Anyone want to help me shop?

divinemsbee · June 2014

This may be a 'P&R' but only because I might go to sleep, but I'll be back in the a.m.

So, H is getting promoted at the end of July. There's a small ceremony, I'll be the one who pins his new rank on, and there will be a little reception. MIL and FIL will be there as well (staying with us for a week, may the Lord and all his saints protect me, but that's another story for a later rant). Basically it's not too formal, it'll be in a conference room. H will be in his blues because it'll be on a Monday and that's their blues days.

I like to look well put together at these things because it looks good and makes me a little more confident. Plus, there will be pictures. And, as an almost/mostly plus-sized gal I do feel like I'm taken more seriously when I look like I made an effort. And since my daily wear is pretty much yoga pants, sports bras, and a variety of T-shirts, it's fun to have a reason to get nice.

I've heard good things about ModCloth's plus size clothing so I ventured over there and saw a few I liked. Here are my choices:

1) https://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/on-a-barrel-roll-dress-in-navy
Cute and a little casual but still nice. Might need a cardigan. Especially cute because H is in the Air Force, and the print is great but subtle. But, is it subtle or too incredibly twee or odd? Also, would I wear this again, and to what? It seems very memorable. Also, would have to wear a strapless bra.

2) https://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/greeting-postcard-dress-in-nautical
It's a little more covered up. I love the shape. I do like the pattern a lot, and I feel like it's a little abstract. I worry it's too formal, but it's also cotton, which I feel like balances out the fancy.

3) https://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/known-to-impress-dress
I love this one. I also feel that it's got the most re-wear possibilities, even with the print. It is the priciest by far, though. I think the print on this one is more subdued, and I like the shape, but I'm always going to worry about my arms.

So, thoughts, questions, suggestions?

I'm somewhere between a size 14 and an 18, depending on which designer you ask. I'm hourglass shaped, with a little pudge in the middle which really bothers me and I prefer to camouflage. My legs aren't fantastic, but they aren't the worst. I will be wearing Spanx or similar because I get chub rub on my thighs if I don't. I have a large ribcage, and the melons are a 38F, so support is needed and attention must be paid (so that I don't flash my bra at people).

KingLED · June 2014

I like #1, but I like #2 more for something a little more formal. Except the bow. It would really depend on how it sits on you and if you have the bow straight in the middle or off to the side. #3 seems a little too casual.

And to add my own, I like this one. https://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/meadow-melodies-dress

Cbake016 · June 2014

They are at too expensive in my opinion! I'm shaped almost exactly like you. Same size and bust. Check dress barn and forever 21 plus https://m.dressbarn.com/mt/www.dressbarn.com/detail/plus-size-belted-abstract-dress/101790644

Cbake016 · June 2014

https://m.dressbarn.com/mt/www.dressbarn.com/detail/plus-size-embellished-printed-dress/101852900

https://m.dressbarn.com/mt/www.dressbarn.com/detail/plus-size-pleated-mixed-print-dress/101856650

Also I have found that the Maiden Form brand sold at jc penny macys kohls and some at target, half the cost of spanx, works better for tummy control

3houlagirl · June 2014

ashleyinva said:
I love #2. I have a similar body shape, and I think that would be great. The whole bow thing, replace it with a thinner belt to define but not draw attention to your midsection.

Congratulations on the promotion!

This.

Also congrats on the promotion!

Jags8 · June 2014

I think the fabric for #1 is much too cheesy for this event. It's only cute to put that kind of stuff on kids for these events.

#2 is okay. I guess I'm not crazy about the fabric.

I love #3. You could wear a short-sleeve cardigan with it.

ETA- words

ETA more- I super love the dress @EllyD14 found!

catwine · June 2014

I like #2 the best! I think it's got a nice shape, the pattern is subtle and it could be worn again for a date, family get together, grocery shopping, etc. I think the pattern of #1 is a little too cutesy for the ceremony and would look best on a kid (the dress is still nice and I'd wear it for another occasion). #3 looks too casual for me; I'd wear that for running errands on the weekend.

chaysefaith · June 2014

I really like the dress that @littleliverpill‌ linked the best. In black with some badass red heels. Yes!

My next fave was @EllyD14‌'s pick. Then you're #2, #3, and #1.

notthefather · June 2014

I think number 1 is adorable and would be especially cute with a cardigan and a belt. I do agree with the others that the print would be too cheesy for the event though. Otherwise it's so cute!

For this event I'd say #2 is my favorite. From your description it sounds like it would be really flattering on you. I also love the nod to the pin up style and think that is especially cute for an AF event.

Congratulations on the promotion!

themrsJRD · June 2014

I love #2, but I am a 38G-H and I noticed it has a seam running just under what should be the bust area and I find those styles always look bad on me! No matter how much I try to pull up my boobs, the seam always goes right across them.

The other two are okay, I guess I would prefer #1 because of the cute print. It is something I would rewear.

I really like this one too- flattering for an hourglass figure like ours

I find that V-Necks are usually most flattering and anything that comes up too high on the neck makes the girls look huge and saggy.

https://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/beguiling-beauty-dress-in-blue

And because I can't stop looking, here are two more cute ones- I think I'll get my dress for an August wedding from Modcloth lol, there are so many great styles!

https://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/oceanfront-properly-dress

https://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/have-the-dance-floor-dress-in-teal-dots

notthefather · June 2014

themrsJRD!

MamaBina · June 2014

I absolutely vote for #1 or #3. I love love love them both.

lucy2113 · June 2014

I really like #2 the best. I would totally wear it. I really think it would be flatterng perfect for the occasion.

kwicks · June 2014

I liked #2!

I don't have time to search.for one right now, but I think a polka dot navy or black dress would be perfect. Timeless and classy yet playful, it can be a really flattering pattern.

Congratulations to your family on the promotion!

ETA- my vote for #2 comes with with a skinny belt instead of bow as others suggested.

brettanomyces · June 2014

They are all pretty, but I think #2 looks like the most appropriate for the occasion.

Also agree that you can switch the bow with a belt. It looks like the black belt/sash thing is one you tie yourself anyway so you could play around with how and where it's tied. I'd probably wear it just in a double knot at the back with the ends hanging down.

As far as the seam across the bust goes, do they have a good measuring guide for the site?

eevieemariee · June 2014

I like #2 best. It appears to be the most formal of the three. But not overdone. Gives me a business chique vibe.

eevieemariee · June 2014

Ps. I have a wedding to go to in Aug and I just bought a dress online that turned out more casual than it looked. Now I must shop ModCloth for the real thing. Thanks for sharing!

PuppyLove84 · June 2014

I would order several, pick the one you like the best, and send the rest back! I've done that several times with ModCloth. Sometimes the cutest dresses online look different on me in person!

lilsneezy · June 2014

I like #2 the best. I don't think it's too formal at all. If I feel like a dress is a little too formal for an occasion, I'll dress it down with simple jewelry, simple hair and not so fancy shoes (ex. not heels). I think a cute pair of wedges would look great with that dress!

RN1175 · June 2014

EllyD14 said:

I like #1, but I like #2 more for something a little more formal. Except the bow. It would really depend on how it sits on you and if you have the bow straight in the middle or off to the side. #3 seems a little too casual.

And to add my own, I like this one. https://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/meadow-melodies-dress

+1 for this one. Or you could go for something in black. One can never go wrong with a little black dress. IMO.

penelopec518 · June 2014

How have I never come across ModCloth in my life... LOVE all the dresses...

But I do like #2 and the Oceanfront property dress!!

divinemsbee · June 2014

Thanks so much you guys! Now I'm looking at all of the suggestions and adding more to my list! I may end up ordering several, the one complaint I've ever heard about ModCloth is that their dresses can be a little short, so that'll be something I have to work with.

@EllyD14 That print is really nice and I really like the neckline. @themrsJRD I love that ocean front properly dress, so pretty. My only worry with it is that I might have to wear a cami underneath, but it looks so fresh and summery.