My company is hosting an all-out-fly-everyone-in-from-all-over-the-world-shindig for our company's 10th anniversary. I had not really thought about what to wear, being old, tired, fat mom of a 14-year-old that is not at the top of my list of worries...that is, until I started seeing the younger, hipper, thinner women showing me what they had purchased to wear for our celebration. Now I am worried. Well, I guess it is too late too really worry...if I was going to lose some weight to fit into a black cocktail dress that I don't own (and have never owned) that should have started in January. As it is, I put away about 10 chocolate chip cookies today at work. Diet, out. Little black cocktail dress showing the world my knees, out. The "work attire" I had planned on wearing after reading the invitation, out. What is a girl to do?If I had my wish I would purchase some wonderful vintage number. I did a little addictive 1920's-flapper-dress-google-search. I found so many things I would rather be seen in than the thing I will probably end up wearing. Attire that would make most of my co-workers roll their eyes, confirming what they knew all along - "Kim is a little whacked-out".
Would love to wear this 1915 beaded silk lace evening dress (but can't afford it); or this Louis Feraud ivory chenille corded lace over taffeta dress (can't afford or fit into it); Edwardian floor length coocoon coat with beadwork (scroll down, in love); the gold metallic reception dress with train; this 1920's jade green flapper dress (affordable but has a split in the sleeve). Another Edwardian dress that I would die to have. Victorian Trading Co. has a nice Edwardian Tea Dress but could I get in time and it would it be too weird? Too hot for this late Edwardian period, Poiret style, ruby red jacket (but isn't it gorgeous?). Found the dresses shown but did not note where they came from. Well, girls, you see my dilemma. Will keep you posted. The two other pieces below are what I would really rather be wearing. 
21 comments:
As long as you follow the What Not To Wear rules that's all that matters. :)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/lifestyle/tv_and_radio/what_not_to_wear/whattowear_index.shtml
I think that tea dress is dynamite. How about something very plain with some outrageously gorgeous big jewelry?
I really like that orange dress at the bottom. Beautiful. Good luck finding something...I'm in the same boat looking for something to wear next weekend for my 45th High School reunion.
Silk pants--black
silk tunic top- black
something fabulous and colorful- scarf or wrap over the shoulders.
Splurge on a style, cut and color at the hairdressers.
A Great hairdo and a colorful scarf or wonderful sparkly jewelry and they will never notice the lack of a little black dress.
I agree with the others. Reveal your personality with drop dead accesories! You'll look great.
I really enjoyed reading your meme.
I like one word answers. Short, sweet and to the point. Speaks volumes actually!
Drop dead GORGEOUS accessories I meant to say!
How much time do you have and do you know a good taylor/seamstress? Perhaps you could find a someone who could see these photos and come up with a close alternative in time.
Check out the local college or university. Ask instructors if any student of fashion design is willing to work with you and whom would they recommend?
These looks are definately fabulous and I think it would make the evening that more enjoyable to be dress as you wish.
If all else fails, I trust that you can figure out a way to express yourself in an elegant and radiant manner that speaks volumes about what goes on in that head of yours.
I anxiously await more posts on this!
I hopefully will not need to buy another cocktail gown for quite some time. That said, if I do I will probably purchase one from zaftique.com
They have some pretty random gowns, most I wouldn't buy, but they do have a couple that really suit me. Maybe you might want to try there. What I like about them is the lack of layering. Most designers think because we're not a size 6, we want to add extra layers to make us look even larger than we are. Zaftique doesn't do that. Not a commercial mind you, I just liked what I saw when I was shopping for a dress earlier.
Good luck with your search.
How about a vintage man's suit? There would probably be no competition there. Have fun whatever you decide.
I like the Edwardian tea dress a lot! I know how you feel about having to dress up for a special ocasion... hmm maybe I should start losing weight now just in case something comes up within the next 4 years LOL!
There is a clothing company called Nitya here, have you seen their stuff? Or maybe you could opt for something Japanese? I bought a wonderful embroidered black silk haori jacket on Ebay from Japan last year; it would look great over a not-so-little-black dress if I needed to wear one :o)
couldn't resist poking around the web looking for you. Long ago, before I got serious about working in newspapers I worked in the fancy dress dept at Lord & Taylor. So I have a tiny bit of experience. My first suggestion would be the pants suit. It's a nice clean, long, slimming silo. You can add drama and personality up top. Think about silk shantung. You are far more sophisticated and worldly than those skinny chicks at work. They are going for flash. You are all class.
Nordstrom is in Seattle and pricey but not break the bank expensive.
Take a look at starting with pants
and maybe a kimono style top like this one. There is a cool skirt to match.
I keep thinking a plum color would work for you
Or just take your glamourous mother, who will not steer you wrong, downtown and let one of the Nordtrom girls fuss over you until you find something that makes you feel good. I know you are going to be beautiful whatever the ensemble.
I hate to shop for clothes! All the things you linked to were so interesting but I'm with the others on the black pants, black top and some extraordinary jewelry or a fantastic scarf.
Oh, I feel your pain!
Oh, yeah, can you send me that written text we talked about?
Very funny!
Good luck to you...I hate clothes shopping.. ...I hope you find something you feel great in.
I hate to shop for clothes too but I do LOVE that black dress! Good Luck!
Here's what I envision for you. They are pricey, but absolutely classic and something you will wear for more than one special occasion. Plus, they are on sale now, 20% off. Special occasion - WORTH IT.
This one in the Lemon dotted silk:
http://www.bluepolly.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=323
This in embroidered edge cotton, but would be breattaking in any of these fabrics onyou, with your eyes. Be sure to clickon the detail for that fabric - you will be besotted.
http://www.bluepolly.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=205
Pretty much anything on this site would be instant classic and permanent favorites for your wardrobe. Oh, and I liked the teadress, too. thefrock.com is hypnotic. LOVE it.
Kimmy, I've no doubt whatsoever that you will look fantabulous in whatever you find/decide to wear - evidenced by the fantastically creative and beautiful photos/images you post - you couldn't NOT be. (is that English???)
On another note, that graphic of you in that black dress cracks me up. Having just seen a Niagara Falls special, that photo kinda looks like someone about to go over the Falls in a bottomless barrel. LOL.
Oh, and by the way, you are one of my style icons. You talk about Dianne being so glamorous, but you have never been anything but elegant when you dress for a 'do. Don't stress out. It will be fine.
Wow, thanks guys, I think I found something on every links you sent me. chronicler, might have found the perfect black dress on that site!
Rachel --- great minds think alike ... I looked at all of those items! And thought those pants would work ...
and Rita, YOU are an evil evil woman. I want EVERYTHING on that site (did you look at the prices!) God that makes me want to drag out my sewing machine. Why have you not shared that before .... evil ;)
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