Urgent! Dress meeee!!

[spotty_dog]

OMG the panic is setting in. I just realized that DH and I are meeting two other dawkter couples THIS SUNDAY at the fanciest restaurant I have ever been to in my LIFE. And I have nothing to wear. I don't mean "Oh, that dress is SO last week!" I mean that beyond slacks and cotton tops, I own one sleeveless ankle-length stretchy black flowered thing from Nordstrom that's over 10 years old; and if I have any shoes that aren't Keens or sneakers, they are $20 patent leather Hush Puppies.

I think I'm going to try to wear the dress. But I will feel so much better if I can track down some decent shoes and undergarments, and maybe a little cardigan or shrug. What do you think?? I can Amazon some Spanx, what style of shoe should I look for?

[medpedspouse]

How about your slacks with a new cardi set and ballet flats? I only suggest this because it can be something that you may be more likely to wear gain and may feel more comfortable???

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/cat/ANN...nks_950_043013

Sorry for the fly by posting - but that was the first thing that came to mind.

[spotty_dog]

Thanks for the suggestion, I am all ears.

[Curegirl]

If you go with a new cardigan set, how about a skirt to go with it? And maybe one piece of statement jewelry like a bib necklace? Is the restaurant like catching snails in Pretty Woman fancy or Sausage King of Chicago Ferris Bueller fancy?

[spotty_dog]

For the price, it had better be close to Pretty Woman.

Did I mention that there's nothing more than Walmart within 30 minutes of me? I think there's boutique shopping in some of the cute little towns 40 minutes south of here...*maybe* even a few items to be found in my own town at "The Vintage Perch" and a couple other spots...maybe I need to get brave and power-shop during my 1 hour of kid-free time tomorrow. D:

[Deebs]

Mtv

[Curegirl]

Be brave!

[Deebs]

That was my attempt at a reply with a puppy in hand. Not MTV. We've been to really expensive places that aren't swanky. Is a jacket required for men?

[poky]

That was my attempt at a reply with a puppy in hand. Not MTV. We've been to really expensive places that aren't swanky. Is a jacket required for men?

Heh. You know where she lives, right? I'd be shocked if there's a restaurant that requires a jacket for men within 1000 miles of her. Not to say it's impossible, just...quite unlikely.

[spotty_dog]

Yeah, I don't think they're going to refuse entry to the underdressed. Honestly I suspect it's more a tourist trap than it's a Michelin 4-star. But I do expect the men in our party to wear jackets. I don't need to pretend to be anything I'm not, but I've got to take enough of a stab that I don't feel completely like melting under the table from anxiety. Of the other two ladies that will be there, one is super cool and I know her well enough not to feel judged even if I wear my Keens. But she's always seemed put-together and accessorized and whatnot, so I don't want to drag her down with my schlub, LOL. The other gal I don't know yet, at all. But I do know that she's an east coast professional woman, and I think she'll probably wear something smokin'.

Me? I'm a size 8 edging into a 10. I have hips and boobs, and a waistline though I'm far from fond of the bulging action that's going on in the tummy area. (I did just remember I have a control undergarment of some sort.) Price range is pretty low. Like, more than $150 for a complete outfit would freak me right the f out. If I can be convinced of re-usability, we can creep higher. (Edit: Let me put that differently. I hate that I have a wardrobe with zero options. I would be pleased as punch to acquire some options you've vetted. We have the budget for it, I'm just miserly. Work with me??)

[Deebs]

I don't think you should wear keens. Ido, however, think you should get a nice outfit, but keep it simple/casual enough to be a regular in your outfit selection.

[WolfpackWife]

If I missed it--I'm sorry, I don't know if you mentioned anywhere if you prefer to wear heels or not, but the first thing that came to mind (if you're planning on wearing a dress you have--or did I interpret that wrong?) were these shoes from Zappos (amazing customer service, super fast shipping):
http://www.zappos.com/ivanka-trump-bulbli-sand-patent

Which I think are the perfect shoe because they are classic and modern, and come in nude or black. If you're going with a cardi/skirt combo, use the shoes and accessories to dress it up. I know the shoes are a little pricey, but I have a pair and I cannot tell you the mileage I've gotten out of them--I think they are wonderful for all sorts of occasions.

Again, I may be off base with the style/trend you're looking for, but I recently met a friend for dinner who was wearing a necklace and matching bracelet that were almost exactly like this:
http://www.lulus.com/products/best-o...ace/68082.html

And it was so chic looking. I've been on the lookout for a chunky gold chain necklace ever since. That's the sort of thing that can, IMO, dress up an outfit without having to go out and buy new tops/bottoms.

ETA: ALSO!! Loft is having a 40% of EVERYTHING sale through today--these sales are amazing. This dress is an updated version of the LBD and might be fancy-restaurant appropriate!
http://www.loft.com/loft/product/pro...aultColor=6600

[Sheherezade]

Hell I want to buy that outfit. Damn LSW, you're good.

[bokelley]

Well I just bought everything that u posted lsw. Loved it all! Great finds and in sale too!

[spotty_dog]

DANG.

I'll be back but just wanted to say THANKS.