The RHONY Reunion was filmed a bit earlier in the season than usual this year. I imagine that was to get it in before Luann went before the judge in Palm Beach today. Although, a remote interview from Palm Beach jail would have made for fantastic ratings. I thought on this relatively slow news day, we could discuss the RHONY reunion dresses.
What Is The Theme For The RHONY Reunion Dresses?
Overall, I don’t get it. Dorinda, Bethenny and Luann all went with sequins. The other three are either 1980s prom or maybe 1980s bad bridesmaid dresses. New Yorkers are pretty notorious for thinking they are the fashion example for the rest of us. So how do the RHONY miss the mark so often?
The Good
Bethenny Frankel knocked it out of the park. I don’t know who she is wearing but it’s pretty stunning. My only issue is it is about two or three inches too short. I feel like the RHONY never sit on a couch in their dress before choosing it. Actually, none of the franchises seem to. She is very close to needing a snatch guard. And what is going on with her shoes?
If I were only going by the first photo, I’d choose Luann de Lesseps for second slot. However, when seated in the second photo, we get an eyeful. I don’t need to know her that well. In the second photo, I like Dorinda Medley’s dress better. Not just because it is more modest, but because the lighting shows off the sequence in a better way. I’m not a fan of strapless dresses on mature women.
The Bad
So for the reasons stated above, I’ll put Luann de Lesseps in my third slot. I’m sure it is Jovani, which by nature makes it a bit “prommy.” I think Luann also wins the shoe game.
Next, I guess I will go with Ramona Singer. I can’t put Ramona in the bottom on National Turtle Day! The neckline is too low. The slit is two high. The color is beautiful and flattering. The interesting thing is she is not in the second photo that the other RHONY were sharing on Instagram.
The Ugly
That leaves Tinsley Mortimer in the bottom. I hate mullet dresses. In my opinion you need to wear either a long dress or a short dress. Not a mullet. I love the color. It’s great on her. Why is she just dashing into the second photo from the side? Is she photo bombing? Or is the front of her dress too short to sit down?
Then there is Sonja Morgan. First of all, it looks like she has had face work done again. Because Ramona was left out of the second photo, when I first looked at it, I thought it might be Ramona. Don’t any of these women have help with styling their RHONY Reunion Dresses? There is nothing good about this dress. She needs better foundation garments. It’s too short. It’s ugly in every way.
Honorable Mention
Barbara Kavovit is donating her RHONY Reunion Dress to a fan in need. Barbara posted:
Who loved my #RHONY reunion dress? Going to donate it to 1 lucky person who might be in need of a gown for a special occasion! PS – dress will fit size 4-6, it has been cleaned and will ship anywhere in #usa! Not included are the fabulous and rare jewels on loan from @solowco 💎 DM me your stories of why you need a dress & I will chose the lucky winner. Good luck! 👗
I think she made a great choice. It’s also kind of her to give hers away.
Okay, tell me what RHONY Reunion Dresses you liked best and worst.
bethanny all the way. agree, what is up w/the shoes?
I have to go with Bethenny. I think she and Tinsley have consistently the best taste. I’m no expert though. I rarely even comment on Project Runway because I am in over my head.
You are the #1 expert in what you like. You don’t have to be a fashionista. 🙂 You should join us in the Project Runway comments tomorrow. It’s usually the most positive comments. Except one or two of the designers are annoying. .
Best: Ramona
Worst: Sonja
Tinsley looks better than she’s ever looked, but I, too, hate mullet dresses.
I LOVE Bethenny’s dress! The rest, not so much. Ramona never gets it right and Sonja’s dress and sleeves look really dated. I can’t wait for the reunion!!
I don’t love any of the dresses to be honest. If I had a choose one I’d go with Bethenny or Dorinda. I’ll give Bethenny the edge because her hair and make up are on point and she has the best ‘overall’ look I suppose.
LuAnne has a great figure and could wear anything so why she would wear this I don’t understand. Ill fitting and too much skin.
The rest, just no.
Bethenny’s is really good. Her hair looks good like that. Sonja’s dress looks cheap. Ramona is a showgirl with her yellow hair and a dress cut down to there, she will merengue and do the cha-cha….
Sonja’s dress is probably from her “clothing line” which is really just overstock from Target.
https://tamaratattles.com/2018/07/20/sonja-by-sonja-morgan-is-actually-overstock-from-target/
This is not suitable for a “Morgan.”
And, in my opinion, is too short and at least one size too small…
Best: Bethenny
Worst: Sonja
If it weren’t for Sonja’s atrocious whatever-you-want-to-call-that-monstrosity, I’d pick Tinsley for worst dressed because I’m also dazed and confused by mullet dresses. And if it weren’t for Bethenny’s brilliant rainbow patchwork sparkly cocktail dress that reminds me of Dorinda’s absolutely killer Season 9 reunion dress, I’d rate Dorinda’s Season 11 golden fantasy evening gown the highest.
Yes, Bethenny’s dress is similar to Dorinda’s from season 9 but, I loved it on Dorinda and I love Bethenny’s version. I’m guessing sequins are a big thing right now. We are seeing them on pretty much every HW across every franchise. They’re a miss for me a lot of the time but every once in a while I really like.
Bethany hit the mark for me, love love love the Jimmy Choos too.
I hated all the other dresses.
I’m agreeing with you PamBear. I really don’t care for any of the other dresses.
The strapless dresses aren’t flattering on Dorinda and Luann and usually they nail it.
Tinsley has a certain go to look that isn’t ageless and it ages her (Kewpie doll?).
Never know what you’re gonna get with Sonja and I’m ok with that but didn’t love her dress choice (satin is so unforgiving) but the color is really beautiful on her.
I don’t remember Ramona ever having a good reunion look, she tends to over offer what she thinks are her best assets incorrectly. She was on WWHL last night and looked drop dead gorgeous! Who ever fixed her up last night needs to stay with her.
PS. I can’t see the pictures perfectly but Ramona and Luann appeared to have on the same shoes?
I was going to say B’s shoes look like the current Jimmy Chos.
Why does Tinsleys smile always look more like a grimace?
I think she looks out of it in these pictures. Mauricio in HI out of it.
Because she’s in pain. Girlfriend needs to love herself.
I LOVED Bethenny’s shoes! Her dress is growing on me more and more but the shoes had me from hello! I also love Dorinda in that dress!
Ramona’s dress is just all wrong and poor Sonja… just no.
Those are serious sitting shoes! They are gorgeous for certain but hello, a trip waiting to happen!
Loved Bethenny’s dress and shoes! Obsessed with those shoes!
Dorinda in second place.
Barbara third.
Tinsley fourth.
Ramona’s hideous ruffle mess (slit too high, plunging neckline too low, back to bare, too many ruffles) was a disaster. Pick one extra thing and go with it.
Sonja. I have no words.
Beth looks best by a long shot. I love the shoes, but not with that dress.
Strapless on older women … not flattering. NOT SEXY.
Satin almost always skews cheap, especially in photos.
I usually love the way Tinsley dresses, but not this one. The color and fabric, yes. The mullet, no. I hate mullet dresses almost fas much as I hate gratuitous asymmetry.
In general … money can’t buy you class or taste. There is a reason that Project Runway judges say “it looks very Real Housewives” in a negative critique.
B wins, hands down. For last place I have to choose Ramona’s north-is-north-and-south-is-south-and-never-the-twain-shall-meet-but-they-come-damn-close-in-this-getup dress. I need Ramona’s navel and decolletage to call my navel and decolletage to discuss the myriad advantages of going back into hiding permanently.
Best: Bethany
Worst: Barbara/Sonja
I hope there will be some others in hiding too! Someone famously wearing pink satin. ANYONE wearing satin. The only person to successfully wear satin was Buddy Miles. (The amount of fabric in each sleeve was enough to sail Cleopatra’s barge down the Nile — Mr. Sillonis, my HS English teacher.)
Best: Bethenny
Worst: Sonja
Bethenny for sure!!! Hair, make up and dress PLUS LOVE THOSE SHOES!
Her dress may be a dud, but Sonja has the best legs in the franchise.
And the DalaiMama is right. Get a naval plug, Ramona.
I loved the color on Sonja’s dress. Her figure looks great — especially her legs. Her hair looks good.
None of the above.
Bethenny’s look is straight off the runway. Her shoes are Jimmy Choo and her dress is Balmain. The long ball gown look is dated for reunion looks.
Bethenny’s dress is visually stunning! I just don’t feel like the reunion was the place for the dress. Dare I say It’s almost not dressy enough? Kinda like something you would wear to the club. And her shoes ruin it for me. Yikes. Meanwhile her entire wardrobe is probably my years salary LOL
I like Luanne’s dress, but it’s very safe and her shoes also ruin it for me! But she looks the most glamorous.
Believe it or not, overall I would choose Ramona as best and Sonja as worst. Ramona’s dress is pretty, fits well, and the color is nice. Shoes go well with it.
Sonja…well….
Loved Bethenny’s dress but I didn’t care for the shoes. Pretty sure that I wore Sonya’s look as a bridesmaid in 1989. I detest satin.
Bethanny looks fantastic! She wears clothes very well. She is small & her clothes never overwhelm her. I think Barbara looks amazing as well. She is second behind Bethanny for me. I hope Barbara is staying around next season.
Best: Ms Jovani herself Lu
Worse: Tinsley and Barbara
I know I’m on an island by myself.
Bethenny’s dress llooks really cute on her. I also got prom from several of the looks. I wonder if Luann and Sonya had a lglimpse in a mirror while sitting on something in those dresses.when choosing their outfits.
I like Bethenny’s dress, but I feel like it’s a case of right dress, wrong woman. I’d love it on Isa Rae. Everyone else is wrong dress, wrong woman, so she wins.
Pretty sure Bethenny’s Dress is Balmain. It was on her insta story. I like it and it is certainly the best of this bunch but some of her past reunion looks have been amazing. I don’t think she has ever missed the mark.
Ramona’s dress is not my fave but I LOVE that color. It’s so pretty. I thought Dorinda was second. Her make up looks pretty, the dress is nice and flattering.
The order for me best to worst went:
Ramona
Bethenny
Luann
Dorinda
Tinsley
Sonja
Barbara
I just love the color of Ramona’s dress, and damn she looked good on WWHL last night too!
I can’t believe Sonja’s face! She looks so different!
There is something wrong with every dress. As TT said, they don’t look good with the wearer seated–that should be the main thing the ladies check before choosing a reunion dress.
Ramona’s is too low-cut, but overall I like it the best. The color is great, and I like the ruffles around the bottom, though not the shoulders.
Don’t like the strapless on Lu and Dorinda. Don’t like the mullet and crumb-catcher on Tins. I’m not a fan of Bethenny’s either–too short and too busy.
But Sonja’s is the worst: too short, too shiny, too tight, awful sleeves. Color is OK, but not as good as Ramona’s and Tinsley’s.
Overall, a big disappointment. I remember last year (or was it two years ago?) how beautiful Bethenny was in her silvery dress with star-burst earrings, and they all looked pretty coordinated in silvery/nude sparkly dresses.
That’s because they usually have a theme/color pallete. They didn’t seem to have one this year. It’s just a big clash of bold color. They should do white or black plus some chosen color.
It kills me that Tinsley looks so bad. The color and the dress are all wrong for her. She’s a pretty girl who should stick to the classic “preppier” designers like Ralph Lauren, Chanel, or even a nice J. Crew dress. She should be wearing a light pink.
I think she would look good in a pastel robin’s egg blue colored long gown dress.
I’d guess the theme was jewel colors, or saturated color.
Oh, Sonja.
I can only repeat one of Nina Garcia’s best epigrams:
“Short, tight, and shiny is the fastest way to look cheap.”
Nina is so right on that one. I love the way Heidi says her name.
Lol I was just thinking that.
I agree, Bethany for the win. Sonja in DEAD LAST. What was that? And yes, Tinsley would have been second if not for the “mullet” on the dress. Is that really what they are called, or is that your way of describing? Lol too funny and so true. I don’t like ‘mullet’ dresses either, but maybe it’s because they don’t flatter my legs.
Bethany – Loved the overall look. Shoes were cool and hair was on point with the look.
Tinsley – Great color for her. I liked the top but the train ruined it.
Luann – She looked like she was there to perform caberet. Pretty dress, but not the venue.
Ramona – The top looked like it didn’t fit well. Also not a fan of the color.
Dorinda – Could have been the angle but it looked like the dress didn’t flatter her shape. Makeup was flawless. Saw a close up on her Insta.
Sonja – No, no, no. The color, the material, the fit. SMH Looked like Jersey HW Season 1-2 reunion dress.
Barbara – Old prom dress.
I thought Barbara’s dress was great. It flattered her figure. It wasn’t overly colorful, glittery, ruffley etc. The neckline was appropriate, it was long enough to cover the lady bits. And she is a 4/6? I’d need like six screens for just me if I were on this show. You’d just see a leg in one shot and hand in another. 🙂
Haha! I was totally gonna put if she is a 4/6, then I would look HUGE next to her. Dang. **Sips iced latte**
But you may have swayed me with your points…..after taking a closer look, maybe it was color and her tan. She definitely wasn’t the worst that is for sure. Old prom dress and all. 😉
I fi find it hard to believe that Barbara is a 4/6. If she is maybe NeNe really is a size 8. (NO WAY.) I understand that the camera “adds pounds” but still. Vanity sizing notwithstanding, I guess her at a 10/12, at smallest a size 8. But I do believe that the label is as she claims.
I’ve seen some RHOA housewives in the wild. They are tiny. Kenya is TEENY TINY, Kandi is TEENY TINY. Like shockingly small.
I don’t think Barbara would be giving away a dress to a fan and lying about the size. I presume it is a six that runs a tad small but is stretchy.
Yes, I’ve met several stars too and they are minuscule. I am an 8, 5’3”, and when I met LVP, aka the largest/curviest BH hw. She was so small. So, so small. That’s why everyone calling Katie fat on VPrules is crazy. She is a size 6. On tv that’s fat. No wonder our culture obsesses on size/weight. We set up unrealistic expectations.
Bethenny is my #1 choice from head to toe and if the fur babies were wearing dresses, they’d be my second choice. As to the rest of them, meh.
I liked Bethenny’s look the best. It seem more New Yorker than the rest of them. Sonja’s dress looked like she had one of her assistants sew it up the night before.
Because, Target.
https://tamaratattles.com/2018/07/20/sonja-by-sonja-morgan-is-actually-overstock-from-target/
Love Bethenny’s look a d seriously coveting her Jimmy Choos!
Minus sonya and Dorinda everyone else looks good. Bethany is the best though. Fresh and young..
Love Bethenny’s dress! are those big bows on her shoes?…if those are bows they would truly make me bust my ass walking…
I don’t know. I’m not a shoe person. When I asked “what’s going on with those shoes” it was interpreted as I didn’t like them. I honestly can’t figure out what they look like. or well, what’s going on with them. I’ll get it straight in my head when I see the reunion.
The shoes are ‘Aveline 100’ by Jimmy Choo for anyone wanting to Google.
ok thanks!…yep! That bow in front would trip most people and while I am a shoe ‘ho I draw the line on doing a face plant.
Love the Aveline 100’s, spotted them two months ago and was planning on getting them. I’m shocked they’re not getting much love on this website.
A thousand bucks for a pair of shoes? Sheeeeeesh!
Dorinda: How is it that her face is always perfection in pictures but almost unrecognizable? She’s paying someone for extra photoshop. I thought her dress was pretty.
Bethenny: She really has beautiful taste. She almost always one-ups the rest of them with her style. But the length is not flattering.
LuAnn: Tonight her slit is too high, and the bustline is dragging down her boobs. It looks uncomfortably so. I think this shaped dress needs an hourglass figure, and this makes her waist look thick.
Sonja: The color is amazing on her. I’m not a fan of shirring because it almost always looks like the garment is being pulled because it’s too tight. I say almost, because clearly this dress is not tight but looks something she wore to bed. The pink dress she’s worn lately in her confessionals is couture perfection. I wish she’d worn that here instead.
Tinsley: Not a fan of mullets, either. I do like the bustline. Her clothes would always be adorable if 1) She was 16 years old and 2) If was 1966. It’s time for her to get classic and tailored. She’d be stunning.
Ramona: Stylistically she reminds me of the phrase, “couldn’t hit the floor with her hat.” Everything is wrong with this. The semi-attached halter bodice to the skirt is awkward. The over-the-top ruffles are too much. The cumberbund makes her waist look even larger. The fabric looks dull next to the rest of them.
I based my decision on photo 1 because none of them look good in the second one. For me best dress is Betheny then Luann, shoes best Luann worst Betheny (what was she thinking?). I agree Sonja needs better under garments that’s dress does nothing for her. Ramona looks like she’s wearing a curtain, but I like the color.
I always wondered what happened to the dress I made in 1978 for Mrs Murdoch in Home Ec at G.W. Junior High! That dress earned me a D! How it wound up on Sonia I’ll never know.
The only dress I like Bethenny’s. I would prefer it if they didn’t wear long gowns, it’s too over the top and they usually look like they’re all headed to different events and it’s almost distracting.
Off the top of my head, I’d say they probably dress better at Beverly Hills reunions. Lisa Rinna wears these gorgeous Victoria Beckham cocktail dresses that are sexy and elegant but so simple! Not a ruffle in sight! Her dresses will also look great 10 years from now. I’m trying to get in shape right now to buy me one for when my divorce comes through! That a great bag, shoes and some botox! I’ve got my priorities in order ladies! (oops and the few lovely men on board)
Bethenny and Sonja — now off to read your opinions.
Now that Project Runway is back on Bravo, I think Christian and Brandon Maxwell should dress them. Or Marni should style them. Or Nina should have last say. Or the designers should create “Dream dresses” for them.
This reminds me that we have been lacking a “fashion” show for too long. Killing Eve kills the fashion but with only two people. The Bold Type may be the closest thing (with Joanna Coles as executive producer) but not up with Sex & the City or Gossip Girl.
None of the designers you mentioned would ever style a housewife. Except maybe Christian. And most of them can’t afford them except maybe Bethenny, Kyle and sadly Nene (but Nene is a whole nuther story).
I was thinking (wishing for) of a crossover event thing. I can’t imagine most of them having the good taste to seek out Brandon or Christian.
Tinsleys dress is Christian Siriano!
THE MULLET DRESS? You are going to have to prove it to me!
No Way!
Bethenny head to toe for the top position. I’m not into sequins, but she managed to do one that that still has an air of business and not prom. Not over accessorized either.
Second place is Tinsley. I docked her points for the train thing in the back. Lose that and I like it. Fits well and she’s got the statement earrings and cute shoes.
Worst? Tie between Sonja and Luann because I expect more from both of them. Sonja looks like she is doing the walk of shame and didn’t bother putting on the spanx because they were too hard to get from under the bed. Luann – do the dramatic cleavage or the dramatic slit up skirt, not both. Too much skin in the second photo – looks like she’s in a bathing suit. She’s also WAY over accessorized, which is surprising. She needed to at least lose the earrings or the headpiece.
I always expect Ramona to look like she is trying way too hard. I don’t mind Dorindas, but it looks like her foundation or spray tan is slightly off, and I like her better in a shorter skirt.
Best – Ramona & Bethenny
Worst – Tinsley & Sonja
Bethenny is in a class all by herself.
Money can’t buy you class, right? Wrong. Bethenny proves it on the daily.
If I HAD to pick……#1 Bethanny. #2 Luann #3 Dorinda. The rest are equally hideous in their own special way. Sonja’s boobs look strange in that dress. I really never like Tinsley’s style much. Ramona is lost in ruffles. I have to say the only look I really like is Bethanny’s. She looked FABULOUS!
Betheney’s by far it’s got a sort of Aztec, maybe Toltec look about it. Ramona’s is serving up what I would imagine to be a cruise ship entertainer’s dress. Is that just me? Probably. Her shoes seem nice though, but I’m one of those gays that wouldn’t know really. Not sure why Luanne’s won out there. I like the color of Tinsley’s. What do you call what Sonja is wearing? Do women her age wear dresses like that? Dorinda’s is nice. Who knew she had that many curves. Are those bows on Betheney’s shoes?
TT, did we ever learn why Barbara isn’t an official HW? She seems to have as much of a storyline as Ramona, Tinsley and Sonja, which is none.
Best Tied: Dorina and Bethanny
Worst: SonJa