Dear ESB
OK, so let me preface this email by admitting it's got absolutely nothing to do with bridal fashion.
Except wedding dresses are basically formal wear, right? And there is no occasion more formal than the Oscars red carpet (see where I'm going here?) In fact now I come to think of it, slebs seem oddly sold on quasi-bridal red carpet style. Which is not always a good thing. (See: Exhibits A + B)
Sorry, I got a bit distracted there. My point is that I am in need of a dress to wear to the Oscars. Sadly not the kind of wonder-gown that comes from Elie Saab or Marchesa. Alas, I am not a famous person. Or the other half of a famous person. Or even a hot shot producer. I'm a lowly reporter.
And I have no idea where to start - fancy, full-length frocks aren't really part of my day-to-day fashion repertoire. So if you or your gang of mean hipster mates felt like giving me some pointers, I'd be one grateful hack.
I'm on a distinctly non-designer budget ($250 max), I'm, um, curvy (read busty. Going without a bra is not an option here), a size 8-10, and I'm a pale redhead, so pastel colours tend to make me look like a bloated corpse. I'll be wearing the dress for most of the day and night, and running around from place to place, so it needs to be something that I can stand, sit and walk in comfortably. And although technically, I guess all I need to do is blend in, rather than sticking out like a sore thumb among the rake-thin famous people, I'd really like to look like the most awesome version of myself possible.
Any suggestions?
*****
BEST SHOPPING CHALLENGE EVAR.
how bout you guys put your suggestions in the comments and i'll throw the best ones up for a vote on monday? (no copping out this time i swear.)
maybe i'll even add an anonymous submission of my own.
**Update: I finally posted a little html how-to in the sidebar. No more shitty links, you guys.**
Photo: Camille Rowe by François Rotger for Marie Claire Italia via Fashion Gone Rogue via Claire Cottrell
OMG I've been *dying* to recommend this to someone. On a pale redhead, I think it would look divine.
ReplyDeleteClickity Click Me!
OK, that broke the rules by $50. But I will GIVE you $50 if you wear it. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteI am a tall pale redhead, size 8-10 with large (but not very large) boobs. I would try these (black and jewel tones are best on redheads):
ReplyDeleteCalvin Klein, sequined one-shoulder dress
ABS sequined dress (have in a 10)
more simple Lela Rose dress (in blue)
These are all one shoulder because they don't make many non-strapless gowns (or the straps look cheap) - I don't like strapless dresses on ME very much (being tall and pale - you see a lot of white skin) and I think you HAVE to wear a gown to the Oscars.
Ha! Maddie, I also have an Aidon Mattox pick from NM. I love this dress, wish it came in more wedding friendly colors:
ReplyDelete(Sorry, don't know how to make this link less cumbersome)
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod121650114&parentId=cat16870753&masterId=cat000071&index=46&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat000009cat000071cat16870753&isEditorial=false
THANKS ESB. Just saw the tutorial, here is the dress I was talking about:
ReplyDeleteAidon Mattox Dress
Oh, @Dana, I love that dress! And she could always get straps added.
ReplyDeleteDeep purple (yes, purple), draped and gorge.
ReplyDeleteYou will look amazing, can wear a bra and won't wrinkle like crazy when you've been sitting.
How about this black sweetheart neckline knit number for $247?
ReplyDeleteHi - I'm the impoverished hack searching for the frock. Thanks so much for all these suggestions! Maddie, that dress is awesome, but I think I need something full-length. And Dana, that Aidan Mattox dress is INCREDIBLE, but waaay over what I can afford (I'm crying inside.)
ReplyDeleteWow, this is fun. Can I get all my fashion dilemmas solved like this?
Neiman has sales, Neiman has sales! Definitely keep checking on Dana's Aidan Mattox dress, say around Thanksgiving time?
ReplyDeleteYou should keep an eye on the Aiden Mattox dress in case it goes on sale cause that is a pretty awesome dress.
ReplyDeletePardon my ignorance, but aren't the Oscars in February or March? Are you really beginning shopping this early?
ReplyDeleteAnother beauty, especially with your coloring:
ReplyDeleteRED DRESS!
I think @kylie's suggestion would look amazing on a busty redhead. In fact I better stop thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteI am loving the navy for this one, and it should create some va va voom curves, $171
ReplyDeleteLove the bodice
Ooo I like the suggestions from @Kylie and @Hillary (the Lela Rose, but in purple). @Kylie's suggestion might be more practical if you don't already have a fab strapless or one strap bra (I am large chested too, and I am sure you know that strapless bras that get the job done cost one schmillion dollars).
ReplyDeleteHmm...I really like this, but it's not so...structured...you know? But I still like a pretty redhead in a red dress. So there.
ReplyDeleteBonus! You Can Still Afford To Eat
Speaking of Aiden Maddox this smokin' hot number would be so stunning. And it's just the tiniest bit over budget.
ReplyDeleteDepending on your particular red hue, what about this sunny yellow number? The scoop neck is a great thing for bustier women.
ReplyDeleteThis to me is utterly gorg and could easily be modernized a bit by taking up the sleeve length. Same for
There is a surprising number of red suggestions here: I'm a redhead and almost NEVER wear red. A deep red or wine color, maybe, but not coral or fire-engine red.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered renttherunway.com?
ReplyDeleteI've never used it but the site gets great reviews. And I checked their floor-length options. They've got lots of long, pretty gowns you can rent for under $200.
I know it would be more fun to buy a gown but since this is a one-time thing and you need a knockout dress, renting one seems to make sense.
Ok. So this one could either be super cool or completely off:
ReplyDeleteTed Baker Orchid Print Jersey Maxi Dress
But I think a red head will always look best in jewel tones. Maybe something like this:
JS Collections Red Carpet Belted Gown
A few more:
ReplyDeleteLOVE this one: Leah Halter Maxi Dress
Could this one possibly be belted? I just love the color, but not sure it would work so well for a curvy woman unless it could be belted somehow ASOS REVIVE Asymmetric Strap Maxi Dress
BCBGMaxAzria Cowl Neck Gown (This color is so Julianne Moore!)
I like these.
ReplyDeletetwo-tone for $198
purple for $178
Though really, if your budget is $250 and you've got big girls, you'd be better served by capping yourself at $175 or 200 and spending the rest on a really good strapless bra. From a bra store. With little Russian and/or Italian ladies that will come in while you're changing and hoist your boobs around. And pick the perfect bra from what looks like a huge wall of identical boxes. And has a seamstress in store that will alter it to fit you just right. We've got them in NYC, they must exist in LA...
Kyli's purple dress would look fab on a pale redhead! My fave so far.
ReplyDeleteBig fat NO to Dana's Aidan Mattox dress. Gathered waists are not your friend.
omg. i was so off with most of the dresses I posted on top. I didn't check their backs and they are either non-existent or too low. I have a sizable chest and I would NEVER be able to wear any of them...as much as I love the front of them. sorry!
ReplyDeleteWhat about this classy little number?
ReplyDelete(and you could accessorize the hell out of it!)
Can't muster a suggestion b/c I'm still baffled by the fact that we're suggesting Michelle Williams didn't look bomb in that dress.
ReplyDelete+1 for renttherunway.com. I've used them twice to rent fancy dresses and have been very happy with the dresses and service.
ReplyDelete@Ashley I'm with you there
ReplyDeleteI don't have any specific suggestions but I thought your description of yourself sounded like Christina Hendricks from Mad Men. May be handy to draw inspiration from her? LINKY
ReplyDeleteIf you want simple and comfy go with jersey. here and here (in blue).
ReplyDelete@Ashley @ESB: I almost wrote that about Michelle Williams, too, but my response got very long-winded. Here's a shortened response:
ReplyDeleteA) she's AWESOME ALL THE TIME
B) looks incredible in that dress (even if A weren't true)
One final suggestion from me. In your price range and teal:
ReplyDeleteteal ABS dress
Also, +2 on the idea of renttherunway. It sounds like the perfect sort of situation to wear a bomb ass dress on a manageable pricetag.
I think if you are working as a reporter that night you should wear a black, long/semi-long dress with some subtle personality.
ReplyDeleteMy picks are
This silk Robert Rodriguez number for $178
or
this vintage 1940s gown with amazing beaded shoulders ALSO for $178
This gown is a steal; you'd look gorgeous in navy, and you'd also have some money leftover for a good bra. Good luck! Have fun. xo.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from the UK.....as a US size 10 with a rather ample chest myself (I too can never be bra-less) my go to brand for amazing dresses is All Saints. I'm not a skinnycow, but seriously, their dresses do something to you, they gorgeousify you. And they're mostly in silk, which I quite like. The best version of myself is wearing an All Saints dress. So I am recommending two personal faves, currently both on sale in the US and under $150, you lucky Americans. You will need a multiway bra, but it's totally worth it.
ReplyDeleteFirst up: This amazing draped silk dress which somehow makes me look like a siren
And lastly: This gorgeous silk embroidered dress which is awesome for casual glamour, so easy to wear (though you might want a short slip for modesty)
Just noticed @anon 3:50 already suggested mine, so here's one more. Also: Don't forget to check Gilt Groupe, Haute Look, ideeli, Rue La La and all of those designer outlet shops. Good luck! xo.
ReplyDeletei third renttherunway as well. I have used them before and didn't have any issues. Its nice because you get to rent two sizes I believe for free and you can pay a little more to get a second style as backup. They also have a fit specialist and the ability to shop by shape (full bust) They have some beautiful long gowns on there as well...
ReplyDeleteI'd post but I think you have to sign up to view.
Love green on a redhead. The back straps look eh.. kind of cheap.. but its 100% silk, so there's hope
ReplyDeleteI really like the looks of this All Saints gown. It's classy and looks super comfortable, plenty of coverage for a good strapless bra and I love that belt! Plus, I think black will allow you to "blend in" as you describe while still feeling sophisticated.
ReplyDeleteIf it were me, I'd keep in mind that plenty of holiday gala type dresses will be on sale in January.
ReplyDeleteAnd look to Christina Hendricks for what NOT to wear on the red carpet. That lady is gorgeous, but she tends to get her gowns all wrong. A bust like that doesn't need poufy embellishment around it.
Green, blue, or purple jewel tones tend to look great on red heads. Black is a safe and classic option. Navy can be stunning--warms pale skin tones a little more than black does. The right shade of red can be great but try it on before buying.
Since you're a journalist and not the focus, something like this Theyskens' Theory dress (on sale! available in a size 10!) seems like a good option. Classic and well made with a little edge. I worry that some of the flashier stuff out there is going to look really cheap in the presence of actual designer dresses.
When in doubt, Ted Baker. Can wear a bra, comfy black pumps, the waist line is flattering, and you have saucy ladies on your skirt!
ReplyDeletehref="http://www.tedbaker-london.com/store/womens/printed-panelled-dress-GD19-WA1W-HABETA-00.html#thumb">Ted Baker Printed Panneled Awesomeness
Ugh. Fail. Ted Baker Printed Panneled Dress
ReplyDeleteIf you do consider renting, that broadens your options.
ReplyDeleteLike this green beauty.
This sparkly stunner.
This modern, bra friendly, blue number.
Or this slinky silver one.
I also vote using RTR. I really like Fine Persecution's green Yigal (though I don't know if you could wear a bra with it, but I also like:
ReplyDeletethis
and this
and this one too.
http://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/yigalazrou%C3%ABl_dresses/greensatincharmgown
ReplyDeleteYou want to be comfy? All day? Wear jersey. Rachel Pally is the jersey queen of LA. And her pieces are flattering on all sizes and this is formal enough to wear to the Oscars.
ReplyDeleteI realize this is a bit over budget, but just bookmark it and wait. It'll go on sale. And if you live in LA, sign up to be on her mailing list. She has sample sales every few months. Her stuff is great but you usually don't need to pay retail for it.
Ruching is always good
This Yigal Azrouel Green Satin Charm Gown is stunning. In your budget would be very comfy and would look stunning with your red hair.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/yigalazrou%C3%ABl_dresses/greensatincharmgown
do renttherunway if you want a long dress (like this one)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/nicolemiller_dresses/tealopenbackgown
But I would buy this little DVF lovely and its 20 percent off AND free shipping
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446420066&afsrc=1&site_refer=GGLBASE001&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=0886115132849
I think all you would need to add is inexpensive nude pumps and you'd be ready to go. Hope this helps. can't go wrong with navy
I vote for the green yigal (although I get the no-bra issue) or either of Lauren's David Meister choices. I think structure is your friend. Also, Jersey feels too informal. Yeah, you wanna be comfortable, but it's the freaking oscars. How many times are you going to get to do this?
ReplyDeleteJess
this might be breaking every rule (over budget/light color) and i have no idea if it is oscar appropriate, but i love this dress.
ReplyDeletethe dress.
Purple, wide straps, affordable
ReplyDeleteI don't love shortness in the front, but its a good color and would be comfortable, no question
Don't know if this is dressy enough, but I do like it a lot.
ReplyDelete(messy link, sorry)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/laundry-by-shelli-segal-jersey-blouson-dress-with-back-keyhole/3243479?origin=category
The Green Yigal from RTR is the best choice so far. Would look stunning for the oscars!
ReplyDeleteThe Yigal is gorge, but it's completely sheer on the side, which would make wearing a bra impossible. Also, if this is your first red carpet assignment, might there be more in your future? I'd buy something you can wear again.
ReplyDeleteI know it is rather classic, but I think a reporter should be elegant but not intimidating or taking the scene. This is elegant and, with the hair raised, the brooch on the shoulder would be lovely!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11981478&cp=1760782.12172357&SMR=1&ab=ln_women_features_newarrivals%3Aeveningelegance&pg=2&parentPage=family
Oooooh - I vote on the Aidon Mattox Dress. It's gorgeous and sooooo Oscar-worthy! I see it's over budget - put it on a card! This is the Oscars; it's worth a splurge!!!! Do it. Do it.
ReplyDeleteOooh - I like the last one LaurenF recommended. $100! And that dark green will be so beautiful with your red hair!
ReplyDelete