We interrupt this generally one-post-a-day site to bring you the following-
My project has been nominated for the highest award in Dream Job. This is a very cool thing and I hope we win, but because of this I have to attend a black tie dinner event Wednesday night at the Natural History Museum in London with the landed gentry and a chap that was knighted by the Queen not so long ago. For this, I had to buy a dress (the last two black tie events I went to I wore my blue hemp dress. I still love that dress to bits, only I really felt it was time for a new black tie dress to enter the competition).
I am not a posh girl, I’m not good at black tie. And since I’m a bit anti-establishment, I didn’t buy black for the black tie (instead I bought two things, as I couldn’t make my mind up in the shop and they were both on sale).
I have bought two items after much fraught debating and deciding. The dress I liked the mostest was unavailable in my size, and unfortunately the dress in my size had a snag in the delicate fabric. Since this event is two days away (meaning I have a meeting in London in the morning, then the Weakest Link audition where I will change into the black tie event after the audition, then this do) I unfortunately have no time to go hunting for the dress I liked the mostest (and that’s the last time I will opt for poor grammar. From now on, it’s totally unintentional).
So I need your help, and as such I will leave this post up tomorrow as well to see if I can find an answer.
I have option A and option B, and I need to know which one to wear. Please pretend that I am wearing, for example, jewelry, high heels, make-up other than lip gloss, that my hair is done up nicely and my arms covered by a nice scarf. Oh, and that I’m wearing a bra and scary pants, since holding things in is a must. Pretend I am wearing those.
Please let me know which one is better, option A (a jade-colored Grecian low-backed number. It is a very bright jade color, which doesn’t show on the pictures as it needed the flash to show up, and I am so winter white that should I post it on the web an ambulance would turn up to cart me off for blood transfusions) or option B (a black ruched chiffon sparkly strapped top and an iridescent pale green skirt).
I’ve got 24 hours to narrow it down. I could use the help, Angus and I both have a favorite. Which would you wear if you were going to a massive black tie awards dinner with a knighted chap in one of London’s finest museums (and please don’t answer “I wouldn’t wear those, I’d wear Prada”, as…you know…I’m not posh)?
Thanks for this.
-H (aka the Trinny and Susannah hater, but someone that can’t pick out her own clothes anyway).
UPDATED-I was trying them both on and deliberating when Angus told me to come outside, that the sunlight would show the real colors of everything. So I threw a bra on, put on a scarf and jewelry, and gave it a try (the hair appointment is tomorrow morning as this hairstyle here? The ponytail? This is the limit of my abilities, and since I have a big round Asian face I try to avoid the ponytail at all costs.)
Final shots of Dress A and B. Personally, I think I’ve made a choice, I’m just interested in the panel of experts here for their weigh-in. I’m sorry for being a pain and your comments are fantastic. To be honest, I’m most comfortable in my pajamas. I’m feeling really, really insecure about dressing up tomorrow. I don’t do black tie. I do cheeky monkey pajama bottoms and toe socks.
Dress Option A (with the wrong scarf but I can’t find the right one right now!)
And Dress Option A from the side
Dress Option B
And Dress Option B from the side
Go on – just watch this for the NSPCC!
Make me feel loved! Go on! Sign the Guest Map!
A! Looks more sophisticated IMHO. Love the color. All in all, if you’re like me, you’ll decide in the shower right before leaving! Either way, have fun and enjoy the event. Just remember that everyone will be going through the same clothing dilemna themselves.
.. A…. most definitely…..
I like “A” For me, pale skin and bold color clothes look good together.
Either one will be nice, but I really prefer option B. I love the color of the skirt and the cut of the top seems more posh and formal to me.
Congratulations on the nomination – I HOPE you WIN!
Oh, dear Lord. You are a fucking goddess, cut it out! And that’s coming from a gal who used to be quite a babe.
Both are stunning, dear, but I strongly suggest option B. You look absolutely terrific in it, and it looks like it was made for you.
CONGRATULATIONS!
BBBBBBB!!!!!!!
B please
I like B, but WonderfulBoyfriend likes A…lol…either way, you’re a winner!!!
Really interesting to see the totally opposite viewpoints on the same dresses!
FWIW, my instantaneous choice was A. The V of the neckline is so much more flattering, especially with your height and elegant neck, and would be even more dramatic with an updo.
I’m gonna seriously get my ass shot off here, but B looks almost matronly to me (the dress, not the model!).
B is ‘nice’.
A is ‘take no prisoners’.
This is almost as painful as trying to help models pick wardrobe for fashion shoots – painful! It’ll be interesting to hear how your and Angus’s preferences play out.
More kudos on the nomination.
Paul
Really interesting to see the totally opposite viewpoints on the same dresses!
FWIW, my instantaneous choice was A. The V of the neckline is so much more flattering, especially with your height and elegant neck, and would be even more dramatic with an updo.
I’m gonna seriously get my ass shot off here, but B looks almost matronly to me (the dress, not the model!).
B is ‘nice’.
A is ‘take no prisoners’.
This is almost as painful as trying to help models pick wardrobe for fashion shoots – painful! It’ll be interesting to hear how your and Angus’s preferences play out.
More kudos on the nomination.
Paul
I like them both, but if I had to pick one…B it would be.
My DH says A. Definitely.
And I just realized that A is the color of the bridesmaid dresses at my wedding. Good thing you don’t have to dye shoes to match, that was a nightmare….
A.
Good luck
I think A and my husband says B so we cancel each other out and are no help at all!
Also, not that it’s on topic, but I just found you last week, and I love your blog:) I know that doesn’t help with the dress decision, but I figured props on your openness and your writing can’t hurt either!
You look really pretty in both ensembles. I think I lean a bit more towards B – but that’s probably about my own unmet want of a long shimmery taffeta skirt to call my own. In any case, the good news is you can’t go wrong with either one. And how KICK ASS that you’re receiving some well-deserved recognition!
Congrats on the Nomination!
My vote goes for dress A!
well..Paul is right, except that he has it
ABSOLUTELY BACKWARDS. :)
B is definitely the sexier and more ‘evening elegant’ of the two.
still, they’re both great and either dress will be fab as long as you feel comfortable and confident in it.. so you can’t
go wrong either way.
plus, also remember that in gowns like these it’s a bonus to be tall and long legged..so you already have the advantage. just add a sexy pair of heels, put your hair up, and you’re golden no matter which dress you choose!
Argh!
It’s still so close!
Dress A has 34 votes, dress B has 32 votes, and “both” has 7 votes.
Weirdly, I dreamt last night I did wear both, maybe I am channelling the Olsen twins or something.
I’m still looking for input. The hair will almost definitely be up for this event, the jewelry I have, the black strappy heels I have, the scarf over the arms I have.
It’s the dress I can’t decide on!
(and for the record? Angus likes dress B for exactly the reasons Lindsay listed-he imagines lifting the thick fabric and having a go at me from behind. He even made me take pictures to this effect which, obviously, are not on the page. Me? I liked dress A most but have been flip-flopping on that all night. Currently, my choice is Montana. I choose Montana, since I seem unable to pick a dress.)
Maybe I’m a bit late with this…but I’d go for B, unless it creases when you sit down, then I’d go for A. Not much help eh?!
I’d go “A”
Both are gorgeous, as, frankly, are you.
When you walked towards our hotel a few months ago, I remember thinking “Shit, she’s more beautiful in person than she is in pictures…”
I have an equisitely put-together girlfriend who gave me this advice years ago: wear what makes you feel wonderful.
So, is tehre one, a little more than the other, that you feel more lovely in?
Or, you know, is promised not to wrinkle?
Congratulations on the nomination, Helen. No one deserves it more. Fingers crossed :)
B
:)
abs x
pros of A: looks like a longer version of a M. Monroe dress (could be a pro for some, is it for you?), probably fewer people would wear it because it’s rather different from standard fare.
pros of B: more like standard fare.
Honestly, which one makes you feel the best?
I was going to say A first, but I think B might be a better choice for this event. Save option A for a really hot evening festival! YOu look fab in both, and congratulations for the nomination! Best of luck to you, always.
FWIW, I like B best and it seems more suited for the occasion. However, A is lovely and should you decide not to wear it to this event, will be lovely for something else.
Oh, and while I’m going on – look how long your hair is these days! Gorgeous, you are!
I think they are both gorgeous on you, but I think option B would be the best option for the event. Congrats on the nomination; heaven knows you certainly worked hard for it!
OK I have to go with A. But it is hard to see any detailing that might be there with such a dark pic. It looks more mature? B looks a little more prom-y, to me anyway!
I am delurking to let you know that I love the option B – looks very “black tieish!” (is that a word!) Congrats and good luck with both events!
I am totally in love with B….the color of the skirt is stunning, and the top emphasizes your bust with out putting them out to say HELLO!
Western NC votes for option A, with the shawl from “B”. How great to have two “can’t lose” dresses!
A for me. The cut & colour are so beautiful on you. Have fun!
B is more elegant.
Sticking with B! (But A is very nice as well)
Option A because the skirt will float out around your legs as you walk and make you feel gorgeous!! Also, in case you eat anything there, the waistline on the dress looks to be a little more forgiving than that on the skirt.
That said – both look AMAZING – you look beautiful (and so does the garden).
Good luck on the night!
i think “A” is more suiting for the event, but with a different colored wrap.
“B” is beautiful for a night out, but I don’t think it’s right for a black tie event. I think someone else said the wrap on B would go good with A. I’d have to see them together, but they may be right.
I really love option B b/c of the shiny bottom, so I’m voting for that one.
B for beautiful!!
Okay, I’m totally voting again. But it’s another day, so I get to.
A – Seriously, A is the perfect dress for you. It’s not a style that everyone could pull off but your height makes it look incredible. I wish I could wear a dress like that. I’m only 5’3, so I’d just look like a dumpy lampshade. You look great in the jewel tones, by the way. And don’t you know that pony tails are in? Don’t you watch E! Entertainment Television?
p.s. Today is my birthday and I’m claiming the right for my vote to count as ten.
option A
I like option A better. But not with that wrap.
Maybe it’s the lighting, I’m not sure. But the wrap looks like it clashes.
Upon further looking, I’m nearly positive that I wore B’s skirt in a wedding a few years ago. Still have it. Great skirt, but it’s a bridesmaid skirt to me. And while I think the top has potential, I think it comes up way too high on your chest. It smunches your baps down in a not-flattering way. You’ve got a great rack. It’s worthy of option A. Option B does not do it any favours.
I’m with Ms. Pants on this. The colour on option A is more flattering to your skin, and the lines on A are just all around more slimming and elegant to me.
Darnit! You gotta pick, hon – because now I like them both!
A-its you baby! Gorgeous! Now give us a turn, flip of the hair-work it!
Seriously, I love the way option A highlights your beautiful coloring and dark hair, plus it is a flattering in every way possible. You will look smashing!
You look gorgeous in both, but A is personally speaking to me. I have a thing for green, especially the jade shade, and it has a lovely neckline. Although I do have to say that I’m lusting for the wrap in option B.
Either way, you’ll be adorabale. Good luck in the award!
A suits your personality better.
B suits “black tie” better, but you seem to be a little more comfortable in this dress.
I like both…but you need to pick what you feel most beautiful and comfortable in. I don’t know if the sandles were intentional or not, but I would switch those out for some nice flats or short heels.
Voting for B again, A is pretty but looks too mother-of-the-bride. And I still think B is more black-tie…
A! I love love love it! A is more sophisticated, more fabulous. It’s a cut that one would see at a black tie, but in a striking colour that will set you apart.
Also, if you’re self-concious about being pale, i don’t think a black square top will help with that very much. the v neck and the colour of A will compliment your skin tone more than B.
it’s a beautiful dress….in fact, i want one now!
Still A
A: definately, the neckline works so much better on it than the straight line that B gives you.
with the scarf I like option A best – though it does need a different color scarf.