Thursday, June 9, 2011

Seeking: a plus-size dress that's not a MESS


Hey ESB,

As a "plus sized" (gross) bride-to-be, it's hard to find a dress that isn't your typical empire waist/halter mess from anything other than a megastore. I found this dress, but unfortunately, it is out of stock. (I've also attached some shoes, for an idea of my style.) 

Have you come across anything suitable available in larger sizes? For my specific case, I'll be having a courthouse wedding with a bad ass reception/going away party. The FH and I are leaving the country for a year to teach overseas.

I'm not particularly set on the traditional white.

It's so easy to be discouraged in finding such beautiful things available, but not in your size. The internet is a big place. I really appreciate your help.

Size: Realistically between 18 and 20. A generously cut 16 paired with the world's best spanx would be pushing it. I'm looking for some drinking/eating/dancing room. 

Budget: Preferably under $300. But I'm willing to dip into some travel money for the right dress.

*****

WHY DON'T THEY MAKE COOL CLOTHES IN LARGER SIZES? wtf.


This Suzi Chin for Maggie Boutique is a little different from the dress you sent me, but I really dig it with the Repetto oxfords (on sale! at Creatures of Comfort).

I also like this strapless dress from Lafayette 148, but it pisses me off that they only picture it in petite. 

First image: Beth Ditto via Altsounds.com
Posted by esb at 6:01 AM

24 comments:

  1. VictoriaJune 9, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    Try David Meister he makes great plus size gowns.

    Victoria
    http://diva-in-distress.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. fawnJune 9, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Girl I feel you! What do you think of this one

    http://www.onestopplus.com/Product.aspx?PfId=246256&ProductTypeId=1&affiliate_id=017&affiliate_location_id=13&mr:trackingCode=CB55259C-C867-E011-9D0B-001517B1882A&mr:referralID=NA

    and is this too weddingy? Were you trying to avoid that?

    http://www.kiyonna.com/plus-size-clothes/12060911

    ReplyDelete
  3. fawnJune 9, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Here's a sexy one from bloomies,

    http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=502831&CategoryID=2917&LinkType=PDPZ1

    ReplyDelete
  4. ToniaJune 9, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    i think this cream colored polka-dot number is sexy and sweet and would look retro with oxfords!

    ReplyDelete
  5. A Bicycle Built For TwoJune 9, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    I had the same problem and I haven't any suggestions to offer (I had my dress made) but I can empathize with you for the lack of options. Most everything is either too tacky/whorish/cheap or too matronly - especially if you like your arms covered (not sure if you do but I do).

    ReplyDelete
  6. nicoleJune 9, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    @Fawn - the David Meister number is on sale here:
    http://tinyurl.com/3dmt5pt

    The best I could find:

    This lace dress for the courthouse:

    http://tinyurl.com/42n9djo

    A more casual dress for the after-party:

    http://tinyurl.com/3r9tzdr

    http://tinyurl.com/3v9r4rp

    http://tinyurl.com/4x4fjc8

    Good luck! xo.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJune 9, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    I love, love the bloomies dress!

    ReplyDelete
  8. CatherineJune 9, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Possibly slightly off-base, but I'll fire away anyway -

    What 'bout this gunmetal wrap number http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/oc-by-oleg-cassini-portrait-collar-dress-plus/3167654?origin=related-3167654-0-0-2 - it reminds me of something Nigella Lawson would wear. I'd pair with some great heels like these red shiny ones http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp-maddie-pump/3197967?origin=category&resultback=397 or these, I love these http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nine-west-rocha-pump/3130976?origin=category&resultback=1516, and a big vintage brooch. Might have the sleeves taken in. Oh, and some kickass undergarments http://www.simplyyours.co.uk/shop/product/details/show.action?pdLpUid=SC804&pdBoUid=3636&lpgUid=11102115#colour:3592,size:. Small posy of enormous scented black/red flowers, velvety red lippy, cats eye black liner, Diane Kruger wavy hair, touch of alluring perfume.

    Too much? Oxford brogues with palazzo pants later in the day/going away.

    ReplyDelete
  9. nikkiJune 9, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    http://us.asos.com/ASOS-ASOS-CURVE-SALON-2-in-1-Floral-Applique-Dress/wblh1/?iid=1576539&cid=9579&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Yellow/White&mporgp=L0Fzb3MvQXNvcy1DdXJ2ZS1TYWxvbi0yLUluLTEtRmxvcmFsLUFwcGxpcXVlLURyZXNzL1Byb2Qv#ctl00_ContentMainPage_mainImage3

    ReplyDelete
  10. GhaniJune 9, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    You'll have to order for the UK for this one, but Monsoon might be just right for you - keep in mind that a UK 18 is a US 16.

    If you're struggling with the UK thing, let me know and i can post it to you! Just e-mail danae.shell@gmail.com

    http://www.monsoon.co.uk/occasion-tunics/minnie-tunic/invt/82311241/

    http://www.monsoon.co.uk/bridal-dresses/luvenia-lace-tunic/invt/82318041/

    (i feel your pain - i had my dress made and i'm about the same size - 18ish)

    ReplyDelete
  11. GhaniJune 9, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    p.s. my friend got married in that second dress and looked gorgeous! http://blog.katiejanephoto.com/2011/05/georgette-fred-married-city-hall-new-york-elopement-photographer/

    ReplyDelete
  12. MelissaJune 9, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    I also love the Bloomies Meister! I also love this!

    http://us.asos.com/ASOS-ASOS-CURVE-Piped-Edge-Heart-Print-Dress/w40rt/?iid=1589593&cid=9577&Rf-200=20,16,5,17,9,26,25&Rf900=1465&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Multi&mporgp=L0Fzb3MvQXNvcy1DdXJ2ZS1QaXBlZC1FZGdlLUhlYXJ0LVByaW50LURyZXNzL1Byb2Qv

    ReplyDelete
  13. LPCJune 9, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    I think that Susie Chin is cool.

    ReplyDelete
  14. StephanieJune 9, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    You should have a custom made dress. My fabric (15 yards of silk dupioni, because, yes, I am having a princess dress) is about $150, with a 50% off coupon at Joann's.

    Typical size 20 dresses need 4-5 yards of fabric. If you get satin/linen-look/taffeta at $10/yard, using a 40% off coupon (sign up for the mailing list), add another $30 for the notions/lining, and it's about $60. A seamstress will sew it for you for about $250 (where I live, anyway).

    Or go to Torrid. I just got my engagement party dress there:

    http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clothing/Dresses/Delilah-Floral-Party-Tube-Dress-514447.jsp

    ReplyDelete
  15. snarkycatJune 9, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    Rachel Pally white label. Her stuff is super comfy and very flattering.
    There's nothing in the collection here in white but if you're in LA, she has sample sales every few months. You can sign up to be on her mail list on her site.

    http://www.rachelpally.com/store/productslist.aspx?categoryid=600&PageNo=0

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousJune 9, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I'm gonna get in trouble for this, but I spent a lot of timing knocking David's Bridal because it's so mass produced, yada yada yada.

    And then I caved.

    But seriously at the end of the day they had great dresses that did my body justice and sales people who are used to working with plus size people ALL the time and who aren't going to snub their noses at your non-bridal-size-2 self.

    And I LOVE this one. http://bit.ly/dsRohb

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousJune 9, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    Wow, I'm plus sized, and I really like "empire waist/halter mess[es]"...

    Don't knock it til you try it. Just go to David's, tell them what you want, and they probably have it. You could even get a bridesmaids dress in whatever color you want.

    ReplyDelete
  18. east side brideJune 9, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    @snarkycat I love this one.

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  19. BrigittaRJune 9, 2011 at 4:02 PM

    Good Lordy the lace dress @Nicole suggested is on the money

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  20. rachelJune 9, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    not that you asked for help, but what about this one?

    http://www.stopstaringclothing.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=208

    ReplyDelete
  21. snarkycatJune 9, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    @esb, yea, RP has great stuff and generally flatters anyone who has a curve or two.

    ReplyDelete
  22. lizzieJune 10, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    that is an awesome suggestion! esb..even worse than not having someone display "plus-sized" clothing...is having a model who's...MAYBE a size 10 modeling it.

    ReplyDelete
  23. MandaJune 16, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    i don't know if i'm too late to this, but i have a size 18-20 dress (corset back, so adjustable) i can give you. how against halter necks are you? it's alfred angelo 1587... i know aa is all evil and mass produced, but i found it new on craigslist so it was the right price :/
    i'm 5'4" so you wouldn't be able to wear it if you're much taller

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousJuly 5, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    That is so sweet Manda!

    ReplyDelete