Another wedding question: help me find a dress

I also have a wedding to attend in July. We rec'd a "save the date"
card so I don't yet know if the wedding will be in the afternoon or
evening. I do know that it'll be quite hot by then, and the event will
be held in a beach town (but not ON the beach).
I don't have anything in my closet to wear, as I own very few dresses,
most of them are for winter holiday occasions, and those that aren't
are black.
I have the hardest time finding dresses for some reason. Here are my
requirements – can you help?
1) Absolutely has to be Petite. I cannot wear regular–sized small
dresses and just have them hemmed, because I am petite all over. I'd
end up having to make too many alterations. Trust me on this one. I
think this is why I have such a hard time finding dresses I like,
because when you're petite all over, fit & proportion matters all over.
2) Cannot be sleeveless. My arms are on the heavy side right now, so
I'd prefer something with a little cap sleeve. Unfortunately,
everything out right now seems to be sleeveless!!
3) Appropriate material for a hot summer day (linen maybe?).
4) A color other than black. Preferably something summery and fun. (I
am seeing a lot of options in red – this might work if the wedding is
in the evening, but if it's in the afternoon, I'd like something a
little lighter like pastel).
5) No overwhelming patterns like huge florals (doesn't work with my
petite frame).
6) Knee length.
7) Preferably something with a bit of structure, although I can wear
looser flowing dresses if the cut is on the bias.
jen

I also have a wedding to attend in July. We rec'd a "save the date"
card so I don't yet know if the wedding will be in the afternoon or
evening. I do know that it'll be quite hot by then, and the event will
be held in a beach town (but not ON the beach).
I don't have anything in my closet to wear, as I own very few dresses,
most of them are for winter holiday occasions, and those that aren't
are black.
I have the hardest time finding dresses for some reason. Here are my
requirements – can you help?
1) Absolutely has to be Petite. I cannot wear regular–sized small
dresses and just have them hemmed, because I am petite all over. I'd
end up having to make too many alterations. Trust me on this one. I
think this is why I have such a hard time finding dresses I like,
because when you're petite all over, fit & proportion matters all over.
2) Cannot be sleeveless. My arms are on the heavy side right now, so
I'd prefer something with a little cap sleeve. Unfortunately,
everything out right now seems to be sleeveless!!
3) Appropriate material for a hot summer day (linen maybe?).
4) A color other than black. Preferably something summery and fun. (I
am seeing a lot of options in red – this might work if the wedding is
in the evening, but if it's in the afternoon, I'd like something a
little lighter like pastel).
5) No overwhelming patterns like huge florals (doesn't work with my
petite frame).
6) Knee length.
7) Preferably something with a bit of structure, although I can wear
looser flowing dresses if the cut is on the bias.
jen

shinypenny wrote:
check Barrie Pace....my very petite MIL loves this place.....
how's this: http://tinyurl.com/8vu9q

shinypenny wrote:
check Barrie Pace....my very petite MIL loves this place.....
how's this: http://tinyurl.com/8vu9q

shinypenny wrote:
check Barrie Pace....my very petite MIL loves this place.....
how's this: http://tinyurl.com/8vu9q

shinypenny wrote:
check Barrie Pace....my very petite MIL loves this place.....
how's this: http://tinyurl.com/8vu9q

Jean wrote:
Very nice, but I think since this wedding will be in July and near the
beach, I'll definetly want short sleeves.
I did see this one though – in red – totally me!
http://tinyurl.com/cqlqj
I have never ordered from Barrie Pace because the sizing chart has me
worried – it looks like sizes run small and designed for those with
tiny waists (very similar to Talbot's size charts).
I am 34–27–35. If I go by the charts, for chest I'd fit in a 6p; for
waist I'd need an 8 or even 10; for hips a 4p. I am usually a 2p or 4p
in most brands. Even if I ordered based on my widest part – an 8 – the
dress would undoubtedly be too large everywhere else.
What is your MIL's figure like? Does she have a tiny waist? Are the
size charts accurate in her experience, or not?
jen

Jean wrote:
Very nice, but I think since this wedding will be in July and near the
beach, I'll definetly want short sleeves.
I did see this one though – in red – totally me!
http://tinyurl.com/cqlqj
I have never ordered from Barrie Pace because the sizing chart has me
worried – it looks like sizes run small and designed for those with
tiny waists (very similar to Talbot's size charts).
I am 34–27–35. If I go by the charts, for chest I'd fit in a 6p; for
waist I'd need an 8 or even 10; for hips a 4p. I am usually a 2p or 4p
in most brands. Even if I ordered based on my widest part – an 8 – the
dress would undoubtedly be too large everywhere else.
What is your MIL's figure like? Does she have a tiny waist? Are the
size charts accurate in her experience, or not?
jen

Jean wrote:
Very nice, but I think since this wedding will be in July and near the
beach, I'll definetly want short sleeves.
I did see this one though – in red – totally me!
http://tinyurl.com/cqlqj
I have never ordered from Barrie Pace because the sizing chart has me
worried – it looks like sizes run small and designed for those with
tiny waists (very similar to Talbot's size charts).
I am 34–27–35. If I go by the charts, for chest I'd fit in a 6p; for
waist I'd need an 8 or even 10; for hips a 4p. I am usually a 2p or 4p
in most brands. Even if I ordered based on my widest part – an 8 – the
dress would undoubtedly be too large everywhere else.
What is your MIL's figure like? Does she have a tiny waist? Are the
size charts accurate in her experience, or not?
jen

Jean wrote:
Very nice, but I think since this wedding will be in July and near the
beach, I'll definetly want short sleeves.
I did see this one though – in red – totally me!
http://tinyurl.com/cqlqj
I have never ordered from Barrie Pace because the sizing chart has me
worried – it looks like sizes run small and designed for those with
tiny waists (very similar to Talbot's size charts).
I am 34–27–35. If I go by the charts, for chest I'd fit in a 6p; for
waist I'd need an 8 or even 10; for hips a 4p. I am usually a 2p or 4p
in most brands. Even if I ordered based on my widest part – an 8 – the
dress would undoubtedly be too large everywhere else.
What is your MIL's figure like? Does she have a tiny waist? Are the
size charts accurate in her experience, or not?
jen

"shinypenny" <shinypenny0...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1116424968.731450.217...@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Rather than providing a lot of links why don't you begin with
www.talbots.com They have so many petite styles that would work for
you but I would wait until you know the time of day for the wedding.
Audrey

"shinypenny" <shinypenny0...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1116424968.731450.217...@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Rather than providing a lot of links why don't you begin with
www.talbots.com They have so many petite styles that would work for
you but I would wait until you know the time of day for the wedding.
Audrey

shinypenny wrote:
she is teeny tiny, like a petite 0 or 2 (almost 5') and doesn't usually
have a problem finding anything, lol. She also likes Ann Taylor. When
we go shopping together we automatically split directions, lol.

shinypenny wrote:
she is teeny tiny, like a petite 0 or 2 (almost 5') and doesn't usually
have a problem finding anything, lol. She also likes Ann Taylor. When
we go shopping together we automatically split directions, lol.

"shinypenny" <shinypenny0...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1116424968.731450.217...@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Rather than providing a lot of links why don't you begin with
www.talbots.com They have so many petite styles that would work for
you but I would wait until you know the time of day for the wedding.
Audrey

"shinypenny" <shinypenny0...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1116424968.731450.217...@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Rather than providing a lot of links why don't you begin with
www.talbots.com They have so many petite styles that would work for
you but I would wait until you know the time of day for the wedding.
Audrey

shinypenny wrote:
she is teeny tiny, like a petite 0 or 2 (almost 5') and doesn't usually
have a problem finding anything, lol. She also likes Ann Taylor. When
we go shopping together we automatically split directions, lol.

shinypenny wrote:
she is teeny tiny, like a petite 0 or 2 (almost 5') and doesn't usually
have a problem finding anything, lol. She also likes Ann Taylor. When
we go shopping together we automatically split directions, lol.

Man you weren't kidding about only finding
sleeveless were you! :)
http://tinyurl.com/7v5vu Yes, it is orange but
it does have a sort of sleeve and the design
isn't a floral.
http://tinyurl.com/8zxex Shame it's in white cause
I really really like this one.
Saw some wraps the other day that I was thinking
of trying with a much loved sleeveless dress.
Sheer very light tint of color[s] with small appliqu=E9s
scattered around.
No way something like that would work right?
jajd

Man you weren't kidding about only finding
sleeveless were you! :)
http://tinyurl.com/7v5vu Yes, it is orange but
it does have a sort of sleeve and the design
isn't a floral.
http://tinyurl.com/8zxex Shame it's in white cause
I really really like this one.
Saw some wraps the other day that I was thinking
of trying with a much loved sleeveless dress.
Sheer very light tint of color[s] with small appliqu=E9s
scattered around.
No way something like that would work right?
jajd

Man you weren't kidding about only finding
sleeveless were you! :)
http://tinyurl.com/7v5vu Yes, it is orange but
it does have a sort of sleeve and the design
isn't a floral.
http://tinyurl.com/8zxex Shame it's in white cause
I really really like this one.
Saw some wraps the other day that I was thinking
of trying with a much loved sleeveless dress.
Sheer very light tint of color[s] with small appliqu=E9s
scattered around.
No way something like that would work right?
jajd

Man you weren't kidding about only finding
sleeveless were you! :)
http://tinyurl.com/7v5vu Yes, it is orange but
it does have a sort of sleeve and the design
isn't a floral.
http://tinyurl.com/8zxex Shame it's in white cause
I really really like this one.
Saw some wraps the other day that I was thinking
of trying with a much loved sleeveless dress.
Sheer very light tint of color[s] with small appliqu=E9s
scattered around.
No way something like that would work right?
jajd

ahmward wrote:
You can be sure I'm looking there. :–)
Update: I did find out after I wrote this that the wedding will be at
11 AM. Festivities will go on into the evening, but nothing too formal.
Here's what I like from Talbots so far:
http://tinyurl.com/cu6db
Love the neckline, has a bit of a sleeve, cotton would be cool, and it
strikes the right note for a daytime wedding. But I'm a little hesitant
about the color choices. Might be a bit too pale (unless I get myself a
fake tan). Really pale pastels don't always work for me. Might be worth
the $ to order online and try it out though.
http://tinyurl.com/a86np
This might have potential, since the neckline goes out over the
shoulder a bit, but I'm not too keen on the color. I have bad luck with
certain shades of green.
http://tinyurl.com/dtzjp
This is really cute, comes in tango peach, I might be okay even if it
is sleeveless, but I'm afraid it might be too cutesy for me and has the
potential to look really awful and make me look pregnant. It's not one
I'd risk ordering online. I'd have to try it on first.
http://tinyurl.com/77qu2
A possibility but I dunno. Something about it looks too bridesmaidy to
me?
http://tinyurl.com/az7ne
This dress is simply fabulous and screams to be owned by me. :–) And,
it comes in champagne. But truthfully, if I were to buy this, I'd want
it in black. I could get ample use out of this dress in black.
Champagne might work and it did cross my mind it would be a good dress
to have in my closet should DF and I decide to elope. Hmmm. Is it too
dressy for a daytime wedding?
Everything else is sleeveless, made out of knit and too casual, or only
available in black or white.
jen

ahmward wrote:
You can be sure I'm looking there. :–)
Update: I did find out after I wrote this that the wedding will be at
11 AM. Festivities will go on into the evening, but nothing too formal.
Here's what I like from Talbots so far:
http://tinyurl.com/cu6db
Love the neckline, has a bit of a sleeve, cotton would be cool, and it
strikes the right note for a daytime wedding. But I'm a little hesitant
about the color choices. Might be a bit too pale (unless I get myself a
fake tan). Really pale pastels don't always work for me. Might be worth
the $ to order online and try it out though.
http://tinyurl.com/a86np
This might have potential, since the neckline goes out over the
shoulder a bit, but I'm not too keen on the color. I have bad luck with
certain shades of green.
http://tinyurl.com/dtzjp
This is really cute, comes in tango peach, I might be okay even if it
is sleeveless, but I'm afraid it might be too cutesy for me and has the
potential to look really awful and make me look pregnant. It's not one
I'd risk ordering online. I'd have to try it on first.
http://tinyurl.com/77qu2
A possibility but I dunno. Something about it looks too bridesmaidy to
me?
http://tinyurl.com/az7ne
This dress is simply fabulous and screams to be owned by me. :–) And,
it comes in champagne. But truthfully, if I were to buy this, I'd want
it in black. I could get ample use out of this dress in black.
Champagne might work and it did cross my mind it would be a good dress
to have in my closet should DF and I decide to elope. Hmmm. Is it too
dressy for a daytime wedding?
Everything else is sleeveless, made out of knit and too casual, or only
available in black or white.
jen

the Wicked Witch wrote:
elbow–length
going
more
Thanks for the suggestion! The shrug look doesn't really work for me, I
think (but maybe I'm being too picky and/or haven't tried enough on?).
I think my shoulders are too broad compared to my hips. I suppose it
might work with a wider skirt though – to balance out the effect so I
don't look too top heavy but more hourglassy. Hmmm.
jen

ahmward wrote:
You can be sure I'm looking there. :–)
Update: I did find out after I wrote this that the wedding will be at
11 AM. Festivities will go on into the evening, but nothing too formal.
Here's what I like from Talbots so far:
http://tinyurl.com/cu6db
Love the neckline, has a bit of a sleeve, cotton would be cool, and it
strikes the right note for a daytime wedding. But I'm a little hesitant
about the color choices. Might be a bit too pale (unless I get myself a
fake tan). Really pale pastels don't always work for me. Might be worth
the $ to order online and try it out though.
http://tinyurl.com/a86np
This might have potential, since the neckline goes out over the
shoulder a bit, but I'm not too keen on the color. I have bad luck with
certain shades of green.
http://tinyurl.com/dtzjp
This is really cute, comes in tango peach, I might be okay even if it
is sleeveless, but I'm afraid it might be too cutesy for me and has the
potential to look really awful and make me look pregnant. It's not one
I'd risk ordering online. I'd have to try it on first.
http://tinyurl.com/77qu2
A possibility but I dunno. Something about it looks too bridesmaidy to
me?
http://tinyurl.com/az7ne
This dress is simply fabulous and screams to be owned by me. :–) And,
it comes in champagne. But truthfully, if I were to buy this, I'd want
it in black. I could get ample use out of this dress in black.
Champagne might work and it did cross my mind it would be a good dress
to have in my closet should DF and I decide to elope. Hmmm. Is it too
dressy for a daytime wedding?
Everything else is sleeveless, made out of knit and too casual, or only
available in black or white.
jen

ahmward wrote:
You can be sure I'm looking there. :–)
Update: I did find out after I wrote this that the wedding will be at
11 AM. Festivities will go on into the evening, but nothing too formal.
Here's what I like from Talbots so far:
http://tinyurl.com/cu6db
Love the neckline, has a bit of a sleeve, cotton would be cool, and it
strikes the right note for a daytime wedding. But I'm a little hesitant
about the color choices. Might be a bit too pale (unless I get myself a
fake tan). Really pale pastels don't always work for me. Might be worth
the $ to order online and try it out though.
http://tinyurl.com/a86np
This might have potential, since the neckline goes out over the
shoulder a bit, but I'm not too keen on the color. I have bad luck with
certain shades of green.
http://tinyurl.com/dtzjp
This is really cute, comes in tango peach, I might be okay even if it
is sleeveless, but I'm afraid it might be too cutesy for me and has the
potential to look really awful and make me look pregnant. It's not one
I'd risk ordering online. I'd have to try it on first.
http://tinyurl.com/77qu2
A possibility but I dunno. Something about it looks too bridesmaidy to
me?
http://tinyurl.com/az7ne
This dress is simply fabulous and screams to be owned by me. :–) And,
it comes in champagne. But truthfully, if I were to buy this, I'd want
it in black. I could get ample use out of this dress in black.
Champagne might work and it did cross my mind it would be a good dress
to have in my closet should DF and I decide to elope. Hmmm. Is it too
dressy for a daytime wedding?
Everything else is sleeveless, made out of knit and too casual, or only
available in black or white.
jen

shinypenny wrote:
will
dresses,
over.
My body type is nothing like yours, so I'm pretty sure I can't help
with specific dress/store recs. :) But, as to the sleeves – Would you
consider a cute shrug over a sleeveless dress? something
sheer/lacy/openwork might be nice, and would let the dress show
through. You might even be able to find one with short or elbow–length
sleeves (though most I've seen are 3/4 or long) which would be more
summery. I got a couple cute shrugs this spring to expand the
wearability of the few sleeveless things I had cause I don't like going
sleeveless. I liked them so much that I wound up getting a couple more
sleeveless things to expand the wearability of the shrugs!
Just a suggestion to consider. Good luck finding the perfect dress!
––
tWW

shinypenny wrote:
will
dresses,
over.
My body type is nothing like yours, so I'm pretty sure I can't help
with specific dress/store recs. :) But, as to the sleeves – Would you
consider a cute shrug over a sleeveless dress? something
sheer/lacy/openwork might be nice, and would let the dress show
through. You might even be able to find one with short or elbow–length
sleeves (though most I've seen are 3/4 or long) which would be more
summery. I got a couple cute shrugs this spring to expand the
wearability of the few sleeveless things I had cause I don't like going
sleeveless. I liked them so much that I wound up getting a couple more
sleeveless things to expand the wearability of the shrugs!
Just a suggestion to consider. Good luck finding the perfect dress!
––
tWW

shinypenny wrote:
will
dresses,
over.
My body type is nothing like yours, so I'm pretty sure I can't help
with specific dress/store recs. :) But, as to the sleeves – Would you
consider a cute shrug over a sleeveless dress? something
sheer/lacy/openwork might be nice, and would let the dress show
through. You might even be able to find one with short or elbow–length
sleeves (though most I've seen are 3/4 or long) which would be more
summery. I got a couple cute shrugs this spring to expand the
wearability of the few sleeveless things I had cause I don't like going
sleeveless. I liked them so much that I wound up getting a couple more
sleeveless things to expand the wearability of the shrugs!
Just a suggestion to consider. Good luck finding the perfect dress!
––
tWW

shinypenny wrote:
will
dresses,
over.
My body type is nothing like yours, so I'm pretty sure I can't help
with specific dress/store recs. :) But, as to the sleeves – Would you
consider a cute shrug over a sleeveless dress? something
sheer/lacy/openwork might be nice, and would let the dress show
through. You might even be able to find one with short or elbow–length
sleeves (though most I've seen are 3/4 or long) which would be more
summery. I got a couple cute shrugs this spring to expand the
wearability of the few sleeveless things I had cause I don't like going
sleeveless. I liked them so much that I wound up getting a couple more
sleeveless things to expand the wearability of the shrugs!
Just a suggestion to consider. Good luck finding the perfect dress!
––
tWW

"shinypenny" <shinypenny0...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1116435403.042759.134...@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Since you are hesitant about the colors of each style, you may want to
look more. Another option would be to find a cute dressy sweater to
wear with the pink dress in a slightly deeper color of pink. I had
lunch with a friend last week who wore a sleeveless pink small print but
she had on the prettiest pink cardigan with a bit of beading around the
neckline. I attended a wedding a few weeks ago that was in the evening
and I wore a pale blue skirt with a coordinating twinset that had
beading on the edges, not too fancy but not too plain. I usually buy
things to have on hand for several occasions because desperate shopping
does not work for me where I live. On line dress orders are so iffy.
Audrey

"shinypenny" <shinypenny0...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1116435403.042759.134...@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Since you are hesitant about the colors of each style, you may want to
look more. Another option would be to find a cute dressy sweater to
wear with the pink dress in a slightly deeper color of pink. I had
lunch with a friend last week who wore a sleeveless pink small print but
she had on the prettiest pink cardigan with a bit of beading around the
neckline. I attended a wedding a few weeks ago that was in the evening
and I wore a pale blue skirt with a coordinating twinset that had
beading on the edges, not too fancy but not too plain. I usually buy
things to have on hand for several occasions because desperate shopping
does not work for me where I live. On line dress orders are so iffy.
Audrey

"shinypenny" <shinypenny0...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1116435403.042759.134...@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Since you are hesitant about the colors of each style, you may want to
look more. Another option would be to find a cute dressy sweater to
wear with the pink dress in a slightly deeper color of pink. I had
lunch with a friend last week who wore a sleeveless pink small print but
she had on the prettiest pink cardigan with a bit of beading around the
neckline. I attended a wedding a few weeks ago that was in the evening
and I wore a pale blue skirt with a coordinating twinset that had
beading on the edges, not too fancy but not too plain. I usually buy
things to have on hand for several occasions because desperate shopping
does not work for me where I live. On line dress orders are so iffy.
Audrey

the Wicked Witch wrote:
elbow–length
going
more
Thanks for the suggestion! The shrug look doesn't really work for me, I
think (but maybe I'm being too picky and/or haven't tried enough on?).
I think my shoulders are too broad compared to my hips. I suppose it
might work with a wider skirt though – to balance out the effect so I
don't look too top heavy but more hourglassy. Hmmm.
jen

"shinypenny" <shinypenny0...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1116435403.042759.134...@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Since you are hesitant about the colors of each style, you may want to
look more. Another option would be to find a cute dressy sweater to
wear with the pink dress in a slightly deeper color of pink. I had
lunch with a friend last week who wore a sleeveless pink small print but
she had on the prettiest pink cardigan with a bit of beading around the
neckline. I attended a wedding a few weeks ago that was in the evening
and I wore a pale blue skirt with a coordinating twinset that had
beading on the edges, not too fancy but not too plain. I usually buy
things to have on hand for several occasions because desperate shopping
does not work for me where I live. On line dress orders are so iffy.
Audrey

the Wicked Witch wrote:
elbow–length
going
more
Thanks for the suggestion! The shrug look doesn't really work for me, I
think (but maybe I'm being too picky and/or haven't tried enough on?).
I think my shoulders are too broad compared to my hips. I suppose it
might work with a wider skirt though – to balance out the effect so I
don't look too top heavy but more hourglassy. Hmmm.
jen

the Wicked Witch wrote:
elbow–length
going
more
Thanks for the suggestion! The shrug look doesn't really work for me, I
think (but maybe I'm being too picky and/or haven't tried enough on?).
I think my shoulders are too broad compared to my hips. I suppose it
might work with a wider skirt though – to balance out the effect so I
don't look too top heavy but more hourglassy. Hmmm.
jen

ahmward wrote:
shopping
Yep, I know, I hate desparate shopping too. But trust me, I've been
shopping for the perfect classic timeless
appropriate–should–I–be–invited–to–a–summer–wedding dress forever. Not
just that, I'd be happy with a nice summery dress I could wear out
during the day, something other than black. The fact that I have
nothing in my closet doesn't reflect lack of trying or keeping an eye
out. It reflects the fact that I haven't found anything that quite fits
the bill. Most everything is sleeveless, or the pattern is too
overscale, or only offered in neutral colors, or the color washes me
out. Argh.
With that said, I've had much better luck expanding my winter special
occasion wardrobe in recent years. Invite me to a winter wedding or
holiday party, and I have tons of ready outfits (not JUST black,
either!) hanging in my closet. :–)
jen

ahmward wrote:
shopping
Yep, I know, I hate desparate shopping too. But trust me, I've been
shopping for the perfect classic timeless
appropriate–should–I–be–invited–to–a–summer–wedding dress forever. Not
just that, I'd be happy with a nice summery dress I could wear out
during the day, something other than black. The fact that I have
nothing in my closet doesn't reflect lack of trying or keeping an eye
out. It reflects the fact that I haven't found anything that quite fits
the bill. Most everything is sleeveless, or the pattern is too
overscale, or only offered in neutral colors, or the color washes me
out. Argh.
With that said, I've had much better luck expanding my winter special
occasion wardrobe in recent years. Invite me to a winter wedding or
holiday party, and I have tons of ready outfits (not JUST black,
either!) hanging in my closet. :–)
jen

ahmward wrote:
shopping
Yep, I know, I hate desparate shopping too. But trust me, I've been
shopping for the perfect classic timeless
appropriate–should–I–be–invited–to–a–summer–wedding dress forever. Not
just that, I'd be happy with a nice summery dress I could wear out
during the day, something other than black. The fact that I have
nothing in my closet doesn't reflect lack of trying or keeping an eye
out. It reflects the fact that I haven't found anything that quite fits
the bill. Most everything is sleeveless, or the pattern is too
overscale, or only offered in neutral colors, or the color washes me
out. Argh.
With that said, I've had much better luck expanding my winter special
occasion wardrobe in recent years. Invite me to a winter wedding or
holiday party, and I have tons of ready outfits (not JUST black,
either!) hanging in my closet. :–)
jen

ahmward wrote:
shopping
Yep, I know, I hate desparate shopping too. But trust me, I've been
shopping for the perfect classic timeless
appropriate–should–I–be–invited–to–a–summer–wedding dress forever. Not
just that, I'd be happy with a nice summery dress I could wear out
during the day, something other than black. The fact that I have
nothing in my closet doesn't reflect lack of trying or keeping an eye
out. It reflects the fact that I haven't found anything that quite fits
the bill. Most everything is sleeveless, or the pattern is too
overscale, or only offered in neutral colors, or the color washes me
out. Argh.
With that said, I've had much better luck expanding my winter special
occasion wardrobe in recent years. Invite me to a winter wedding or
holiday party, and I have tons of ready outfits (not JUST black,
either!) hanging in my closet. :–)
jen

ami kio wrote:
reason to
I do have skirts I could wear, and if nothing else works out, that's
what I'll do. But yes, summery dresses are a major gap in my wardrobe,
so it's worthwhile having this occasion to motivate me into filling
that gap.
short
Short
is ok
In dresses I am a 2p at BR and usually a 4p at Ann Taylor. I usually
need to go up a size to accomodate my chest and (in the case of coats
especially) my shoulders. Tops are always hardest for me in terms of
fit, because usually for length I really do need a 0 or 2 (it'll fall
just right at the neckline, under the arms, at the waist), but my chest
can't squeeze into it. Go up a size, and the chest fits but the
armholes, neckline, and waist is too low. It's much more difficult when
it comes to dresses, because then you're also talking about poor fit in
the hips and length. It's easy enough to hem the length, but if you
need to take it in at the hips, it can get too involved to be worth it.
For example I was in a wedding a few years ago. The bridesmaid's dress
was cut straight across, with spaghetti straps, tight fitting bodice,
empire waist, then supposed to go straight down to the floor in a
column. For the skirt part, the 0p fit perfectly, but the bodice
couldn't be zipped. So I had to go up one size to accomodate my chest.
Then I paid a fortune to have them alter the skirt back down – removing
inches of fabric from the sides to make it more narrow and skim the
hips. Ultimately the effect was quite nice. Before: I looked like a
matronly, stubby tent. After: made me look like I had really long legs!
both look
figure out
Yep, I hear you on that one!
Have you ever played around with the virtual models on sites like Lands
End? I always get the error message "Something doesn't sound quite
right." Like, I must've made a mistake entering them cuz nobody could
POSSIBLY have my measurements?!?!? And I don't think I look weird.
Personally, I don't think it's something wrong with my body – I think
it's the clothes. Manufacturers have it in their heads that if you have
35 in hips, you *should* have a 23–24 inch waist. Well, sure, I did....
13 years ago before my first child was born!!! Or, if you have a 27
inch waist, you're supposed to be tall, not petite.
jen

jajd_54 wrote:
Ooh... I can wear orange, the print is a good scale for me, I like the
cut of the skirt, and wraps work well if they're petitely proportioned!
I totally forgot about Petite Sophisticate. Plus I could wear this for
everyday too.
Thanks for the link – looks like a trip to the mall to try this one on
in person is in order. Otherwise, I'm thinking I may risk ordering the
pink Talbots dress, if nobody else has any other suggestions I might
not have tried.
jen

jajd_54 wrote:
Ooh... I can wear orange, the print is a good scale for me, I like the
cut of the skirt, and wraps work well if they're petitely proportioned!
I totally forgot about Petite Sophisticate. Plus I could wear this for
everyday too.
Thanks for the link – looks like a trip to the mall to try this one on
in person is in order. Otherwise, I'm thinking I may risk ordering the
pink Talbots dress, if nobody else has any other suggestions I might
not have tried.
jen

ami kio wrote:
reason to
I do have skirts I could wear, and if nothing else works out, that's
what I'll do. But yes, summery dresses are a major gap in my wardrobe,
so it's worthwhile having this occasion to motivate me into filling
that gap.
short
Short
is ok
In dresses I am a 2p at BR and usually a 4p at Ann Taylor. I usually
need to go up a size to accomodate my chest and (in the case of coats
especially) my shoulders. Tops are always hardest for me in terms of
fit, because usually for length I really do need a 0 or 2 (it'll fall
just right at the neckline, under the arms, at the waist), but my chest
can't squeeze into it. Go up a size, and the chest fits but the
armholes, neckline, and waist is too low. It's much more difficult when
it comes to dresses, because then you're also talking about poor fit in
the hips and length. It's easy enough to hem the length, but if you
need to take it in at the hips, it can get too involved to be worth it.
For example I was in a wedding a few years ago. The bridesmaid's dress
was cut straight across, with spaghetti straps, tight fitting bodice,
empire waist, then supposed to go straight down to the floor in a
column. For the skirt part, the 0p fit perfectly, but the bodice
couldn't be zipped. So I had to go up one size to accomodate my chest.
Then I paid a fortune to have them alter the skirt back down – removing
inches of fabric from the sides to make it more narrow and skim the
hips. Ultimately the effect was quite nice. Before: I looked like a
matronly, stubby tent. After: made me look like I had really long legs!
both look
figure out
Yep, I hear you on that one!
Have you ever played around with the virtual models on sites like Lands
End? I always get the error message "Something doesn't sound quite
right." Like, I must've made a mistake entering them cuz nobody could
POSSIBLY have my measurements?!?!? And I don't think I look weird.
Personally, I don't think it's something wrong with my body – I think
it's the clothes. Manufacturers have it in their heads that if you have
35 in hips, you *should* have a 23–24 inch waist. Well, sure, I did....
13 years ago before my first child was born!!! Or, if you have a 27
inch waist, you're supposed to be tall, not petite.
jen

jajd_54 wrote:
Ooh... I can wear orange, the print is a good scale for me, I like the
cut of the skirt, and wraps work well if they're petitely proportioned!
I totally forgot about Petite Sophisticate. Plus I could wear this for
everyday too.
Thanks for the link – looks like a trip to the mall to try this one on
in person is in order. Otherwise, I'm thinking I may risk ordering the
pink Talbots dress, if nobody else has any other suggestions I might
not have tried.
jen

jajd_54 wrote:
Ooh... I can wear orange, the print is a good scale for me, I like the
cut of the skirt, and wraps work well if they're petitely proportioned!
I totally forgot about Petite Sophisticate. Plus I could wear this for
everyday too.
Thanks for the link – looks like a trip to the mall to try this one on
in person is in order. Otherwise, I'm thinking I may risk ordering the
pink Talbots dress, if nobody else has any other suggestions I might
not have tried.
jen

ami kio wrote:
reason to
I do have skirts I could wear, and if nothing else works out, that's
what I'll do. But yes, summery dresses are a major gap in my wardrobe,
so it's worthwhile having this occasion to motivate me into filling
that gap.
short
Short
is ok
In dresses I am a 2p at BR and usually a 4p at Ann Taylor. I usually
need to go up a size to accomodate my chest and (in the case of coats
especially) my shoulders. Tops are always hardest for me in terms of
fit, because usually for length I really do need a 0 or 2 (it'll fall
just right at the neckline, under the arms, at the waist), but my chest
can't squeeze into it. Go up a size, and the chest fits but the
armholes, neckline, and waist is too low. It's much more difficult when
it comes to dresses, because then you're also talking about poor fit in
the hips and length. It's easy enough to hem the length, but if you
need to take it in at the hips, it can get too involved to be worth it.
For example I was in a wedding a few years ago. The bridesmaid's dress
was cut straight across, with spaghetti straps, tight fitting bodice,
empire waist, then supposed to go straight down to the floor in a
column. For the skirt part, the 0p fit perfectly, but the bodice
couldn't be zipped. So I had to go up one size to accomodate my chest.
Then I paid a fortune to have them alter the skirt back down – removing
inches of fabric from the sides to make it more narrow and skim the
hips. Ultimately the effect was quite nice. Before: I looked like a
matronly, stubby tent. After: made me look like I had really long legs!
both look
figure out
Yep, I hear you on that one!
Have you ever played around with the virtual models on sites like Lands
End? I always get the error message "Something doesn't sound quite
right." Like, I must've made a mistake entering them cuz nobody could
POSSIBLY have my measurements?!?!? And I don't think I look weird.
Personally, I don't think it's something wrong with my body – I think
it's the clothes. Manufacturers have it in their heads that if you have
35 in hips, you *should* have a 23–24 inch waist. Well, sure, I did....
13 years ago before my first child was born!!! Or, if you have a 27
inch waist, you're supposed to be tall, not petite.
jen

ami kio wrote:
reason to
I do have skirts I could wear, and if nothing else works out, that's
what I'll do. But yes, summery dresses are a major gap in my wardrobe,
so it's worthwhile having this occasion to motivate me into filling
that gap.
short
Short
is ok
In dresses I am a 2p at BR and usually a 4p at Ann Taylor. I usually
need to go up a size to accomodate my chest and (in the case of coats
especially) my shoulders. Tops are always hardest for me in terms of
fit, because usually for length I really do need a 0 or 2 (it'll fall
just right at the neckline, under the arms, at the waist), but my chest
can't squeeze into it. Go up a size, and the chest fits but the
armholes, neckline, and waist is too low. It's much more difficult when
it comes to dresses, because then you're also talking about poor fit in
the hips and length. It's easy enough to hem the length, but if you
need to take it in at the hips, it can get too involved to be worth it.
For example I was in a wedding a few years ago. The bridesmaid's dress
was cut straight across, with spaghetti straps, tight fitting bodice,
empire waist, then supposed to go straight down to the floor in a
column. For the skirt part, the 0p fit perfectly, but the bodice
couldn't be zipped. So I had to go up one size to accomodate my chest.
Then I paid a fortune to have them alter the skirt back down – removing
inches of fabric from the sides to make it more narrow and skim the
hips. Ultimately the effect was quite nice. Before: I looked like a
matronly, stubby tent. After: made me look like I had really long legs!
both look
figure out
Yep, I hear you on that one!
Have you ever played around with the virtual models on sites like Lands
End? I always get the error message "Something doesn't sound quite
right." Like, I must've made a mistake entering them cuz nobody could
POSSIBLY have my measurements?!?!? And I don't think I look weird.
Personally, I don't think it's something wrong with my body – I think
it's the clothes. Manufacturers have it in their heads that if you have
35 in hips, you *should* have a 23–24 inch waist. Well, sure, I did....
13 years ago before my first child was born!!! Or, if you have a 27
inch waist, you're supposed to be tall, not petite.
jen

YW! I liked the orange one too for the same reasons.
The print wasn't over powering but it did have interest
and the material always drapes well.
My Mom was 4'11" and weighed in at a rockin 98.
She had much better luck with separates then she did
with dresses. Being tiny in her case only factored into
height, not shoulders, chest, hips, etc. etc. Which is
why I liked the second one. Options for sizing top and
bottom. Just not the color. *g*
Is it just me or do the designs, dare I say it, appear to be
rather dowdy this season unless_there sleeveless in the
wonderful world of Petites?
Checked out Talbots, Dillards, Petite Sophisticate,
AT and a few others. Very little is moving me towards
must haves. Crossing fingers the orange number looks good
in person. <g>
jajd

YW! I liked the orange one too for the same reasons.
The print wasn't over powering but it did have interest
and the material always drapes well.
My Mom was 4'11" and weighed in at a rockin 98.
She had much better luck with separates then she did
with dresses. Being tiny in her case only factored into
height, not shoulders, chest, hips, etc. etc. Which is
why I liked the second one. Options for sizing top and
bottom. Just not the color. *g*
Is it just me or do the designs, dare I say it, appear to be
rather dowdy this season unless_there sleeveless in the
wonderful world of Petites?
Checked out Talbots, Dillards, Petite Sophisticate,
AT and a few others. Very little is moving me towards
must haves. Crossing fingers the orange number looks good
in person. <g>
jajd

YW! I liked the orange one too for the same reasons.
The print wasn't over powering but it did have interest
and the material always drapes well.
My Mom was 4'11" and weighed in at a rockin 98.
She had much better luck with separates then she did
with dresses. Being tiny in her case only factored into
height, not shoulders, chest, hips, etc. etc. Which is
why I liked the second one. Options for sizing top and
bottom. Just not the color. *g*
Is it just me or do the designs, dare I say it, appear to be
rather dowdy this season unless_there sleeveless in the
wonderful world of Petites?
Checked out Talbots, Dillards, Petite Sophisticate,
AT and a few others. Very little is moving me towards
must haves. Crossing fingers the orange number looks good
in person. <g>
jajd

YW! I liked the orange one too for the same reasons.
The print wasn't over powering but it did have interest
and the material always drapes well.
My Mom was 4'11" and weighed in at a rockin 98.
She had much better luck with separates then she did
with dresses. Being tiny in her case only factored into
height, not shoulders, chest, hips, etc. etc. Which is
why I liked the second one. Options for sizing top and
bottom. Just not the color. *g*
Is it just me or do the designs, dare I say it, appear to be
rather dowdy this season unless_there sleeveless in the
wonderful world of Petites?
Checked out Talbots, Dillards, Petite Sophisticate,
AT and a few others. Very little is moving me towards
must haves. Crossing fingers the orange number looks good
in person. <g>
jajd

jajd_54 wrote:
Yep. But that's the thing with petites: usually they keep it safe and
produce only basics & staples in petite sizing. So the tall folks get
all the fun colors, but the petite folks only get the same item in the
usual, boring black, white, beige and maybe sometimes red. I have NO
trouble finding basic black pants in petite sizing. But how many basic
black pants do I need??? What about pinstriping or something in a fun
color?
I shouldn't grumble too much, because it *is* getting better in recent
years. For example, BR has almost nearly all of their styles offered in
both regular and petite now. AT is moving that direction too.
I did see this one possible dress on BR's site, not sleeveless, and in
plum. But ARGH! That was yesterday and now it is not showing up at all
on their site. Don't tell me it already sold out, before even going on
sale?
jen

jajd_54 wrote:
Yep. But that's the thing with petites: usually they keep it safe and
produce only basics & staples in petite sizing. So the tall folks get
all the fun colors, but the petite folks only get the same item in the
usual, boring black, white, beige and maybe sometimes red. I have NO
trouble finding basic black pants in petite sizing. But how many basic
black pants do I need??? What about pinstriping or something in a fun
color?
I shouldn't grumble too much, because it *is* getting better in recent
years. For example, BR has almost nearly all of their styles offered in
both regular and petite now. AT is moving that direction too.
I did see this one possible dress on BR's site, not sleeveless, and in
plum. But ARGH! That was yesterday and now it is not showing up at all
on their site. Don't tell me it already sold out, before even going on
sale?
jen

jajd_54 wrote:
Yep. But that's the thing with petites: usually they keep it safe and
produce only basics & staples in petite sizing. So the tall folks get
all the fun colors, but the petite folks only get the same item in the
usual, boring black, white, beige and maybe sometimes red. I have NO
trouble finding basic black pants in petite sizing. But how many basic
black pants do I need??? What about pinstriping or something in a fun
color?
I shouldn't grumble too much, because it *is* getting better in recent
years. For example, BR has almost nearly all of their styles offered in
both regular and petite now. AT is moving that direction too.
I did see this one possible dress on BR's site, not sleeveless, and in
plum. But ARGH! That was yesterday and now it is not showing up at all
on their site. Don't tell me it already sold out, before even going on
sale?
jen

jajd_54 wrote:
Yep. But that's the thing with petites: usually they keep it safe and
produce only basics & staples in petite sizing. So the tall folks get
all the fun colors, but the petite folks only get the same item in the
usual, boring black, white, beige and maybe sometimes red. I have NO
trouble finding basic black pants in petite sizing. But how many basic
black pants do I need??? What about pinstriping or something in a fun
color?
I shouldn't grumble too much, because it *is* getting better in recent
years. For example, BR has almost nearly all of their styles offered in
both regular and petite now. AT is moving that direction too.
I did see this one possible dress on BR's site, not sleeveless, and in
plum. But ARGH! That was yesterday and now it is not showing up at all
on their site. Don't tell me it already sold out, before even going on
sale?
jen

shinypenny wrote:
Thanks to Audrey and jajd, I ended up ordering both the pink talbots
and the petite sophisticate dress! I figure – assuming both fit&flatter
– either one will work for the wedding, and both are good to have on
hand regardless.
Thanks, Audrey, for making me realize I have a gap in my wardrobe when
it comes to summer dresses anyway, and allowing (enabling?) me to jump
to the conclusion that it doesn't hurt to order two and keep two if I
like them both. :–)
And thanks jajd for finding the orange wrap dress! I'm excited about
that one and even if I don't wear it for the wedding, I think I'll get
a lot of use out of it this summer anyway. It's a good, versatile
dress! I would've gone to the mall for a try–on, but I have no idea
when I'll have time, so I ordered online.
jen

shinypenny wrote:
Thanks to Audrey and jajd, I ended up ordering both the pink talbots
and the petite sophisticate dress! I figure – assuming both fit&flatter
– either one will work for the wedding, and both are good to have on
hand regardless.
Thanks, Audrey, for making me realize I have a gap in my wardrobe when
it comes to summer dresses anyway, and allowing (enabling?) me to jump
to the conclusion that it doesn't hurt to order two and keep two if I
like them both. :–)
And thanks jajd for finding the orange wrap dress! I'm excited about
that one and even if I don't wear it for the wedding, I think I'll get
a lot of use out of it this summer anyway. It's a good, versatile
dress! I would've gone