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Who doesn’t love shopping?? My FMIL’s search for a mother of the groom (MOG) gown continued, and she asked if I minded tagging along. Uhm, do I?! Our destination: King of Prussia Mall. It’s the largest mall on the East Coast—if we couldn’t find something among the high-end retailers and boutiques, we couldn’t find it anywhere. (Which turned out to be the case…)
Looking for a formal gown for a summer wedding isn’t easy in the winter. Most of the inventory was black or other dark colors. And since black is her go-to clothing color (borderline favorite), she wears it quite frequently. On the opposite end of the spectrum (hah!), there’s me. Wearing black suppresses my color-loving nature, so I avoid it. Keeping in mind that it is a summer wedding and she is not mourning the marriage of her son, I’ve asked her to please, pretty please, wear anything but black.
My mom, grandmother, and aunt found their gowns last summer. None of them wanted to take their chances and wait for the 2011 spring/summer collections. Mom is wearing this dress, only in deep pink.
London Times via Macy’s
On a previous shopping trip, FMIL found a navy Kay Unger dress that really flatters her shape, but she is continuing to look for something more cheerful and exciting.
In preparation for our shopping day, I scoured the Nordstrom and Neiman-Marcus websites (understanding what’s online isn’t always available in stores) with FMIL’s taste, desire for a short dress, and petite size in mind.
Another Kay Unger in pretty metallic rose via Saks Fifth Avenue
Adrianna Papel via Nordstrom
Adrianna Papel again via Nordstrom
JS Boutique via Nordstrom
One-shoulder gowns are very popular this year; however, this style does not work for her. We tried many different silhouettes and fabrics, and none of them were close to what we considered flattering.
Audrey in magenta & Slender in apricot via Anna Elyse
From my wedding binder’s magazine tear-outs of MOB/MOG dresses, I really liked this sassy one-shoulder Anna Elyse gown that comes in a veritable rainbow of colors and silhouettes, but the hassle of ordering online, shipping, etc. isn’t worthwhile. Also, as I said before, we discovered one-shoulder wouldn’t work.
Slightly frustrated and ever hopeful, we left the mall empty handed. (That never happens!) The wedding is less than three months away. I’m thinking we should stick with the navy Kay Unger dress she has and pair it with fun accessories.
Where did your MOG/MOB find her dress? Any tips for successful out-of-season dress shopping?
I believe that navy Kay Unger dress comes in bright pink. My mom is wearing that to my wedding. It’s a beautiful fun color and very flattering. She bought it in late February at Saks.
My mother found a goregous and figure flattering dress for our wedding at David’s Bridal. She was able to take it home with her that day. It is a long dress and she is going to have it shortned slightly. It looks absolutely amazing on her. Davids’s Bridal may have someting that may work for your FMIL. Patience and willingness to search the racks is a must if you go shopping here, though.
Love KOP! This is actually where my mother and I went shopping for her dress (and she tried on the Kay Unger in metallic rose ;)). We ended up getting her dress at Lord and Taylor (http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/womensapparel-dresses-Pink_Satin_Peplum_Dress-lordandtaylor/163165)
My mom found hers at JcPenney’s!
Spring is almost upon us so all the nice bright cheery dresses should be out ASAP!
My mom found hers in Glenside at a shop called Just for You Boutique. The shop cateres to more plus sized ladies, so I can’t promise that they have many petite options. Have you checked out Sterling’s Boutique in New Hope? (We went there and they had nada for my mom, but a whole lot of petite MOG/MOB dresses). My MIL ordered a lot of of dresses from Nordstroms, picked one and returned the rest in the store!
I love your ideas, can’t believe you didn’t find anything! I still haven’t started that part yet but am afraid it will not be easy…
My mom found her’s at the bridal shop that I purchased my dress. Mr. E’s mom found hers at another local store.
@angjesda: I’ll pass along the info on the bright pink version @ Saks. Thanks!
@Kcoleybear: I failed to mention FMIL does not like shopping, probably because it can be so difficult to find clothes that fit. Anything that requires too much time or patience wouldn’t work. Heck, if we were close to the same size, I would have previewed dresses for her!
@StrawberryBee: Ooo, I really like the dress your mom found. She’s a fashion forward momma if she’s wearing a dress with a peplum!
@Gerbera: Thank goodness spring is around the corner. I’ve spent hours online looking for fun dreses for the other wedding events; most of the inventory is still dark colors or the wrong fabrics. Bring on spring!
@rachaelrobin: If she isn’t sold on her navy Kay Unger dress, I’ll suggest ordering online from Nordstrom and doing returns locally. New Hope is a bit of a hike (1.5 hrs from me, 3.5 hrs from her).
@Miss Carousel: Neither could I. We were exhausted after that trip.
@Miss Elephant: I like the idea of buying at the bridal shop where you found your dress. Priscilla doesn’t carry MOB/MOG specific gowns but they do have several social occasion gowns. Problem is, most are black or more formal than we need.
If you decide to go with the navy dress, I think the color will complement your BM dresses so nicely! We looked at Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom for my Mom’s dress, but ended up purchasing it online.
Both my mom and FMIL found their dresses at overstock.com - crazy, right?
I love black and one of my colors is black, but I told both of them they could wear anything they wanted.
My mom picked a suit style dress with a shimmery green blouse and black skirt (it’s a dress, but looks like two pieces) and a black jacket with 3/4 sleeves.
FMIL got a purple cocktail dress with beaded cap sleeves. They’ll both look great!
That navy dress is really pretty, if the color works for you.
My mom is wearing the rose Kay Unger! She found it on sale at Neiman’s pretty recently. It’s really flattering because the drape in front conceals any momtummy and she can wear a regular bra. Happy hunting!
@Miss Tartlet & @periwinkle: After speaking with FMIL tonight (I told her to come on here and see all the comments), I think we’re sticking with the navy dress. The color works with the bridesmaids (yellow) and the suits (navy).
@bee_elle: Overstock? Wow, I had no idea they had clothes. I bet they got a super deal!
@hollisfair: The rose Kay Unger is pretty. I kinda like it for me…
What about a short bm dress from somewhere? They will likely come in a color you want!
Found my future mother in laws dress at Nordstrom Rack! Pain in the butt to go through, but got lucky and found a gorgeous chocolate brown chiffon Tadashi dress. Found jewelry and shoes the next weekend at a department store.
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Mrs. Pain au Chocolat, Wilmington, DE Age and Occupation: 29, Realtor Fiance's Age and Occupation: 34, Realtor Engagement Date: November 21, 2009 Wedding Date: June 2011 Venue: Greenville Country Club About Me: An ENFJ with an artistic streak who loves backgammon, sailing, graphic design, and sleeping in. Travel (near or far), good wine, and tasty food makes my heart sing. I'm a compulsive list-maker who lives to plan and organize. Mr. P and I have lived together for 4 years, all the while renovating our city townhome bit by bit. We're planning a whimsical, Anthropologie-inspired garden wedding in June 2011.
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