Seeking: A couple of ballgowns. nbd.

ESB

I'm going on the Queen Mary 2 transatlantic cruise this coming July with my husband, parents, in-laws and brother and his gf. My Dad did it once before and adored it, and wanted to do it again so my hubby and I jumped on it cause a) he was paying for part of it (you'd do it too) and b) we love traveling and when the hell else are we going to sail across the Atlantic and sing the Titanic theme non-stop?

The QM2 has several balls - one of which is a black and white ball, the other a "Royal Ascot" ball (I'm not kidding). There are gonna be lots of old folks, I'm already prepared for that. So I'd really like to look modern (eff those old folks) but also glamorous, since I will likely never have the occasion in any future years to wear an evening gown three times in one week. I'm a size 2 or 4 - small boobs, nice butt, and a normal sized stomach. My budget (here's the part where you get bitchy on me) is $1,000 and under for each dress. Oh, and my husband and I actually do dance so I need to move.

I don't expect you to find me multiple modern evening gowns, but any advice on websites or stores to check out would be much appreciated. And yes, I've been stalking gilt and other online sales.

Thank you.

Yours truly,
Rose Dawson
(I will move the hell over and let my husband up on that piece of driftwood if shit hits the fan)

*****

WHO'S IN THE MOOD TO SHOP BALLGOWNS?

I keep wanting to suggest this Lover, but it may not be ball worthy.

And I still like the Alice + Olivia leather bustier gown [pictured above]. Only available in a 2, but returnable.

As for websites/stores to check out..... UM. Search dresses and click on all the links and then search dresses some more. And search the comments on the dress posts. That's what I do.

p.s. Who's your pick for best-dressed at the Oscars? I only ask so that I can point out I have to go with Quentin's mystery date. Again!