[Zarlias]

We are heading to SIL's for a birthday party in a couple of weeks, and I found out (AFTER I agreed to go) that it is a dress-up party. Ugh!

DH has told me it is "60's style a la Mad Men". I have NO IDEA what this means, and we didn't get a real invitation, just a word of mouth thing from BIL. I have googled Mad Men and it hasn't helped much as to where to look for this. Seems to me, the boys get lucky and just have to wear a suit, and I will be expected to frock up.

I need some ideas on where to start looking (and what for!) both online and IRL, keeping a few things in mind.
- needs to be pretty low budget, as flights, transport, accommodation are already hitting $1k
- I am very uncomfortable in my own skin (tall, fat and clumsy) so I don't do short, tight or complicated clothes.

sigh and yuck

and TIA

[Polly Esther]

You might have some lucky at a fancy dress store, so try there, because to buy these clothes outright might end up costly. Unless you like them and will be happy to wear them again.

If you're tall, fat and clumsy as you say, you might prefer a fuller skirt, rather than a more fitted one, so look for those. A-line or full circle. You don't want to go too 50s though.

The 60s weren't particularly cleavage-revealing (I'm guessing early 60s - think also of movies like The Help... for fashion ideas). A higher neckline would have been popular, as would a more florarl print. A shirt dress might go down well... and it's something you could wear again without looking too costumey. http://www.rockabillygalsfashions.bigcarte...age-carla-dress

I actually searched "mad men costume," and came up with this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/50s-VTG-pin-up-...=item4ab49c448e

You could raid an op shop too - an old detailed cardi with a full skirt (maybe pleated?) could go down well. Make sure the length is below knees. A pussybow blouse might work too... http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_nkw=pus...6.c0.m270.l1313
There are plenty in stores at hte moment... target has a few I think. Team with an A-lined work skirt, pantihose, and some sensible pointed-toe shoes.

A french twist in your hair with a bit of a beehive puff in it might be okay for hair.

If you're willing to buy new and wear again...

http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/deedee-dr...lue-floral.html
http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/evelyn-dr...age-floral.html
http://www.rockabillygalsfashions.bigcarte...it-flare-design
http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/blue-velveteen-dress.html
http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade/clothi...&ship_to=AU

More inspiration: http://acrossthepondandbackagain.files.wor...-2-44-45-pm.png
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-fiUPmbQWQ/Tp70...tty-mad-men.jpg

[countrymel]

Pencil type skirt, belt and a twinset is the cheapest way you can get out of this.

Lots of eye makeup.

I'd take the opportunity to wear a headscarf! (can't wear head scarves around here dammit as there is a large Bretheren Community.....)


*Queen of scarves Ms Audrey Hepburn

This post has been edited by countrymel: 04/03/2012, 05:59 PM