Later this month, M and I will attend what is known in our circle as the Platinum Wedding of one of his friends.
And since I’m, I don’t know, a girl, I want a new dress.
Like most women, I have a closet full of dresses but, of course, nothing to wear. I’ve been doing some research online - just to see “what’s out there” and of course I’ve subsequently fallen in love with a dress or two. Or twenty. Which is where you come in, since showing M the dresses online resulted in “that’s sexy” and “that’s sexy” and “that’s sexy” and “you’ll look great in anything baby”. He’s cute, but the man is of little help when it comes to these matters.
Here are a few of the dresses I’m considering, and why:
Dress #1:
Something you should know about me: I’m a sucker for anything lace and anything chocolate brown and pink. Also, this particular dress happens to hit at the smallest part of the waist and I’ve watched enough of Tim Gunn’s show to know that that’s ideal. However, I’m slightly worried about how revealing it is in the chest area and also, too prom?
Dress #2:
I absolutely love this dress. Love, love and also love. One problem: the back is a keyhole, down to the waist, which means no bra, which means problem (Dear Chest, You are a pain in the ass. Love, Clink). Also, is it boring? I mean it’s really just a plain black dress gussied up with a large bow.
Dress #3:
This dress isn’t nearly as sexy but there’s something about it. I love the color and I think the cut will be flattering to an hourglass shape like mine. However, this was the one that garnered the least emphatic reaction from M. Too conservative?
Dress #4:
Gorgeous. Especially with gold accessories: earrings, bangle, shoes. Except, um, it’s $420. But, um, I could wear it to my rehearsal dinner! So, really, two dresses for the price of one. Or something. Please help me rationalize.
Dress #5:
Simple, yes, but I love the color and I can again accessorize with gold and still afford to pay my November rent.
Dress #6:
See? SUCKER FOR LACE. Plus, it’s the cheapest.
So, there you have it. Well, that’s about half of it - I got too lazy to upload the rest that I have bookmarked. Plus, we’re watching The Fairly OddParents and if you’ve never seen this cartoon then you haven’t lived. HAVE NOT LIVED.
I haven’t read the post yet but had to take the opportunity to say: YAY! I’m FIRST!
hee hee hee
Okay first of all hi? I’m watching The Fairly OddParents as well.
Ok so. Dresses. #1: Pretty. Second re. chocolate brown and pink. Perhaps a little prom-ish though which I think it would not be if it had a straight skirt but who am I to second guess a designer? For some reason Kay Unger has not yet called to hire me, I don’t know why.
I was totally thinking #2 would be completely chest-ideal until you said keyhole. Bastards.
#3 = too conservative.
Basically I’m voting for #4. And okay yes it’s pricey. But? BUT? Great investment. Classic color, classic silhouette. Flattering. In short - PURTY, ME LIKEY.
I could go on, but I will spare you. Apparently someone needs to tell me that I’m bot Tim Gunn . . .
xoxo
I mean, NOT Tim Gunn. Am I still hungover from Friday?
And after four, I promise I will stop leaving comments. Seriously.
But I’m just wondering, that blue one I like . . . Nicole Miller?
oh man i am rooting for dress #1. that dress is like sex and magic all rolled into one!
I like 3 and 5 the best. Well, not that I dislike the other ones… I really like 4, but maybe it’s just a bit toooo slinky for the wedding. I had actually eyed 5 to wear to a wedding I went to this summer, only the color I wanted was back-ordered.
Okay, I hate to say it because of the cost, but number four is the most amazing dress ever and I love it a lot, and covet it vicariously for you. If you want to go for cheaper, my vote is number two, if you can figure out the bra/double-sided tape/whatever situation. It’s a cute twist on a basic concept.
I like #1, 4, and 5 in that order. I love that blue color and I really like the shape of the first one!
I love me some #4.
I know that doesn’t help you with your desire (sort of) to save, but man, it’s beautiful.
i vote No. 1 for you. although i would really enjoy wearing No. 3.
I am TOTALLY in love with the first one. It has CLINK written all over it. Which is funny because it is one of the lowest cut ones. And I’m pretty sure I was the idiot that told you I didn’t like the low cut wedding dress you showed us a few months ago. I like the last one too.
I don’t like #4. Too squinched (My spell checker loved that one) up for my taste. I think it would make your torso look shorter, or something. I dunno. I’m short, so shortening your torso is inherently bad for me.
1 is a bit prom-ish.
2 is nice but a little meh. As you said, boring.
3 looks a little casual for a Platinum Wedding.
So, I think it is between:
4 my favourite. That colour! That material! I’m sure you’ll feel like a million bucks in that dress. Even if you can’t afford to eat ever again after buying it!
5. I like 5 because it is elegant and the colour is gorgeous.
6 is my second favourite. Like you I am a sucker for lace.So, off course I like it!
Have you tried any of these babies on yet?
#3. for sure.
I like 5 best. But that’s totally personal opinion for myself, and since I now officially assume everybody must have the same taste as me, I vote you get 5.
1. Isn’t too prom. It’s my second favourite only because I don’t really like the material of the skirt portion. And the chest issue.
2. Is actually my favourite but I had to 86 it due to the open back.
3 and 4 both look kind of… motherly, or something. Where 3 is the mom who is still trying to look flirty and young and 4 is the classy mom… who is still 35+.
6. Might be good but I can’t really tell. It looks unique too- so maybe that’s another tied-for tops. They’re all nice!
I like #1 and #5. I am also well endowed in the chest area, like you, and I say if you’ve got it flaunt it. Halter tops are sexy. Have you tried these dresses on yet or only looked at them online? Because sometimes something may look fantastic online and then you see it and try it on in person and the color/cut/fit, etc. is only meh.
#5 definitely. I love the black one, but an open back can be disastrous if you’re trying to hold up the girls.
Big fan of three and five. Frankly, three is just about my style, which is rather conservative, so take that with a grain of salt. Five is fun, sexy, not too prom-y, and flattering.
If you are looking for justification, than #4 could be used beyond the Platinum wedding and your rehearsal dinner- it’s a great formal dress for other formal occasions, and isn’t it important to have a thing or two in your closet that serves those purposes? Particularly in your industry and in NYC?
In #1, ohh…the lace, it’s gorgeous and it’s elegant. At the same time, however, like #4 and the bow of #2, it’s shiny, light reflecting material. I know that personally for me, that’s a huge problem because the light wraps around the wrong curves and emphasizes the parts I want to hide (mid-section!).
#3 is a bit understated, though #5 looks great and still has the same glamour as #1 adn #4. Don’t do #2. It’ll hide your assets and the keyhole will probably have you fidgeting and worrying throughout the night.
#6 is lovely, but a tad bit on the safe side and very much unlike the feel I get from the others. Go for #5!
Thank you, now I would like to buy a new dress. Here are my thoughts:
1. Agreed. A little prom-ish.
2. If the no bra would make you self-conscious and uncomfortable all night, then it’s a no. Also, it is a little plain.
3. Very pretty, gorgeous color, but quite conservative. Agree with M, least reaction from me too.
4. SO HOT.
5. Gorgeous color, also very hot.
6. Looks kind of matronly. Definitely not as sexy.
Let us know which one you choose!!
#4 is like an orgasm turned into clothes.
I love love LOOOOOOOOOVE #1 with #5 and #4 coming in very close behind. I actually want #1 myself. So if you get it? Consider it borrowed
I love #5! The color is gorgeous, the gown drapes beautifully. I think you would feel and look movie star fabulous!
#3 is also nice but I would never consider wearing red to a wedding since it would take attention away from the bride.
#1 - Beautiful, but I agree with it looking a little prom…or bridesmaid even.
#2 - Open back? YIKES!
#4 - Doesn’t look comfortable plus unless you are a -0, I think the fabric and cut will accentuate things you didn’t know you even had. My sister had a similar experience, it all came out in the photos
#6 - May be a little too matronly and not quite right for the platinum wedding
me rikey #6 the bestest.
Hi there! I love paper-doll Clink!
I love #1, and I think there’s something very cute about wearing your own wedding colors
I happen to love #3, maybe not for a “Platinum Wedding” - but perhaps as a less formal option to have in your “arsenal.” I’m not so into the so-called squinchy one or #2, but I think that #5 would work for you too. And #6? Nah.
Btw, the more I think about it, the more I’m thinking of weddings that _I_ have to go - and the more I’m thinking I could use something like #3. Could you pretty please tell us (or email me) where you saw it? It’s my color
Oh, and um, thanks!
Number 1, then 4, then 5. I’m a sucker for the chocolate brown and pink combo, too, but there’s something about #4 that is so sleek. I love the rouched (sp?) detail down the front. Number 5 seems cute and kind of sassy, but the other two are more sophisticated.
Where did you find these dresses online? I think I could stand to browse some of these web sites!
hmm, seconding the promness of #1. seeing that it’s a platinum wedding that you’re attending, i say you look like a gazillion dollars which i would be best done in #4. the rest of ‘em all look a little too casual for such a high caliber event, except for #5 - not so much casual as it looks like a dress my grandmother might’ve worn.
I vote for number 5 because it’s the prettiest. Great colour, great line, and wearable again. On the other hand, if it was me I’d rationalise buying more than one… I guess I’m a sucker like that.
I just started a new job this week, and went shopping to buy clothes to wear in a far more corporate area than I’m used to. But lo! look at those pretty summer dresses in my bag!
The last one is the best. In my opinion it has it all. You want to go for comfort and you can totally wear a bra with it. It’s lacey, always a plus ands it makes it elegant. Good Luck. I personally think it’s harder to pick out a dress for a wedding you’re not in thena wedding you’re in (or planning)
For this particular event, and probably others, I vote for #5. The V isn’t too much - and you can totally wear a low-cut halter bra with it. Classy, pretty, sexy - a great combo!
Plus, if you like lace, I should show you the wedding dress I’ve found that’s been my favorite so far (no, STILL haven’t tried any on yet). It has just enough lace, and looks kind of regal.
I think it depends on what you are going for. If you want to be cute but low-key, or if you want to turn heads, etc.
Personally I have a crush on dress #1. I’d like to take it for a long weekend getaway to a B&B and never leave the room.
Four! Four! Four! Hands down winner. It looks classy yet sexy and very expensive (which it should since it is.) All of the others are good, but 4 is great and is my absolute favorite of your selections.
I am totally in love with number 1. But I, too have a sickness for pink and chocolate brown in combination. So, that could be my reason for being swayed so easily
No matter which one you pick I’m sure you’ll look gorgeous!
1 is a bit too prommy. I do like #2 a lot but not for a wedding. I vote the blue one. It screams hotness.
btw, I’m a relatively new reader and I love your stuff. It’s great and I’m pretty sure we are living the exact.same.life. Congrats on the engagement. I am also getting married next summer so I may be the only reader that doesn’t get sick of hearing about wedding stuff as it has engulfed my entire existance.
Where did you find dress #2? It could be a great dress for a casual wedding I have to go to in a few weeks!
I’m going for the last one; beautiful and affordable. And don’t fool yourself; you will not want to wear a dress you wore to a friend’s wedding to your rehearsal dinner. You will want to get another one that no one has seen on your special day(s)!!
The one that is $420 or whatever - LOVE. And, trust me, after you buy and wear it to this wedding you’re not going to wear it to your rehearsal (as practical as that is) because you may want something you have not worn for that occasion…or maybe you WILL be fine with wearing it again (I’m weird like that).
The black dress with a bow is nothing too wild, but it’s classic, different, and modern.
Please don’t go with dress #1 - it’s overkill, I think. The others are pretty, but I’m not sure they scream fancy wedding attire. Red is cute, but I could see you wearing that to a dressy work event, same with the last dress.
Oh, and dress #5 is nice, but screams bridesmaid to me…
Good luck!
I too like dress #4 probably the best. Dress #2 is pretty cute as well, but if this is a Platinum Wedding, then I have to think the platinumest dress (hee) is number four.
It does look like a Nicole Miller. And if it is, I would definitely try A Nicole Miller on before you buy THAT Nicole Miller because sometimes she runs small and you have to size up. Just an FYI from your friendly boutique owner. Who sells Nicole Miller
I absolutely adore the pink and cholcolate dress - the first one - and the black one with the sash…they are beautiful - they all are actually it’s just that the first one is breath taking
I like dress 2.
Ok I really like all of these (except that red one - agree with M on the conservativism). My vote, given your budget and body, would be for #5. I really like the first one as well…
In terms of doing double duty with #4, you know you will get to time of rehearsal dinner and the whole “I need a new dress” thing will rear it’s ugly head. Don’t rationalize.
4 is your winner I think.
Also, my second choice is #6.
1 is gorgeous; 5 is simpler and also quite nice. 4 could easily turn into a fashion disaster and the others are just, “eh” by comparison. Good luck!
hi clink! i adore your blog.
there is something about number 1 that is just magical (powerful combo of pink and lace and a little cleavage?) and i think the length keeps it from being too prom.
for the record, i asked my boyfriend’s opinion and he chose number 5, but i wouldn’t - how should i put this - call him a tim gunn when it comes to fashion.
I like Dress 5 best (plus it can be worn to many occasions) and also the dress in your next post.
#4.. it’s gorgeous. And rationalizing it for the rehearsal dinner seems fitting. Plus, maybe you can wear it to a fancy dinner on the honeymoon?
I say this out of love and respect…. do not go with #1. You are projecting your desires for pink/chocolate brown bridesmaid dresses onto the situation. You. Will. Look. Like. A. Bridesmaid. And am I on the only one who doesn’t see any chocolate brown? It looks awfully purple up top. Also… this is a Nina Garcia sort of thing to say but… it doesn’t look expensive.
Number 5 all the way. Classy. Flattering. Beautiful with gold accessories.
Dress #4.
And Fairly Oddparents is AWESOME!! I heart cartoons.
(I just used “heart” as a verb. I need to get more sleep.)
My vote goes to #5. It’s stunning. I love the color and think it accomplishes that oh-so-difficult fusion of sex and class.
Sorry I’m responding so belatedly. There has been drama taking up my time this week. I am dying to post about it but can’t (ahhhhh!!!!). It’s killing me.
LOVE #4, but would choose #5 if money got in the way.
And doesn’t it always?
I really love #4. The color is beautiful! The shape is nice to! It is pretty expensive, but if you can afford it…