Gindi Vincent

The Dish on Career, Fashion, Faith, and Family

Fashion Fridays: S.W.A.P., Gala (Shopping with a Purpose)

by 12 Comments

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.)

dresstry

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:

1.  galaPros – Elegant, well draped for body type concerns, reasonable;
Cons – While I love me some gray, this pale shade won’t be that flattering, and I’m a little worried about those pleats over my middle.
 
2.  gala1Pros – this has a wow factor, I love this bright red, and it feels sophisticated with an awesome back (without actually showing a bare back);
Cons – this is the fitted column that may not work for my current figure.
 
3.  gala2Pros – so lovely, great cut, both for my arms and hips, and the bright blue color won’t go missed;
Cons – this may be too much on top, and I worry sometimes the royal blue “cheap” looking, I always hesitate with this shade for formals.
 
4.  gala3Pros – so dressy, which this event is, and charcoal gray is a flattering shade on;
Cons – it’s still probably cut too narrow and puts sequins across my middle; plus the fabric could read inexpensive. 
 
5.  gala4  Pros – classic, black, slimming, timeless;
Cons – unclear how the inset will fall, and definitely understated (which may be fine, but obviously I’m drawn to color), and it basically feels like another version of the dress I already have. 
6.  gala7Pros – also classic but with color; I love the crepe-y feel of the dress with that gorgeous back, but the green is also one of my best colors;
Cons – it is very simple so I feel I’d have to dress it up with hair and accessories, and there’s no room to hide flaws.
 
Here’s the thing.  I don’t know that any of these really WOW me.  I have a budget, so nothing may, which means I can live with the classic dress in my closet.  Just for perspective, if I had an unlimited budget, and I most certainly do not, these are the two dresses that would top my list.  I really love the color, fabric and style:
 gala5gala6
 
{An Aidan Matton encrusted blue dress and Sherri Hill emerald embellished gown.}
 
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?
I promise, we’ll return to others challenges next week.

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Comments

  4. Carol McCord says

    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

    Reply

    • Gindi says

      Oh I love this dress SO much Carol! I’ve been trying on a lot of Adrianna Papell’s and her stuff fits great!

      Reply

  5. brandy says

    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!

    Reply

    • Gindi says

      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.

      Reply

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