Help me shop, please?

[catwoodtree]

I have some shopping to do for a wedding I'll be attending this May. I guess I'm down to two months, which should be a long time, but it's not very long at all when you have to order everything online. *sigh

Comments

[scienceguru]

Who says you can't wear black or white to a wedding? I've worn both, with no problems.

[catwoodtree]

It's just what I've heard. You're not supposed to wear white, because white is for the bride. I learned that from my mother when we were shopping for a family wedding when I was a child, and my aunt and grandmother seemed to agree.

You're not supposed to wear black, because black is for funerals. I have no idea where I heard that one, and it may be out-dated or wrong.

I don't usually pay much attention to "rules" or "should" or even "flattering" when it comes to fashion, and so I am completely out of my depth when it comes to something traditional like a wedding.

I need to be conservative about etiquette for this event, because I'm part of a blended family. The bride is more liberal, but the rest of that side of the family is very traditional Southern Baptist.

[trapunto]

I was taught that white is for the bride, too. I wouldn't wear white to a wedding. I think a peachy nude or something like that is completely fine, though. As for black, that rule has definitely changed. I was in a wedding where all the bridesmaids wore black. It's chic, not depressing.

20s inspired: Drop waist dresses were very big in that time period. Lots of pleating and beading and very straight sillhouettes.
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/calvin-klein-plus-size-dress-sleeveless-pleated-a-line?ID=492680&CategoryID=37038&LinkType=#fn=SIZE%3D24W%26sp%3D2%26spc%3D120%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D62
Maybe that could work if you dressed it up?

[catwoodtree]

I can see what you mean about that dress. The waist is pretty low. Thank you for the suggestion!

[kelscloset]

To answer your questions:

It's probably best that you not wear obvious white/nude to a wedding-related-dinner in case the bride-to-be decides to wear something like that.
A white dress with a colorful print is also not a great idea. Although, I suppose it would depend on the bride and groom. I'd say no.
Yes, you absolutely can wear a black dress to a wedding-related-dinner so long as it's not the reception dinner.
"20s inspired" really just means a slightly loose dress with lots of jewelry, low heels and perhaps a cute hat (hats here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dapparel&field-keywords=flapper+hat)

My top three 20s inspires dresses are as follows:
1. FROCK & FRILL PINTUCK EMBROIDERED DRESS in dusty rose
2. VIVID PRINT JERSEY PENCIL DRESS
3. PRINTED DRESSFor me semi-formal wear is best from places like Macy's & Nordstrom. Although, I've had occasional luck with Avenue and eBay

[catwoodtree]

It's not the reception dinner. Do you think that this dress would be appropriate?

http://www.simplybe.com/flapper-dress/invt/qg322el/

Nice job finding those shoes in a 12.5, that was quick! I don't usually even look for 12.5, I just look at the reviews for 12 and 13.

[kelscloset]

Absolutely. That's lovely. :)

[mi_nion]

This really pretty. You get the 20's feel without being costume-y

[goingloopy]

Yay, a project! I love window shopping.

1. I'd say that you can (at least nude), but I'd stay away from that if possible.

2. Probably, as long as there's not much white.

3. Black is fine at weddings, and at wedding-related events.

4. Yes (fun part!) - 1920's silhouettes were mostly dropped-waist with some movement at the hem. This dress from Kiyonna has the movement at the hem, but also has some detail around the waist. I'd go with the black, since the print is a little modern. In the picture, it kind of looks like that's an a-line skirt. It's not, if you look closely. I think if you did something like that, you could jazz it up with a killer hat (this etsy seller has some cute ones), some killer ankle-strap or t-strap shoes: option 1; option 2; option 3 with lower heel. Also, you can have lots of fun with jewelry...if you search "Art Deco" in Amazon's jewelry store, they have all kinds of stuff

[catwoodtree]

Would you consider this to be 1920s, or is it too hip-hugging? http://www.6pm.com/dknyc-plus-size-sleeveless-dress-w-lightweight-satin-flounce-black?zfcTest=mat%3A1

[goingloopy]

I think that would be fine, especially if you took off the belt. Really, what's probably going to make your outfit are the accessories, unless you go with a true dropped-waist dress and/or a sheath with beads and fringe. I love that coral-colored lace one you posted above, too...that might be fun for a spring/summer wedding.

[synj_munki]

if it is a traditional western wedding, it's a bit tacky to wear white to wedding and wedding functions, though white with an all-over obvious print (not, say, a nude on white) is fine. black is usually fine but if in doubt ask the bride.

for a 20s style for a curvy figure, i absolutely love a "robe de style"- google image search that, they are pretty and what the "must wear a bra" and upper class women would wear. it's a flutter or no sleeve, fitted drop waist bodice with a jewel or boteau neckline, and a very full skirt to the high calf to high ankle (some w/out their own hips would even wear a modified pannier on the hips!).

don't rule out amazon for shoes- I wear an 11narrow (IMPOSSIBLE!!) and I've found shoes on there (probably drag queen shoes, LOL).

[catwoodtree]

Possibly!

Thank goodness for drag queens, seriously. Shoe companies are slowly embracing the larger sizes, and I think men who cross dress have been a powerful demographic in terms of making that happen. :)

I did a search on robe de style, and those dresses are quite lovely. Thanks for the tip!

[synj_munki]

the best thing is they were styled the same as the boxier ones- long necklaces, bobs, fun hair thingies...

(if you watch Dowton Abbey, check out cousin Rose when we first see her, she's totally wearing a robe de style dress!)

[fiveforsilver]

Check out the OmgThatDress 1920s tag for inspiration on style, prints, etc. And Planet Shoes might be another place to look for shoes. Good luck!

[catwoodtree]

Huh. There is a lot more Eastern-inspired fashion than I would have expected: kimonos, embroidered silk, bamboo and crane motifs, mandarin collars, and jade green.

I am also noticing a lot of capes.

Modern fashion needs more capes.

[fiveforsilver]

I agree! Modern fashion definitely needs more capes. I actually have a couple, I just don't wear them.