I know it seems a little early for this, but the conference is a whole month earlier this year and I happen to be obsessing a bit about what I'm going to wear that night. Plus, I'm between books right now - or am I a glutton for punishment? - and I thought it might be a good idea just to see what was out there.
That was mistake number one. Deciding to try on a few dresses was mistake number two.
Twenty dresses in various styles and colors later, I had absolutely no success. That is, unless you can call knowing what you'll never be caught dead in a success. My fresh-from-a-long-and-cold-Minnesota-winter skin wasn't a wonderful backdrop for any style or color.
Exhausted and defeated, I headed home. On my way, I remembered having a similar experience last year. After three long and arduous outings, I ended up debating between two dresses by the same designer. So I decided to see if I could save myself a big headache and check on-line to see if my second choice was still for sale anywhere. I'm in luck! It is!
So this is the dress I'm thinking of. What do you think ... navy blue or black?
#1
I also ran across these pretty possibilities.
Not sure my tan lines would work with this neckline, but I might just have to try this one on.
#2
Might be a nice alternative to black?
#3
Love the tiered layers on this one.
#4
Can you tell I like black?
#5
And here are a few that I WISH worked.
This one's way out of my price range.
That pasty Minnesota skin? Oddly enough, I still have tan-lines from last summer, so I'm not sure this neckline on the right would work.
Wish to heck I could wear yellow. Sigh.
They don't have this one in my size. Darn it. Would love to try it on.
Ooooh, shiny!
Another one way out of my price range. Pretty though, huh?
Okay, so what do you think? Should I go for #1, 2, 3, 4, or 5? Or should I throw caution to the wind and run with one of the last six?
And if you're going to the RWA conference this summer, do you already have a dress picked out for the awards ceremony or are you one of those crazy people who wait until the last minute?
Helen
55 comments:
You can NEVER go wrong with black & the only way to know if something works for you is to try it on.
Hey, women in Asia and Africa bleach their skin on a daily basis (check out ‘Fair and Lovely’!) – why are white women so afraid of being white? It’s better than a pumpkin orange tan!! I’m as pale as a ghost, and other women are always telling me to get a fake tan. Why? Why should I be ashamed of my skin colour? At least I’m not covered in wrinkles and spots because I spend all day in the sun – I still even get asked for ID sometimes when I buy alcohol!
I love blue, but I can imagine the black would look great too. #5 would be gorgeous on any body shape or size.
I empathize. I hate shopping too! Like anonymous, I like #5 too, but your tan lines might show on this one also. I do like #1 and # 2. I'm partial to blue also, but I know black goes well with everything so you won't have to worry to much about accessorizing with black.:)
# 1 would be my choice, Helen (bless you for this post , by the way - I love to shop but have been trapped in the house on deadline for weeks - you're giving me a vicarious thrill!) I love the asymmetrical neckline. It reminds me a little of that fabulous dress Hilary Swank wore when she won the Oscar for Million Dollar Baby. Navy or Black would be awesome, either/or, if navy is a color you like on yourself. Me? I look terrible in navy. Plus it was the color of my old school uniform. Good luck! As for picking dresses in advance, I have a dress I bought a year ago that is aching for a special occasion -it's incredibly frou-frou and girly, in a raspberry pink, no less, which is not a color I ever wear. But it's by an NZ designer called Trelise Cooper and I feel like a cross between a fairy princess and Marilyn Monroe when I try it on - this can only be a good thing, right?
Helen, I love to shop! I love the first dress - it's so different and has such a great neckline wonderful pleating detail. I'd choose navy blue but I'm sure the black is just as lovely *g*
Not sure if I'll worry about a new dress this year or recycle one of the four I already have. Had to buy my older daughter a prom dress so that may be my big formal dress purchase for the year :-)
I think you're right about black, Marybelle, and what's so cool about dress #1 is that I already know it fits! I tried it on last year. Something about that designer works for me, I think.
Anonymous, I hear you about the white skin. I really do. If I was uniformly pale, I'd be happy, but since I do some gardening and yard work in the summer - take the dogs for daily walks - even though I wear sunscreen my skin tone is very uneven. And, darn it, it's never more apparent than when I try on these formals.
Snookie, Ithink the mesh shoulder straps on #5 might just hide some of my skin's uneven tone. I might just have to go out on another shopping excursion, armed with these photos, and try them ALL on! lol
Sarah, yes! feeling like a princess, or Marilyn Monroe is a good thing, especially on RITA night! Now that you mention it, #1 does bring to mind that dress Hilary Swank wore. Glad I could give you a shopping fix. Good luck on the deadline!
Beth, my dd is all finished with proms, so I get to splurge a little on myself these days! She helps me shop now, too. When in doubt, I usually ask her.
Hey Helen,
I like the first five better than the others, and I looove #1. I think that color would look fabulous on you. I want to try on first five, and I hate shopping, LOL! Great choices :)
Hi Rula and thanks for your input!
I just checked on availability on the first one. The blue is backordered and would ship on 6/19. I'll be leaving for NY on 6/28. Might be cutting it a little close, I think!!!!
You're buying a dress for the Rita?
Now I'm having nightmares.
Can't I just wear pants?
Nice pants.
Helen, what web addy did you search for these dresses??? Love #1 but, yeah, that's cutting it close. #5 would be my next choice. That one is so elegant and has a gorgeous cut to it. You'll look fabulous!
Kay
If #1 is in stock in the black, I'd go with that since you are leaning in that direction. My way of determining the "right one"? The accessories. Do you have shoes to match? What about jewellery (although it might not be needed)? I'm thinking that the blue dress would have required matching shoes, which would be expensive and difficult to find, but anything in black should be fine, as don't we all have black shoes?
I agree that you need to try it on before deciding for sure, as oftentimes something looks lovely in the picture but doesn't hang well on everybody. (That doesn't sound right!)
Good luck!
Helen, I love, love, love dress number one, love the flattering neckline and the ruching across the stomach. I would choose navy to go with your dark hair, but the dates are too tight. It would be gorgeous in black.
Can you use just a little foundation or pressed powder to even out your neck and upper chest tan lines?
Good luck! I hate shopping, too ;-) Blech!
Can you post pictures for us after the conference? Would love to see your final choice!
I'd go with #1 in black. Add some color with some bright shoes. And you could always go get a spray tan for even all over color.
Fun, Helen!
I want to take up a collection to buy you the very last dress. If you let me hold your Rita again, I'll chip in a few bucks. ;-)
Failing that, I love #1. I don't think the dates are too close for the blue, but I indulge in deadline brinkmanship quite a bit. Maybe order #1 in black and blue. If the blue comes late, wear the black. If the blue comes on time, send the black back.
I wish we could post photos in the comments. I want to see what everyone else is wearing, too! Sarah's raspberry dress has me curious! Maybe when we can all send in photos of our dresses and post them during the conference week in one big blog.
This kind of shopping is much better than the mall, right?
I like the #1 in navy, still classic, but slightly different. I also like the #5. It's gorgeous.
I don't really enjoy shopping all that much. If I know what I want, I can't find it in my size or the colors are all wrong. And I never have a place to go where I could wear something so glamorous. The big fancy fundraiser I go to every year had a country western theme this year, so for my big night on the town I got to wear the jeans I wear every day.
I'm sure you'll look great no matter which one you choose.
Dress shopping is fun, except when nothing fits your body...which is my perpetual problem. My fave is #2. I'm sure that you'll look great, though. You have stunning taste! 8 )
Having never been to Nationals or the RITAs, I don't know what the dress code is like. I won't be there this year, but maybe next...
Is Oscar-style glam the usual call? (Now getting nervous...)
Hey, Mary C! Yes, you can wear pants to the RITA ceremony! The RITA finalists - usually - get pretty dressy, though. It's a little unnerving for me, actually, since I generally don't wear dresses. Tomboy at heart.
Kay, I think all these dresses came off the Nordstrom website, but that's not how I found them initially. I Googled the designer and "clearance" to see if the dress from last year might show up. And it did! So did a lot of others.
Good point, Laney! I do have black shoes and the perfect earrings to go with #1. Don't think I'd wear a necklace as the neckline is interesting enough. And because it actually has sleeves - which nicely hides my middle-aged "wings" - I won't freeze to death.
As for trying things on ... I read on the reviews for #4 that it worked perfectly for one tall woman with a stick straight body. Since I'm decidedly curvy, I think I'll have to pass on that one, although I do think it's beautiful!
Mary, I will definitely post pics after the awards ceremony!
Linda!! Oh, bright shoes! Wouldn't that be fun? My daughter, too, says I should do the spray tan. I'm always afraid I'll come out orange. She's done it before, though, so maybe I'll try her spot.
Ellen, I think the price tag on that last dress was over $500!! Still wanna pass around the hat? lol
Awesome idea of posting all our dresses - I was wondering about Sarah's raspberry dress, too. And, yes, this kind of shopping I can deal with!
I have to admit my favs are #s 1 and 5, too, Kristina, and, trust me, there's something to be said about being decked out comfortably in jeans on a big night!
I never went to prom, though, so I'm making up for it now!
Vicki, I have a curvy body, which is a nice way of saying "big butt," so it's always hard finding the right dress. When I do, though, I know right away.
The awards ceremony is pretty much an anything goes kind of night as far as dress is concerned. I've seen pants, suits, and both short and long dresses. People who've been nominated for RITAs or Golden Hearts generally get the dressiest. I wore a very dressy short dress last year, but decided to go for a long one this year. It's that prom envy thing!
I've got THREE mother of the bride dresses. Well, one long black skirt and three sparkly tops.
C'mon, admit it. When else do women wear formal gowns!!!
(I may be living in my own little world)
Hi Helen. I hate shopping, but I do love looking at pretty dresses. I think #1 is beautiful, but my favorite is #5. I'm sure you will look amazing in what ever you decide to wear!
Have a wonderful day!
Helen--for $500 you might have to let me do more than hold the Rita. How do you feel about mentioning my name in your acceptance speech? Something along the lines of "I owe it all to..."
We can work out the details. ;-)
Hi Helen--I love to shop! Turn me loose in Macy's and I'm a happy woman! I love dress #1. If I was doing it, I'd order both colors and if the blue arrived on time, I'd send back the black. I like #2, too. Good luck!
#1 in black is definitely it!!!!
Good luck!
Helen, nice dresses! I can't choose and it isn't even for me. I love #1 in both colors. The blue might stand out more as there is a lot of black out there. Accessories?
You'll look great in whatever you choose. Good luck!
I vote number 1 or number 5... Oscar worthy. You'll look stunning.
#2 has my vote, but you'll look great in any of these.
I'm not a shopper, either. Good luck!!!
Deb
Mary C, women really do wear formal gowns for the RITA and GH award ceremony. I swear! Google images for the RITA.
Hey! I might luck out and be able to wear one of my dresses as a mother of the bride or groom. Cool!
Hi Alina and thanks!
Deal Ellen. As soon as you Paypal me the $500 we'll work on a speech! hehehe
Jeannie, Macy's gives me a headache. All those different departments. I never know where to go. Yesterday, I couldn't believe how so many stores had changed locations in the mall. The last time I'd been there was just before Christmas.
Thanks Jackie S, Mary, and Linda S!
#2 looks amazing, doesn't it, Deb? I wanna just try it on. Just to see.
Helen,
#1 or #2. #2 is a little different and stands out though. You'll look great in any of those dresses. And congratulations!!!
Linda
I really like #3 myself, probably makes a nice cleavage. :) But #1 is great, too, looks very classy and elegant. And you can never go wrong with black, can you?
Thanks Linda!
Cleavage is good, right, Claudia! :)
I'm with the voters on one, Helen. It's gorgeous. My party frocks are usually borrowed from a sister who goes to lots of functions for her job...love her wardrobe.
Good luck with choosing.
Karina
Helen, I feel your pain a bit. I am a fall mother of the bride and, while I have a dress I bought on sale, I just keep looking.
I have heard a lot of women wear navy now because it is more flattering than black but still as stylish.
I love all your choices. And wish I could wear yellow too.
I may steal #1 as an option for me!
Peace, Julie
I love #5. I always go with the black if I'm not sure about pulling the other colors off.
Thanks, Karina, and you are sooo lucky to have a sister with a wardrobe!
Hey, Julie - steal away! Haven't heard that factoid about navy, but I believe it.
Jane, I'm with you on the black. I'm lucky it looks okay of me, otherwise ...
Hi Helen - I liked #1 in Navy and #3. Black is nice but another color will stand out more.
Hi ~ I can't wear black and envy those who can. I like the style of the yellow dress (does it come in a color you could wear?) with #5 as a runner up.
Tammy, I always "try" to find something that isn't black for that exact reason. There's a reason women wear so much black though for formal occasions. It is slimming.
I might just try one more shopping excursion to see if I can try on #3 and 5. See what happens!
Kaelee, I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't wear black. I think that's half my wardrobe! My dd is lighter than me and she doesn't wear black. It's not her best color. She can wear tans and grays, though, and I look terrible in those colors.
Decisions, decisions ...
# 5 would be my pick, I love black myself.
I'm sure you'll look fantastic in whatever dress you choose. #1 would be my first choice, but if you have the figure for it--which I'm sure you do--choose #2 or #5 so I can live vicariously through you :)
Have we narrowed this down any for you?
I love the colour of dress #3, but I could never pull it off with my pale colouring. If you tan better than I do, I'm sure it would look gorgeous on you.
I also like dress #5.
Good luck with your shopping!
Thanks Virginia!
Sarah, I don't tan well, but I think that color will work for me. Wouldn't know for sure without trying it on.
Rogenna, yes it's narrowed down! I ordered #1 in blue AND black and will see what happens. There was no shipping and I can return the one I end up not wearing without issue.
Ordering both made me feel very decadent, but it's one less thing to worry about.
If I have time, I'll head out , armed with photo and label names, to try on a few others, but I won't sweat it.
Thanks everyone for all your input!! You were all very helpful!
Helen, I understand hating to shop for clothes, but it's mostly because nothing looks particularly flattering on me anymore. It's amazing how much more pleasant shopping is when clothes actually look good on you, so be glad for that! For my money, I think any of the following are lovely, depending upon how well they suit your tastes and your coloring 1,3,5,8,10,or 11. I love black, too, but I also love navy and silver. (I know that wasn't much help. Sorry!)
You've already ordered, I see. I would have said dress #1, if you want to break out of the black syndrome, or #2 if you don't, but #1 in black would work too. You'll be divine.
Oh, yay! So glad you went for #1. That draping is just gorgeous. You'll look wonderful wearing it.
Great choice- glad you picked #1. Good luck!
JV - that's so true about shopping and clothing looking good. I actually put on make-up! Including lipstick that day I went out to look at dresses, thinking that might make a diff. Not sure that it did! lol
Patricia, Autumn and Laura - thanks for your input!
Post a Comment