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I have a masquerade ball to go to at the end of July and am looking forward to it a lot.

Does anyone know of anywhere that does plus size ball dresses that don't cost the earth? I went to Precious Vessels today and their dresses were about $500 - $750 range!! Way to expensive for me. I didn't even pay that much to have my wedding dress made.

The other option is to wear the skirt from my wedding dress and get a new top.

Hi Erin
I'm also off to a masquerade ball in a month but cannot help with ideas for where to buy dresses. For the annual ball I go to I get away with a glam skirt ~ have just bought one for $60 that makes me feel a million dollars ~ and glitzy top. What about having one made? There is some gorgeous fabric around (including in that big Indian shop in Lynn Mall). I'm pretty good at visualising if that helps. I haven't a sewing machine and I am not an expert like Maryann ~~ pity she isn't in Auckland! ~~ but I've done a bit of sewing in my time. Or I know of some dressmakers.
I was in Extra Elegance last week and they have a good range of evening stuff at the back of the shop but probably too sombre for you.
And as for the mask ~~ when we RW girls were in Onehunga a few weeks ago we found gorgeous feathered masks in that fabric place. I need to go there during the hols to buy the gorgeous one with black and ostrich feathers. Oh la la!
Another thought ~ what about hiring a dress?
Let me know if you fancy a recce tour around clothing or fabric shops during the holidays (i.e. next two weeks). I'm always up for such girly stuff and particularly love passive shopping.

Hi again Erin.
Have just looked on TradeMe. Check out the seller called "dariaye". Fantastic feedback.

Or as an option, Erin, what about hiring a gown,...much cheaper than buying a gown.

Hi, yes Trade Me is very good.
Look under the Bigger sized Dresses.
They are very reasonable too.

My daughter has just told me of a wonderful shop at 54 Stoddard Rd Mt Roskill. She has just bought something from there for a ball in two weeks time but she did say they were low on stock of the larger sizes but were expecting a new shipment in two weeks time. Apparently it is an Indian owned shop and prices are reasonable and they have shoes, jewellery and household items as well as clothing at reasonable prices. Might be worth cruising by there by the sound of it Erin.

Excellent, thanks Kate. That's just by my chemist that I need to visit this week so will call in there. Seems to be lots of balls on at the moment!

The problem I find with the trade me dresses, in fact most dresses, is that the bust is not big enough. They seem to have the bust about 4 inches smaller than the hips and mine are the same size. So I really have to try things on before buying them. Also the sizing seems really bizzare. In normal clothes I wear an 18-20 top. In the ball dresses it seems to have to be 26-28! Is a huge difference!!!

I realise this may be a bit late but you can try bellachic.co.nz