Crossdressers-Haven.com

Hi, ladies!

I'm trying to get ready for the Southern Comfort Conference and have a formalwear dilemma. The banquet on the last evening of the conference is a formal event, but trying to find something to wear that is not frumpy for a gal my size (6'1", 260, broad shoulders and spare tire) is next to impossible. Of course the best approach is to lose weight, which I am making some headway, but given that the conference is just over a month away, I'm still going to be looking at a size 26 at best.

Here's the question, what style of dress would work best (not including a gunny sack ha! ha!) for my frame type and age (late 30's) for a formal setting? Body hair (arms, back) is not a real issue, so I'm not worried about showing off a little. I just don't want to look like I'm getting ready to fall out of the dress on all sides. One of the regular attendees of SCC posted a link to a site which specializes in formal gowns in sizes from 2 to 30:

http://www.sequinoriginals.com/

I like some of the designs, but would like the honest (and I mean brutally honest) opinion from my more stylish sisters as to what might work from their selections or any other sources (other than Barnum & Bailey) which you are familiar with.

Thanks!!!!!!!
Angie

Angie,

What a great question. I am not going, but I'd still love to know the answer to that one.

I could have waited to see what would be posted, but I'm hoping that an additional plea for clarity will get this answered sooner. I'm so patient aren't I?

Thanks Angie!!!

Beauty

Hello Angie,

I seem to always get the "What should I wear???" syndrome before any occasion as well. We all want to look our best , and trying to find the "perfect" outfit can sometimes drive you nuts


A few tips to help narrow down you search:

* The best suggestion I can give you is to pick your best feature and select a dress to show it off


Also take into consideration the following.......

* "time of year" selecting a color for the time of year (remember, a year round fabric is a great investment)

* "time of day" (day or evening) will help when choosing your dress, shoes, accessories, hairstyle, makeup application, etc..... (the evening may be a bit chilly, and you may want to also have a elegant shawl draped over your shoulders)

* Smile, Smile, Smile!! ##oo## a smile will make any dress you choose look great!


Here are 2 websites that I hope can help you start to narrow down your search:

http://fashion.about.com/cs/dresses/a/s ... ordres.htm
http://www.betterhalf.com/pages/body%20types.shtml

When you do find a couple of dresses that your finding it difficult to decide between, you can post them here, I may be more able to help you decide between them ...... (if you'd like)

I hope some of these tips can help you, have fun shopping!!


Good Luck,
Love (SO)

P.S. I hope you have a great time at the SCC, and I'm sure you will look smashing

Thank you Love!!!!!

Me too! Me too!!!
Thanks, Love!
and yes, a big sincere smile can make almost any outfit look great!!
Love,
Virginia

Great links girls!!

This year SCC is going Hollywood!!

Flaunt Your Hottest Feature

No doubt, there's one aspect of your appearance that always reels in compliments -- whether it's your magnificent mane, luscious lips or mesmerizing eyes -- so why not show it off shamelessly? Just follow these pull-out-all-the-stops pointers for emphasizing your most fab asset.

When you think of Penelope Cruz, what comes to mind? Her cascading luscious locks. What about Angelina Jolie? A pout that's as plush as a goose-down pillow. And Winona Ryder? Her doe-eyed chestnut gaze. Our point? Every woman has one feature that stands out from all the rest and can be so potently alluring, every guy (and envious girl) will always remember her for it. To up your own unforgettable factor, decide which of your key features -- eyes, lips or hair -- boasts the most knockout potential and resolve to start playing it up like crazy using these sneaky strategies we scooped from top beauty and fashion experts.

If Your Hair Is Your Crowning Glory
There are three key steps you should take to make your to-die-for hair even more head-turning. Give it megawatt shine, boost the volume and dress in clothes that flatter your hair color.

The how-to's:
Kick up the shine factor on blown-straight strands by running a flatiron over them. "Since straight hair reflects more light than curly hair, ironing hair makes it look extra shiny," says NYC hair pro Matthew Williams.

If you're going for a curly look, enlist a styling product containing tiny shimmering particles or light-bending polymers to make your locks glisten like ice. Try Brocato Shimmer Sprae, Phat Hair Phillaments Sculpting Gel, Wella Liquid Hair Crystal Styler Styling Gel, or KMS Hair Play Shimmer Stick.

Even if your tresses are naturally bodacious, take them into va-va-voom territory by coating damp strands with a volumizing styling cream before you blow-dry, says Williams. "Your hair will look superbouncy and silky without getting too big," he says.

The fashion tip that really makes your strands stand out? Wear clothes in shades that contrast with your hair. If you're a blond or vibrant redhead, wear a top in a dark hue like black, charcoal, chocolate or navy. Brunettes should opt for light colors like cream, peach, camel and tan, says Emma, the NYC fashion designer for Emma Black.


If Your Lips Are Your Come-Hither Calling Card
Sure, you could just slap some lipstick on that man-magnet mouth, but why not play up your pout's perfect shape with a few extra steps? Here's how to make your kisser look even more killer.

The best way to make your lips look extra plush? Swipe on a lip primer before you apply your lipstick. These beige lip bases smoothe out and plump up your pout.

Enhance the shape of your mouth by lining the very outer edge of your lips' natural ridge then filling them in. Always use a pencil that's similar to your own lip tone. "Be sure to fill in the corners and the bow of your lips so they stay defined," says NYC and L.A. makeup pro Pati Dubroff.

You can fake even cushier lips by going over just the corners of your mouth -- that little sideways V on each side -- with a liner one shade deeper than the one you lined your lips with, says Mally Roncal, a celebrity makeup artist.

Take a lip gloss in a hue that's slightly lighter than your lipstick and dab it just in the center of your lower lip to up your mouth's pouty appearance.

Add a touch of concealer or highlighter at the bow of your lips to create a fuller look and under your lower lip line to hide shadows, says NYC makeup guru Jim Crawford.


If Your Eyes Are Your Claim to Fame
Whether it's their saucerlike size or beautiful hue that makes them so spectacular, you can give your eyes even more entrancing power with these pointers.

Draw light to your eye area with a metallic shadow, says Dubroff. Women with fair skin should use a light silver or beige; medium-skinned women should go for gold or bronze; and those with very dark skin should pick a copper.. Sweep the shadow over lids, then at inner corners of your eyes.

Make your lashes look thicker and give eyes a sexy effect by smudging a sultry plum, brown or black liner along the outer third of your lower and upper lash lines.

Sport duds that complement your eye color to make your peepers look deeper. Green eyes appear extra piercing in forest, olive and lime; baby blues look best in all shades of blue and purple; and brown eyes sparkle in neutrals and browns like taupe, camel and chocolate.

Always curl your lashes pre-mascara. No starlet hits the red carpet without taking this important prep step. "With curled lashes, anyone's eyes look wider and flirtier," says Roncal.

Hi Angie,
Im in the same spot as you are, not sure what to wear , and running out of time to find a second hand steal
I may order this dress from Romans on line, as I already have some silver pumps that will match
http://cindy8082002.com/images/0503_08181_dt.jpg
All the tips to your question have been great, but Im still thinking if I have any features to highlite ??? Hmmm dont think so,, LOL So I will do the best I can with what I have !!
See you, and hopefuly many more from here soon !!!
Hugs
Cindy

I'm going to be at SCC this year, but not for the big night (there's a story behind it that I don't want to get into). If I was going, my look would be somewhere between Ellen Degeneres and Glenn Close

Angie,
Keep shopping until you find one gown that says< "Oh, Angie, I am the one that you have been looking for!" It will happen! Anyway we can "practice" dressing before the party and see what we can put together! we are going to have fun!!
Virginia

Angie,

Why don't you do with that Red with pink flowers dress you have in your photo gallery? I really like that dress, think that would be nice as it isn't too naughty but it's still sexy.

That's what I think Hope you enjoy yourself whatever you wear

Sophie xx

Hi Cindy,

That tiered skirt is absolutely lovely.
You are going to look fabulous girlfriend!!

Hugs and Kisses,
Wendy

Hi, girls!

Thanks to all for the wonderful suggestions! I've been perusing the links that were sent and have been taking lots of notes. Looks like I need to avoid anything that bares the shoulders or shows too much back. I would love to try something off of one shoulder. similar to this:

http://www.sequinoriginals.com/gowns/gown39.htm

but, that would be a disaster waiting to happen.

Love, thanks for the offer to take a look at some of my choices! I'm going to try to put together a list this weekend.

Cindy, I think that dress from Roamans is absolutely beautiful!!! I will probably order at least one dress from their catalog before the conference. I promise not to wear that same one on the big night (Ha! Ha!).

Sophie, thanks girl! for the complement on the red/pink dress. It's one that I've just been able to get back into. I will probably pack it, but don't know when/if I will bring it out.

Wendy, I'm not sure what my best feature is, so I've booked a session with Adam and Eve Transformations at the conference to find out. Should be interesting!

Kristen, I hope to see you at the SCC. I'll be working the Big Sisters desk at different times on Friday/Saturday. Please stop by to say hi. Hope you change your mind about attending the banquet (we hope to have a table reserved for the girls on the forum to get together), but understand completely if you can't make it.

For you girls who are planning to go the SCC, what are you packing for a night of clubbing? I'm trying to decide on being "classy" or a little outrageous. I purchased a LadyBWear (www.ladybwear.com) dress from someone on eBay a few months ago. It's tasteful from a modesty standpoint, but definitely NOT age appropriate . I'm not usually into the miniskirt/short dress thing, since it's a bit outre for plus-sized gals, but when in Rome...

Take Care
Angie

Actually Angie, it is Adam to Eve Transformations. You are going to have a blast.
Eve Summers is a super girl, and she will definitely find that best feature for you.

As far as what to wear out clubbing?? You will see it all from mild to wild, and everything in between.
The only thing that is asked is that you use good judgement while in the common areas of the hotel.

Hugs and Kisses,
Wendy