May 2016 Moms
missnc77
member
Holiday Party Dresses
missnc77
member
Ugh. I'm in what I like to call the "ugly fat phase." I don't have a pretty bump yet, just a bloated mass that gets bigger as the day progresses. Some women are into shoes, some are into purses, sunglasses, whatever. My guilty shopping splurges has always been a gorgeous party dress, but this year, it's just making me depressed. I'm definitely not big enough for a maternity dress, and if my maternity jeans have taught me anything, it's that they don't hold in the blump. I've been combing saks, nordstrom, and rent the runway for normal dresses, but the fitted dresses are really scaring me away. I've found some cute ones that could work on RTR, but I want to get at least a 10 and 12 (pre preg size 8), and many of them are only in 10. So, that means 3 dresses to try would be close to $200, and at that point I may as well hit the sell rack at Saks.
We've been out of town for Thanksgiving and just got back home late last night. I have a busy work week and then my husband's big Christmas party is on Friday. So, I either need to find the dress today, or I have to risk online. Any ideas or styles? Anyone else having to find some flattering party dress styles for this awkward phase? If I had a legit bump, I'd rock it. But I feel so insecure right now with the bloat that makes me look 7 months pregnant by dinner. Not to mention that I live in Las Vegas, so tights are not always needed. I can't even get a spray tan to help me feel a little better. I just want to feel pretty, especially after eating a ton of food over the last week and not working out. 
Re: Holiday Party Dresses
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/strapless-dress/4185492https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/seraphineseraphinaluxe-lace-maternity-dress/4155773https://www1.macys.com/shop/product/suzi-chin-for-maggy-boutique-maternity-accordion-pleat-popover-dress?ID=2239423&CategoryID=66718&LinkType=#fn=DEPARTMENT_TYPE=Dresses&PAGEINDEX=2&sp=2&spc=140&slotId=68
I am kinda obsessed with this dress and wish I had a fancy holiday party to go to... I would buy this in a heartbeat....https://www1.macys.com/shop/product/a-pea-in-the-pod-maternity-beaded-fringed-dress?ID=2587788&CategoryID=66718&LinkType=#fn=DEPARTMENT_TYPE=Dresses&PAGEINDEX=3&sp=3&spc=140&slotId=97https://www1.macys.com/shop/product/collective-concepts-maternity-dot-print-dress?ID=2587789&CategoryID=66718&LinkType=#fn=DEPARTMENT_TYPE=Dresses&PAGEINDEX=3&sp=3&spc=140&slotId=115
They both have tons of swingy styles that are really forgiving. I just got a great black knit dress from Kate Spade and a plaid cape. I told the salesperson I'm pregnant and asked for everything that stretches, they did a great job. Not sure if you have a store near you, but if not maybe try calling one and asking for their recommendations and then ordering online? The dress I got is black with cap sleeves. I prefer buying stuff like that non-maternity so I can wear it again afterwards.
I've always liked fit and flares with a slightly higher waistline to hide the early bump -- or wrap dresses to show it off without feeling huge. Don't fret, this transition time is difficult sometimes. I'm sure you'll look beautiful!
DS: 9/18/12 - 40w5d // DD: 05/17/16 - 40w
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
I ended up ordering two dresses and some blingy jewelery with 2 day shipping. They only had the dresses in Medium, so here's hoping I don't need a large. I'll keep everyone posted! Thanks a lot for all the kind words and advice.
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/olian-caroline-maternity-dress/4155601?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=3006
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/barbie-dress/4145817?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=3006
Bling (30% off sale!)
https://www.katespade.com/products/pick-a-pearl-statement-necklace/098686590243.html
https://www.katespade.com/products/dainty-sparklers-cluster-ear-jacket/098686587113.html
Fingers crossed!
DVF is expensive but I'm sure there are less expensive labels with similar styles.
I really like all the dresses I've bought from there, and they're very versatile in dressing down for work and up for going out. Best of all, I have every expectation that I'll still be able to wear them post-pregnancy (all the ones I have looked fine at 12 weeks when I wasn't really showing and seem to be adapting nicely now that I'm rolling with a fulltime bump at 16w).
T minus 3 days left to find a dress. Where's my fairy godmother when I need her?!