OK here's the scoop: I'm going to be a bridesmaid at an upcoming wedding and I need a dress! I've never purchased or shopped for a gown before, haven't even tried one on.

So if anyone has or know good sites, or tips about the process, I could seriously use some of that! Or if you wanna shop online and see something that you think I should take a look at, link away!

Specifications:
Size 12 dress size
Color: Royal Blue
Length: Tea or Floor length (floor preferred)

About the Dress: I can't outshine the bride (naturally), need something classy not slutty or overly sexy (aka appropriate and respectful). No see-thru dresses. Lace is good, as are something with sleeves (I need to minimize my 'guns').

Here are a couple of examples of things that were looking as strong possibilities so far:
Bride thought this was great, and I agreed but I'm not so sure about this site but check it out to see what I'm talking about: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Vestidos-Formales-Free-Shipping-Chiffon-Mermaid-With-Sleeve-Navy-Blue-Mother-Of-The-Bride-Dresses-Plus/1709080459.html

http://www.dreamypromdress.com/cheap-prom-dress-evening-gown-30158.html (diff color than what is shown here, but this style was also considered acceptable)

I really like the first one, but I'm hesitant to order from China-Ebay to be honest. If I could find something just like this on a site I trust more, or a place that could make it (hence why I'm asking for help here) that would be preferable.

I just figured I'd post a fun oriented thread where fellow chicas could get their inner girl groove on safely, and see who else likes to shop and wouldn't mind helping me to find something nice. Help appreciated! 

You might ask the bride where she is purchasing her dress because sometimes they also carry bridesmaids dresses as well. Sometime the brides pick out the style they want the bridesmaids wear in order for the wedding to look uniform. That can be a problem if it's a style you don't look good in. It appears you bride isn't all that controlling.

i really like the one on the first link you posted you should try that one!

You are going to have so much fun, I was maid of honour at a wedding last year it was such a good time. I like taffeta dresses but you might not because of the no sleeves.

I would recommend not buying online. Especially if you're looking for a dress with sleeves. Your arm frame is probably a bit bigger, and there could easily be some fit issues. And lace isn't really something you can get tailored. I like the first dress a lot more than the second dress. It's younger, sexier(without being too sexy), and the color works a lot better with your skin tone.

And the first has a delicious hint of soap opera that makes me love it!

But seriously, there are some great dresses out there in Navy Blue and if you have free reign then there are so many options. Like, so many.

Here are some tips that might help in choosing something to hide your "fat arms" (website's words) and tip 5 (a shawl, jacket, etc.) was one I would have recommended myself if you are very conscious of them.  I say this because that doesn't limit your dress options - a lot of bridesmaid dresses don't have sleeves, so if you can get a good style / colour match with an accessory that hides your arms, then you have more choice!

You could think a bit about the core of what you would like... like an image of you in the kind of dress you'd like...

then you could have a look at second hand stores...
looking around at regular ones...
and there are ones specialized in brides outfit and evening fashion... you could have a look there.

Its possible you find something cute and well fitting but not in the exact colour you'd like...
I'd say go with how comfortable you feel with it then...


hugs