DEvening/Formal%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D139

You think I could pull off that color blue?

Prettymaid
04-13-2013, 06:13 PM
This would look good on you.

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/adrianna-papell-dress-tiered-evening-dress?ID=487889&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

sodascouts
04-13-2013, 06:20 PM
oooh.... love the chiffon. Very Stevie!

Tiffanny Twisted
04-13-2013, 06:41 PM
http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/Women/featured_shop/weddingshop/brides/receptionrehearsal/PRD~150098355251/Cachet+Halter+Jewel+Neckline+Gown.jsp?cm_mmc=Searc hDex-_-Product+Pages-_-Rehearsal-_-cachet-halter-jewel-neckline-gown-P150098355251

http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/Women/shop/dresses/designer/PRD~1500230262875/JS+Boutique+Beaded-Neckline+Gown.jsp?cm_mmc=SearchDex-_-Product+Pages-_-Favorite+Designer-_-js-boutique-beaded-neckline-gown-P1500230262875

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-dress-sleeveless-empire-waist-gown?ID=814922&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_LENGTH%3DLong%26DRESS_OCCASION% 3DEvening/Formal%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D139



I liked these 3 for you, Soda. What are your thoughts.


of thesse three , my vote goes in order to the first one and then the third one from macys then the middle one just saying...

Tiffanny Twisted
04-13-2013, 06:44 PM
Here's some I found on pinterest that might work, although a couple are a bit more low-cut than I like (it seems most are that way).... I don't know. I can't find anything that just screams "WEAR THIS!"


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/dresses/b73ef137317c41c938ce109a6e0b5139.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/dresses/b821c769e98e7d09f4df4abb698135d4.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/dresses/35f1229ea88d4d30c7d1c75df4781bca.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/dresses/30f9105ad7cd2e4ea2d290f8f9c75670.jpg
the first one I like in this group best thats if we are voting

Tiffanny Twisted
04-13-2013, 06:50 PM
Out of your three, HH, I really like this one:

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-dress-sleeveless-empire-waist-gown?ID=814922&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_LENGTH%3DLong%26DRESS_OCCASION% 3DEvening/Formal%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D139

You think I could pull off that color blue?
well you said you already have black so go for the blue its very pretty.
I showed JAHH and he said go for it you'd look great.:thumbsup:

Grey Sadler
04-13-2013, 08:33 PM
I actually liked the two gowns from Belk with the beaded neckines!! :D

Witchy Woman
04-13-2013, 10:01 PM
These are pretty cool :

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/3602/custommadeoffsholderfon.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6245/freeshippingcustommades.jpg

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/7845/34670larger.jpg

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/962/longeleganthalterneckev.jpg

sodascouts
04-13-2013, 10:52 PM
The first and last ones would work. Lovely colors!

BTW, everyone who's posting, thank you so much. I'm getting great ideas!

zeldabjr
04-13-2013, 11:53 PM
my favorite is the first one WW posted...very elegant and the color would look great on you!

Topkat
04-14-2013, 08:03 AM
my favorite is the first one WW posted...very elegant and the color would look great on you!

I love that one too. Very sophisticated,love the color for you. I also think the style is figure flattering without being too sexy!

Prettymaid
04-14-2013, 10:17 AM
Wow! I agree, great dress! If I had that dress I would have nowhere to wear it. :-(

Tiffanny Twisted
04-14-2013, 10:38 AM
yep but she does so we gotta make sure our gal feels like a million when she floats in the door to see dh:)

Ive always been a dreamer
04-14-2013, 01:10 PM
These are all really good choices and they are all well-suited for you, Soda. I think my favorite is also the first one that Witchy Woman posted. It is gorgeous. Another favorite of mine is the second one that Henley Honey linked to in her first post. Not to mention, it is on sale for $85.00. Here's the one I'm talking about. It is very flattering, IMO ...

http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/Women/Shop/Dresses/FormalGowns/PRD~150171709G876820/Adrianna+Papell+One+Shoulder+Gown.jsp?cm_vc=cross_ sell_prod_page&cm_sp=CrossSell-_-ProductPage-_-150171709G876820

Topkat
04-14-2013, 09:34 PM
Dreamer, the link isn't working...we can't see the dress?

sodascouts
04-14-2013, 10:33 PM
It worked earlier this afternoon. How odd! It was a lovely color of red.

Ive always been a dreamer
04-14-2013, 10:45 PM
Wow - that's too bad. At the bargain price of $85.00, perhaps they sold out.

TimothyBFan
04-15-2013, 08:29 AM
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/dresses/b821c769e98e7d09f4df4abb698135d4.jpg




http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/dresses/30f9105ad7cd2e4ea2d290f8f9c75670.jpg

Out of all of them posted so far, these are my 2 faves. The first one is a lovely color!!!

GlennLover
04-15-2013, 09:56 AM
I think this one would look good on you. Simple, but elegant.



http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/dresses/b73ef137317c41c938ce109a6e0b5139.jpg

This one would look wonderful on you too. Vert classy.
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/3602/custommadeoffsholderfon.jpg

Topkat
04-15-2013, 10:36 AM
I still like the magenta one best with the little brooch on the side....Better hurry & pick something. Isn't the gala this weekend?

sodascouts
04-15-2013, 11:13 AM
Yes, it's this weekend, so I can't order any of these specifically. What I'm counting on is that the Houston department stores typically carry similar items. I'm looking for ideas here, and I'm sure getting them. Thanks again to everyone taking the time to help me out.

Topkat
04-15-2013, 12:46 PM
I'm sure you will find something & look stunning in it. Just try on a few dresses & one will hit you as the right one! Let us know how you make out shopping:thumbsup:

Brooke
04-15-2013, 01:42 PM
Out of your three, HH, I really like this one:

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-dress-sleeveless-empire-waist-gown?ID=814922&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_LENGTH%3DLong%26DRESS_OCCASION% 3DEvening/Formal%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D139

You think I could pull off that color blue?

Love this one and yes you could wear blue!



This would look good on you.

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/adrianna-papell-dress-tiered-evening-dress?ID=487889&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

This is gorgeous too!


I think this one would look good on you. Simple, but elegant.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/dresses/b73ef137317c41c938ce109a6e0b5139.jpg

This one would look wonderful on you too. Vert classy.
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/3602/custommadeoffsholderfon.jpg

Love the top one. I'm thinking the second one would be tight feeling, but it is beautiful.

Favorite so far- the blue one!

Prettymaid
04-15-2013, 04:03 PM
I would think the spaghetti strap might get a little uncomfortable as the evening progresses. You don't want something you have to fidget with. But it is a beautiful gown.

Tiffanny Twisted
04-15-2013, 05:27 PM
Yes, it's this weekend, so I can't order any of these specifically. What I'm counting on is that the Houston department stores typically carry similar items. I'm looking for ideas here, and I'm sure getting them. Thanks again to everyone taking the time to help me out.
dont you guys have a macys there in near you??
maybe Macys is the way to go if you have one there

Glennsallnighter
04-16-2013, 09:05 AM
I would go for the second one that GL posted. I think it would look stuning on you Soda. Something along that line perhaps if you go department store shopping.

sodascouts
04-16-2013, 04:28 PM
This will be so fun! I wish I had you ladies coming shopping with me!

GlennLover
04-16-2013, 06:01 PM
This will be so fun! I wish I had you ladies coming shopping with me!

Would love to be there to shop with you!

Prettymaid
04-16-2013, 06:54 PM
Shop with you? Heck, I want to see Don-freakin'-Henley!

Lisa
04-16-2013, 08:24 PM
The gown that complements you now; and the gown that you'd be happiest with owning when you think about your choice and smile and look back at the day you bought it and feel confident that you'll want to wear it again; will find you the nicest gown for your occasion; and for many years; I hope.

Tiffanny Twisted
04-17-2013, 06:25 AM
shopping can be fun......

TimothyBFan
04-17-2013, 09:22 AM
Happy gown shopping.

I also have to mention how I've cracked a smile several times this morning every time I see the "Don-freakin' Henley" thing in so many threads!!! :hilarious:

sodascouts
04-19-2013, 02:37 PM
So, I've got the dress! Now, my hair will be up and not frizzy so I will look better tomorrow. Right now though, I'm trying to decide what jewelry to wear. Right now I have on a pearl necklace, but I was thinking maybe I should wear a pendant on a silver chain instead. Thoughts?

P.S. Yes, my parents have a rocking camel instead of a rocking horse for my little nephews and niece to play on. Comes from Dubai.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/misc/Dress01.jpg

Brooke
04-19-2013, 02:40 PM
Wow! You look beautiful.....your dress is perfect....love the color! :thumbsup:

As for the pearls or sparkles? I haven't a clue! Sorry. The pearls look very classy though!

Glennsallnighter
04-19-2013, 02:56 PM
That is gorgeous Soda! You look so stylish in it, even with your hair down its a stunner. What course shoes will you wear? Perhaps you could Nat h the jewellery with your shoes and bag. The pearls do look very classic!

Henley Honey
04-19-2013, 03:07 PM
You look beautiful, Soda. Wear the pearls!!!

prayfordaylight
04-19-2013, 03:14 PM
I love it! I'd go for silver, but that's just me.

Freypower
04-19-2013, 06:53 PM
Gorgeous, as always. It's probably too late now but I would have worn pearls (the pearls I wore at my wedding I wore to one of the Opera House shows)!

VAisForEagleLovers
04-19-2013, 06:56 PM
I like!! Very nice!

Grey Sadler
04-19-2013, 07:13 PM
Gorgeous, Nancy!!
(I'm torn...can't decide on pearls or silver/bling!! :lol:)

Glennsallnighter
04-19-2013, 07:41 PM
Gorgeous, as always. It's probably too late now but I would have worn pearls (the pearls I wore at my wedding I wore to one of the Opera House shows)!

Obviously only the BEST men get FP's pearls! :wink:

Witchy Woman
04-19-2013, 07:59 PM
Beautiful dress, Soda !! Enjoy yourself tomorrow !!

Lisa
04-19-2013, 08:36 PM
The outfit will be perfect!
I like the pearls--I'm not sure whether the silver chain with a pendant wouldn't match the -v- of the dress and proportion the space?
The circle of pearls with the 'v' might work well anyway, if the pendant turns out to be not dressy enough for the dress occasion.
(If no one will notice too closely--of course, pearls are often appropriate)

The gown would also be perfect without jewelry.

sodascouts
04-19-2013, 08:43 PM
I'm wearing black shoes but will have a silver clutch purse (my silver shoes turned out to not work with the dress). I don't think my pendant is dressy enough so I'm going with the pearls. I know I don't have to wear a necklace but it makes me feel fancy, lol.

zeldabjr
04-19-2013, 08:55 PM
Oh Nancy you look beautiful...I love the pearls!!!

Lisa
04-19-2013, 09:05 PM
The picture you posted is great! Have a wonderful evening at the benefit!

GlennLover
04-19-2013, 10:42 PM
Lovely, Nancy! Glad you went with the pearls. Enjoy your evening!

Outlawman13
04-19-2013, 11:10 PM
I am loving your outfit Nancy!!!!!!!! You are super stunning!!!!! I know you will rock Henley's :heart:. Enjoy tonight and then tomorrow night (lucky)!!!

Tiffanny Twisted
04-19-2013, 11:32 PM
love the dress nancy.
my vote would have been for the pearls but I can see you did decide on them.
You look beautiful
have a great magical evening

lizzyplays
04-19-2013, 11:35 PM
I'm late (as usual) but you look simply gorgeous!! Great choices all the way around. :-)

sodascouts
04-20-2013, 12:12 AM
It's not tonight, it's tomorrow night, so I still have a little time!

Thank you so much for your sweet words, guys. It's good for my self-esteem. ;)

Tomorrow morning I'm getting my hair done. I wish I could get my makeup done too as I'm hopeless at that kind of thing, but there's not time.

I'm going to show the hairdresser these photos and hope for the best:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/misc/bdb825d946f3fe07906b3f132b2a9746.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/misc/curly_br4idal_hair.jpg

(I'll skip the wedding flowers of course!)

Tiffanny Twisted
04-20-2013, 12:44 AM
wow both are pretty choices Nancy but see if the hairdresser has any ideas, Make sure you take the picture of yourself in the dress and tell her you decided on the pearls and see if she has any ideas.
cnat wait to see the finished product.

zeldabjr
04-20-2013, 01:11 AM
yeah both would look great with your hair...can't wait to see pics!!!

Outlawman13
04-20-2013, 07:21 AM
I'm loving the hair pictures as well.

Glennhoney
04-20-2013, 07:44 PM
..have an amazing night!!:grin:

Topkat
04-20-2013, 08:38 PM
Love the dress!!! Have a great time!:wave:

Ive always been a dreamer
04-20-2013, 09:36 PM
I think the dress is very pretty, Nanc. I'm sure you are going to look beautiful for Don-Freakin'-Henley. I sure hope he appreciates it! :grin: