Funny you should mention that. I was just thinkin' today I might need to ask for a little advice about what to wear to a Christmas ball. It's not that I'm not fashion conscious; it's just that I don't have much call to dress up for an event. I understand that there is no "standard" for this event,so there is some flexibility.
Okay ladies; here's your challenge....and I KNOW you're up to it, seein's how y'all are ALWAYS dressing up for various affairs. While there is no set standard, here are a few considerations on which to base your suggestions:
1. Christmas activities and ambiance here tend to have very much of a Victorian theme.
2. It needs to be dressy enough for the ball, but comfortable enough for dinner before and for a long, leisurely stroll after.
3. It should be classy, a little elegant and tastefully sexy.
4. I would LOVE red. Not an absolute must, but definitely my preference.
5. I've considered a bustier or corset dress. I've always wanted to wear something like that, but wouldn't know where to look..other than ebay, but that is something that would almost HAVE to be tried on.
6. I definitely want bare shoulders...straps or strapless.
7. It has to be petite. I don't have enough time to have alterations done.
8. It has to be affordable....AND FINALLY
9. I have less than 2 weeks to find something.
Your mission, ladies, should you choose to accept it, is to give me some ideas I can work with. I am SO out of my element!
Oh, yeah....one other thing; it has to go with either gold or pewter shoes. I have some gorgeous, dressy shoes in those colors that I never get a chance to wear.
First, Saks...
Not red for a great strapless evening dress, made of jersey so it will skim along your body, ABS does some great, nearly seamless knock-offs of costly designer gowns. I think this one is taken from Dior
Another black one.. sorry, but it is a pretty dress, strapless with lace bodice, a little pricier, made by Tadashi. I have a couple of Tadashi dresses and their bodice is constructed very well, works well for women who are better endowed than some. :) See
Ok, a red strapless, also made by ABS... nice asymetrical rushing at the waist but I'm not wild about the line of the skirt
Not strapless but a nice, red, body skimming halter dress with a great back.. or rather no back LOL
Love the lines on this one and I like the silvery color, too. It also comes in hot pink, although, I'm not sure how that shade of pink would work with your coloring
Ok, it isn't red but I'm voting for this one... I think the color would be perfect with your hair and skin color. It would elongate your torso and the bodice has beautiful detailing
Next, Macy's
Ok, this one is the best price yet, not strapless but it is red, I think it is a little too busy in the midriff for any "petite" figure except perhaps a very longish or slender one.
edress
Not strapless but definately red :) The sleek lines tend to give the impression of height and the price is the best yet
Another possibility, form fitting red with a little bit of Glitz
Neiman-Marcus
Neiman-Marcus prices are usually higher but I found a few in a moderate price range
Not strapless, not red but definately eye-catching. I'd probably grab this one up for the sleek styling alone. The gold and champagne combination might work for you colorwise. Metalics remain very hot this year.
This pretty, red, silk chiffon halter dress works well for a petite woman if you plan to do much dancing. Strapless dress are wonderful looking but you do have to watch it when you lift your arms to slow dance :)