Help! Need dress for Black Tie Optional

[TOMama]

We're attending a Charity event (black tie optional) in two weeks and I have NOTHING to wear! It doesn't help that I'm out of town this week and don't have much time to shop.

I have a lovely post-partum rash on my upper arms (lovely, I know), so I can't wear any of my sleeveless or strapless dresses. For a last resort, I bought a sheer, cardigan-type, black beaded cover-up to wear over a black dress. . . but it doesn't really look/feel like me.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a somewhat formal longer-sleeved dress or dress with cover-up??? I'm petite (5'2) so that makes it even harder. :rolleyes:

TIA!

[villanelle75]

How much do you want to spend?

[Myra]

Is your husband wearing black tie or just a suit?

[TOMama]

Hmmm. . . probably @$300. If it's something that I love and can wear again (wedding, xmas party, etc.), then MAYBE more.

DH will be wearing a suit.

Honestly, I don't have to be the belle of the ball. I just want to look nice, but not matronly. We leave for Chicago tomorrow so I hope to do a little shopping there.

[tlew12778]

Chicago = Nordstom! They have some cute stuff online (http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/6011160/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6001799~6011160?mediumth umbnail=Y&viewAll=1&tuid=9445c980-bf14-4903-99d5-26490d973c3f&catID=6011160&Category=6011160&boutique=dress_shop)with sleeves and/or bolero jackets.

[villanelle75]

Nordstom's online site is awesome. I found some great choices but can seem to post pics. If you go into the dress shop section, you can search specifically for dresses with sleeves. Many of their online dresses are not at the store, but if you buy online, you can return in store if it doesn't fit.

[MLA]

I really like these from Nordstrom. If you click on the prices, it will take you to the page:

$308 (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2939439/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6001799~6011160?mediumth umbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6011160&P=1)
http://content.nordstrom.com/ImageGallery/store/product/MediumLarge/12/_5417652.jpg

$158 (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2902872/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6001799~6011160?mediumth umbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6011160&P=1)
http://content.nordstrom.com/ImageGallery/store/product/MediumLarge/13/_5273973.jpg

This one's more expensive, but I LOVE it
$595 (http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2941694/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6001799~6011160?mediumth umbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6011160&P=1)
http://content.nordstrom.com/ImageGallery/store/product/MediumLarge/10/_5452250.jpg

[wendalah]

How do you feel about your legs? A shorter, looser shift-style dress with sleeves and a good pair of heels is very fresh-looking right now. I'm seeing a lot of them in the stores.

Something like this:

http://g-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/media/images/products/alice/alice2011213055/alice2011213055_prod_zoom_front.jpg

This one is a bit expensive, but just for visual's sake.

[TOMama]

Thanks ladies! I forgot how great the shopping is in Chicago.

I'm between sizes so I am hesitant to do much online shopping. I wish Nordstrom carried more dresses at their stores. But I ended up finding a cute little black dress (sheath with cap sleeves) at French Connection. It has some unique detailing, which keeps it from being just "another" black dress.

Unfortunately I can't find a photo online. . . I'll keep looking.

Thanks again!