This might help. ;)

The one you ordered but haven't received yet:

The one you ordered but aren't sure about the print:

Not in the store but you have time to order it:

And the last one you liked:

I like the all black one from Nordstrom that you ordered.

Missed that you want to wear a bolero jacket with the all black. I'm thinking the jacket might fight the draping below the waist?

Thanks so much moonshadow :)

Yes, not sure about that. I have short jacket that would hit just below the bust, and another that's a little longer.

I like the one with the print skirt and the black jacket. it is not frumpy and the length is nice. I know what you mean about going sleeveless.
The top gown is lovely but I think the bolero may not work with it.
jewelry- something chunky and fun and black and shiny.

I like the top one the best for the event as you described it, but as others said not sure about the bolero with it. Do you have a scarve (sp?) you could use as a wrap and wear with it?

The 2nd and 4th looks too casual to me, but I might be wrong about the event and conjured up something different from your description.

The 3rd - I like the look and think it could work well with the bolero Jacket - but it won't cover the edema.

myshape.com

Get an account and enter a million different measurements. Then they show you clothes that will fit you and look right for your proportions. I have ordered many things from this website and the fit and look have been just right every time.

Very nice plus size cocktail/evening dresses:

www.igigi.com
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Would a shawl like the one below work with the sleeveless dress vs. a bolero top?

In reality, this is a student event with a wide variety of styles, so I can get away with just a nice dress, heels and jewelry. I don't have to be dressed to the nines.

Thanks for the link to the style site - I've bookmarked it. Unfortunately, this event is Saturday, so I don't have much time.

Here is a link that might be useful: Shawl

Would something like the one below work? Has the jacket, has the length for the swelling, maybe a style you could get more mileage out of it? (That's rhinestone trim on the jacket, a little formal flair but not over the top bling.)

It's from Macy's.

Here's a formal dress with scarf/wrap. Not showing you this particular dress, but how the wrap could go with your black dress above?

From Macy's also.

kellyeng - Those are gorgeous dresses, but a bit to formfitting for me, even with Spanx!

Moon - I actually tried that on and it was a bit too mother-of-the-bride on me ;_

What about this jacket/skirt from the same company?

Here is a link that might be useful: Igigi dressy jacket

OK, can't have you looking like a M-O-B

Here's your Igigi jacket/skirt linked above

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I like the first black one and the last skirt/blouse combo! Find something to cover your shoulders (if you must) and you will be beautiful!

The purple dress is amazing on that model. Makes me want to eat ice cream. LOL!

Ok, I do love the iggi dressy jacket with skirt. Really pretty and I think only a fuller figure could make it work well. Because of the different shades of black (I would recommend the black skirt with the charcoal top, the solid grey version is just blah to me IMO) Chunky silver geometrical jewelry would be pretty too. Nothing thin because all that fabric needs more substantial weighted jewelry. The buckle is square so stick with geometric.

Now I must say that I do like the purple dress, even though clingy. They make really nice undergarments if you are concerned about anything. After being stuck home so much lately, I have watched Stacey and Clinton urge fuller figures to show off the curves. They had a gal on the other day that would never have imagined herself in a spandex wrap dress due to her fears. Other that the specific issue with the particular wrap in the one the gal had on, it showed her waist and hourglass figure so nicely. Because the skirt flows so nicely and the shoulders are bared just enough I think the dress actually looks sexy and vulumptuous on a fuller figure.

My sis has been much larger than a 1x but always looks nice because she wears things that are attractive so much that you tend to forget she is heavy. She wears really sexy shells not tucked in with lightweight button up tops, unbuttoned. The top flows past her backside and softens it. The shell untucked hids her tummy. Then she wears capris with really pretty sandals. My dh has commented that he tends to forget her size because she always wears nice outfits.

OK, don't laugh, I haven't done this since I stuck Aunt Jen's head on a bathing suit model's body so AJ could see which color suit went best with her complexion. ;)

Here is your black gown with the pashmina shawl you picked out at Amazon. (I used the same coral color, but when I tried to change the color, the details in the shawl disappeared. So I'll leave it at coral, just so you can get an idea of how a shawl would look with the dress.)

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Thanks everyone! I called Igigi to make sure I could get the jacket by Friday, but no one picked up, so I left a message. Unfortunately, they have neither that skirt, nor the long one they carry (would have been perfect), in stock in my size. I also love the purple dress and would probably order that just to give it a try. I should get the Nordstrom dress today so I'll let you all know how that goes. I can easily pick up a black shawl if needed.

Please do post any more suggestions you have. I've got to leave for school so won't be back online until late tonight.

Thank you so much for helping!!

Moonshadow, you are awesome!!

I think a full length dress would be best since you're concerned about ankle swelling. These are some that might work; take a look.

Add some black heeled sandals and a pair of hanging earrings and you'll be set to go.

Mona, I like both black dresses but I love the second black dress! Can she get it by Friday? The navy dress is shapeless, IMO and the last dress is a bit too casual.

Of the first dresses, I like the last two, though they're considerably less dressy. The first one is gorgeous, but shiny satin adds pounds visually... That same dress in a matte georgette would be stunning.

The ones Kelly posted are fabulous! Classy and flattering. (If I hadn't vowed to buy nothing until I lose this weight, I'd be shopping there in a heartbeat!)

And the Iggi cocktail suit is to die for!

Is there a David's Bridal near you? They carry many sizes of everything in stock, as their goal is to sell off the floor and avoid special orders They have dresses that are very formal, and then lots that are just pretty and would be appropriate for your event. They even sell separates.

OMG Kelly, I want to kiss you right now. I have been on the hunt for a dress for my BIL's wedding coming up in October. I am only 35, I do not want to wear something from frumpville. Some friends have talked me out of black and into jewel tones. That purple dress is... to... die... for. If I an find a bra I can pull it off with I think that one will be it for me. If you look at the dress in other colors (like royal blue for example) it appears clingy on top and then floats away, which is what I need.

Goldgirl, I can't dress myself so I am not much use but here is another website I found with special occasion dresses that are young and well cut. I have a few there I want to try as well in pretty colors.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kiyonna dresses

Well, speaking as a *full figured gal* who also happens to have legs she won't show (I have a condition known as lymphedema which caused horrific, disfiguring swelling in my legs) and needed to have something fab for DD's wedding...

I LOVED Nordstroms. I originally ordered a dress from Davids Bridal that ended up not fitting so I hurridly ordered from Nordys two gorgeous jersey gowns. My 1st choice turned out to not be the one I loved when I tried them on.

I was very, very selfconscious of my curves, even with the heavy duty spanx...any my upper arms. But I found that with my wrap and my cleavage on dispay...gorgeous earrings, hair and utter joy of the occasion, I actually ended up looking better than I thought I would.

Ok, that being said...I LOVE that purple dress. I'd say go for it with that one...no one would at all notice your legs or spanx assisted curves. But if you didn't like it, I like the 3rd dress you showed best. If it were me, I'd wear it, with your bolero, and a TON of pearl and silver beads. Some cute silver or black sandals and some bangles, too. Sass it up with accessories.

Here's me at DD's wedding...next to my Juniors sized sister (my Mom & brother too)
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Hi everyone!

I received the Nordstrom dress; it fits without any alterations and is actually quite forgiving with the shirring. Although the fabric is a little shiny, it's not overwhelmingly so. Unfortunately, I have no cleavage to show off like pesky (you look gorgeous!) and the model in the amazing purple dress, but I think with the shawl I ordered, it should work and be appropriately dressy. DH really likes it :)

I have some time tomorrow, so I plan to take a quick trip to a mall and take a look around just in case I find something even better. Mona, I love the third dress - where is that from?

I'll hold onto the more casual dresses I bought to wear for a less dressy occasion or work. I'm still going to order from Igigi - just couldn't get hold of them to make sure I'd get my order in time.

I've learned by lesson and will make sure I have occasion clothes on hand! This has been way to stressful.

Goldgirl, when you go to the mall, check out the lingerie dept. Wonderbras were made for a reason! Cleavage is possible.

I have no advice, I just wanted to say that I love living vicariously through the rest of you. Fancy events to attend, the thrill of the hunt for a great dress, the incredible support & advice from the people here...it's all good.

Goldgirl (& Monablair & Zshopper & Goldust), I hope you'll post your picture from the night of your event so we can all see how wonderful you looked. I guess it's true:

It takes a village to get someone out of the house looking her best. Good luck. Have fun. Enjoy.

Goldgirl, I'm still looking for the site where I found that black dress. I just can't seem to find it. Ugh!

Pesky- you look so hot! in that dress. Not to say your sis isn't pretty but you look hot. Your hair and makeup really matched the dress and wearing the wrap adds an elegance that makes the look totally sexy without being inappropriate for the event. The girls were displayed but my eye is drawn to your hair for some reason. Really well done. This is exactly how my sis does it.

As for goldgirl, please make sure you post a pic of your decision. I agree that they make so many underthings that can make that purple dress look really nice regardless of your cup size. I really think you should give it a try.

Personally, I am petite at 5'1" (I gave up adding the 1/2" when my 12 year old got taller than me this year) and 114 (normally 105 but figured I needed to gain a little to handle chemo this year). Even with great bra I don't think I could pull off the purple dress. I really think it belongs on someone with curves. It would just hang on me. So many women wish they were "smaller". I never thought I would come to a time in my life when I wished I was actually a little "bigger" because so many things on me look like I am a little girl wearing my mom's clothes, and I am almost 44.

Sue, I realize that this is probably too late to use for this upcoming event, but you may want to check it ~ and the book~ out for later. Yesterday I caught Rachel Ray's show and she had a segment based on Charla Krupp's new book, "How To Never Look Fat Again". She has Sharla on there, along with several plus-size gals and their before & after shots. Although I'm not plus-sized myself, my waist could use a miracle to look decent again and not "muffin-topped" as Charla calls it. Anyhoo, the advice she gave was great and the Before & After shots made a believer out of me!
Here's a link to that on the show's website:
"Rachel Ray segment"
Lynn

I see that they haven't listed all the great ideas that Charla mentioned. But, having seen the show myself yesterday, I strongly recommend anyone wanting to dress "slimmer" buy the book. And no, I don't know the author . . . I was just VERY impressed with her ideas ;^D

Whew, marathon shopping trip on my day off from school :) I've ended up buying a bunch of stuff, some of which I'll return, but most of which I'll keep so I'm not in the position again of trying to shop last minute, with no time! The problem was I've been stuck between my former reporter wardrobe (what I wore before going back to school) and student wardrobe, with nothing in between.

I started in Nordstrom, but this time went to a mall a bit further away that is much larger/higher-end. I thought this dress was perfect for future internships I'll do in law firms, etc. It's beautifully made, right for my body type and very comfortable - in fact, I bought a second version in the same style. With the right jewelry and shoes, I could even wear this Saturday if I'm not in the mood to wear a long dress. (It's a bit longer on me than the model.)

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While I was at Nordstrom, I happened to ask the saleswoman if they had shawl, and she happened to have this one right next to where we were standing. The photo doesn't do it justice, but it's perfect for the long black gown - shear and wispy vs. the heavier Pashima. I feel covered enough to feel comfortable, but not too covered. I would tie it much lower than in the photo so the top of the dress shows.

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I have shoes I could wear, but wanted something a little more eveningish. Nordstrom had no dress shoes in wide widths (they used to, but now I believe you have to order online). I stopped by Payless on whim and found both of these for . . . $35 TOTAL.

These for Saturday:
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These for fun:{{gwi:1504828}}

Could never get through to Igigi on the phone and was worried about calling it so close time-wise, but I'm definitely going to give them a try.

Thank you all for your helpful advice!! Can't wait to hear the results of everyone else's recent clothing searches.

I love the dress you're wearing and the shawl will be perfect. The first pair of shoes are fantastic!!

IMHO, this outfit screams sexy and dramatic, so don't wimp out with small earrings. Invest in some dangly chandelier ones that can be seen from across the room.

Walk into the event holding your head high. I think your DH is going to have to fight off all the men who will be staring at you and wishing they were your escort!!!

I second mona's comments. Every single one of them! All in favor? Love everything you bought!

Ohhh! I like that dress! It came from Nordstrom's? Do you mind sharing who makes it? Was it fairly reasonable in price? I've got a wedding to go to next week and am totally stuck for something to wear.

Nice choices, well done!

laexpat - the Nordstrom link is below. It's available in regular sizes online, I was in the plus-size department at the store. Mine was an 18, which was $20 more.

Here is a link that might be useful: Nordstrom Dress

That Nordstrom's dress is fabulous! Very classy and timeless.

I like the first one with a shawl. But, I think a lighter weight less bulky shawl is in order. A triangular shape worn longer on one side and have the ends overlap and pinned at the shoulder. This allows the drape of the dress to show without being too bulky. By overlap I mean a half knot with a pretty pin holding it together. This allows your hands and arms freedom of movement without losing your shawl.

goldgirl, how was the Barrister's Ball?

Give us the details so we can live vicariously through your description of the evening.

Thanks, Mona! I want to know too!

I've delayed answering because I didn't want to disappoint everyone, but I wasn't able to go due to illness. Woke up that morning with a migraine-type headache and spent most of the day in bed :(

But please don't think your advice was all for naught, because I have an even more important event in a couple of weeks with the Historical Society of the U.S. Supreme Court in D.C. I'm going to wear the Nordstrom jacket dress above, but I need to buy jewelry - I'm thinking pearls?

Thank you all for your help!

goldgirl, I ordered that purple dress in two sizes (actually one in teal, the did not have purple in the smaller size). It just shipped today, I can't wait to see them. I'm SO glad you posted this because I never would have found that dress, so it wasn't for nothing.

BUT I'm sorry you didn't get to go to your event (since it's not all about me). The next one sounds wonderful though!

Oh, goldgirl! I am so sorry! Glad you will have a chance to wear a new outfit soon.

Can one ever go wrong with pearls? hat said, how about a flashy pair of brightly colored shoes with that outfit? Pink, red, apple green, etc.? Or maybe even a bright purse... Right, Mona?

Sorry you didn't make the Ball. Good thing is that you've already got your outfit for the next function.