I need a nice dress. [nwr]

JennyColada · March 2014

Calling all fashionistas!

So it dawned on me today that I don't have any "nice" dresses. Like, I have cute dresses and dresses I wear out, but for Fi's birthday (in April) he is taking me on his annual Napa birthday trip (where he likes to eat at one of the Michelin started restaurants). I figure it'd be good to have a dress in case we go to nice places. Maybe 1 short and 1 long? I have NO idea what's I be acceptable, and these are my ideas:

http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Details/3703020?origin=browse
http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Details/3709064?origin=browse

Probably not those EXACT styles, but am I at least on the right track?

This is the only time in my life I haven't been able to dress myself. I have NO experience with going to exceptionally classy places or formal events.

Ideas and help please!

chibiyui · March 2014

The first dress looks like a work dress to me. I love it, but I'm not sure if it fits your definition of "nice"
The second dress is more cocktail. and should be okay for nice restaurants, though I personally would stay away from anything bodycon/super tight.

Signed,
Someone-whose-fancy-restaurant-going-to-is-limited-to-a-fancy-Disney-World-place-and-one-country-clubish-place.

SBmini · March 2014

Both are very nice! Do you have a Nordstrom Rack or "Last Chance" near you? I buy all my dresses from there. Last steal was a $225 Ralph Lauren cocktail dress that I snagged for $35. Not a thing wrong with it!

phira · March 2014

Go to modcloth.com and ENJOY.

Although, some warnings:

1) They run out of stock all the time. They restock based on request, so if there's something you're interested in, hit the "I NEED IT" button. Their customer service is amazing, too, so you can also live chat with them, and they'll check and see if a dress is going to be restocked soon.

2) Some of their stuff is REALLY. WEIRD.

3) Check dress lengths and reviews. A lot of their dresses run short.

JennyColada · March 2014

Oh I do have a NRack!

My mom knows a personal shopper at Nordstrom, and I was thinking of having her do the legwork for me, but I'll have to check out the Rack too!

There's a Macys near me as well so I'll probably stop by there on my lunch.

Thankfully Fi have me a months warning to find something.

JCbride2015 · March 2014

I agree the first one looks like a work dress. I love the second one, just depends how sexy you want to look!

I shop frequently at Piperlime.com, and if you are a new customer and join their email list, I think they give 15 or 20% off.

<<Dresses under $150>>

A few I like:

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=58867&vid=1&pid=983699002

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=58867&vid=1&pid=986450002

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=58867&vid=1&pid=966299002

JennyColada · March 2014

Oh I LOVE that last flowery one!

I think I should try to get something that covers my shoulders though?

emmyg65 · March 2014

Keep in mind that California is pretty casual, fashion-wise. So you (probably) won't need anything cocktail-y. A cute sun dress and some great accessories will be perfect. That black flowery one is perfect!

JCbride2015 · March 2014

Jennycolada said:

Oh I LOVE that last flowery one! I think I should try to get something that covers my shoulders though?

Why does it need to cover your shoulders? Any particular reason?

Almost all my non-work dresses are tank tops. I just put a cardigan with it if I think I'll get chilly in the restaurant.

Short sleeves:

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=58867&vid=1&pid=960864002

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=58867&vid=1&pid=930023002

SBmini · March 2014

What is your body shape? That will play a lot into what style dress will work best on you? When it doubt- wrap dress. Wrap dresses (or a dress with rouching to simulate a wrap) always works.

JennyColada · March 2014

I'm just thinking that shoulders may not be dressy enough? I've never really gone to a super-fancy restaurant before, so I could be wrong.

JennyColada · March 2014

And I'm a petite girl, very slender.

JCbride2015 · March 2014

Jennycolada said:

I'm just thinking that shoulders may not be dressy enough? I've never really gone to a super-fancy restaurant before, so I could be wrong.

Hmm. I have been to some very fancy restaurants in NYC, which can be quite formal. Those were mostly for business events, and I think I either wore a cardigan or jacket.

For a date, I think a tank dress is fine as long as it has substantial, wide straps. Spaghetti straps might not be enough. For a date here in NYC, I generally wear a fancy dress, usually sleeveless, and a black cardigan if I get cold. I also have a little crepe tux jacket that looks cute to put over a dress, if you want to look more covered up. Kind of like this: http://www.francescas.com/product/lansing+boyfriend+blazer.do?sortby=ourPicks

I have never been to California, but my impression is it's even more casual there. A tank dress and sweater or jacket will take you to pretty much any restaurant IMO.

JennyColada · March 2014

Am I on the right track?

JennyColada · March 2014

@JCBride2014, I LOVE blazers, so you're right up my alley!

cupcait927 · March 2014

I think that would be perfect!

JCbride2015 · March 2014

That blue dress is so cute! And it would look good with a blazer too if you get cold.

BTW we even sort of look alike, including the geek chic glasses lol. Style buddies.

JennyColada · March 2014

I get geek a lot, but rarely chic.

If you're trying to flirt then I must tell you: I'm engaged.

*elle. · March 2014

I second the Nordstrom Rack suggestion. I would also check out the Neimans and Saks outlets if you have any nearby.

theartistformerlyknownas · March 2014

I don't think covering your shoulders is a necessity. The only place I've seen that rule is a private country club. At nice restaurants the bigger criteria are the quality of the fabric (no jersey knit) and the length/tightness (let's leave something to the imagination). I actually think cap sleeves tend to make things look more casual/juvenile. Look at it this way - for the swankiest of the swanky, people are typically in spaghetti straps of strapless. I love something like this:

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/allure-of-nightfall-dress

Another option if you're having trouble deciding (or you know you won't get a ton of use out of something you buy) is Rent the Runway! You can rent designer dresses for a fraction of what it would cost to buy. They have stylists who can help you, and you can look at testimonials from people who've worn that dress that list their measurements so you know how it'll fit on you. $25 off your first rental.

https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/lillypulitzer_dresses/derbygirldress

Sugargirl1019 · March 2014

I love the blue dress! I love the idea of putting a blazer with it - I also love having my shoulders covered in a restaurant, no matter how fancy, so I don't feel skanky.

Get some heels, a statement necklace and goooo!

Blergbot · March 2014

I think the blue dress is perfect. So cute!

Sugargirl1019 · March 2014

Oops, my comment posted twice.

loro929 · March 2014

Great blue dress!! I agree with @sugargirl1019 a great statement necklace would be the perfect finishing touch. With that color blue, I think a great yellow would be a nice contrast:

http://www.thesongbirdboutique.com/collections/necklaces/products/hello-yellow-statement-necklace-earring-set

http://www.luulla.com/product/236475/yellow-bubble-statement-necklace-yellow-statement-necklace

or this one

http://www.etsy.com/market/yellow_turquoise

JennyColada · March 2014

Ooooo. You ladies are fabulous (and yet also terrible...)!

doeydo · March 2014

Modcloth http://www.modcloth.com/shop/special-occasion-dresses
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/cocktail-dresses?featuring=67856,78014,81493,84953,86682,78274,85496,84363,81793?
Nordtstrom http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-cocktail-dresses?origin=leftnav
David's Bridal http://www.davidsbridal.com/Browse_Special-Occasions-Shop-By-Occasion-Cocktail-Party-Dresses__pageSize-all
Le Chateau http://www.lechateau.com/style/jump/Cocktail-Dresses/category/cat220122#q_docSort=relevance&q_docSortOrder=descending&q_pageNum=1&q_pageSize=120&q_question=&sort=&q_facetTrail=9004:cat220122&categoryId=cat220122&nsraction=handleProductsLoad
Sears http://www.sears.com/clothing-women-s-dresses/b-1023574?keywordSearch=false&sortOption=ORIGINAL_SORT_ORDER&viewItems=50&partNumber=031VA68040712P

lc07 · March 2014

If you're going to French Laundry, I hate you. I'm so jealous. I haven't been yet, and I live in CA.

The blue dress is amazing. I think a blazer would make it too stuffy/work like. I agree with choosing awesome jewelry to coordinate.

If you care, make sure you have a decent purse. They generally get their own little stool at these types of restaurants.

JennyColada · March 2014

@Ic07, I guess you hate me then. ;P

It's Fi's birthday tradition to eat there and it's where we're thinking of getting married at in October (either that or Ad Hoc).

And of course I have a lovely handbag to bring with me. Purses are definitely my splurge items!

lc07 · March 2014

@Jennycolada

GAAAHHHHH I hate you. Buuuut I like you and am very happy for you. Pics, please, and write-up of how amazing it ends up being. Promise?

JennyColada · March 2014

Oh certainly. I'll probably live-Facebook update it course-by-course.

We got some adorable photos when we went up last time (although we didn't get a chance to eat at TFL that time).

I need a nice dress. [nwr]

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