Where do I find this outfit?

[Sarah CB]

I'm going to an opening of a wing of a museum.  The wing commemorates a certain battle in WWI.  Apparently the Princess Royal will be there.  I'm supposed to wear a dress - the colour must be regimental blue.  I can also wear a hat and gloves, if I like.  

 

I have two challenges.  One, is that there really is no shopping where I live.  I'll have to order online.

 

The second, is that I'm in the midst of losing weight, but I have no idea how successful I'm going to be by July 1.  I've lost 17lbs in the last six weeks, but really don't want to speculate on how much more I can lose by July.  So, I'll have to either order from somewhere that can ship in a couple of days or maybe order two sizes and ship one back.

 

I'm really looking forward to this event but have no idea where to even start looking.  And, gloves?  Where does one buy gloves?  And what kind of hat??

[Um_2_4]

Wedding shop

Bridesmaids section

Mother of the brides section on a department store website

 

gloves on amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_ex_n_0?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Awomen%27s+formal+gloves&keywords=women%27s+formal+gloves&ie=UTF8&qid=1464195839

 

hats on amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=women%27s+formal+hats&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Awomen%27s+formal+hats

 

blue hats: http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=women%27s++blue+formal+hats&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Awomen%27s++blue+formal+hats

 

 

blue dresses on amazon (some have free returns so you could order a couple and return the others): http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=women%27s++blue+formal+dress&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Awomen%27s++blue+formal+dress

 

 

[Sarah CB]

More info - it's at 1:30pm, so not an evening event.

 

Is this regimental blue?  

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/betsey-johnson-puffed-sleeve-scuba-sheath-dress/4407815?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=ROYAL%20BLUE 

 

Ok - it says royal blue.  I googled and I think royal blue is close to regimental blue (or the same??).

 

Or how about this?

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-polka-dot-jersey-faux-wrap-dress-regular-petite/3767306?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=NAVY 

 

Is it too casual?

Edited May 25, 2016 by Sarah CB

[Laura Corin]

Not that you need to match The Princess Royal's dress sense, but the royals of her generation tend to go for tailored rather than stretch or flowing.  In addition, if some of the ceremony is outside, then tailored is easier than flowing if the wind blows.  

 

 

[MrsMommy]

I can't help, but I just wanted to say that it sounds like a really cool event!

[wendy not in HI]

http://www.shabbyapple.com/shop/nutcracker-dress-blue/

 

I attended an event recently, and someone was wearing this dress. I totally love it!  It would look great with gloves!  

 

I'm not sure what regimental blue is.  This dress is somewhere between Navy blue and royal blue...

 

Anyway, this is a great dress.  I think I might buy it for myself just in case I happen to open a museum with a princess in the near future...

[madteaparty]

Jcrew tea length dresses?

https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/dresses/weartowork/promotion-dress/F0759?color_name=navy

https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/dresses/weartowork/sheath-dress-in-italian-stretch-wool/C9102?color_name=cerulean-cove

Also look under "weddings and parties" for non-work look alike dress, like https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/weddingsandparties/allbridesmaid/julia-dress-in-classic-faille/C2952

[Um_2_4]

I thought regimental blue was navy blue???

 

I think the 2nd dress is too casual.

[Ravin]

I like the first of the JCrew dresses and the one Wendy suggested. Either would be quite appropriate from the sound of it. I'm pretty sure also that regimental blue = Navy blue. Royal blue is lighter/brighter.

[goldberry]

Jcrew tea length dresses?

https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/dresses/weartowork/promotion-dress/F0759?color_name=navy

 

Wow, that one's gorgeous!

[Mbelle]

Are just you wearing this color or is everyone wearing the same color?  Like  a white party except blue instead?  

[lailasmum]

I'm pretty sure regimental blue is somewhere between royal blue and navy blue. Not as strong a colour as royal blue but not as dark as navy. I'd probably go navy though if you couldn't find the right colour. 

[prairiewindmomma]

Here's a navy fascinator: http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_087010623643_-1

[justasque]

More info - it's at 1:30pm, so not an evening event.

 

Is this regimental blue?  

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/betsey-johnson-puffed-sleeve-scuba-sheath-dress/4407815?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=ROYAL%20BLUE 

 

Ok - it says royal blue.  I googled and I think royal blue is close to regimental blue (or the same??).

 

Or how about this?

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-polka-dot-jersey-faux-wrap-dress-regular-petite/3767306?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=NAVY 

 

Is it too casual?

 

The first is ok, the second is too casual.  Note that the first is "scuba knit" which may or may not be a good look.  I would absolutely not do anything "bridal" or shiny or "party".  I would think sophisticated tailored office dress, made of quality materials, well-accessorized.  Look at pictures of Kate when she travels to get the idea.  The JCrew "promotion dress" is excellent.

[madteaparty]

Wow, that one's gorgeous!

It's similar to the (belted) Black Halo dress that was the rage a few years back (prefer that one, not the price tag;))

[FriedClams]

I love eshakti for com for dresses.

[Sarah CB]

Are just you wearing this color or is everyone wearing the same color?  Like  a white party except blue instead?  

 

There's a small party of people who have the same email I do - I don't think that everyone there will be wearing the same thing and it was sort of strongly suggested, but not required.  I think the wording was "regimental blue, if possible."

[Sarah CB]

Here's a navy fascinator: http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_087010623643_-1

 

I think that one is a little too exciting for me, but I looked at the other hats and fascinators they have - wow!  I want one, I just wouldn't even know how to choose one.  

[Sarah CB]

Jcrew tea length dresses?

https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/dresses/weartowork/promotion-dress/F0759?color_name=navy

https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/dresses/weartowork/sheath-dress-in-italian-stretch-wool/C9102?color_name=cerulean-cove

Also look under "weddings and parties" for non-work look alike dress, like https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/weddingsandparties/allbridesmaid/julia-dress-in-classic-faille/C2952

 

Thank you!  Those all look great. I wish I could try a bunch on.

[Sarah CB]

Jcrew tea length dresses?

https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/dresses/weartowork/promotion-dress/F0759?color_name=navy

https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/dresses/weartowork/sheath-dress-in-italian-stretch-wool/C9102?color_name=cerulean-cove

Also look under "weddings and parties" for non-work look alike dress, like https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/weddingsandparties/allbridesmaid/julia-dress-in-classic-faille/C2952

 

So...if I went with the first dress, what colour should my shoes be?  And would the hat be the same colour as the shoes or the same colour as the dress?  

 

And does anyone know anything about gloves? Length? Colour?

[Sarah CB]

http://www.shabbyapple.com/shop/nutcracker-dress-blue/

 

I attended an event recently, and someone was wearing this dress. I totally love it!  It would look great with gloves!  

 

I'm not sure what regimental blue is.  This dress is somewhere between Navy blue and royal blue...

 

Anyway, this is a great dress.  I think I might buy it for myself just in case I happen to open a museum with a princess in the near future...

 

Oh, my.  I love this.  

 

Would this work?  I can't tell, but it looks too fun.

Edited May 25, 2016 by Sarah CB

[mmasc]

I don't know anything about hats and gloves, but I'd definitely go with nude heels. I think the jcrew dress looks perfect for your event!

[Ravin]

So...if I went with the first dress, what colour should my shoes be?  And would the hat be the same colour as the shoes or the same colour as the dress?  

 

And does anyone know anything about gloves? Length? Colour?

 

You could go with matching (navy) hat/shoes, or white, I should think.

[madteaparty]

So...if I went with the first dress, what colour should my shoes be? And would the hat be the same colour as the shoes or the same colour as the dress?

 

And does anyone know anything about gloves? Length? Colour?

Patent leather nude shoes would be lovely I think!

No thoughts on the accessories, I'm a plain gal.

[Mbelle]

Your going to have to post pics when you get it together!

 

I like nude heels too.  I think your hat can match or just coordinate somehow.

 

I do love bracelets with a capsleeve, but with gloves that might be too much.  

[almondbutterandjelly]

I have to tell you that when I'm googling regimental blue, it's more of a teal-y blue. Not navy at all.  And not royal blue.  Same when I google princess royal and regimental blue.

[Maus]

More info - it's at 1:30pm, so not an evening event.

 

Is this regimental blue?  

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/betsey-johnson-puffed-sleeve-scuba-sheath-dress/4407815?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=ROYAL%20BLUE 

 

Ok - it says royal blue.  I googled and I think royal blue is close to regimental blue (or the same??).

 

Or how about this?

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-polka-dot-jersey-faux-wrap-dress-regular-petite/3767306?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=NAVY 

 

Is it too casual?

On my monitor, at least, both dresses look really close to this swatch, which is labeled regimental blue:  http://www.nevamar.co.uk/large_euro_sample_pages/sample_s3016.html

[ElizabethB]

I have a true wrap dress from WinterSilks that I used to wear to events like that, but they no longer sell it. It went up and down a few sizes.

 

That is a cute nutcracker dress. Get your current size, you can wear a scarf festively tied around the waist if you lost a few pounds and get it tailored once you reach a stable weight or just plan to always wear a belt or scarf with it. The scarf could match the hat and gloves. You could also look for a true, not faux wrap dress or one that ties in the back.

Edited May 26, 2016 by ElizabethB

[Colleen in NS]

If you like supporting local businesses, check out this Atlantic Canadian who calls herself The Hat Junkie:  http://www.hatjunkie.com/ You can also view her Etsy shop by following the "shop" tab.  She consults with clients and does custom orders, too.  I've been in her home studio, and it's heavenly!  And she is a lot of fun to talk with.  If you contact her, tell her I sent you (no, I don't get commission - I just love her work)!

Edited May 26, 2016 by Colleen in NS

[kitten18]

Nude shoes

[justasque]

I wouldn't do the gloves unless you know something about gloves (which I don't).  There are so many kinds, and here again quality and style are going to be key.  I am assuming "day gloves" would be right, not the satin-y evening ones, and definitely not elbow-length!  I've seen some lovely vintage ones lately, but I think new ones of the right sort would be hard to come by.  And if you had them, you'd have to know when to wear them and when to take them off, which could be tricky.  I"d stick with nice dress (not shiny!), good shoes, hat or headpiece that makes you feel special and not silly.  Be who you are, and be that well.