(Preslaysa here: I am so thrilled to have Katy on the blog today. She’s an awesome person. If you haven’t read her books, I urge you to buy them at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Take it away, Katy…)
My name is Katy Lee, and I hate to shop. There, I said it. I know I am not the norm and most of you are probably wondering how this possibly could be, but, alas, it is. The last dress I bought was on the return rack in the dressing room. I grabbed it after I had already tried on everything I thought would look good on me…and didn’t. It was a dress I would never have picked out to try on, because on the hanger it didn’t look good. Or, at least, that’s what I thought, and there lies my problem. I don’t know what I should be looking for. Sigh
Now, I find myself in need of a gown for the RITA Awards in July. I am nominated this year and really want to look nice, but every dress I pick out looks atrocious on me. It doesn’t help that my teenage daughter sidles up to me in the same dress—a few sizes smaller—and looks stunning in it. (I thought taking her shopping would help. Maybe I need to leave her home.) Anyway, I know there has to be a dress out there that will compliment my figure, I’m just not skilled enough in the gown department to know what I should steer away from and which dress I should be saying, “Yes” to. The last gown I wore was fourteen years ago at my brother’s wedding, and I looked like I was wearing a tent. Of course, it didn’t help that a bird pooped down the whole front of the dress on the way to the ceremony. But that should tell you something. Even he didn’t like it.
So, please, all you expert clothes shoppers, help a girl out. I’m 5’1” and a little round in the middle. What should I be looking for? Any tips would be much appreciated.
Thank you for inviting me to visit, Preslaysa!
About Katy Lee
Rita nominated, Katy Lee is the author of five published novels. She likes to say she writes higher purpose stories at high speed because her suspenseful romances thrill, inspire, and satisfy the reader—from the edge of their seat. A native New Englander, Katy loves to knit warm wooly things. She enjoys traveling the side-roads and exploring the locals’ hideaways. A homeschooling mom of three competitive swimmers, Katy often writes from the stands while cheering them on. Her Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, Grave Danger, is both a RITA and Daphne Du Maurier finalist. Keep in touch with Katy at her website, www.KatyLeeBooks.com. There you will see links to Facebook and Twitter.
About Permanent Vacancy
When Gretchen Bauer begins renovating an old Victorian house to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she barely escapes several dangerous “accidents” at her home. Colm McCrae, host of the home improvement TV show helping her renovate, refuses to believe these aren’t on purpose. Could this be a harmful ploy by his boss to boost ratings? Yet with Colm’s smooth-talking Irish brogue, Gretchen wonders whether he could be involved. But with a whole town full of neighbors disgruntled about the inn bringing strangers to their shores, Gretchen has a list of more likely suspects. Now she must trust Colm if she wants to keep her new business venture from turning into a five-star death trap.
You can buy Permanent Vacancy at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Hey Katy!!! Come to Stamford and we can shop shop shop till we drop. You are a beautiful woman and I can’t honestly imagine you not looking good in everything. Try to focus on your favorite colors. And then style. If you love your arms showcase them. If you like a hint of cleavage find a dress that showcases that. Full length gives drama while at the knee can showcase shapely legs. I remember from Atlanta there was a wide range of styles. And don’t forget that hair and jewelry make lovely accents. I’m here if you need me.
Thanks, Sandra! So helpful. This morning I’m shoe shopping. Maybe the right shoes will lead me to the dress. 🙂
Oh, Katy. I feel your pain. No one hates to shop more than I do. Unless it’s for books. Books are the one thing I LOVE to shop for.
I wish I had a suggestion. The only thing I would say is
a) go for color because you look wonderful in all the color photos I’ve ever seen. (Plus you need black and white for the Harlequin party)
b) there are dresses with princess styling and vertical seams that are flattering. This link is the closest I could find to what I mean.
I think you and Sandra should come down to the city to shop. Misery loves company and all!
Oh, don’t remind me about more dresses I need to buy. I also need one for the Daphne awards. And I’d much rather be shopping for books, too. But shopping in NYC….hmmmm. That sounds tempting.
I sympathize with you, Katy. I hate shopping. I have one long dress and one shorter dress both in deep shades of red for wearing to ‘events’. I’m still panicking about what to wear to ACFW conference because other than those (which are really formal) I have no ‘dress’ clothes as I’m a SAHM. I agree about finding that color you look good in (or at least the shades tropical, jewel, pastel, etc) and sticking to it. And definitely shop with a friend who can give you that ‘opinion’ when you get overwhelmed.
Thanks, Jessica! A friend is always a must. I think the mirrors at the store lie to you. 🙂 Have fun at ACFW. Someday I hope to get there.