the angry dome

My sister is getting married in October and I just realized I should probably buy a dress like, now. See, she’s getting married in Palm Springs, which is still like 95 degrees in October; but the stores are going to be phasing out summer clothing soon. It’s not going to be a real fancy-shmancy ceremony, the invitations specify “cocktail casual”. Not being a frequent habitué of cocktail parties, I’m not totally certain what that means, so Mom is going to have to help me out here.

As a fat chick, I always wanted to buy something from Torrid, but wouldn’t you know it? I hate every single one of the dresses they’re selling at the moment! (Except, ironically, the actual wedding dresses. But that would probably be a leetle tacky.) Bubble hems seem to be the big thing right now, which, BARF. Pardon me if you’re into them, but it’s so not my thing. Too fussy, too reminiscent of bad 1980s prom dresses (which was most of them).

Lane Bryant is the only other store I can think of off the top of my head that specializes in plus sizes, although I’m sure there are plenty more. I really like this dress but it might be too casual. Normally I stay away from sleeveless, but triple-digit heat tends to cancel out my natural modesty. The only thing is, right now I have a total farmer’s tan from bicycling. Would it be too out of character to schedule a couple sessions in a tanning booth? Just to even things out!

This dress I’m pretty confident would do well, but it’s kind of… boring. I do love square necklines, though.

I’ll need shoes, too. They’ll have to be relatively comfortable, because I’m the photographer and am going to be on my feet more often than not. And bloomers, because there’s no way I’m wearing hosiery in that heat.

ETA: Actually, the more I look at the second dress, the more I like it and think it’s simple and classic as opposed to “boring”. The ceremony is outside, but isn’t going to be very long, and the reception will be indoors with A/C.