When I catch up with an old friend on Friday night, we’ll be doing it over dinner at a spring benefit she’s invited me to. The dress code is “festive attire”.

I’m interpreting “festive attire” to include “little black dress”. Fortunately, another friend of mine just purchased the Urkye Mala dress in size 40 44 00/000, decided it wasn’t for her even though she looked amazing in it, and sold it to me for $50 including shipping. After reading Erica’s review of the Mala dress, seeing it on my friend, and trying it for myself, I’m convinced that the Mala dress is a wardrobe sure thing for every busty woman. You can find my quick rundown of its pros and cons after the jump.

In preparing for Friday, I’m remembering one important lesson that I’ve learned from attending other New York City benefits where people dress up: Don’t try to be something I’m not. One thing I’m not is a woman with an unlimited clothing budget. I can’t afford to buy the kind of dress that will pass me off as a socialite who can’t afford to be seen in the same dress twice. Instead, I need to concentrate on what I’ve been learning since writing this blog: try to be the best me possible.

Fortunately, the Mala dress serves as a great foundation for this goal, and after a quick trip to Marshall’s on Sunday, I put together the following looks for Friday night. None of them say “look at me“, but I think they avoid “hide me”. I welcome your opinions because there’s still time to try something else if you point me in the right direction!

P.S. I’m also experimenting with extending my legs with dark hose and black shoes, or beige shoes that match my skin tone. After the jump, I post a pic that convinced me that nude legs and black shoes are not an option. Also, shorten the dress an inch, or is it fine as it is?

great big bust LBD from Urkye
I was wondering if I had time to order from Sleevey Wonders when I had the idea of finding an inexpensive, tight sleeved top to create my own version of a Sleevey Wonder by cutting away everything but the points where the sleeves are connected to the bodice. I also remembered XLHourglass’s addition of sleeves to a formal dress last December: http://xlhourglass.blogspot.com/2012_12_01_archive.html However, in this photo, the entire Max Studio top fit under the dress and would require just a little pinning to hide the neckline.
versatile busty lbd from urkye
You can’t see it, but this $25 Nine West cardi has gold thread woven throughout, which dresses it up. When I see myself in the mirror in this outfit, I really like it. When I see it in photographs, I think it looks too office-like for Friday night.
bust friendly lbd from urkye
I think this is my favorite look, but I’m not sure why. I borrowed the wrap from my friend, so it’s also the least expensive look. (Excuse the thigh highs sliding down in the pic on the left!)

Here are my favorite Mala details:

  • the streamlined sheath style;
  • the double panel of fabric down the middle front that helps disguise bulges, although I like my look better with shapewear;
  • the high sides beneath the arms so that no bra peeks out;
  • the wide straps that allow for a supportive bra; and
  • the wide, gorgeous sweetheart neckline.

If there’s one thing I would change, it would be for a heavier jersey fabric (or even a wool crepe!) for evening events. However, I know I’ll appreciate the fabric’s medium weight during the summer and will easily be able to wear it throughout the winter. Also, it’s unrealistic to expect a dressier fabric at this price. Finally,  I’m also concerned about fading, but I won’t know if that’s an issue until I’ve washed it in cold water a couple of times.

 

The image that finally persuaded me to look for beige shoes at Marshall’s.