The MOB dress has been found! Hooray!I really appreciated all the wonderful tips (and encouragement) from my previous post, Mama Trauma. When Mama Peppermint and I set out to find her dress, I was definitely nervous. I imagined hours of disappointment and frustration as we searched for something that would fit the bill. In truth, we did have some low-points, but all in all, we found a winner and actually had a great time shopping!
I have to second the tip to avoid bridal salons. The selection was modest and the prices were very high. Granted, we only browsed a small number of bridal salons with MOB dresses, but from that limited experience, we were disappointed.
When we arrived at the mall, our first stop was Nordstrom’s. I have to agree with Miss Corn, the selection was very limited. Online we had found a few things, but none of that was in the store! Fortunately, we managed to remain hopeful and continued on our way…
We went into Macy’s expecting to suffer the same disappointment that Nordstrom’s had brought us. I’m happy to say that it was not the case. They not only had a separate petite section with a wide array of special occasion dresses, but they also had reasonable prices. After trying on a number of dresses that we liked (imagine that–options when it comes to a MOB dress!?!), we found a winner. It’s funny because, just like wedding gowns, my mom ended up settling on a dress she never thought she would pick. She originally wanted tea-length in perhaps a darker color. But, after trying it on, we both fell in love with this long, gold (not too shiny!) dress by “Xscape by Joanne Chen” for $156. I couldn’t find any photos online, but here are some to give you an idea:
We also found a more casual option that my Mom will wear to the rehearsal dinner and our welcome party. It’s from Coldwater Creek, the tiered leaf print dress ($79): 
We also got the matching wrap:
Woot! Thanks for sharing this info — I am mentally preparing myself already for when I go out with my mom!
i like it! a lot. your mom will look great in that xscape dress.
Very pretty! Your momma is smokin’! I like the weddding-day outfit a lot since it’s very figure flattering and not wretched, boxy and matronly.
oh my mom found a great dress there too! and it was the only one left in her size! it was so meant to be!
your momma has one hot body! and that outfit totally works for her, or should i say, she totally works that outfit! both of them!
Now THAT - FINALLY - is a nice MOB outfit!!!
I’m kinda thinking of not shopping for a “MOB” dress with my mom but just a “special occasion” outfit and see how that changes salespeople’s perceptions of what would be appropriate. I think we’ll get some better options. And we’re going to just shop the regular eveningwear shops and department stores instead of bridal salons, I am appalled at the typical MOB options as well!
My mom had good luck w/ the lace overlay look. Very forgiving, and covered-up (age-appropriate) without being overly modest.
Wow! The dress looks beautiful!
congrats!! that is one of the nicest MOB dresses i’ve ever seen! great find!
ooh you’ve got such a hot mamma! and she looks like she’s workin’ the dresses 
hehe. yay!
Wow is that really your mom? She’s smoking!!
She’s pretty darn saucy in those shots - lucky Papa Peppermint! hehe!
Your mom has a great figure and poses like a model!
I love the rehersal dinner dress. It is a perfect, yet cute, look for mom! Job well done!
Your mom looks great! Both dresses are very lovely on her. I’m happy that you were able to find dresses and the crisis was averted!
Aww…your mom is so cute! Love both of the dresses.
Thanks for this post - I’m taking my mom shopping for her dress after my gown fitting on Friday . . . yes, it’s 3 1/2 weeks till the wedding and she STILL can’t decide on dress - Macy’s sounds like our first stop!
Beautiful! Congrats.
We did notice that there was much more selection in petites. Unfortunately, no one in my family is petite. The shortest one of us gals is 5′9″.
Miss Peppermint, LA/Palm Springs
Age and Occupation: 23, Actress
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Web Producer
Engagement Date: October 21, 2006
Wedding Date: December 2007
Blogging Since: July 2, 2007
Venue: historic estate overlooking the heart of Palm Springs
About Me: I am a Southern California native who enjoys cooking, writing, travel and all things in the arts. Mr. Peppermint and I met in college and he proposed on our four year anniversary in one of our most special places, Joshua Tree National Park. We're having a destination wedding in Palms Springs that will incorporate tradition as well as reflect our personalities!
The gold is perfect–hot mama!