Dear Houppelande: please go away

[serinde]

I need to get a floor- or ankle-length black evening gown for an event in April. I made an initial recce last Saturday, which was (to say the least) unpromising; but, thought I, we saw a whole bunch on department store web sites when scouting a few weeks ago, so perhaps I can get them to order a few in.

Well, not no' mo'. Spring fashions are in and black dresses mostly out, though there are indeed some (because it's classic and all), but what there is sucks; apparently it's been decreed that we are All About The V-Shaped Halter Top this year.

This is a design that looks fucking awful on me.

I don't want to have to make an evening gown. I strongly suspect my tech level isn't high enough to deal with the fancy slippery fabrics. And I'm pretty suckmoid at linings yet, too.

Comments

[ronebofh.livejournal.com]

You probably won't have to worry about linings if you wear a slip.

[syringavulgaris.livejournal.com]

But then it's messy. I don't mind for fieldwear or casual things, but for a formal dress I want it to be Done Right.

[missionista.livejournal.com]

What about hitting the really high-end consignment shops? THey would probably have last year's (or older) styles, hence no halter top. Of course, their stock might be limited, but it's worth a shot.

[syringavulgaris.livejournal.com]

I just assumed those would be part of the If You're Over Size 8, Go Hang Yourself You Disgusting Cow stratum. Not?

[dvandom.livejournal.com]

Larger people have handmedowns too....

[syringavulgaris.livejournal.com]

You would think that, and yet--.

Like, places like Century 21 and Filene's Basement and Off Saks, you would think that if most of the women in the world are around a size 8, then all these "leftover" shops should have lots of tiny sizes and lots of larger sizes. Right? Well, no. They have lots of tiny and medium sizes.

[shirleym.livejournal.com]

Except that, despite the fashion industry, the average clothing size of actual women is 14.

[syringavulgaris.livejournal.com]

OH GOD I'M BUYING INTO THE SOCIETAL PROGRAMMING kill me.

Insert bitter rant about how you'd think basic economic self-interest would therefore make them design and sell more clothes for that size range.

[briony530.livejournal.com]

Insert head nodding and agreement for bitter rant. Geeze! Okay, I used to be "thin". I weighed 125-130 in college, and I was STILL a size 12. They're called BOOBS.

[missionista.livejournal.com]

I'm not thinking Village, I'm thinking Upper East Side. Not everyone who goes to fabulous charity events is rail thin. It's just that the rail thin ones are the ones who get in the paper...Sometimes the not-rail-thin are also the over-50 set, so age appropriate might be an issue. But still, I'd try it. I think there are one or two over near Bloomingdale's. The place that I'm thinking of is on the 2nd floor. Can't remember the name. You might want to do a citysearch for consignment shops. Also, give them a call, and ask if (as a rule) they stock your size. THat way it won't mean a wasted trip. Look especially for designers like Donna Karan, who does basic black, and also designs for women over size 8.

[syringavulgaris.livejournal.com]

Ah! Hm. Yes. We hunted those for ideas for Kathryn's wedding dress. I wonder if she still has the list of where we went?

(And yeah, there were a lot of ...matron clothes. But.)

[dagnycat522.livejournal.com]

I had lots of trouble last time I needed a formal dress because I have odd proporitions, which means the fashion powers that be do not like me. The only department store of any use was Lord & Taylor, which is where I found my dress. I have also had good luck with http://stores.ebay.com/Curvy-Girl-Clothing. and http://www.zaftique.com/. I always have trouble finding dresses so if you're interested, I have a list of other good places somewhere that I could send you.

[ronebofh.livejournal.com]

Heh, Zaftique. Good name!

[nancaurelia.livejournal.com]

Yikes, and I bet there was a lot to choose from pre-New Year's eve.

I have a long black dress that I've never worn, but I think that it would be too warm for April. You would be most welcome to see/ try/ borrow it as an emergency back-up if you would like.

I wonder if a full-length black skirt and top might be an option if you don't find the dress of your dreams?

[marietta-sca.livejournal.com]

Have you checked like goodwill stores and what? I got a great summery cocktail dress from one in the middle of December for our cruise ;)