Okay ladies, so I won a gift card to Amazon from The Pioneer Woman (YAY!!!) and I was thinking that this would be a GREAT thing to put to my dress/outfit for when my husband gets home from his deployment! I was looking at dresses on Amazon and was getting a little overwhelmed, so I thought I'd see if any of you ladies would be able to help me out.
I have pretty close to an hourglass shape, with my hips being the widest part of my body, but only by 2 inches. I'm going for sexy, but I'm fairly conservative. I prefer things that are sexy without being ostentatious or too revealing. GENERALLY, I prefer solids, but prints aren't entirely out of the question. Price wise, I'd LIKE to stay under $100. Weather is likely to be sunny and cool, somewhere in the 60s, probably, possibly eeking up into the 70s, but most of the time spent with him at pickup will be inside.
Okay all you fashion geniuses, help me out!! :) (Especially as I am NOT a fashion genius... Where are Stacy & Clint when I need them???)
EDIT: OH, and I almost forgot. IDEALLY it would be machine washable... I don't own anything dry clean because it never makes it there.... :p
Just in case anyone else pops in on this, or comes back to check...
I'm 5'7", usually a size 4 or 6. I generally prefer very simple designs (things I could wear again in another capacity!) and prefer hem length to be at about the knee or just slightly above (I use the dollar bill width rule). Generally prefer closer to a-line, but would not be completely opposed to fitted at butt/thigh if the fit was right. I do plan to do some looking in real stores to be able to try on, as I don't generally have good luck with dresses.... lol.
@ Cari - that Anne Klein polka dot dress was one of the first ones I spotted and LOVED the style of it. I got turned off by the "dry clean only" but maybe I'll just have to get over it... :)
http://www.amazon.com/Peplum-Cutout-Colorblock-Dress-Blac...
the back is nice!
http://www.amazon.com/Patty-Women-Drape-Sleeve-Medium/dp/...
or this might be warmer??
http://www.amazon.com/FITTED-CAREER-COCKTAIL-PENCIL-Mediu...
and I like this one!
If you have an hourglass shape, I'd go with a wrap dress in a beautiful solid color. One that hits at or right above the knee and flows away from the hips in a nice jersey- something with movement. A V neckline with some great jewelry. You can dress it up with boots or wear high heels. Something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Banana-Black-Elegant-Slinky/dp...
I like Pinterest for outfit ideas.
My only concern about buying a clothing item off Amazon would be that if you do not know exactly what you're ordering, it might not fit. If you have to exchange it, you'll end up spending a lot of money on return shipping fees. I've been through this. For this reason, I like to shop with companies that have free return shipping, like zappos.com. Amazon sells nearly everything, so you could put the gift card towards other items you usually purchase and need. Then put the 100.00 towards a dress in a department store, so you can actually try it on. Or try zappos.com...low risk. Just my 2 cents from experience with amazon!
I have an hourglass shape, and I *LOVE* Pinup Girl Clothing. Made in the USA, and their designs look great on those of us with more "traditional" figures. :) Best of all, their designs tend to be both modest but extremely flattering at the same time.
I like the first one Amanda W. selected. Peplums cover hip issues but the slim silloette (sp) keep you looking slim and sexy.
My advice to you is to take a fashionesta friend out shopping or rather trying on clothes. Tell her to show you how to spot the good outfits from the not so good to the bad. Tell her to be completely honest. Do not be upset or insulted is she points out big hips, flabby arms or whatever. She's not doing it to be nasty but to show you how to cover up trouble spots and enhance the good stuff.
Thank hubby for his service from me.
What about these:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_apparel?_encoding=UTF8&...
http://www.amazon.com/Lindy-Bop-Vintage-Rockabilly-XX-Lar...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008KKZ82W/ref=twister_B...
http://www.amazon.com/Allegra-Colour-Sleeveless-Square-Ne...
These look like it would be suitable for an hour-glass figure, and is conservative yet sexy and classy. And reasonably priced and has good reviews.
Another great brand that may fit your taste/preferences, is "Modcloth."
www.modcloth.com
This is a popular brand, and also has great reviews.
I think we need a little more info about your preferences & shape. I've been looking for a few minutes, but wow...you're right. A lot to choose from! And I agree with the others that it's hard to pick a dress online, but when that's where your gift certificate is for, then let's work with it!!
- How tall are you?
- If you don't want to say your size, could you give us a range? 0-6, 8-14, plus size?
- Do you have problem areas you like to avoid "showing off." (like saddle bags, a muffin top, flabby arms, giant boobles)
- Do you have a preference as to length?
- How short is too short?
- Do you tend to cover up your cleavage?
- Is strapless and/or spaghetti straps okay?
- Do you like fitted through the hips & waist, or do you prefer a-line or flowy?
I personally like the idea of an a-line or flowy dress. I love everything from short (but I won't wear it too short) to a long maxi dress. I think they're very sexy, but still feminine and girly. And boy...machine washable is hard to find on Amazon, huh?!?! So I'll put some that are dry clean only. Sorry.
(Washable!!!) http://www.amazon.com/Sophisticated-Evening-Cocktail-Hot-...
(Pretty in white or pink. Handwash) http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Flower-Ruffles-Bridesmaid-HE...
(not sure if it’s washable) http://www.amazon.com/Ruched-Ruffle-Holiday-Cocktail-Burg...
(it does say dry clean, though) http://www.amazon.com/Anne-Klein-Womens-Honeycomb-Swing/d...
(dry clean...good grief!) http://www.amazon.com/Anne-Klein-Womens-Swing-Dress/dp/B0...
(I give up. Dry clean only) http://www.amazon.com/Charming-Crystal-like-Evening-Dress...
If you’re more into tight-fitting & plunging neckline, this is pretty (machine washable) http://www.amazon.com/Patty-Women-Sleeve-Casual-Medium/dp...
Fitted & off-the-shoulder (machine washable) http://www.amazon.com/KAMALIKULTURE-Womens-Shoulder-Shirr...
(Dry Clean Only) http://www.amazon.com/Calvin-Klein-Womens-Flare-Dress/dp/...
Another slim line and plunging neckline (don’t know if it’s washable) http://www.amazon.com/Fashion-Victim-Ladies-Galaxy-Victor...
I don’t have the boobs for strapless, but this is sooo feminine and pretty. (hand wash) http://www.amazon.com/Davids-Bridal-Bridesmaid-Strapless-...
Short but pretty. (machine washable) http://www.amazon.com/Patty-Fabric-Ruched-Sheath-Cocktail...
(hand wash) http://www.amazon.com/Rhinestones-Chiffon-Cocktail-HE0342...
Lots of colors to choose from (machine washable) http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Banana-Purple-Grecian-Slinky/d...
Ok…I have to quit shopping before I buy something. Good luck!!
I'm looking at dresses myself for a trip to NYC and Vegas. I'm at the age where I want stuff covered. I really like the one sleeve dresses. The one I saw that I love is at Nordstrom and it has the one sleeve, but it covers your breast and your butt. It also is loose fitting up top and cinches at the waist, which I need since I have a little extra around my mid section. It also appears that the bottom isn't form fitting but isn't flary also. We'll see if it works out, but I really love the style.
Some items on Amazon might be found at the mall too. If you find some overlap, you might try outfits on at a department store and then get the same item or one like it from Amazon.
I would try a wrap dress. They are simple but flattering and with an awesome pair of heels, I think it would be sexy yet tasteful.
