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Help with first black tie event

momhappy|1479346649|4099517 said:
You can also check youth sizes (which, by the way, are usually cheaper). A youth/girls 3 is about a woman's size 5. They make a lot of cute flats for youth girls these days. I would even check places like target, etc.

Haha I know, I buy youth nike sneakers for like 19$, it's great!

I've looked around, honestly they often just don't look formal enough, or they are a shiny black that seems juvenile. That and I also have never worn formal flats, and think I will just feel weird and silly in them. I may just risk the boots and explain the injury. Haha it's a military event, I feel like in some weird way some people there will be able to be empathetic to my love of my boots.

I'm also hoping the length of my dress will make the boots less obvious/distracting. Despite the slit, unless I"m purposely standing with one hip majoring thrust out, you really can't see my legs or feet.
 
Do you have a tjmaxx/marshalls near you? My feet aren't small enough, but some of my friends have small enough feet and buy the kids size shoes. With xmas approaching theres a lot of cute dressy stuff and its fairly inexpensive.
 
momhappy|1479346912|4099519 said:

They do! I've been there before trying to find work flats. It's annoying cause I"m technically a 4W...
Yeah, there's a reason I hate shoe shopping. Nothing is ever the right size or comfortable for my tiny but pudgy feet lol
 
:wavey:

That dress is super pretty! I just wanted to mention that Nordstrom Rack is a great place to find shoes if that have one in your area. Where we are they have racks and racks and they carry a lot of sizes. My husband wears a 14 and the men's shoes went up to an 18!

I hope you have a great time!
 
How exciting for you, I love balls.
Your dress is stunning. Yes to an updo hair and some sparkly earrings (costume is fine, if you don't have any or can't borrow, try the local thrift stores). No necklace is needed. Your Chanel bag will be lovely with it, a tip, you can put the chain inside the bag and carry it as a clutch. I say no no to the boots, try and find or borrow a nice scrappy pair and paint your toe nails to match your lipstick and fingernails. You can go "strong" for a ball ie red or pink. Another tip, the afternoon of your ball, pop into your local mall or wherever there are make up counters (maybe check it out beforehand in case they prefer "an appointment")and ask for a nice make over. If you buy the lippy and nail polish they suggest they'll be happy enough to do your face as well! I used to do this when I was a student and had no cash to flash! Post up a picture please before you head out for the evening so we can all go "awwwww" and wish we weren't sitting home watching TV!
 
My late partner was ex-military, and went with him to a few formal events in the 4 years we were together, loved them!

DK :))
 
MakingTheGrade|1479341253|4099489 said:
Sadly the chain is too bulky to tuck into the bag. I could cut it off but I'd feel bad defacing such an expensive bag!

:errrr: :errrr: :errrr: omg please don't cut your chanel bag!!! :errrr: :errrr:

Also lol @ you describing yourself as having hulk calves - not if that is you in the picture!!!

And definitely wear the boots because of your injury. It would really suck to aggravate it because of strappy shoes. Just be aware that you're going to look a lot edgier than most of the people there due to the boots, but I think it's fine. At the one I went to there was a lot of sitting down and eating anyway and my feet were under the table and tablecloth. And you're wearing a long dress - who is even going to see them?


... you've never worn mascara? ??? ????????? ???????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

even my husband and brother and father have worn mascara!
 
MakingTheGrade|1479338502|4099474 said:
I'm wearing some very nice heeled suede boots because do to recent knee injury I still can't comfortably wear sandal type heels. I also wear a size 4 shoe so formal shoes are hard in general to find.
I actually don't have my ears pierced.

Thanks so much for all the advice!

The boots are very nice. But I would not wear them for this occasion.. If heels are a problem, how about just a nice flat pair of pointed-toe ballerinas?

The bag will be fine.

Enjoy!! :appl:
 
Likely too late for flats as I realized my dress is being hemmed to the appropriate length while I wear those boots. Currently the dress is at the tailors and I won't have enough time to buy new shoes, figure out if I can get them broken in in time as I've never worn fancy flats, and get dress Rehemmed

Haha. I am very comfortable being on the edgier side. My date won't mind either. It's funny I don't mind making a deliberate fashion faux paus, I just don't want to make an accidental one. I was a goth punk kid in school, wore all sorts of weird stuff but still got oddly embarassed if I realized my fishnet had a tear in it. And mind you that's basically clothing made of holes anyways.

I'm at peace with my boot decision. At least they aren't my surgical dansko clogs. Which is most often what I wear to work lol.
 
MakingTheGrade|1479374495|4099630 said:
Likely too late for flats as I realized my dress is being hemmed to the appropriate length while I wear those boots. Currently the dress is at the tailors and I won't have enough time to buy new shoes, figure out if I can get them broken in in time as I've never worn fancy flats, and get dress Rehemmed

Haha. I am very comfortable being on the edgier side. My date won't mind either. It's funny I don't mind making a deliberate fashion faux paus, I just don't want to make an accidental one. I was a goth punk kid in school, wore all sorts of weird stuff but still got oddly embarassed if I realized my fishnet had a tear in it. And mind you that's basically clothing made of holes anyways.

I'm at peace with my boot decision. At least they aren't my surgical dansko clogs. Which is most often what I wear to work lol.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :appl:
 
Hi MTG! I love your dress and you look beautiful in it. My advice is don't overdo anything. The key is to be comfortable so you can enjoy yourself that evening. With the lovely dress you will look gorgeous and you don't need too many other frills.

IMO your boots are just fine given your injury and your desire to be on the edgier/punk side of things. I never wear heels even to black tie events and I prefer flats or very clunky low heels with longer dresses anyway so don't sweat it. Your boots will hardly be noticeable under the long dress.
In fact I have been mulling over wearing boots to our next black tie event December 10th. So maybe we will start a trend. 8)

I also think the Chanel bag is perfect too as long as you wear it on one shoulder and not cross body or even better no bag at all if that works for you. I often just give my dh my lip gloss and phone to hold and I'm done.

Makeup-IMO dont do anything radically different from your normal going out look. Personally I hate the appearance of too much makeup and you are 30 and are beautiful without it. So minimal makeup if that is what you are used to and comfortable with but just amped up a big for the formal. Mascara and eyeliner and lipgloss or lipstick if you are comfortable with that. If you don't wear foundation I wouldn't start now and I am not a fan of foundation in general. Cover up where necessary. No need to match nail polish lipstick etc.

Jewelry-minimal since the neckline of your dress is blingy. Since your ears are not pierced I wouldn't worry about the earrings unless you are comfortable with clip on earrings. I understand they are not super comfie though but your experience might be different. So Rings and if you wear bracelets and I would be done. Bracelet(s) only if you want and I would only wear it on one wrist. I wouldn't wear the fitbit.

I might have missed it but if it is cool inside do you have something appropriate to wear over the dress that will still look pretty with the dress? Perhaps a sort of shrug sweater/evening jacket that will look effortlessly good with the dress and the neckline? I am a big fan of shrugs and with the right material it can be perfect for black tie sleeveless dresses.

I like the idea of wearing your hair half back and half down because then you can show off your ears and neck but have the length of the hair in the back if you want to show it off. And it is a romantic and dressy look. But see if you are comfortable with that hairstyle. The main thing IMO is that you are comfortable with what you are wearing and how you feel. That is the number one important factor in having a good time. Enjoy yourself and be yourself. Have fun!

And PS, I hope your recovery is going smoothly and your healing is going well. Sending you lots of healing dust for a full recovery!!!

halfupandhalfdown.jpg

halfuphalfdownbraid4.jpg
 
OMG that's a beautiful dress. And I personally think that either shoe would go - it's a matter of personal preference (and comfort...) but it's all up to you.
 
The likely bling candidates. One one each hand

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Or maybe a colored stone RHR for color?
What do you think? Red spinel or antique oec dinner ring?
 
Oops. Forgot photos

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_6288.jpeg
 
Red Spinel gets my vote, to add a bit of colour.

However, the other ring will do just as nicely.

Can't go wrong with either IMHO.

DK :))
 
I've only been to a few back when I was still in uni, but they were definitely memorable, I'm envious!

If you've never worn mascara, don't wear it for the event, it's too risky. I can't tell from the photo but it looks like you may be Asian? I'm Asian, and because of my lids and super straight microlashes, of the 22 (I'v counted) different mascaras that I have tried, 19 end up making me look like a panda. A hot, sexy, panda, but a panda nonetheless. ( I'm joking, I'm firmly average).

I would go for the red spinel, with a matching nail; it's a nice subtle pop of color that will be different from all the diamonds that you are more likely to see. I personally love the boots, and you could pair it with a leather jacket (if any of it is outside), to emphasize the look.
Have fun!
 
MakingTheGrade|1479374495|4099630 said:
Likely too late for flats as I realized my dress is being hemmed to the appropriate length while I wear those boots. Currently the dress is at the tailors and I won't have enough time to buy new shoes, figure out if I can get them broken in in time as I've never worn fancy flats, and get dress Rehemmed

Haha. I am very comfortable being on the edgier side. My date won't mind either. It's funny I don't mind making a deliberate fashion faux paus, I just don't want to make an accidental one. I was a goth punk kid in school, wore all sorts of weird stuff but still got oddly embarassed if I realized my fishnet had a tear in it. And mind you that's basically clothing made of holes anyways.

I'm at peace with my boot decision. At least they aren't my surgical dansko clogs. Which is most often what I wear to work lol.


Just a quick thought on hemming dresses.... I've gotten away and saved some money by using double sided tape. Just wanted to throw that thought out if you wanted an easy solution where you just purchase the iron on tape. Enjoy the event and have fun! Lots of good advice on your thread but keep in mind that you still want to feel like yourself at the event!
 
Here's a lipstick I'm thinking about. And my favorite leather jacket. And in my work dress.

Is the lipstick too dark for military? Too subversive? Lol. I prefer darker colors just because I'm used to it.

And yes I'm Asian. I have short lashes and a monolid. Nobody at Sephora or MAC or in my friend group can figure out how to do eye make up on me without it disappearing or looking way too garish. I've settled on black
Liquid eyeliner in a subtle wing.

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_6290.jpeg
 
Beautiful!!! Love that lipstick on you!!!! :love:
 
MakingTheGrade|1479341253|4099489 said:
Sadly the chain is too bulky to tuck into the bag. I could cut it off but I'd feel bad defacing such an expensive bag!

A Chanel flap is actually very versatile. I have a collection of Chanel and I haven't found a bag yet that I can't temporarily alter as needed (into a one-shoulder, a top handle, or even a clutch).
Here's a video that might give you some ideas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ifcvudH7Ss
Here's another video with an LV bag, but same concept:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH4QYWvYxLU
A Chanel flap is very elegant and actually perfect for your event. As I said before, If you can't temporarily alter the strap, wear the bag with the long strap as is, over one shoulder.

Oh, and the lipstick is perfect! Gorgeous =)
 
So I like the color but how do I make it not looked cracked? I look like I am dehydrated lol
 
MakingTheGrade|1479396623|4099764 said:
So I like the color but how do I make it not looked cracked? I look like I am dehydrated lol

Lip gloss might help. Also exfoliate your lips first and then moisturize the lips overnight. Waxelene is good.
 
MakingTheGrade|1479396623|4099764 said:
So I like the color but how do I make it not looked cracked? I look like I am dehydrated lol

Lipstick? You just put a ton of lip balm on 30 min before. Then you scrub with a towel or something to remove dry bits. Put on a little lipstick, bite down on a tissue, more lipstick and more tissue, at least 3 layers. THIN layers. Will set the colour better and last longer. Lip balm will hydrate, but it will also make the lipstick disappear faster - so up to you :-)

And if this is what your skin looks like without makeup – I hate you! ;))
 
^^^That probably has more to do with the brand of lipstick. Is it a long-wearing type? If so, those are particularly drying. The matte look is actually "in" right now, so your lipstick is perfect, but if the dryness bothers you, you could top it with a gloss, chapstick, etc. (which will then mean you might need to reapply more frequently).
 
That lipstick is absolutely gorgeous on you.

You have beautiful lips and skin.

You're going to look beautiful!
 
Scandinavian|1479396945|4099770 said:
MakingTheGrade|1479396623|4099764 said:
So I like the color but how do I make it not looked cracked? I look like I am dehydrated lol

Lipstick? You just put a ton of lip balm on 30 min before. Then you scrub with a towel or something to remove dry bits. Put on a little lipstick, bite down on a tissue, more lipstick and more tissue, at least 3 layers. THIN layers. Will set the colour better and last longer. Lip balm will hydrate, but it will also make the lipstick disappear faster - so up to you :-)

And if this is what your skin looks like without makeup – I hate you! ;))

Oh man, this lipstick game is way more complicated than I thought. I figured I just needed to buy some lipstick!

Thanks for the eye make up videos, but I usually can't really follow them because my eyelids are so different. It's complicated.

Ok, ball is in 2 weeks. Will spend 2 weeks learning to put on lipstick! The lipstick came in Sephoras "Bold lip" set, its' Laura Mercier Velour Lovers Lip Colour in An Affair. No idea if it's supposed to be long lasting.

Yeah, I have good genes for skin. I basically just use a BB cream for the SPF coverage and tint and head out the door. My morning make up routine is: BB cream, eyeliner, eyebrows, chapstick. Takes about 5 min.
 
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