Alright. I apologize to all my friends that I totally bumped from their allotted Shopping with a Purpose (SWAP) slot.
But since it’s my blog, I’m taking a point of personal privilege. I seriously need some input, friends.
I have a very fancy event coming up. Black tie gala with star power, dinner and dancing. This event is also my first time I’ll have a seat at my company’s sponsored table (normally lawyers don’t get those seats; I go as invited guest of other companies, not mine). Inevitably, this will be located at the front of the room. My hubby has it easy. He just throws on his tux.
I have not attended a black tie gala since I birthed triplets.
This is the only dress I have. It certainly is an option and is classic and formal. (With industrial Spanx.)
However, I’d also like to really blow this out of the water.
If you know me personally, you know (approximately) my size. I’m 5’10 and most of the time wear a size 12. I carry weight in my post-triplet middle, and while I can disguise it with suits and blazers at work, most gala dresses are column. I used to embrace column dresses, but now feel like I look like a spare tire has run loose.
Here are the Pros & Cons of the gala dresses under consideration:






Would you VOTE on your favorite one or two dresses (on FB, Twitter or in the comments) OR (for extra bonus points) propose an entirely different dress you’d recommend? Pretty please with sequins on top. Are their colors you think I should avoid? Is bright color frowned upon?
They are all so pretty…and what fun to get all dressed up. My curiosity got the best of me and I had to go look at the website. I loved this one…subtle color, forgiving pleats to hide any (perceived) flaws. But whatever you choose, you will be stunning! http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna-papell-lace-yoke-drape-gown/3971388?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Ink&resultback=6498
I love the back AND the price point!!!
I think they would all be nice on you (even the one you already have)
But I vote for the red!
I do love red for a gala!
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/vera-wang-sleeveless-sequin-embellished-gown-bloomingdales-exclusive?ID=1082118&CategoryID=21683&LinkType=#fn=DRESS_OCCASION%3DEvening/Formal%26LENGTH_M%3DLong%26spp%3D18%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D3%26rid%3D%26spc%3D443
Vera Wang is absolutely perfection!!!
I like the 1st one’s cut … but if the color is not good for you then I would skip it. No sense paying for a great dress that makes you look washed out. Luckily you are in Houston and there are tons of great formal wear stores. Dillards is even good for budget-minded decisions. Here’s one I found online that would probably look great.
http://www.dillards.com/product/Adrianna-Papell-CapSleeve-Bead-Gown_301_-1_301_503910360?df=04042283_zi_red&categoryId=676393&scrollTop=0
Oh I love this dress SO much Carol! I’ve been trying on a lot of Adrianna Papell’s and her stuff fits great!
4 is SO my first pick- lovely, classy, looks so expensive and confident
6 is my 2nd choice
1 is my 3rd choice
the red one and the blue one are both horrible- the red one looks cheap and tacky like a jr department prom dress, and blue one looks like an old lady in a lampshade
the fancy green one at the bottom is great also!
I love having friends with opinions – your comments cracked me up, thanks for the feedback – I think I found a killer dress, Aiden Mattox who I can’t normally afford, for 60% off – it comes next week, fingers crossed.