DFW Girls: I need your help!

deap

Try typing "dressmaker" into Yell.com to see if there's anyone local who could make you the perfect dress for not too much money.

Maybe they'd have an idea for altering one of the lovely gowns you already own?

MoaningMyrtle

Maybe borrow one? There is a charity shop I know that sells ex-hire wedding dresses and long dresses (they are in the long plastic covers and everything)
It's a childrens hospice chairity. PM if you want details. Also I second/third fourth the TK Maxx suggestion. They always have loads of lovely evening dresses.

elona

Have a look at some factory outlet villages - BHS do some "bridesmaid" dresses that could be suitable with a shrug or stole - or even a free pashmina from Comfort.

Chortle_2

Are there no evening wear hire shops near you? One of my exes worked for AFCO and I used to have to do the ballgown thing occasionally. Not being a ballgown kinda girl, I refused to buy one, and always hired them

nabowla

I thought about hiring a dress but, to be honest, it's cheaper in the long run to buy something. Dress hire in central London seems to be c.£40 per event. If I buy a dress for £100 and wear it three times I've saved money. And yes, I am the sort of girl who a) has lots of occasions to wear fancy dresses and b) will happily wear the same dress twice (providing it's not the same group of people!)

It never crossed my mind to try TK Maxx. I thought it was a bit like Matalan - obviously not, from what everyone's said. Not entirely sure that my bank manager will be too happy to learn that I've discovered a shop that has racks full of evening dresses, but never mind I also like the sound of the Ebay made-to-measure service and the charity shops that a couple of you have mentioned. Oh dear. I am going to have to be very, very disciplined and only buy one dress!!!

Shrugs, wraps and shawls are definitely acceptable these days and that's what I was planning to wear to cover the arms. I've got enough wraps to sink a battleship so no need to buy anything new. I've got a lovely designer evening bag (Caroline Charles, Princess Di's dressmaker - found it in a charity shop for £20) but might need to get some shoes (have worn out one pair of evening shoes from too much dancing, another pair got wreaked whilst laser shooting at 3am........). Has anyone bought shoes from Ebay before? Secondhand shoes were the one thing that Mum would never let us buy so I'm a bit nervous about that.

loopyloulou_3

those dresses on that ebay link are lovely! Im gonna get one for a party i am going to! bargainous!

i too am a funny shape and can never find dresses to fit me at all. i like the idea of getting one made to measure!

nabowla

I know - they're gorgeous! I haven't got enough time to get something from them for this particular function but have bookmarked the site for future use. Even the bank manager can't complain at prices like that!

oops_a_daisy

I 'have' ( well somebody has to lol ) to go to a black tie do every year in November. I always buy my dress in the January sales or summer sales but that isnt much of a help to you now. The only other suggestion is to hire one but I know that can work out just as expensive. I think somebody else on here has already suggested to just wear last years ( nobody will notice for instance can you remember what they were wearing last year? ) use different accessories, shoes and wrap/shawl. I have done that before - worn the same dress 2 years running and nobody noticed ( well nobody said anything ). I have been reccomended TK Maxx too but havent ever looked there so cant really comment. Why not place a wanted ad on freecycle ? - you never know your luck there good luck

Catseyez

If you're OS, you could go to your local haberdashery (or even department store) and find a pattern to make your own! There are lots of pretty (and STYLISH!) dress patterns out there and you can make it to your measurements.

If I was in your shoes, I'd be finding this very difficult. Shopping in Coast was one of my weaknesses during my crazy spending days!

Here's another thought...you say you can no longer fit into the evening dress you have. If it's not too tight, you could always go to a dressmaker's and see if they can adjust it a little? That wouldn't cost much...

moggins

I could never indulge my shoe habit if it wasn't for Ebay

Although DH is still enquiring why I bought the red and chrome hooker heels that I've only worn once