Girls,Shopping..HELP!!!

Ok I know this really isn't an issue to do with this site but figured hmm most of you are from here to where I am still New to VA.We have a military ball coming up real quick (nov 4th) and Im in search of a gown..(grrr I hate being in those at this weight)well still being new Im not sure where to go to find this "gown" in the area.I tired most of the local stores at the mall and around it but really had no luck with finding one.Does any one have any suggestions on where to head.I don't want to spend an arm and a leg on one because it will probably be the ONLY time I get to wear it since I will be on the loosing side soon.My husband said we can skip it this year because of that and I know he really wants to go and would hate to take that from him. Thanks for any help Naomi

Hey Naomi, My daughters took me on a cruise a couple years ago. I ended up going to David's Bridal to get a dress. It did cost more than I wanted to pay but it did look good and covered my big ol' butt. I don't know what size you are but if it fits you and you like it, you are more than welcome to borrow it. If not, I would try David's Bridal....they are located in the West End of Richmond and I would be more than glad to give you directions. Perhaps we could get together and make it a girls day out. Just let me know. Lots of Love Kathy

Well I run anywhere from a 22-26 really depends on the flow..Im bottom heavey..everything sits in my trunk and gut.And checking out the dress would be wonderful..Ya I was thinking david's also just wasn't sure where there would be one and like ya said the prices they have.. Naomi

Naomi- Where are you located? I have a bunch of formal dresses/gowns from my dancing days (where we'd have a formal event at the end of competitons). They range in size (my up and down days!). If you're somewhat close or will be in Lexington at the conference I could let you look at them and borrow one if you like one. Let me know! Christina S

Sorry No I won't be at that confrence .Im located in Hopewell,and that would be wonderful. Naomi

Many of u**** Goodwill first. Why fork over big bucks when you will not be that size for long? JoAnn and others have made GREAT formal finds. Try it! Second thought--sale items at TJ Maxx. Not as inexpensive as GW, but certainly cheaper than brand name new. Lois

Yeah Lois I tried the goodwill store over in Prince George since that is the only one I know around here and I had no luck I also tried TJ Maxx they didn't really have formal wear more of an outfit I would wear to a wedding..But thanks for the reply.

Well, good luck! I live in a rural area and can visit 5 Goodwills within an 1 and 20 min of here. I just assumed that more populated areas have more of the GW-type stores than we do. I am also fortunate that I don't need formal clothes . The gals who go to the conventions have plenty, though. Someone will get you steered in the right direction. Lois

Even thought they are owned by the same company, I usually find that Ross has more formal attire and a larger "women's" section than TJ Maxx, if you have one nearby.

Just a thought -- if Christina has things that might work for you, it wouldn't be that far for you to drive up to NoVA. Maybe 1 1/2 hours max. Even with the cost of gas, time, and cost of cleaning the dress after -- that is still cheaper than buying something you won't wear again. Cathy