I really need some inspiration. Black tie optional evening wedding on Saturday. I need to find something in stores tomorrow and, unfortunately, it can't be strapless or one shoulder because I have some really hideous tan lines from our last beach trip (trying to remedy with products with limited success).
WWYW? Where would you shop? Everything I'm seeing on Macy's is so mother-of-the-bride. I love J.Crew's cocktail dresses but never see them in stores. I'm willing to pay up to $200ish because I feel pretty bad about my body these days and just want something that looks good and is fashionable.
Also, I like color and I would love for it to be slightly trendy. This is going to be a bit of a splurge and I have plenty of basic cocktail dresses in my closet that will hopefully fit me again one day.
My plan is to scour Montgomery Mall tomorrow, but I'd welcome any MoCo suggestions, especially for boutiques or whatnot that I wouldn't otherwise think about.
Re: Yet another WWYW wedding situation
I think the mall is a good bet. I know this may sound cheesy but I would check out Dress Barn. There's one in Aspen Hill but there may be some at other places. Everytime I go in there, I find many different options and they are reasonably priced. For some of the dresses, you may have to dress up with heels and jewelry but you may be able to find something that works.
As far as the dress you posted, for me, I don't like the fabric. If you aren't feeling completely comfortable with your body, I wouldn't wear something that is so flimsy and doesn't have much structure. I tend to prefer dresses with thicker fabric that have a defined structure. So, just something to think about.
Good luck with your shopping and have fun at the wedding.
You might have luck at Lord and Taylor in White Flint-they have a ton of dresses. There is Luna in Bethesda which can be expensive, but I've gotten some really nice dresses there that I haven't seen anywhere else for under 200 on a few occassions. It tends to be my go to place when I want to get a new dress for something. Usually I have the most luck there or Lord and Taylor. There is also a Clover in Kentlands but they tend to have less of a selection of formal/fancy gowns than Luna:
http://www.shopluna.com/
http://www.shopclover.com/about/location.php
good luck!
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What about:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/js-boutique-pleated-shantung-dress/3100872?origin=category&resultback=2964
(also in gunmetal) http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/js-boutique-pleated-shantung-dress/3127934?origin=category&resultback=3591
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/maggy-london-side-bow-stretch-satin-sheath-dress/3171836?origin=category&resultback=7204
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/sean-collection-beaded-silk-chiffon-dress/3059945?origin=category&resultback=570
Stand up for something you believe in.
Just linking some non-strapless dresses with color that I like.
Happy shopping!
AT teal belted sheath dress - dresses with belts = flattering!
AT silk sheath dress
Nordstrom - a gazillion options (I filtered the search by "guest of wedding")
Scout
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I don't think the dress you posted (the print) looks formal enough.
I don't know what stores are at Montgomery Mall, but if there is a BCBG there or anywhere in MoCo, I would suggest going there. They run great sales and have tons and tons of cocktail dresses. They are great because although they are slightly trendy, they are also basic enough where you can wear it two years from now and it not be obvious it's a few years old.
I've worn this dress to a few evening weddings. I wore a pretty black pearl necklace and earrings with it. It's really pretty on, very flowy.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/karen-kane-twist-knot-sleeveless-dress/3171152?origin=category&resultback=2888
Personally, I think it would be nice for an evening, summer wedding. And, it is super cute. The 'pick up in store' option seems to be broken on my computer but the times I have used it- it has worked out great at Nordstrom.
Also, I was in Lord and Taylor recently and they had some great dresses.
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I agree, I think the fact that is is silk, even with a print, makes it dressy enough for an evening wedding. I would want to try it on though. If you are not body happy, it may hug you in funny ways. My SIL bought the most beautiful cream silk dress with ruched sides and flowers (red and black) from Nordstroms. I think it was Maz Azaria but I don't know for certain
I will reiterate my suggestion to someone else to try Talbots. They often have some really lovely dresses which I find are cut well for my body type.