Funky, those $30 dresses are cute. Isn't it annoying when the sale goes into effect right after you pay more for it?!!

If it's within a certain time frame, you can call and get reimbursed the difference. Usually, there is a two-week window.

Linelle, what I like about the above dress is that it could carry you through all the seasons. It looks like it can be dressed up or down. And, even though the hem is unusual, which I like, it is not that trendy that you can't wear it for years to come.

I have been known to stalk an item that I am waiting to go on sale. You can actually call and ask how many are in stock. Then, you can gauge how long to wait.

Since this wedding is in October, you still have time to see what else is out there.

My DD's sometimes buy what they call a backup dress. It's something that they keep in their closet, but keep looking. Sometimes, something better comes along, but in the meantime, they feel they have something.

ETA: a friend just bought a dress and it came with a clip and note on the hem. If you remove the clip, it's yours and you can't return it. I haven't dressed shopped in a while so this is the first that I have seen this.

Good for the stores to figure out a way to stop people from wearing and returning these special occasion dresses.

Eld, yes, the backup dress! Not really The One but perfectly okay if TO never turns up. Old Faithful.

Eld, yes, they are usually good about making good on sale prices-- but this is a flash sale so I don't think it applies. I DID try to call.. but a message stated they weren't taking calls on existing orders due to the promotion. I could just reorder them.. it's probably worth it for the $40 bucks but I haven't done it.

Yes, Lord & Taylor uses the clip/tag for returns.

I'd be thrilled if I could just find one dress that I love that will work for both an Oct wedding and also a formal event in December. I like the dress you posted Linelle because it COULD do double duty with a change of shoes and jewelry.

I like the one you posted as well, Linelle. And, I really like the ones that funky posted the $45 Nordstrom Rack ones. I do like most of what was posted (love the metallic skirt and tops) but the dresses are just so much simpler; they fit or they don't and then just accessorize. Also love the prices.

I've spent a little time looking and boy am I unhappy with what I'm finding. I have a feeling my viking sewing machine is going to be busy before the October wedding I have to attend!

I spent some time virtual shopping for you and I could not find a thing. So odd. Everything was dowdy, bland or crazy. Nothing in between. Maybe the selection will get better next month.

dowdy, bland or crazy

Ain't that the truth. Either super dowdy or peephole cutouts. What is so compelling about a shoulder joint peeking out?

There's a newish Nordstrom Rack in town and I went in it once. It wasn't what I expected. It was like Ross but with higher price tags. What am I missing? I guess I just don't like the thrill of the hunt, at all.

I have a couple more local places to look. I think I might just order that black Talbot's dress. If it doesn't work out, I can return it to my local Talbot's.

I'm not having any luck either. Thought I would try to get some things on sale for December events. Not that I go to many dressier functions...but I do need a few things. I'm not big on dresses but wanted a skirt and top with one or the other with some metallic. Decided on a metallic pleat skirt and did a lot of reading and looking. I like the ones that are not too short or long and that would fall around my knee somewhere. One can go very wrong with this trend because the very cheap ones can look cheesy. All the skirts that have good reviews and are better quality in the moderate price range are sold out EVERYWHERE.

So, I'm done. Fed up! I think I probably need to see it in person anyway. Might go to the dreaded mall.

I just ordered the Talbot's dress. I hunted around and found a 25% off coupon, so I saved about $35. Although I usually buy petites, I ordered it in misses to get another 1-2 inches in length. Someone who reviewed it said it was a bit short.

I checked out my other Macy's and JCPenney today. Sad. Well, I guess it wasn't sad if you want sleeveless and short. There were a ton of cute dresses that fit that bill. Everything out there still looks quite summer-y.

It didn't help that I hate my hair today.

I'll check in when the dress arrives.

The biggest problem is that stores only stock what they KNOW will sell. They have more online --but then you have potential returns to deal with.

i like the talbots dress. Hope it works out!

Funky, thanks. I hope I like it too. Of course you're right about stocking what sells, or else the stores wouldn't be full of that stuff. I found it depressing and just wanted to get out of there.

August doesn't seem to be a great month to buy dresses. Maybe it's because everything is in transition from summer to fall and the stores are trying to get rid of all their summer merchandise. I get all these coupons in August because it's my birthday month, but never find anything worth buying.

Outside, you can say that again.

Update: The Talbot's dress arrived yesterday and was returned today. Ugh, just ugh.

In fairness, I ordered a size larger than I should have and it was obviously too big on me. But. It screamed Boring Dowager Aunt. The neck facing wanted to pop out and if I lifted my arms just so, the whole upper back section rose up like a giant bat. And I do not like that Ponte material at all. It's very heavy for how it looks.

At least I could return it to my local Talbot's without having to pay return shipping, which really is insult on top of insult.

Poop. Back to the drawing board. I really want separates, like a black top with 3/4 sleeves and a colorful full-ish skirt.

mdln, that skirt is okay. I was thinking a little more color/pizazz which I think I could pull off it it's on the bottom and not near my face.

Saw it and posted because you said, "I love stripes!" Agree, more color & pizazz would be nice.

You're right, I do love stripes. It might be the colors I'm reacting to.

I revisited a couple of my local stores today (J.Jill and Talbot's) and was struck by how everything looks like summer. Everything's sleeveless. I do not like the skin on my upper arms so anything sleeveless would need a wrap of sorts and that doesn't seem an auspicious way to start. When does fall stuff come into the stores? It's not like I live in the sticks.

So sorry about the dress. I had a feeling it would be too big.

Wait a few weeks. Fall things should be coming in soon.

Are you near an Ann Taylor?

eld, thanks. Unfortunately the nearest Ann Taylor is in SF, an hour away plus nightmare parking.

Funny thing about the dress sizing. Twelve years ago I was a Talbot's 4. Sizes shift so much I was fearful theirs had too, so that's why I ordered a 6, and not a petite. What was I thinking? I may not like the dress, but I must say that Talbot's run true to size.

And did I say Ponte is weird? So heavy. I was hoping crepe weight. The ruffle at the hem was a feeble attempt to make the dress "fun." Fun it was not.

Linelle, this might be a long shot but there is a site called ChicWish that has many pages of skirts. However, the catch is that they are all only around $39 so...might be good with a nice top and shoes or might be cheesy.

The only place I could find a 3/4 is at a site called bodybark. The tops are made from beech trees and supposedly have a soft denser weave. I like the mock turtleneck even though it's not the 3/4 sleeve.

Not sure I would wear the 3/4" sleeve top because it might make my breasts look too large but it would be great for small breasts.

JTL, thanks! I like the striped skirt. It's more what I had in mind. I don't mind short sleeves, although I think 3/4 are prettier. Maybe not a turtleneck, mock or otherwise, for this occasion.

Sorry it didn't work out for you-- I am not a fan of ponte either.

When I read your description of what you want, the first place I thought of was Soft Surroundings. Typically, I'd think it might be too casual.. but I am remembering you like sorta boho .. and that the wedding is fairly casual and in CA. I've never worn them but I know people who do. I have bought bedding from them and the quality was better than I expected.

Again, these may be too boho casual but I chose a few based on the colors you have mentioned.

Funky, those are pretty outfits. I don't really use "boho" to describe things, but I see what you mean. I would rather err on the side of boho than Kate Smith.

My SIL swears by Dress Barn. Looks like almost everything here is under $100.

http://www.dressbarn.com/abstract-print-knit-dress/prd-103060802#color/406

I hear ya on the mock or turtlenecks. I was influenced by an artical I read on upcoming trends. They did look pretty stylish with a statement necklace and even elegant when in black. Don't think my neck is long enough...maybe a mock...

Cool belts are coming back. I had one like this in the early eighties.

Simple, but I think this could be dressed up, is this too short?

Garnet Hill has some great dresses and separates that are on the casual side, but may work for your event.

I love GH, too. I have this EF dress and it's easy to add accessories, etc, to jazz it up, but it's simple enough that you'll probably wear it many other times. Totally worth the price IMO.

http://www.garnethill.com/eileen-fisher-organic-cotton-ballet-neck-dress/womens-fashion/dresses/117650?&defattribvalue=main

Hmmm, Garnet Hill *does* have some nice things. I like your dress, Sueb, and also this one. Pricey, but this is *the* color for me. A little short, but perfect sleeves. Will need to think about these.

I'm going to take another try at this. It took a while because apparently I find dressed priced $500-3000 much easier to chose......not to buy.

http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/maggy-london-lace-midi-dress/4517923?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=NAVY%2F%20IVORY

Thanks 1929. I'm going to Nordstrom in the next week or so. The blue dress with bell sleeves is very cute, except it seems to only come in primary blue which I so cannot wear.

ooh I like the nordstrom one which comes in YOUR color. looks lovely.............?

I walked up and down the mall the other day looking for a dress. It's "tween" season and I walked out sadly empty.

This dress is along the lines of the one above, but is available in black:

The black one above is the original one I shared. Unfortunately the price went back up after the anniversary sale.

Sheila, the dress is actually from Garnet Hill. I don't mind the price, but wish I could try it on without paying for shipping to and fro.

In my experience, GH runs a little on the small side, I'm a 10 or 12, and tall, but in their stuff I'm an XL (full disclosure: I cannot abide tight clothing and won't wear spankx). The quality and service are great, and I've bought clothing, bedding (their Portugal made sheets, percale and flannel, are the best!), house stuff, a rug and kids clothing when my kiddo was young, all wore like iron and were worth the money, and they also have great sales.

Check out saksoff5th.com. When you search their site, choose the option that will edit the search from low to high in price so you're not wasting time on big ticket items. There were some good buys, but not all sizes are available.

Also check out Marksandspencer.com. It's a store in the U.K. A woman mentioned it in the comment section after an article I read about fashion for women over 50. I can't remember if she was originally from the U.K. or Australia, but she said she was able to find more things with longer sleeves in the U.K. than shopping in the states and recommended that website. It says on the website you get free shipping over a certain amount and returns are mailed to an address in the United States. I don't know anything about the quality, but the prices weren't bad.

Linelle, it seems like you are going for some knits that aren't bodycon or figure hugging. I know you tried jjill but have you looked at what they have online?

This doesn't come in your perfect red but it's in black and gray in petites

Funky, that's a cute dress. Do you have a link to it? For the life of me, I can't find it on their website. Under "New Arrivals" it says "The Perfect Summer." It's like they aren't even geared up for fall yet.

Tie front dress

That looks like a nice dress and it's 30% off. It's available in gray and black.

I'm watching this thread with interest because I have a memorial service to attend next month and have been dress shopping with no luck. It's hard when it is the in between season.

Shoot! I went to order the dress and the pumps shown with it and the black medium sold out in the time I was shopping :-(

Act swiftly Linelle!

ohtoo bad, Bonnie.. though my experience with the wearever line is that it runs big. Perhaps you can try a small?

Linelle, sorry-- I should have thought to include the link. Glad Bonnie jumped in!

I am tempted to give it a try also--not likely for the wedding but there's always a reason for a black dress and I don't have a great one.

Well, I survived the wedding and my dress turned out to be perfect for the crowd and venue. I think I only posted it on JTL’s funeral attire thread so here it is. INC on sale $70, and it’s even less now. I’m not a gazelle so it was just above my knees. Wore a longish mixed medal pendant. Flared sleeves are super cute. I actually like this dress and will wear it again

Nice!

Great dress, did you wear 4 inch heels too? If so, I am very impressed :)

Hah, no. 3-inch I think, but sensible Clark’s. Hey, I’m limited with my wide feet. They were okay for most of the night and then rebelled. I brought cute flats and changed into them. I doubt anyone noticed.

Thanks for the update! That’s a super cute dress and I bet you rocked it.

Jo

Thanks Jo. I’m soooo glad I brought 3 pairs of pantyhose with me. Hue brand can take a flying leap. Thank God for Hanes.