Fricken-fracken Masquerade Ball

[Auspicious]

Now what do you think of these?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3053126/0~2376776~2378685~2378693~2374394?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2374394&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3029823/0~2376776~2378685~2378693~2374394?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2374394&P=4

I love the skirt on the first one, but--I forget how busty you are or aren't--that type of neckline never ends up working on me. I always look fleshy and kind of stuffed in there. And it strikes me as a step less formal than the black v-neck one.

The second one is very pretty but you mentioned that you liked that the v-neck had sleeves. I don't do sleeveless myself--do you like the sleeveless?

I'm decently busty (and still nursing). Not huge, though. And no, I don't particularly care for sleeveless. I'd need a wrap if I bought a sleeveless dress.

[Vishenka69]

Out of the last two, I like the second one better but you said you don't like your arms. I wouldn't want you worrying about the shawl slipping and keep adjusting it all night long.

I like the dress you're keeping better than the plum one. I'll go look for shoe suggestions. You can always get inserts for the arches.

Oh, and Spanx makes pantyhose, so you can kill two birds in one stone.

What about something simple like this? They come in wide.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3033572/...bo=6015516&P=1

I like the dress you're keeping better than the plum one. I'll go look for shoe suggestions. You can always get inserts for the arches.

And the plum one was one of your two original picks, right? So you approve of the one I kept? I'm amazed.

[Vishenka69]

Yes, it has good structure, it's versatile and makes you feel good about yourself. Plus I'm a sucker for black. I don't remember the one you kept as one of the options. Was it? Often clothes can look great on a hanger or model and horrible on you or vise versa. You just never know.

Here's another option for shoes.
http://www.zappos.com/ros-hommerson-...k-suede-patent

I would generally suggest closed toe and back and an elongated front. Since you'll be wearing pantyhose (nude), closed toe looks best and full back gives you more support esp if you're not used to heels. Slingbacks or d'orsay pumps can feel wobbly. Elongated front looks more elegant and elongates your leg line. Also a kitten heel of 2" or under would be an optimal heel. Btw, do you need wide or double wide?

wide - not double wide, thank god.

no, the one I kept wasn't one of my original choices. I stumbled across it when I went to order.

[Momo]

Julie, the plum one also comes in black.
I just suggested it in plum, because I think it would be a pretty color on her. Plus when comparing it wouldn't have to be a comparison of 2 black dresses. I figured if she tried it on and it flattered her & she was comfortable in it, then she could always get it in black if she really decided that was the best color for her. Jenn you are going to look great no matter what.

BTW JennP what is your shoe size?

8.5 wide

The plum is a good color on me, but I worry it's a little bridesmaid-ish. Plus, that would mean I could only wear it to fall or winter events.

What about these shoes?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3053910/...bo=6015516&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2996003/...bo=6015516&P=1

Julie - I know you said to avoid slingbacks, but my issue with heels isn't being wobbly, it's having my foot crushed down on to my toes, and my knees being forced into an unnatural position. I also realize the first are peep-toes, but I really like them and could wear those stockings designed to be able to wear peep toe shoes, right?

[Vishenka69]

Jenn, I see how you would find both styles comfortable but they seem a bit matronly to me. I think they would look better with pants than a dress. I'm guessing you didn't like either of the pair I suggested. Another thing to keep in mind is that patent leather is least stretchy and forgiving. You might also want to try ordering half a size bigger and getting an insert that would help redistribute the weight along the entire foot.

[Momo]

what do you think of these?

http://zapp.me/z7516476

Soft brand is pretty comfortable, they have it in a 8.5 and a 9 wide

[moonlight]

what do you think of these?

http://zapp.me/z7516476

Soft brand is pretty comfortable, they have it in a 8.5 and a 9 wide

I like the little flower thing. Better pick then the other two you posted!

the strap across the foot thing is not flattering on me at all. I did order a couple pairs of that brand last night, though.

Julie - the issue I have with the one you posted is the narrowness at the toe. I seriously have Hobbit feet. They're just rectangles, so pointed toes just don't work for me.

What are these inserts that you speak of?

[Vishenka69]

Jenn, but did you ever actually try on pointy shoes in wide? Your toes don't actually go all the way to the front. I'll look for something with a rounder toe.

I found that these types of arch supports makes the whole sole to be the supporting base and not just the toes. These are available in every drugstore/supermarket.

http://www.drugstore.com/products/pr...BUY-PLST-0-CAT

Jenn, I see how you would find both styles comfortable but they seem a bit matronly to me.

I don't understand how the peep toe one is matronly at all. How could patent leather be matronly? Is it b/c of the thicker heel?

I ordered it to try, and ordered the blue dress to try (I'm basically making money on ebates at this point since the shipping is free), and ordered spanx for the top and bottom, along with 4 other pair of shoes from shoes.com (a couple of those soffts brand, too), and the palest nude stockings nordstrom offers.

So far this shopping expedition has netted me about $65 in my ebates account.