Help! I've become a stay at home mom and gained a LOT of weight since I've shopped for cocktail dresses! I've also moved to a small town so I prefer shopping online but will take any options you can give me to look into! I prefer something with sleeves. I'm short 5'2" and about 130. HELP! I prefer something knee length and some type of sleeve but will look at almost anything. Prefer that it's not too flashy!
I'm a foot taller than you (130 is a size 0 or 2 for me)... So I don't know what size that translates into but
if you're 16/18 or over www.torrid.com
A giftiend of mine just got this dress from the petit plus size section of Talbots
http://www.talbots.com/online/m/browse/m_product_details....=
Macy's has a Petite Plus Size section in evening wear
Macys has a good selection....but you are hardly plus size!
First off, I'm 5'2" and a few lbs heavier than you, so puhleaze (misspell intentional) ease up on your self loathing! I'm sure your curves will look lovely in a cocktail dress!
I've had success with Nordstrom's online but recently I've used Rent the Runway and it is great! You can rent designer dresses for a fraction of the original cost, they will even send a 2nd size! You choose either a 4 day or 8 day rental, the dresses arrive, you look sensational and you ship them back in a pre-paid envelope. Easy Peasy!
I've used the service for myself and my 18 yr old dgtr, the style choices are endless and the dresses are in perfect condition. I highly recommend.
Check Nordstroms. I found a lot that I like and we are about the same size. What I like about Nordstroms is that it's free shipping and free returns. All the dresses I get from Nordstroms I get in a size 6 and they all fit.
These are awesome. They come in short or long, and you can change the dress any way you like. Check out the gallery for lots of different ideas on how to wear it.
I like Macy's and Cache. Modcloth is super cute too, but I find most of their lengths are a little short for my taste.
I agree with the previous posters about Nordstrom. If you are shopping online, it is probably your best option because of the free shipping and free returns. Talbots could be good, but I don't know if they charge a fee for returns. You might also look at Lands End, Kohl's, Coldwater Creek, J.C. Penny's (they have really stepped it up in the last year), and Target. I get a lot of my clothes from Loft, Banana Republic, and Gap, but their styles don't work very well on busty women. Good luck! I'm sure you're going to look great!
Dillards and Nordstroms often have good choices, particularly on-line. I also like Macy's.
I am not an online shopper because I have to try things on. Most of the time, I will purchase a size 0-2 and have to have it altered to fit. I am petite with natural perky 34DD's so I have a hard time fitting my boobs properly in dresses.
That said, I agree that Nordstrom is a good place. They have good quality products and service. Sometimes you can find something at Macy's or Dillard's.
One suggestion is to think outside the box and not be so set on exatly what you want, color, etc. if you are more flexible, you end up with more choices and who knows... what you think is not a perfect dress may indeed be the one!
Good luck.
I love Ann Taylor. They have a "true petite" and their clothes are cut for women who aren't stick figures!
I have this dress from Old Navy http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=91338&vi...
With jewelry and heels... it's great! I've worn it to two evening weddings. Add your own sparkle and you're all set.
ModCloth might be just the place for you. Some nice retro styles. You can read the reviews to see what other women like or not and sometimes people post pictures so you see what they look like on real people.
I also like Ann Taylor Loft petites.
Nordstrom.com has a great, wide, online selection PLUS you still have access to all the Nordstrom services for alterations and customer service (which I think is the best of all the major department stores).
I recently purchased a formal gown at Nordstrom.com for an inaugural ball and it was so convenient to just bring it to the local Nordstrom's and have it fitted and altered there.
I know this is going to sound silly, but try ASOS. some of the stuff is for college/teens (in my opinion) but some of the items - cocktail dresses - are pretty amazing. I actually bought a dress there for a flashy event and got so many compliments and I only paid like $30 for the darn thing. My shoes cost more than the bloomin' dress.
I was really nervous about the sizing chart, but it was true to size. I bought two dresses, returned one - free returns, btw.
Check it out. I think they have petite and plus size (??) if you are worried. Also, the fabrics were super nice, not chitzy, but I'd stay away from anything that says jersey or knit. Good luck!
Macy's also has many sizes and petites.
Lord & Taylors. L&T has the biggest and best selection of cocktail and dressy dresses - and they are not overly expensive. The thing about them is that they fit well. And when we've put weight on we feel so self conscious. The dress may be $20 more than another - but it will be so worth it to feel confident. They ahve a great online selection - but if you can get to their store even better - I MUST try on dresses - I tried the online option for my neice's wedding but buying and returning a dozen dresses gets expensive. Consider how many you would try on during a trip to the mall...
If there's no L&T try Macys or Nordstrom - whatever is in your area. Check for coupons too. And often if you open their credit card they'll give you another 20% off (then pay it off when you get the bill). When combingin coupons and discounts you can often get a dress at one of these upscale places for way less than a less well made/fitting dress.
Good luck mama! I feel your pain!
