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View Full Version : Please educate me in "little black dresses"


BarTopDancer
11-16-2006, 10:19 AM
Our xmas party this year is semi-formal.

The thought of buying a dress for this is almost worse than buying pants.

I have no idea what to look for or where to go. I don't want to spend a small fortune either.

I have just below the knee black boots that I could wear or black closed toe open back (with a strap) sandles or pink strappy sandles.

Help?

Stan4dSteph
11-16-2006, 10:45 AM
I would suggest checking out Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. They both are stores that regularly have dresses. BR has stuff right now for holiday party-wear.

Prudence
11-16-2006, 12:04 PM
Well, first they're black. Second, they're little.

Which is why I refuse to conform and continue to wear pants. Nice silk pants with strappy sandals and a suitably dressy top, but pants nonetheless.

LSPoorEeyorick
11-16-2006, 12:09 PM
Little Black Dresses only have to be little if you're little. I own at least three LBDs and I'm probably the most plus-sized lady on the board. Sorry, though, all my LBDS come from Lane Bryant and Torrid, so I'm not much help.

I'd echo the Banana Republic suggestion, as they always have nice dresses there. Check out Forever 21, too, I hear they have reasonable cute stuff.

Not Afraid
11-16-2006, 12:15 PM
Banana has about 10 different styles of LBD that are fantastic. The red dress I wore to T's wedding was a BR dress and they have several very similar in dresses black.

BarTopDancer
11-16-2006, 12:22 PM
Thank you!

While I'd much prefer pants, from what I am hearing everyone wears dresses to this thing.

I'll check out BR.

SacTown Chronic
11-16-2006, 12:34 PM
Sorry dear, but I can only get you out of a little black dress. Someone else is gonna have to help get you into one.

DreadPirateRoberts
11-16-2006, 01:13 PM
Sorry dear, but I can only get you out of a little black dress. Someone else is gonna have to help get you into one.

tequila!

BarTopDancer
11-16-2006, 01:32 PM
tequila!

Tequila makes my clothes fall off!






(and for everyone other than KatieSue, it's a song reference, so don't go gettin your hopes up)

katiesue
11-16-2006, 01:40 PM
Other good places to check might be Nordstrom Rack, Loehmans (I got a great LBD there a while ago for way cheap), and if you have a BR outlet near you - the one I go to is in Carlsbad.

Oh and Ann Taylor loft, same kinds of things as at Ann Taylor but cheaper pricing. Also I've gotten a few really good deals at Ann Taylor online.

Ghoulish Delight
11-16-2006, 02:13 PM
Don't get stuck inside the box. "Semi-formal" allows for more than the little black dress (yawn).

LSPoorEeyorick
11-16-2006, 02:52 PM
That's a fair assertion. Little red dresses are perfectly lovely, as are little blue ones and classy chartreuse ones. Still, semi-formal calls out for a dress or a skirt, probably.

BarTopDancer
11-16-2006, 03:22 PM
I only own two dresses - my Jessica Rabbit one and my French Maid's costume. I think it's time I buy something more appropriate and functional. I am not opposed to other colors either, and I want something that isn't "in the box".

My list so far is:

Nana Republic
Black House White Market
Macy's

Problem is they are so expensive :( I do not want to pay $100+ for a dress.

katiesue
11-16-2006, 03:39 PM
You can always get something plainer, and hopefully cheaper, and dress it up with different jewlrey or a sweater. That way you can get more use out of it.

Not Afraid
11-16-2006, 04:53 PM
The nice thing about buying a great LBD is that it will last you for YEARS. They tend to be more classic and will serve you long and hard. Same goes for little colored dresses - as long as they are not a print. Prints have a shorter shelf life. Not that you are not allowed to wear something unfashionable, but a classic LBD will last for years.

The other nice thing is that you can dress it up or down in many different ways. A LBD does not have to be boring at all. It depends on how creative you are wih your accessories. But, I'm a BIG basic classics and fun accessories.

Bornieo: Fully Loaded
11-16-2006, 05:11 PM
There's always the Salvation Army. Never know what you'll find!

Drince88
11-16-2006, 06:27 PM
Ugg. Thanks for the reminder. I need to find something for our Christmas party. I'd LOVE to buy a little black dress, but differing sizes on top and bottom (by more than just a little) make that tough. Oh well, I'll probably end up with a black skirt I already own with a cute (hopefully) sparkly top.

Prudence
11-16-2006, 06:35 PM
My preferred method of dealing with the holiday party dress code is to skip the party entirely.

CoasterMatt
11-16-2006, 06:39 PM
It's been a long time since I've worn a little black dress...

€uroMeinke
11-16-2006, 10:48 PM
It's been a long time since I've worn a little black dress...

...but you know should you have to, you could whip that little number out of your closet and leave men faint at your path.

tracilicious
11-17-2006, 12:53 AM
...but you know should you have to, you could whip that little number out of your closet and leave men faint at your path.

Ok, I need to wear contacts when I'm online. I read, "whipe that little number out of your pants and leave men faint in your path." Different meaning entirely! Need more sleep...

€uroMeinke
11-17-2006, 01:16 AM
Must be the porn

Betty
11-17-2006, 06:37 AM
This may not please the fashionistas - but try Sears. I've bought 2 black party dresses over the last few years there. The selection was pretty good and so were the prices.

I'm a plus sized gal though so YMMV.

Stan4dSteph
11-17-2006, 08:53 AM
If you want good deals, you might try bluefly.com. You won't be able to try it on ahead of time though. I found this one that looks nice (http://www.bluefly.com/pages/products/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=2023174835&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1959023&N=1231&Ns=Price%7c0%7c%7cProduct%2bCode%7c1&Nu=Product+ID).

MouseWife
11-17-2006, 09:33 AM
This also may not please the fashionistas but when I've had to find dresses for parties like yours, BTD, I go to Ross. I also used to avoid the parties to avoid the hassle of buying formal/semi-formal wear.

I have picked up my LBD, my long BD, and more for under $20 each. The clothes they have are the same they sell at the other stores but reduced. And, since these dresses are 'timeless' you aren't getting last seasons dress, just paying a lot less.

But, have patience with the crowds. Everyone is looking for that perfect dress for the perfect price and a lot of them drag their crying kids with them. THAT is what I don't like. But, it can be worth it. Sort of like factory shopping {but I don't remember kids there....}

Stay focused if you decide to shop at Ross...you are on a mission, don't let the opposition sway you....:evil:

Ooo, wow, steph, that is a beautiful dress....

BarTopDancer
11-17-2006, 11:49 AM
Ok,

Ross
BR
Black House, White Market (though I think they are super expensive)
Macy's

I hate shopping :(

Not Afraid
11-17-2006, 11:56 AM
I hate shopping :(

I hate shopping when I actually need something. I end up bitting the bullit and going to a place where i KNOW I will find something.

BarTopDancer
11-17-2006, 12:02 PM
I hate shopping when I actually need something. I end up bitting the bullit and going to a place where i KNOW I will find something.

Ya, that's going be my problem. I wonder how many pairs of shoes I'll come home with.

Not Afraid
11-17-2006, 12:25 PM
Nordstroms has a couple of good basics on sale.

This one is chocolate. (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2862764/0~2376788~6002242~6007533~6007554?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6007554&P=2)

Add a sparkley necklace and a silk/cashmere wrap and some strappy shoes and your dressed for evening.

This one comes on Red, Black or Blue. (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2890655/0~2376788~6002242~6007533~6007554?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6007554&P=2) Not as classic, but workable.

I really like the chocolate one. It has LOTS os possabilities for dressing up or down. Wear with boots and tights for day or casual evening, add a great sweater for shrug, VERY classic but professional - and timeless.

Kevy Baby
11-18-2006, 11:56 AM
I have just below the knee black boots that I could wear or black closed toe open back (with a strap) sandles or pink strappy sandles.You want to wear something more than just shoes.

Kevy Baby
11-18-2006, 11:59 AM
Tequila makes my clothes fall off!

(and for everyone other than KatieSue, it's a song reference, so don't go gettin your hopes up)Does that mean for KatieSue, that tequila WILL make your clothes fall off?

Now I REALLY have my hopes up!

Kevy Baby
11-18-2006, 12:07 PM
Susan gets a catalog from The Pyramid Collection (http://www.pyramidcollection.com). May not be what you are looking for (a bit pricey), but they have some very cool stuff:

http://www.pyramidcollection.com/images/P9255B.jpg

http://www.pyramidcollection.com/images/P9748B.jpg

This one is only $60:
http://www.pyramidcollection.com/prodimagesC/P9022C.jpg

http://www.pyramidcollection.com/prodimagesC/P9175C.jpg

And lots more

innerSpaceman
11-18-2006, 12:10 PM
Um, that black and purple, bustierre-top number is tres yum.



.

Kevy Baby
11-18-2006, 12:32 PM
If you feel daring, you could go in this sexy little number:

http://www.pyramidcollection.com/prodimagesC/P8754C.jpg

Susan wants this one:

http://www.pyramidcollection.com/prodimagesC/P8704C.jpg

Also, the catalog has some tres cool capes:

http://www.pyramidcollection.com/prodimagesC/P9525C.jpg

Lastly: one more that I really like:

http://www.pyramidcollection.com/prodimagesC/P8711C.jpg

BarTopDancer
11-18-2006, 12:54 PM
Does that mean for KatieSue, that tequila WILL make your clothes fall off?

Now I REALLY have my hopes up!

Yup. That's exactally what I mean. ;) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZyzQha_NMc)











the smilie is a link

Cadaverous Pallor
11-18-2006, 01:01 PM
Straight men do NOT understand clothing threads. She didn't say she wants a gown, she wants a little black dress! :rolleyes: ;)

Those dresses are cool though

Not Afraid
11-18-2006, 01:36 PM
Straight men do NOT understand clothing threads.
But, it's KEVY! ;)

innerSpaceman
11-18-2006, 01:59 PM
And my comment was not based on Marla's Xmas party needs, but rather on a dress I found wowza.


(And, yeah, I'm not exactly a straight guy either).



In fact, I think Kevy and I are the only males to have posted in this thread ... so I don't understand C.P.'s post at all. :p

Not Afraid
11-18-2006, 03:42 PM
Chris, Mark and Matt all posted as well.

innerSpaceman
11-18-2006, 04:07 PM
ok, then ... yeah, a couple of them are straight.





.

Kevy Baby
11-18-2006, 05:49 PM
ok, then ... yeah, a couple of them are straight.Hey... I'm mostly straight.

As someone who goes to a LOT of company Christmas parties, I would say most of the ones I posted (with exception of the cape, but INCLUDING the little white crocheted number) have been seen at Christmas parties.

BarTopDancer
11-18-2006, 08:58 PM
I have found a dress. It's prettyful. I'll try and take a decent photo tomorrow.

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/8756/img0755rd2.jpg.

I am still looking though. I found another one that I am in love with, and I just need to find it in the right size.

Stan4dSteph
11-19-2006, 09:24 PM
That looks very nice. Where did you get it?

BarTopDancer
11-19-2006, 09:48 PM
That looks very nice. Where did you get it?

Nordstoms - $76. Gotta love the semi-annual sale

BarTopDancer
11-23-2006, 01:50 PM
I have found a dress. It's prettyful. I'll try and take a decent photo tomorrow.

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/8756/img0755rd2.jpg.



Now with shoes
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000E1D71Y.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg

SzczerbiakManiac
11-28-2006, 12:48 PM
Perhaps Cosmo McKinley can help (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt9WZxKkGZI)!

3894
12-18-2006, 10:57 AM
BarTopDancer, I know that dress! If it's strapless (can't tell), then my daughters (yeah, they have to share stuff like that) have it in pink with a chocolate brown lace overlay. Excellent choice.

BarTopDancer
12-19-2006, 10:05 PM
The dress was a hit. Apparently I clean up quite nicely.

Much thanks to everyone who posted and Prudence who helped (via digi cam) with my make-up and jewlery choices.

Helen, it has spaghetti straps. Your daughters dress sounds beautiful.

3894
12-20-2006, 08:34 AM
The dress was a hit. Apparently I clean up quite nicely.

:) We'll be needing photos.

Morrigoon
12-21-2006, 02:29 AM
Probably too late for this contribution, but the quintessential "little black dress" is kinda like porn - you know it when you see it.

edit: okay, just saw the outfit... pretty!

Morrigoon
12-21-2006, 02:32 AM
http://www.pyramidcollection.com/prodimagesC/P9175C.jpg

BTD is skinny enough to pull this off... I bet it'd look gorgeous on her! (but just a guess here.... probably not her personal style)

BarTopDancer
12-21-2006, 07:08 PM
:) We'll be needing photos.

There were only 2 and I was hidden by wine glasses. Sorry =(

Not Afraid
12-21-2006, 07:15 PM
BTD is skinny enough to pull this off... I bet it'd look gorgeous on her! (but just a guess here.... probably not her personal style)

Cut off the sleeves and I'd wear that in an instant!

€uroMeinke
12-21-2006, 07:41 PM
There were only 2 and I was hidden by wine glasses. Sorry =(


Why does this remind me of an Austin Powers scene...

MouseWife
12-21-2006, 07:53 PM
I love that dress with or without sleeves. The color is beautiful.

3894
12-22-2006, 06:26 AM
Cut off the sleeves and I'd wear that in an instant!

Exactly. Excellent call, Not Afraid.