STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

alb · Marc Jacobs

Help!! Where can I find an amazing floor length dress (or cocktail dress) for a formal event??

Boots · Gucci

I'm assuming that erring on the conservative side is better for this event?

These are from Nordstroms

$168

$188

$148

$158

$248

$150

THese are from Bloomingdales

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$178

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$248

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$365

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$348

998857_fpx.tif?wid=325&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bilin&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg

$498

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$700 I love this one. But not the price!

itsapinkthing · Coach

I always think Nordies has a great online selection for dresses, and unbeatable service. There are both cocktail and floor lenght in all price ranges.

Aidan Mattox Niteline Metallic Jacquard Gown

Laundry by Shelli Segal Strapless Charmeuse Gown

I think I'd choose a cocktail dress with some WOW factor if you think you can get away with it. I used to do formal charity events with my hubby for his job and if the dress was fancy enough it was acceptable. I think if its labled a "ball" you want to reaqlly do it up.

Sue Wong Strapless Dress with Ostrich Feathers

Suasoria · Chanel

It sounds like a long gown would be best. Does it have to be new? Ebay is full of worn-once or never-worn formals. So are thrift/resale stores.

A full-length gown is nice to have in your closet just in case, but if you don't think you're likely to wear one again, perhaps you can borrow a dress from someone you know?

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

I had this issue earlier this year for a sorority sister's formal wedding (at 1pm no less). I remember D pointed me to Bluefly for a good selection but I ended finding the one I bought at Neiman Marcus online. It was on clearance and perfect. I've worn it twice now and will continue to wear it when the occasion arises as it is fairly classic and jersey knit (no wrinkle worries!).

fairywings · Dooney & Bourke

I had to buy a floor length dress for a formal wedding last summer, and I found one at J.Crew. Also check Anthropologie because sometimes they get long dresses only appropriate for formal events.

alb · Marc Jacobs

thanks so much, everyone! okay, i really like these:

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alb · Marc Jacobs

oops, i hit the submit button too quickly. these are the ones that jump out at me:

ok it's not letting me copy but it's another one boots posted - the cocktail length eggplant one fifth from the bottom. I probably should be a bit conservative as this is a diplomatic function, but i'm so not gonna! nope. i'm looking for something that stands out in a sea of what i think will be blah-ish dresses. IAPT hit the nail on the head - a cocktail dress with a wow factor is exaclty what i'm leaning towards. i like this one for that:

uggh, it's the short green one. why is it not letting me copy?!! Any other opinions? oh and thanks fairywings for the tip on anthro - would never have thought to look there. and aurora - i love neimans but hate that they only take amex so i don't look there very often. i'll try it though! will also try bluefly, which i looked at a bit the other day. thanks!

any other opinions or tips welcome! i may also look at some stores here in istanbul! i found out about a cool little boutique with pieces from emerging turkish designers. i think i will check it out - otherwise i have to buy online.

oh and i tried j crew first but didn't see any that wowed me (except the wedding dresses!).

DC Shopper · Dooney & Bourke

alb, i know what you're getting ready for - i'm going to a similar event! I am considering wearing a pink silk cocktail dress I already own from BCBG but it's just a tad tight in the back. I am also looking at a velvet strapless dress by David Meister online at Neiman's.

I do have two long dresses already in my closet but they're kind of blah, but at least I wouldn't have to spend more money. It's so much easier to dance in a cocktail dress and I think it's perfectly acceptable if you dress it up and it has wow factor, so I'm leaning toward my cocktail dress. We'll see.

Vanessa · Kate Spade

So jealous you are going to a ball!
I just got a v. pretty long BCBG gown at Nordstrom Rack - but I know you don't have access out there. Maybe ebay search for bcbg, laundry, marchesa (notte), etc. You're a size 2 right? I'll look out for you.
PS - I really love this one boots posted!

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Vanessa · Kate Spade

PS - Unless it's recently changed, Neiman's website accepts credit cards other than amex. It's just the stores that restrict to amex.

Kari · Dooney & Bourke

Oh fun! I never get to dress up! I think I love the idea of floor length if you could find the right one. Here are a few that catch my eye, including cocktail:

BCBG

for some reason, can't get the photos from nordstrom to post...
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3056335/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014150?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014150&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3023525/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014150?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014150&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3030073/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014150?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014150&P=2

Same green one posted above....LOVING it http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3033897/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014146?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014146&P=1

Nicole Miller

Oh and FYI, Saks Friends and Family is this weekend.....25% off...if they would ship to you?

Escrime · Kate Spade

I don't know if it's too late now, but I have had really good luck finding nice gowns at http://www.stylebug.com. They have things in every price range.

They have an ebay store too, and I can usually get it a little cheaper there than the website.

alb · Marc Jacobs

thanks so much everyone! i have to buy very soon - so i've been looking a lot and have narrowed it down to about 7 dresses, none of which have been posted yet. i think i know more what i am looking for, which has helped a lot. escrime, thanks for the rec. on stylebug. i am there now - that will be my last store to check before i start another thread with the options.

thanks again and i'll post the options in a few!