Dress helllllllllllllp!

[sparkle-magpie]

Help, help, help!

My company (based in Montreal, where everyone looks like a super model when they roll out of bed in the morning...) is throwing a holiday party. The theme is Red Carpet. I need a dress. I am in the mood for long, preferably black. It doesn't need to be designer. 3/4 sleeves or similar are appreciated. Absolutely no sleevless. I want to spend $150, preferably much less...

They were all pretty impressed with me last year, (US Americans have no fashion sense, in their opinion...) so I'd like to be fashionable again this year.

Where do you dress shop? Know any deals online?

Take care!

 

[merrijoy]

What about a cap sleeve?

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-dress-beaded-evening-gown?ID=603621&CategoryID=50016&LinkType=&swatchColor=Black#fn=COLOR%3DBlack%26DRESS_LENGTH%3DLong%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D23%26ruleId%3D19%26slotId%3D7

over budget, IMO pretty

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/bcbgmaxazria-dress-short-sleeve-ruched-lace-back-evening-gown?ID=595168&CategoryID=50016&LinkType=#fn=COLOR%3DBlack%26DRESS_LENGTH%3DLong%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D23%26ruleId%3D19%26slotId%3D20

3/4 sleeve, not as long

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/elementz-b-slim-dress-three-quarter-sleeve-v-neck-a-line?ID=579770&CategoryID=50016&LinkType=&swatchColor=Black#fn=COLOR%3DBlack%26DRESS_LENGTH%3DLong%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D23%26ruleId%3D19%26slotId%3D1

(I am a Macy's fan

 

[LJL]

Heres a few options - just did a quick search of the two websites and didnt include all the dresses that fit your criteria, only posting dresses under $200


http://www.dillards.com/product/Adrianna-Papell-SideBeaded-Gown_301_-1_301_502748400?splashlink=dd_w_tc1_dressesspecialoccasion_060111

http://www.dillards.com/product/Adrianna-Papell-BeadWaist-Gown_301_-1_301_502773613?splashlink=dd_w_tc1_dressesspecialoccasion_060111

Does one sleeve count??

http://www.dillards.com/product/Cachet-Shirred-OneShoulder-Gown_301_-1_301_502787100?splashlink=dd_w_tc1_dressesspecialoccasion_060111

http://www.dillards.com/product/Adrianna-Papell-Tiered-Gown_301_-1_301_502643792?splashlink=dd_w_tc1_dressesspecialoccasion_060111

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-jersey-gown-with-jeweled-brooch/3240804?origin=category&resultback=575
 
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-jeweled-double-v-neck-jersey-gown/3234648?origin=category&resultback=928

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/eliza-j-jeweled-jersey-gown/3205356?origin=category&resultback=1359

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/alex-evenings-crisscross-waist-mesh-gown/3124107?origin=category&resultback=1830

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/calvin-klein-ruched-jersey-dress/3166941?origin=category&resultback=3291

 

[merrijoy]

Wow! Beautiful!

http://www.dillards.com/product/Adrianna-Papell-SideBeaded-Gown_301_-1_301_502748400?splashlink=dd_w_tc1_dressesspecialoccasion_060111

 

[chemgirl]

Having a hard time finding anything at $150 or under. Also trying Canadian sites since you'll spend a fortune in shipping to get it to Montreal from the US (well at most stores).

If you can go a bit over budget this is pretty eye catching: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod135460013&eItemId=prod135460013&searchType=SALE&parentId=cat980731&icid=home0a_WomenApparel&rte=%252Fcommon%252Fstore%252Fcatalog%252Ftemplates%252FET1.jhtml%253FNo%253D20%2526_requestid%253D31581%2526N%253D4294967248%252B17%252B20%2526icid%253Dhome0a_WomenApparel and the free shipping promo counts on shipping to Canada.

The Winners on St. Catharine's street has a designer section that usually has some good dresses. Might be worth a look.

I think your best bet for something really unique and stylish is to take a wander around downtown and go in to some of the independent shops. I can spend a whole day window shopping when I'm in Montreal. You are in the middle of some of the best shopping in Canada so you'll probably be able to find something locally.

 

[Gypsy]

Ahh this sounds like fun! I ADORE formal events. And I agree that most Americans suck at dressing for it. Fortunately, I'm not strictly American.

Here is what I'd wear:

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod138310042&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=1&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false GORGEOUS perfect for red carpet and so elegant.

OR if you HAVE to have black, this is the black gown I'd pick because it's just fabulous: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod134650040&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=189&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false


Other options and my comments about them:

VERY Elegant and my second choice in a color other than black: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod130000010&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=97&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Beautiful Black dress http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod134650036&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=190&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Lovely in Black: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod137850245&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=142&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Black like you asked and well cut, but boring in comparison to the above: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod138310046&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=9&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Beautiful and striking: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod132470073&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=165&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Can't go wrong with this: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod134400119&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=180&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Gorgeous Deco and Affordable I'd wear my hair down this this: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod134500199&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=119&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Fabulous: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod132570229&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=100&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Pretty and flowy, but I think it works better for a different season (not winter) but if it knocks your socks off the Navy can work for winter as well http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod138530025&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=8&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Very lovely, keep everything (jewelry, hair, etc.) to a minimum and let the dress speak for itself, with a nice clutch: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod138550029&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=12&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Very nice and definitely red carpet worthy: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod134590072&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=106&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Very festive and a great color: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod136620064&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=33&isEditorial=false&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732

Black and gorgeous: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod126880003&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=83&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Black and deco: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod131440091&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=93&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

Love this: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod137430076&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=153&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

If you can carry it off it has red carpet written all over it: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod134650043&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=152&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

 

[Gypsy]

CRAP!!! I just saw your budget.

OKAY ignore the above!

Here's what you do.

You go to a good local bridal shop. Ask them for LONG and elegant Bridesmaids dresses under 150 bucks. And ask them for brands they can get it immediately. I would be flexible on Color -- dark red, dark green, dark blue, dark metallics.

Try to stick to Taffeta as far as fabrics go as cheap satin will look exactly like cheap satin. Chiffon, Georgette, and crepe are also good choices.

I do this all the time for formal events (we go to a lot of very formal weddings). There is a store here in Walnut Creek that is excellent about doing this for me. I think my last one was from Mon Cherie and it cost me 120 bucks and it was as gorgeous as anything carried by Nordstroms.

Bridesmaids dresses from many lines will fit your budget and will be SIGNIFICANTLY nicer than anything you'll find in department stores. If the company has the dress in their warehouse ready to ship it can be yours in under a week. Plus you get the try it on because the bridal shop will have samples.

 

[Gypsy]

BUT-- Nordstroms does have a nice selection for your budget plus free shipping and easy returns:

Extremely elegant and easily looks like a 500 gown: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/amsale-one-shoulder-taffeta-gown/3177864?origin=category

Clean lines and a little sparkle make this very arresting: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/eliza-j-jeweled-one-shoulder-jersey-gown/3205355?origin=category

I LOVE this one-- the color is rich and red carpet and the details really make it look like a very expensive gown: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-one-shoulder-chiffon-dress-with-bow/3166904?origin=category

LOVE this one too and it comes in black! : http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-one-shoulder-jersey-dress/3166896?origin=category

With some fabulous blingtastic big earrings, a wide bangle, killer shoes and a nice clutch this would knock them dead: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/allen-schwartz-prive-asymmetric-cascade-jersey-gown/3220871?origin=category

Great cut and silver too: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/amsale-strapless-taffeta-mermaid-gown/3177297?origin=category

Elegant for the right figure: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-one-shoulder-jersey-gown/3084685?origin=category

Understated elegance, can't go wrong with this one: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/js-boutique-strapless-stretch-satin-gown-with-back-bow/3158194?origin=category


You'll get more than one night out of this one: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/js-boutique-strapless-beaded-mesh-gown/3231705?origin=category

Make sure this one is long enough for you, and don't wear shoes like the ones the model has on: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/alex-evenings-pleated-mesh-portrait-collar-dress/3106293?origin=category

Beautiful in every color it's available in: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-faux-wrap-chiffon-gown/3166787?origin=category

Love the deco feel of this. The way the model has accessorized it is perfect too: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/js-boutique-draped-jersey-gown/3199599?origin=category

Probably too conservative, but since you said black I included it: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/max-cleo-lace-inset-jersey-gown/3183702?origin=category

A little boring, but black: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/js-boutique-flower-trim-matte-jersey-gown/3165206?origin=category

Red carpet perfect: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ml-monique-lhuillier-bridesmaids-one-shoulder-gown-nordstrom-exclusive/3135918?origin=category

You'll need to accesorize this one but it's got a ton of potential, looks very expensive, and is black to boot http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ml-monique-lhuillier-bridesmaids-one-shoulder-mesh-gown-nordstrom-exclusive/3186981?origin=category

 

[MissStepcut]

This would be lovely with the right accessories: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-jeweled-double-v-neck-jersey-gown/3234648?origin=category&resultback=3537

If you're more pear or hourglass shaped? http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna-papell-jersey-gown-with-jeweled-brooch/3240804?origin=category&resultback=2726

same story as above, tho i don't care for the sequins: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-beaded-gathered-jersey-gown/3196820?origin=category&resultback=713

look at that low back! http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/eliza-j-jeweled-jersey-gown/3205356?origin=category&resultback=6333

 

[VRBeauty]

This would be lovely with the right accessories: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-jeweled-double-v-neck-jersey-gown/3234648?origin=category&resultback=3537

look at that low back! http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/eliza-j-jeweled-jersey-gown/3205356?origin=category&resultback=6333

These two are my favorites of the dresses that meet your criteria. Between LJL, MissStepcut, and me... these each get three votes!

 

[sparkle-magpie]

You are all so wonderful, thank you so so much. My friend and I are going crazy-shopping on Monday. We are hitting a Nordstrom's, Macy's and a couple bridal places.

Merrijoy- I heart Macy's as well! I like your style!

LJL- Thank you- you have great taste!

Chemgirl- That was one of my initial thoughts, but I'm flying in from home (the states) and have 45 minutes to get ready and dressed, and there...otherwise, I love love love shopping in Montreal, and am a little miffed they didn't give me my few days vacation prior so I could find something there.

Gypsy- In a nutshell "CRAP" is for sure a good word for my budget...damn pink sapphires and lake houses are beckoning me, so I'm being responsible...Also- I too don't consider myself strictly American. (Good phrase!) I was educated primarily in Germany, and went to school with lots of Germans (of course), French and Danish women. So when dealing with the coworkers, if I'm being obsessive about something I'm "being a Kraut" and if I dress too casually (only happened once...) I'm American.

MissStepcut-Again, lovely taste! Thank you for shopping!

VRBeauty- Totally on the list- thank you!

 

[Gypsy]

I need to read these more carefully. You said sleeves. My bad. I don't think sleeves when I think red carpet but as Miss Step cut shows it is possible.

On the off chance you feel like being spendy, these two get my vote:

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod138310046&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=9&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod138550029&parentId=cat35350732&masterId=cat000127&index=12&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat35350732&isEditorial=false

 

[tuffyluvr]

Its tough finding a long dress with sleeves that isn't matronly!

This is very 'red carpet' to me, but it doesn't exactly have sleeves... And it's a bit over your budget..
http://m.bluefly.com/mt/www.bluefly.com/ABS-by-Allen-Schwartz-crimson-silk-chiffon-ruched-sweetheart-neck-long-dress/cat80012/307707201/detail.fly

This isn't long, but it's black, has sleeves and is within budget!
http://m.bluefly.com/mt/www.bluefly.com/Tahari-black-lace-three-quarter-sleeve-shift-dress/cat20110/313978401/detail.fly

I feel like this could be absolute perfection, but of course it's sold out at Bluefly! Maybe you can find it elsewhere?
http://m.bluefly.com/mt/www.bluefly.com/Ravon-navy-jersey-convertible-maxi-dress/cat20110/315840901/detail.fly

As Gypsy said, I think that a bridal shop would be a good place to look. Also Nordstrom Rack anf Loehmans--both good for your budget!!

 

[MissStepcut]

This would be lovely with the right accessories: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-jeweled-double-v-neck-jersey-gown/3234648?origin=category&resultback=3537

look at that low back! http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/eliza-j-jeweled-jersey-gown/3205356?origin=category&resultback=6333

These two are my favorites of the dresses that meet your criteria. Between LJL, MissStepcut, and me... these each get three votes!

Gawd I want that second one... mmm. Tempting.

 

[tuffyluvr]

so sad that this is $120 over budget--it's sooo perfect!
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/bcbgmaxazria-illusion-flutter-sleeve-gown?ID=553575&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-n-_-n-_-n

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/alex-evenings-dress-three-quarter-sleeve-sequin-lace-evening-gown?ID=596256&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=SPECIAL_OCCASIONS%3DEvening/Formal%26sp%3D5%26spc%3D276%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D183

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/js-collections-dress-cap-sleeve-v-neck-lace-evening-gown?ID=582933&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=SPECIAL_OCCASIONS%3DEvening/Formal%26sp%3D2%26spc%3D276%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D79

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/alex-evenings-dress-jacket-sleeveless-v-neck-pleated-beaded-evening-gown?ID=596002&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=SPECIAL_OCCASIONS%3DEvening/Formal%26sp%3D5%26spc%3D276%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D184

 

[Gypsy]

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/calvin-klein-ruched-jersey-dress/3166941?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=3502 Fits everything and is only 30 bucks over budget.

 

[tuffyluvr]

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/calvin-klein-ruched-jersey-dress/3166941?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=3502 Fits everything and is only 30 bucks over budget.

This is lovely and jersey is soooo comfortable!!!

 

[sparkle-magpie]

Here's a little update for all my stylists! We all know my stumbling block in this project was budget. For $150 the field of black dresses with sleeves was somewhat limited. While on a business trip I found a really promising strapless black dress. My dear and very talented friend offered to tailor the bodice piece and make a matching bolero of lace. This essentially meets all the requirements. The bolero will fasten in front and have long sleeves. There are so many great gowns out there, but I just don't wear strapless anything.

I will post pictures of the finished gown after the party at the beginning of December.

Thank you again for all your insight and support!

 

[mary poppins]

I'm just coming across this thread for the first time, so haven't made any suggestions. Your solution sounds great and very economical. How nice that your friend is handy enough to make a bolero!

Enjoy the party. Can't wait to see pictures!

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Great solution. A black lace bolero jacket is something you are going to wear so many times too.