Figure-flattering dress is perfect for bridesmaids: Clotheslines
By Special to The Plain Dealer
December 16, 2009, 8:25AM
By Marylou Luther
Dear Marylou: In planning for my August wedding, I would love to find bridesmaids' dresses in the same style but available in six different colors. My family and friends range in size from 4 to 12 -- all well-proportioned in heights ranging from 5-foot-1 to 5-foot-7 and ages from 31 to late 40s. I'm going to pay for the dresses and do not want to get involved with sewing the dresses from a pattern. (Finding one fabric in six colors would probably make that impossible anyway.) Any ideas? -- B.J.L., Warm Springs, Ga.
Dear B.J.L.: The dress illustrated here was not intended as a bridesmaid's dress, but its figure-accommodating design and the fact that it's available in 50 colors, sizes 4 to 14, makes it worthy of your consideration.
The fabric is Taroni's silk faille with crinoline that can either match or contrast with the color of the dress. New York designer Shalini calls this style her classic -- one that's been in her collection for five years. She attributes its longevity not only to its timelessness but also to the fact that it looks good on so many different figure types.
"It's also a great dress for dancing," says Shalini, who says it takes four to six weeks for delivery. (I would add that probably because it isn't a bridesmaid's dress by design, it doesn't have the limitations of a walking-down-the-aisle dress.) For more information, write to Shalini, 363 W. 18th St., New York, NY 10011.
Dear Marylou: The club my husband and I belong to celebrates Valentine's Day with a major black-tie event. By then, my friends will have seen all my best evening dresses. Where can I find a dressy dress worthy of the occasion for less than $100 -- maybe $150, tops? Or is this feasible? I am 34, size 4, 5-foot-6. -- E.H., Littleton, Colo.
Dear E.H.: It is if you shop in the lingerie aisles. Right now, Victoria's Secret (1-800-888-8200 or victoriassecret.com) offers a truly Valentine's Day-worthy black slip made of imported nylon mesh and lace.
This low calf-length slip of (Page 42 of the current catalog) has adjustable straps and a deep side slit. Sizes are XS-L. The price: $58. You could add some bling by replacing the straps with sequined straps.
Or you might want to consider the silk paisley print pajamas at saks.com or 1-800-
347-9177. Worn with strappy sandals and a jeweled belt, the champagne-colored pjs could easily be the toast of the ballroom. Or you could wear the pants with the decorative top of your choice -- a sequined T-shirt, for example. The pajamas-cum-black-tie duo are $175, sizes XS-XL.
Dear Marylou: This request is not exactly the kind you might expect for your column, but I'm hoping that with your sources, you might be able to find old-fashioned slipper sox. Recent searches have produced nothing. -- M.L.S., North Royalton.
Dear M.L.S.: I found three possibilities. FootSmart (1-800-870-7149 or footsmart.com) shows a pair of "cozy slipper socks" on the cover of its holiday catalog. The socks are made of 100 percent wool with treaded soles. They come in women's shoe sizes 7-13 and men's 6-12½ for $18.99 in black, natural, charcoal and warm red.
On page 15 there's another pair at $12.99 made with acrylic uppers, "memory foam footbeds," polyester fleece linings and treaded soles. Mary Jane-style straps with button closures secure them to your feet. One size fits women's shoe sizes 5-10 in gray, pink or purple.
In the current Vermont Country Store catalog (Box 6998, Rutland, VT 05702), page 94, you will see leather-soled slipper socks made of 85 percent wool, 13 percent nylon and 2 percent spandex as well as tweed slipper socks made of 93 percent cotton and 7 percent spandex. ''They're also available at vermontcountrystore.com.
Luther welcomes questions for use in this column but regrets she cannot answer mail personally. Send your questions to: Clotheslines, Fashion Department, The Plain Dealer, 1801 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114
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