So my husband and I have been invited as alumni to the college's valentine banquet this year.
We had attended this banquet all 4 years of college.
I personally am very stressed about this. Every year I dreaded the banquet for one reason- it Is a VERY formal event -we are talking prom and ball gowns.
Finding a suitable dress in my size was always a challenge- not to mention expensive.
Plus making it modest adds to the complications
I wore a borrowed bridesmaid dress once....
This dress was a last minute purchase and it didn't fit me well. It was too baggy
Eventually my mother and I found a much better dress and I wore it for the banquets for the next two years...
I have gained weight now and I can not fit into this dress. Which stinks so much....
This event is very formal.......
This is what I mean by formal and prom gowns.....
I personally would rather stay home than attempt to find something in my size let alone price range. I KNOW if I wear "whatever" I will be very self-conscience and won't enjoy the evening at all.
Deep down inside I still want that ball gown I never got a chance to wear.... But I know that it is far too expensive and ridiculous.
The banquet is on Friday- any suggestions??
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What is your hubby's interest level in going? Maybe he'd just rather spend it with you by having dinner alone at home? Honestly, Valentine's eating out always seems really "banquet-y" to me -- the food is mediocre and expensive and I've never worn a formal gown to a V-day dinner ever. I understand you would like to go, but it sounds more like you would rather not. And that's okay. You can create your own tradition starting this year. And you can always buy a beautiful gown for some other occasion later when you feel like you can better afford it and are feeling better about how you feel in it! :)
ReplyDeleteHe wants to go to catch up with friends who will be there that he hasn't seen in along time. Thankyou for your suggestions!
DeletePersonally I would see if you can up the budget and get the dress you really want. What if you sell it after the event? Or save it for next year. If that isn't an option I would still try and go regardless of the outfit as you don't want to miss out on a lovely evening. And staying home could lead to wanting to stay home from more things in the future which may turn into a problem. Hope you have lots of fun if you do go :)
ReplyDeleteIt is frustrating because the girls are wearing BALL GOWNS we are talking the whole thing- salon done hair, make-up, nails, jewelry. Most of these girls never went to a Prom or Homecoming so this is the only opportunity to wear a ball gown so they go all out.
DeleteOhh boy - been there, done that!!! And it really stinks! :P
ReplyDeleteI was very fortunate to have a mom who sews very well and made all my formal clothes (I've had/have several) in my life. Yes, I was and am totally spoiled!
One thing that I do now is that I decided to find one basic dress in a neutral fabric (cotton, knit, etc.) and a plain color that could be dressed up or down. Pair it with dress shoes, pretty jewelry and scarf or shawl and I'm dressed "up". Flats and a cardigan and I'm dressed "down" for running errands or whatever. I love wool crepe (in MN I can wear it for 3 seasons) since it has just enough stretch that I can gain or loose a couple of pounds (or just have a "fat" day) and not feel like I'm being strangled by the dress and I can wash it in a mesh bag in the machine and lay it flat to dry rather than dry cleaning it.
I can send you a couple of links if you'd like to email me (leastormhammer@gmail.com).
Blessings on your "hunt",
Lea
Thankyou for the ideas. I will email you
DeleteSoemthing like http://www.ebay.com/itm/Plus-Size-Cocktail-Evening-Prom-Dress-/230920380841?pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&hash=item35c3ed61a9 or http://www.ebay.com/itm/JS-BOUTIQUE-Woman-Stunning-Brown-Dress-cocktail-bridesmade-prom-USA-20W-/290857119983?pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&hash=item43b86f70ef is flatering and modest with a little lace in the front or a bra like this- http://www.roamans.com/clothing/Bra-lace-soft-cup-camisole-by-Comfort-Choice.aspx?PfId=115796&DeptId=19683&ProductTypeId=1 - if needed(not sure what the college's policy on necklines is). But the "V" neckline is always helpful. If you notice on TV shows when the star gets pregnant in RL but they don't want use it in the show, out come the "V" necklines. Dress Barn sometimes has nice dresses and great prices. Good luck! Your man loves you; that's all that is really important.
ReplyDeleteThankyou- Those are the types of outfits I would love. And that camisole bra is AMAZING- I should get some! Oh and yes it is always fun to see how they "attempt" to hid the baby bump on TV shows.
DeleteUmm- Just thought how that might have sounded. What I meant was that a "V" neckline balances out a larger frame as we see many times on TV to disguise when the actress becomes pregnant. There. Does that sound better?
ReplyDeleteIt's fine! lol
DeleteWell, I would say that since the banquet is this Friday there really isn't time to order a dress online (which is what I would have done). So, I would either pick out my dressiest outfit and wear that or just vow to lose weight so I could find a gorgeous dress for next year. It will really give you something to look forward to and work towards. Also, if it is going to be stressful, don't put yourself through that. Honestly, it's a banquet. Not a wedding or something that you HAVE to go to. Relax this weekend, go out to dinner somewhere fancy with hubby and enjoy yourself. :) That's what I would do. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, when you feel blah about your appearance going out is REALLY not attractive at all. Especially because of how formal this is. Justin wants to go to catch up with friends he hasn't seen in a really long time
DeleteI have been in the same boat, and had good luck at David's Bridal. Sometimes they have good sales and they carry a lot of sizes. Not sure where you are in CT, but there used to be one in Orange, and there is one in Danbury, and I"m sure there is one near Hartford somewhere. (we moved out of the area, so I'm not sure where they are located now!) :)
ReplyDeleteI checked those out online, they did have some pretty outfits!!
DeleteI'm not sure if its the same in the US but here there are often bridesmaid/formal dresses at op shops.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure what an "op shop" is but we do have alot of bridal/formal/prom stores. I just don't have that kind of money sadly! thankyou!
DeleteOops, Its like a second hand shop, I think you call thrift shops/goodwill there?
DeleteTry looking at Goodwills! I always have been able to find great formal dresses for cheap! Hope you find the prefect dress! :)
ReplyDeleteI have looked at those kinds of stores but they rarely have any gowns above size 10.
DeleteIf you're on Facebook, check out some of your local yard sale sites. We have several in my area and I'm in a small town. There are tons of prom dresses on there right now for very cheap, and they come in all sizes. Most could be made modest with a nice shrug or shawl. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteThankyou! I will keep this in mind!
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