Getting so fed up with the search for a dress

[UnderBlue]

I don''t know where to look anymore!

I just want to wear a nice dress to my wedding. I''m looking for something purple, essentially a cocktail/bridesmaid type dress. Knee to tea length. It needs to come in my size (about a 20, hopefully smaller by the wedding): That seems to be the biggest problem.

I''ve been to every department store (Macy''s, JC Penney, Sears, Nordstrom Rack, Kohls), they barely have plus sized sections, let alone much for a person under 60 to wear. So no dresses to even consider there. I went to David''s Bridal and tried on bridesmaid dresses. There''s one that''s OK, but I wish it were longer, and it''s only OK, I don''t feel particularly special in it.

I''ve scoured the internet and I find photos of dresses I think would be nice, but they''re from stores that don''t have above a size 14. Or when I find a purple dress that will work, they don''t have it in stock in purple anymore.

I think an empire waste is most flattering on me. I don''t want to be flashing everyone, but I don''t want a lot of fabric on top, I think if I''m too covered up I just look like a blob.

Can anyone offer some advice? Places to look?

 

[Amanda.Rx]

Here''s some:

Style 1804 Alexia

 

[Amanda.Rx]

Here''s a designer''s website called Bill Levkoff- you have to find a retailer to purchase the dress, but he''s got a lot of cute styles for plus-sizes.Bill Levkoff website

 

[Amanda.Rx]

Here''s one from Eden Bridals that appears to come in all sizes and colors

Eden Bridals

 

[Amanda.Rx]

Here''s Venus Bridals- comes in all sizes and colors

Venus Bridals

 

[Amanda.Rx]

Couldn''t definitely find sizes on this one, but it''s from Watters Bridal

Watters

 

[Deelight]

I just did a quick search on Siri Bridal and they had some stunning dresses I particulary like the following I also checked sizes as well on the website and they do larger sizes

Shown in navy with a purple sash but there are other colours and you could shorten it - very pretty



Shown in brown - knee length but also in purple - very chic I really like this one is likely to be flattering as well - my BM dresses are similar and both girls are different shapes

classic fun and beautiful - really like this one as well

There are options out there can you post links to dresses you like so far we can possibly help you better

 

[Amanda.Rx]

For this website PS Bridal they offer plus-sized options. When you click on Bridesmaids, use the "advanced catalog search" link to enter in "knee length" or whatever you want to search for in key words.

Of course, always check reviews and BBB website before you order anything big online. Hope that helps some! Good luck with your search. Also keep in mind too, you can always get a regular old white/ivory gown with a lovely purple sash and purple shoes/accessories.

 

[Amanda.Rx]

Also, check out prom dresses and stuff like these: PS Bridal prom dresses

 

[UnderBlue]

Thanks ladies! I haven''t gotten to look at all the links yet. This first one is Alfred Angelo and I haven''t been to the store near me to see it. It comes in a solid purple color. I really like the other two. The last one is JCrew and I didn''t find it on their site anymore, plus they only go up to 14 or 16.

 

[UnderBlue]

Well that''s too tiny for you to see anything!

Let''s try again.

 

[Amanda.Rx]

THIS one is fun!

 

[UnderBlue]

JCrew dress

 

[UnderBlue]

I don''t know where this dress is from, I squirreled this photo away a while ago.

 

[UnderBlue]

When I tried on dresses at David''s Bridal, satin and anything shiny was my enemy. It just shows every flaw! I really liked the cotton sateen or satin (can''t remember the name), it only had a little sheen to it but was nice and stiff, so it gave me more shape. I''ve seen a few etsy dressmakers that are my style, but I''m weary of getting a custom dress made without ever meeting the person.

 

[Prana]

You could always look for white dresses and have them dyed to the color you want, sort of a PITA, but maybe as a last alternative. You could also go the custom route and have a seamstress make you a dress.

I think that a lot of the dresses that others have suggested are quite nice! Good luck on your search! Hope you find something soon

 

[Mrs.SE]

I wrote this really long post for you. It didn''t post. Short story - I''ve ordered 3 formal dresses from www.bridalonlinestore.com Excellent quality, prices, full service online salon. Any sizes - any dresses 0-32 or you can pay an extra $109 to have any gown they have custom made to your measurements. Check em out. Dresses for all occasions. Excellent return policy/exchange. I just ordered my wedding dress at midnight.

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

I Know the pain of finding the right colored gown, so here are some
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=448111&CategoryID=32926 Shiny, but a great color and the right size

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3099955/0~2376776~2374327~6007059~6007112~6010558?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6010558&P=3 not quite the same style, but a lovely color

http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=502018772&view=20&No=180&N=1003100&searchUrl=%2Fendeca%2FEndecaStartServlet%3Fview%3D20%26No%3D180%26N%3D1003100&R=03143793 not an empire waist, but really lovely

http://www.jasminebridal.com/J_2_1_1_1.aspx?sqno=JPN2009102510812&j_style_no=STYL20080821006&j_line_no=LINE20080821016&j_line_season=Shttp://www.jasminebridal.com/J_2_1_...006&j_line_no=LINE20080821016&j_line_season=S This would be amazing on you and comes in a lot of purples (the site has a lot of other ones you might like that are your size and purple as well)

I don''t want to bomb you with suggestions, but of you would like more, I really do have a good handle on colored dresses.

 

[UnderBlue]

Thanks again everyone. There are some shops near me that have Waters and Eden dresses, so I''ll call them to see if they have the styles I like to try on. I''m looking though Jasmine as I type.

I forgot about Dillards, and wish I had noticed the Nordstrom dress when I was looking last night, I went ahead and ordered some from the website since it was free shipping and I can return them for free at the store.

Another issue I seem to always have is that my boobs are bigger than what they cut any of the clothes. Even when I was thinner, I might be able to wear a 14, but my boobs pull the button-down apart or they don''t fit in dress cups/bust areas.

Oh, I should mention that my budget is $150, which should be doable there are tons of bridesmaids and cocktail/party dresses out there under $100 even.

Thanks for the leads, I have hope again!