Monday, November 19, 2012

Seeking: a dress for a MOTHEREFFING MASQUERADE BALL


Dear ESB,

My husband's company party is in a few weeks and represents a rare opportunity for me to get to play dress up (which is basically my favorite thing to do ever). It's formal attire (cocktail dress/gown for ladies, dark suit/tux for boys) and it's going to be a MOTHEREFFING MASQUERADE BALL which I'm sure only I am excited about.

And I just can't find a freaking dress that I like.

So here's the rub:

I'm about a size 12/14 and SUPER CURVY. (Hourglass, boobs for days, but my legs are like tree trunks). So I like dresses that are form fitting, floor length, and 3/4 length sleeve or long sleeves (I have to be able to wear a bra with it). And I'm hoping to keep it sub $300. Basically, if this Roberto Cavalli weren't a gajillion dollars.... 


I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Maybe something like this, but a little less Designing Women? 

Double points for anything in animal print. And I'm not opposed to a very pouffy skirt either.


I'm willing to accept the fact that my tastes run a little grandma-lives-in-Miami-and-hasn't-abandoned-the-80's-yet if it means I can find something I feel and look awesome in.

Oh and I have short, asymmetrical-ish hair and I wear big earrings with everything.

*****

You guys up for more shopping??

There are so many good suggestions over here, I figure I'll just squeeze you dry and then maybe put together a holiday dress roundup ;)


Photo at top by Mert & Marcus for Vogue Paris, October 2010

22 comments:

  1. A great masquerade gown with grandma/80's sequin vibe:
    Gold sequin Chevron pattern black dress floor length $238

    A good holiday dress:
    Derek Lam Black and Red Checkered 3/4 dress $295

    and, unfortunately no longer avail in L, but this would make an amazing masquerade dress!:
    Alice & Olivia two toned wool dress on sale $178

    Right?

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  2. her floor-length options are few and far between, but i can't help feeling like you should be going with DVF for something like this; the sleeves and wrap form would suit your body type.

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  3. There are several floor length options available now.

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    Replies
    1. That was in response to Lauren's comment about long DVF dresses.

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  4. Another kimono style dress ... not sure I buy the "red for the holidays" look, but it's gorgeous. I like the green too, but maybe not formal enough. Probaby would have to wear something cut enough to peek out underneath, but I think it would be super flattering

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  5. This is has been one of the more challenging ESB shopping requests!

    Rachel Pally Caftan

    Sequin faux wrap

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  6. So,how do you feel about sparkles?

    This Roberto Cavalli is 60% off (still over budget), but gorgeous and bra-friendly if you decide to splurge.

    I've personally never used Rent the Runway, but it might be a good option here. I suspect this Issa would be slammin' on you!

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    Replies
    1. That Issa is awesome. You can also look at the dress on other renters, so you can see what it looks like on someone in a similar size with a similar body type. I love that freaking feature.

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    2. (but I've never tried RtR a d can't find that Issa on budget to buy)

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    3. Ditto. The Issa is also here in mint green. But A) not available in her size and B) $750.

      Issa's site has it in navy, but A) not available in her size B) they only ship within Europe and C) £660.

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  7. I'd channel this look and opt for something black and sheer. Erin Fetherston has some pretty options, like this one, or, if you go for a short dress, this one.

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    Replies
    1. ooh... I love both of these. Was also thinking of Marie Antoinette to begin with, and these are so that.

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  8. Not long sleeves, but I'm digging this all-out sequin number from Michael Kors.

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