Plus sized women - what to wear to a more formal event?

[Larissa]

I'm sorry if I used the wrong term, I'm trying to help my mother and I don't to insult anyone here.

I also have a feeling this will get moved to the wedding section, but figure it might get more attention here.

My mother is trying to chose a dress to wear to a semi-formal garden wedding (my wedding!!), but she's plus-sized and having a hard time. She's different sizes on top and bottom like most people are. She doesn't want to spend more than $200 and wants it to be a dress or skirt set that she could wear again...to her class reunion next year, my sister's grad, etc. She doesn't like the frumpy look that all clothes designers seem to think that women with a size 14 and up label need to wear.

Any ideas or stores she can check out? Please post pictures if you have them!!

[Katy]

Okay, I gave this a little thought before posting. If she just wanted to get something for her reunion, I think she'd find something suitable at the department stores. But since she'll also be neediing something to wear for your wedding, I think the best bet would be to have something made.

For the most part, a beautiful wedding dress can be MADE for $200. Charlizangel (spelling could be off there) is getting a BM dress made for a friend's wedding for $116. So I think a mother-of-the-bride dress should most definately be less than $200 and it would be *exactly* what she wants to get her through both occassions. This would also accomidate the different sized tops and bottoms (more than likely she'd need alterations for this if she bought off the rack anyway).

Maybe you guys could visit a Wal-Mart or Joann's fabrics to just flip through the books. Also check on the LOCAL boards here and see if anyone can recommend a seamstress in your area (those boards are still kinda new, so no guarantee you'll get suggestions, but it can't hurt to try).

Good luck and hope this helps...
Katy

[ejs]

Is your mom willing to shop online? If so, she should check out:

www.nordstrom.com
(would she like this dress and duster: http://store.nordstrom.com/product/product.asp?styleid=2862334&category=2376776~2374327~6002274~2382064&PrevStyleID=2862335&NextStyleID=2864535)

Or this from Macy's:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=158812&CategoryID=13846&LinkType=EverGreen&trackingCat=13846

Coldwater Creek's (www.coldwatercreek.com) misses dressed go up to XXL and Size 18. They also have a limited plus section.

Good luck!

[lawyerlee]

I LOVE this designer:

Kiyonna (http://www.kiyonna.com/)

I think she might be able to find something appropriate here. I also second Nordstrom. They have lovely pieces in plus sizes. :)

Other places to look:

Alight (http://www.alight.com/)

Talbots Woman (http://www1.talbots.com/talbotsonline/woman_default.asp?BID=S200519804534013985007D9D446 FE964006)

Jessica London (http://www.jessicalondon.com/jessicalondon/layout/layout.asp?)