Where do you buy semi-formal and/or fancy dresses? I need 2. Recs please.

ryanthegirl

I have two events coming up that are about a month apart - but will be attended by mostly the same people, so I need two different dresses.

The first one is the Pittsburgh Film Office Pre-Oscar Party. I'd like a funky/fun cocktail dress (it's a Friday night cocktail/appetizer type function). 

The second function is the Pittsburgh Film Office Oscar Party. I'd like a pretty fancy/over-the-top dress for the second function.

I have a hard time spending a lot of money on dresses that I may never wear again. I'd like to keep each dress to $100 or less (preferably much less).

Any recommendations? Is Nordstrom worth checking out for this?

I've also been considering RentTheRunway.com - have any of you tried that?

AmandaJLewis

my friend who works at the museum and often has to attend events tried rent the runway and raved about it.  It was really perfect because she sees the same people at these events and yet doesn't want to buy a dress for each one, or amass a collection of formal ware either. She had a great experience with the service! Also, I have not bought a formal dress since my wedding, and it was prom before that. So you live a glamorous life compared to my own

ryanthegirl

Hahah, trust me, it's not glamorous. It sounds like fun (and it kind of is) but really it's just a work function for Casey - where I stand around awkwardly. 

...Although I kind of stand around awkwardly everywhere I go so...

kris356

Modcloth? Not a B&M, but they have tons of stuff for relatively cheap. I highly recommend reading the reviews and looking at the measurements (they try on and measure all the clothing when it comes in). My sister works for them and she has some adorable stuff that was really reasonable. She got her dress for my other sister's wedding from them.

As for RTRW, you can get nice things but sometimes you can buy something on sale at Nordstrom for way less than renting it. Nordstroms B&M is hit or miss, I find a lot more on the website and you can return right to the store for free.

ryanthegirl

Thanks, Kris!

denalea

I am not sure where you are located, but each year our church has a Prom Dress sale which features TONS of formal wear for ladies.  (2000ish dresses.)  All sizes.  Every dress is $20.  They are a number of new dresses (samples, discontinues from Bridal stores, etc.) and then a bunch of gently used.  (We screen them all to be sure they are not torn, massively stained, etc.)  There are promy things and then not as promy things.  (Mother of the Bride, Bridesmaid, general formal, etc.)

The sale is March 29th which might be too late, but we do keep a number of dresses (100's) in the closet downstairs.  I would be glad to meet up with you at some point and let you shop.  Or, if you're farther away and would want to email me your size (range of sizes because formal wear sizes stink!), I could look and snap some photos  and send them to see if there are any worth your times.  (Our "stock" changes each year....and we are getting a lot more dresses in right now in preparation for our sale.)

On a related note, we gladly take donations of formal wear, and will give tax donation slips.  Hopefully your dress will make someone else happy and give them great prom (or other) memories!

ryanthegirl

Thanks so much, Dena! I think I found something on Shabby Apple last night - but I'll definitely take you up on the offer if I need to.

I may have some stuff for your sale. I have a lot of formal dresses that are just collecting dust. Do you have a donation event or is it more like "drop off when you want"?

denalea

We take dresses all year so it is a drop off when you want.  We are in Cranberry Twp., but if that isn't convenient, I'd be glad to meet you to get them.   Just let me know!

The sale really is a lot of fun.  I love seeing the girls try them on and get so excited about the prom!  We've also had brides, bridesmaids, etc!

Thanks!

ryanthegirl

Okay, I'm on a major mission to clean stuff out this year - so I'll get in touch when I have the stuff together. 

sarahandtim

Dena!! I knew someone on the board took dress donations. How can I get you dresses? Where are you at in cranberry? They're just taking up space in my closet.

denalea

Sorry! Just getting this back now.

Where are you?  What is your schedule?  Our office is open and accepts donation M-F 9-2 (or 3, or 4.  We don't usually leave when we should!)  I am there M, T, W those hours.   (Well, 9:30ish...I'm usually running late!)

If you aren't close to C-berry I'd be glad to meet you on a Thursday or Friday somewhere.

csuave

When I've gone to the Oscar party I have just worn something I already owned either a cocktail dress or an old gown style bridesmaid dress.  Women wear quite a range of dresses there and cocktail is definitely acceptable but wearing a gown can be a lot of fun.

Nordstrom and Macys should have good options.  Maybe White House Black Market.

ryanthegirl

Thanks!

In years past I just wore something I would wear to a wedding - but I'd really like to do something a little different this year. I ordered a dress online, but I'm going to check out Nordstrom this weekend.