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Cehrabehra

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
11,071
I live in the land of inexpensive custom tailoring... and I really want to take advantage of that. But I need some help!

I want to have some dresses/gowns made... here are the basics:

MY COLORING: I am a fair skinned natural platinum blonde with blue eyes.
MY BODY SHAPE: I am an apple shape with HUGE bust (an H)

I want to get a black dress but I don't want to get a bunch of black dresses and I'm having a hard time figuring out what colors to get - I don't want to look like a blueberry and I think emerald green is out and reds are better on the blue side but hot pink (or most pinks) are out. I cannot figure out what color wouldn't look like a blob on my body type.

Also - I'm leaning toward something with an empire waist - should I get the bust and the skirt in the same fabric - same color? What sort of neckline? Can built in bras be included? I mean seriously - I am at SUCH a loss... I've lived here over a year now and have had nothing made because I can't figure out what would be right for me.

totally open to any/all suggestions!! Pictures are great, I can take them in to show them. I would like to get 3-4 dresses/gowns of varying formalness that are all somewhat dressy (think anniversary dinner to opening night at the met).

What would flatter my body type... help!!

ETA - I believe in accentuate the positive and I'm not afraid to show some cleavage as long as the girls are supported lol Typically that means an industrial bra :razz:
 

Lula

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
4,624
Color:

Someone with your coloring looks great in cool blues, soft navy, and silver gray and soft charcoal. Some taupes and "mushroom" colors might work, too, and would beautiful with pearls. These are sophisticated colors that are neutrals but aren't as severe as black.

Apple shape:

Princess cut seams! So much more flattering and easier to tailor for a large bustline than traditional darts. See this diagram -- see how the seam curves over the bustline?
http://artvani-vani.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-draft-princess-seam-blouse-from.html[/url]

I'd stay away from a true empire waist dress that has a straight seam right under the bustline, and get the same effect with a princess seam dress with a flared skirt, like in this example,http://www.jpeterman.com/New-OM-No-84/Polka-Dot-BF-Dress or this example http://www.jpeterman.com/Flirty-Polka-Dot-Dress to create more of a waistline and minimize your bust line. Make sure the tailor is using a soft (but not too clingy) fabric. The fabric should not be too thin either. A silk-rayon blend would be perfect.

If you want something more tailored, you can ask the tailor to make a princess-seam, scoop-neck, sleeveless sheath, and pair it with a princess-seam jacket.
http://catherines.lanebryant.com/dr...=75496-23704501214&sid=AFFCAxk213977&mcid=AFF I'm not a fan of the two-tone look, but this gives you (and the tailor) a good idea of what princess seams should look like.

ETA: Scoop necklines, V-necklines, perhaps ballerina or boat (bateaux) necklines are good.

ETA2: I would get some sort of Spanx creation to hold up the girls and give you a smooth (no visible pantylines) shape rather than go for a built in bra.
 

soocool

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jan 10, 2009
Messages
2,827
Back in the 1980s finding your best colors for your skin tone, eye color and hair color was a big thing and there was a book about it called Color Me Beautiful.

http://www.colormebeautiful.com/seasons/summer/index.html This may help you pick the right colors for you.

When it comes to body shape, I think both A-Line and Empire Waist would work (definitely need darts in bust) would probably work well as it gives you the extra room in the hips and gives you a narrow waist. Here is something about apple shapes: http://www.shapeyourstyle.com/apple.php or http://www.edressme.com/dressesshape.html#tthin

dresses for apple shapes: http://www.promgirl.com/shop/body_types/apple
 

JulieN

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 25, 2005
Messages
13,375
Medium (not very dark) navy blue! The color of Kate Middleton's engagement dress, the short one with long sleeves.

I'm not really a fan of top and skirts in different colors, seems like it cuts you in half too much.

For neckline, I like something with ruffles, or a portrait collar.
 

decodelighted

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
11,534

Guilty Pleasure

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
May 16, 2008
Messages
1,114
Lula, have you ever bought anything from the J Peterman web site that you linked to in your post? I like a lot of the dresses, but I'm curious about the quality. I've never heard of the store, and there aren't any pictures of the clothes (only drawings). Is it priced right, or is it overpriced?
 

drose1

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 27, 2011
Messages
1
I think you should wear or make light colored dresses. Also i think it should be a little bit loose and the length is below the knee. Hope you like it.
 

Cehrabehra

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
11,071
Guilty Pleasure|1303949832|2906616 said:
Lula, have you ever bought anything from the J Peterman web site that you linked to in your post? I like a lot of the dresses, but I'm curious about the quality. I've never heard of the store, and there aren't any pictures of the clothes (only drawings). Is it priced right, or is it overpriced?
Isn't that the place Elaine worked on Seinfeld?
 

Lula

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
4,624
Cehrabehra|1303967711|2906857 said:
Guilty Pleasure|1303949832|2906616 said:
Lula, have you ever bought anything from the J Peterman web site that you linked to in your post? I like a lot of the dresses, but I'm curious about the quality. I've never heard of the store, and there aren't any pictures of the clothes (only drawings). Is it priced right, or is it overpriced?
Isn't that the place Elaine worked on Seinfeld?

Yes! Good 1990s trivia skills, Cehra! I didn't know they were still in business until I did a Google search for "princess seams" and those images came up!

GuiltyPleasure, J. Peterman used to have retail stores, I believe, and they were known for their retro-classic-cool look. They were doing vintage-inspired designs way before anyone else (well, except maybe Ralph Lauren, but I don't know if he considers his work "vintage-inspired"). J. Peterman's quality was good -- or it at least it was -- and their prices were on the high side, but not outrageous. I haven't bought anything from them in nearly 20 years!

ETA: I just took a look at their website in more detail -- I think I might order some of their T-shirts to check out their quality. I like a lot of their designs, so it's worth a try.
 

Cehrabehra

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
11,071
Lula|1303840112|2905454 said:
Color:

Someone with your coloring looks great in cool blues, soft navy, and silver gray and soft charcoal. Some taupes and "mushroom" colors might work, too, and would beautiful with pearls. These are sophisticated colors that are neutrals but aren't as severe as black.

Apple shape:

Princess cut seams! So much more flattering and easier to tailor for a large bustline than traditional darts. See this diagram -- see how the seam curves over the bustline?
http://artvani-vani.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-draft-princess-seam-blouse-from.html[/url]

I'd stay away from a true empire waist dress that has a straight seam right under the bustline, and get the same effect with a princess seam dress with a flared skirt, like in this example,http://www.jpeterman.com/New-OM-No-84/Polka-Dot-BF-Dress or this example http://www.jpeterman.com/Flirty-Polka-Dot-Dress to create more of a waistline and minimize your bust line. Make sure the tailor is using a soft (but not too clingy) fabric. The fabric should not be too thin either. A silk-rayon blend would be perfect.

If you want something more tailored, you can ask the tailor to make a princess-seam, scoop-neck, sleeveless sheath, and pair it with a princess-seam jacket.
http://catherines.lanebryant.com/dr...=75496-23704501214&sid=AFFCAxk213977&mcid=AFF I'm not a fan of the two-tone look, but this gives you (and the tailor) a good idea of what princess seams should look like.

ETA: Scoop necklines, V-necklines, perhaps ballerina or boat (bateaux) necklines are good.

ETA2: I would get some sort of Spanx creation to hold up the girls and give you a smooth (no visible pantylines) shape rather than go for a built in bra.

I had an a-line dress made for a costume party recently and it was *okay* but I would be completely uncomfortable and self conscious in these princess seams. I think a big part of a beautiful dress is FEELING beautiful and I guess I would rather look less beautiful and feel more beautiful if that makes sense. It had a band of a different color across the top of the bust and I liked that.

I like the idea of charcoal or silver hues - maybe a gold color would work. The right blue would look good too I think but the swath of blues that both look good on me and that I like is surprisingly few. I am NOT a fan at all of medium blues like royal, cornflower etc. Navy and midnight are good and hues lighter than baby blue are good too (funny, I have the same taste in sapphires and cars lol)

What about fabrics - I know maybe this isn't a popular choice but I would love to work with some of these velvets - the fabric is just gorgeous and I've long wanted something with it. I was thinking of doing the bust in velvet with a much lighter gathered fabric for the skirt.
 

Cehrabehra

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
11,071
soocool|1303841127|2905468 said:
Back in the 1980s finding your best colors for your skin tone, eye color and hair color was a big thing and there was a book about it called Color Me Beautiful.

http://www.colormebeautiful.com/seasons/summer/index.html This may help you pick the right colors for you.

When it comes to body shape, I think both A-Line and Empire Waist would work (definitely need darts in bust) would probably work well as it gives you the extra room in the hips and gives you a narrow waist. Here is something about apple shapes: http://www.shapeyourstyle.com/apple.php or http://www.edressme.com/dressesshape.html#tthin

dresses for apple shapes: http://www.promgirl.com/shop/body_types/apple

haha I totally remember this and still think of it when I am doing things... Its hard for me to decide if I am spring or summer... when my mom was still alive it was obvious I was a spring because my hair was pretty golden and hers pretty ashy... but as my hair is going white I always think of that christmas song "silver and gold" because that's really what it is. It's actually a beautiful color. My stylist back in the states always tells me stories of how difficult it is to make this color lol

Anyway, I look best in dark colors with dark lips - I don't look great in super soft pinks.

I'll check out the links on body shape :)
 

Cehrabehra

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
11,071
JulieN|1303841695|2905478 said:
Medium (not very dark) navy blue! The color of Kate Middleton's engagement dress, the short one with long sleeves.

I'm not really a fan of top and skirts in different colors, seems like it cuts you in half too much.

For neckline, I like something with ruffles, or a portrait collar.

Definitely NOT into ruffles or high collars! Sorry but that is so far out of my paradigm!

I agree that split colors can be really bad - especially if the split is in the wrong place... but a recent dress I got had a band of very light blue (about 3 inches wide) across the top trim of a black dress and it was amazing how flattering it was - it really drew the eye up to thee most flattering part of my body. Not decided on that - but considering it :)

I do thank you for your input - sorry if my vehemence against ruffles is offensive!
 

Cehrabehra

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
11,071
drose1|1303950407|2906624 said:
I think you should wear or make light colored dresses. Also i think it should be a little bit loose and the length is below the knee. Hope you like it.
yes yes yes :) I trend toward dark colors but I'd like to find something light and try that!
 

Cehrabehra

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
11,071
decodelighted|1303843061|2905506 said:
I'd look over that Spice Girl's line of shift dresses. Maybe a tweed or charcoal shift "wiggle" dress would be sexy & classic & elegant. I'm loving vintage shapes ala "Mad Men" in super tailored pieces.


ETA: Wiggle Dresses http://reneetbouchard.blogspot.com/2011/01/wiggle-week-wiggles-on-stars.html
(the Lo Bosworth green dress is the closest to what I was imagining for you)

More on the "trend" http://www.suite101.com/content/wiggle-dress--vintage-fashion-trend-a360727
I wish I had a body that could pull one of those off - I love that look. Alas, I think on me they'd call it a jiggle dress ::sigh:: unflattering!
 

Lula

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
4,624
There are some beautiful silk/rayon velvets available (solids, printed velvet, cut velvet) that are not too clingy, and come in beautiful colors. Thai Silks is a company that sells them, but any tailor where you are should have access to these fabrics. I like the idea of an accent color -- sash, belt, etc., rather than a two-tone top and bottom.

Maybe a velvet dress with a soft chiffon skirt -- flowy, not clingy, especially if you're not crazy about A-lines and princess seams, which tend to be more structured and tailored.

ETA: Here's the link to Thai Silks. http://www.thaisilks.com/ I used to order from them -- when I had time to sew!
 
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