help choosing wife's xmas gift

My wife has been hinting for a dress for use in going to the theater,
dinner at a nice restaraunt, a cocktail party, etc... She's mentioned
something called a "little black dress"... So, I've cruised around some
of the websites for local retailers (jcpenney, macys, etc..), and have
found a category in the women's clothes called "little black dress".
So, there's a bunch of them. I'm wondering what I should get for her
that would best flatter her figure and fit her personality. She's not
going to do anything too revealing, she's somewhat conservative...
Also, she has a very slim, athletic figure (5–5, 105 lbs, A–Cup, size
4). Some of the dresses seem to be built to show off a bigger chest.
I'd like to get her a nice dress. I'm prepared to take it back if she
doesn't like it, but I'd like to take a crack at getting something
she'd look good in, but I need help.
Thoughts? For example, if you go to www.jcpenney.com, and go to the
womens dresses, then little black dresses, there's like 20–30 of them.
Can any of you recommend something in that catalog?

<sbla...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1134854349.449366.82...@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
I don't think Penney's even *sells* size zero or two––and it sounds like
that's your wife's size.
It's a nice idea though. Good luck.
cofarb

<sbla...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1134854349.449366.82...@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
What is your price limit? Are you willing to consider options other than JC
Penney?
You gave some good information but more would help. What kind of neckline
does she normally wear? I think the halter type dresses probably accentuate
(unfavorably) a small bust.
Jamie

Ann Taylor has nice dresses in the size you need. and they tend to be
more versatile & not too revealing.
try anntaylor.com
or anntaylorloft.com
this one is a good choice:
http://tinyurl.com/8pnlg
i agree that a gift certificate and a shopping date (with dinner) is a
fun present. or get the dress and be sure to put the gift receipt in
the package with a promise that you want her to keep it only if she
loves it.
you'll be able to get more for your $ after christmas, too.
have fun,
cary

There are lots of lovely dresses at www.bananarepublic.com. Most of the
dresses are really classic so they could be worn for a long time.
melanie

caryper...@aol.com wrote:
I think what I'm going to do is get her a gift certificate at one of
the local malls, with a letter telling her that I'm arranging for our
daughter to stay and grandma's, and she and I will go shopping until
she finds that little black dress she's looking for. Dinner included.
I think that's the best idea, and one she will appreciate. Thanks to
everyone for your feedback.

cofarb wrote:
Well, I'll be darned, they don't. I just checked the catalog. They
seem to go down to size 6 in misses and 4 in petites. As much as I've
complain about not being able to find pretty plus size things, it
would be nice if they carried sizes for the slender, petite and
vertically challenged folk too.
Veronica
––
Makeup, it takes believing in. Like a magic carpet, it's belief that
makes it fly. Otherwise, it's just a rug.
If you believe in it, makeup has a magic all it's own.
Of course, makeup is only dime–store magic. But it works well enough,
when it's used properly.",
the makeup artist, from the book Sooner or Later, based on the 1978 TV
movie of the same name.

sbla...@gmail.com wrote:
As you're learning, there are multiple styles that could be considered
an "LBD."
With that said, I personally feel the most classic LBD style is a
sleeveless sheath, length just at the knee, and that to me is the
*true* LBD. All the rest may be little, and may be black, but they
aren't *true* LBDs. :–)
The sleeveless, knee–length sheath is IMO the true LBD because it is
the most versatile style. It can be dressed up or down, across all
seasons and occasions, and if you go with a versatile material such as
synthetic blend or wool, from business to casual to formal.
This is the type of dress you often see touted in fashion mags and
books, where the spread demonstrates how you can mix and match shoes,
bag, jewelry, etc and adapt the sheath for a variety of different
occasions.
Just throw on a jacket and pumps and you've got a work ensemble. Throw
on flat sandals, casual jewelry, a pretty scarf, and a straw bag, and
you've got a day time dress for city shopping & lunch with the gals.
Throw on your diamonds, some chandelier earrings, a sheer wrap, a
clutch purse, and strappy high heels and you're ready to go for the
cocktail party or black–tie event. Put on some long beaded necklaces, a
funky & colorful bag, fishnets and a pair of boots and you're all set
for the theater or a trendy gallery opening.
Also I tend to think nearly every body type looks good in a sleeveless
sheath, provided you find one that is tailored correctly and fits just
right. I used to think I couldn't wear this style because my neck is
short and I'm chesty, but I was persistent and discovered that it's all
about finding the perfect fit. With your DW's measurements, it sounds
to me like a sheath would be quite flattering, and I'd say you are safe
going with a 2 and if it's not quite right, then offer to get it
tailored so it is perfect on her.
Of course, if your DW already has such a dress in her closet, she may
be wanting not an LBD but a dress that is black and has a different
silouhette, V–neck, wrap–neck, scoop–neck, strapless, spaghetti straps,
halter top, A–line skirt, asymetrical skirt, longer length, etc, etc...
the list is endless... if so, disregard my advice and just take her
shopping! But if she *doesn't* already have a classic sheath, I think
you're quite safe buying her one for xmas.
I am partial to Talbot's for classic styled dresses. Talbot's can often
be boring and not fashionable enough... but if your wife is craving a
classic, well–made dress she can wear for years and years, they are a
good bet. And the LBD sheath is so classic & basic a style, there's
really little difference between one sold at Talbot's versus one sold
someplace more trendy. A sheath is a sheath is a sheath.
Here are some black sheath style dresses from Talbot's:
http://tinyurl.com/cjnx7
I love this one – gorgeous and very nice for holiday events, but
because of the embellished neckline, would not the best choice if your
DW wants something versatile enough to dress down or wear as business
attire under a jacket:
http://tinyurl.com/d8oqm
http://tinyurl.com/7723a
http://tinyurl.com/bj4ah
And definetly check out J.crew – their styles work very well on trim
women like your DW. The construction is very well made, and they tend
towards preppy, classic lines. They have a line of classic dresses with
simple lines. Here is their LBD sheath, in versatile wool with a hint
of stretch:
http://tinyurl.com/chbto
$195 may sound like a high number and you can certainly find less
expensive alternatives. However, bear in mind if your DW gets as much
use out of her sheath LBD as I have, whatever you spend will probably
ultimately work out to pennies per wear over the years. Because the
black sheath never goes out of style!
jen