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wedding season: black tie without breaking the bank

6/20/2015

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Summer is here which means wedding season is underway! When deciding on an outfit to wear to a wedding, I like to choose something that can be reworn for other occasions. However, sometimes the dress code calls for something that you wouldn't normally wear. So in that spirit, I want to talk about dressing for a black tie event without spending big bucks on an outfit that will collect dust in the back of your closet.

Unless you have lots of black tie weddings and galas on the calendar, the price per wear of an appropriately formal outfit can be very high.To be perfectly frank, even with the suggestions in this post it is likely that the price per wear will be much higher than you normally would choose to spend. 

First off, before you go shopping at all, double check the dress code and see if it is black tie required or optional. For a black tie optional event, you can probably scrounge up a great party dress from the back of your closet. Black tie required pretty much means that you will have to don a full-length gown, because the exceptions to that rule are finnicky and not worth the effort to navigate.
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Rent The Runway
There have always been options for men to rent a suit or tux for a special event, but now there is a finally an easy option for women as well. Rent the Runway lets you order a dress online (or in select cities, in store) that will be mailed to you to use for a set amount of time (several days to a week). Instead of shelling out upwards of $400 for a gown, you can rent it. They have lots of black tie options in the $80-$100 range so there is something for every taste.
RueLaLa
If you would like to invest in a dress, instead of just renting, RueLaLa is a great option. However, this requires that you start browsing their website several months before your event. The best time to find a full-length gown is during one of their big dress sales, which usually happen once or twice a season. There are generally a few options under $100, but for a better selection, expect to spend around $150. The nice part about buying a dress is that you have something on hand for a future black tie event. 
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Repurpose a Bridesmaid Dress
There's a pervasive myth that bridesmaids can easily rewear the dresses that they were told to buy for a wedding. My favorite part of that myth is that floor-length dresses can gain a new life as a cocktail dress if the former bridesmaid just cuts off a foot or two of fabric and hems it. I don't have any statistics on this, but I can guess that what generally happens is that those dresses mostly just get abandoned in the backs of closets until a shortage of storage space sends them to the thrift store or the trash. 

My point here is that you or one of your friends may have a floor-length gown that can be repurposed for your event. Add your personality to the dress with statement jewelry and a unique purse. Yes, it may still look like a bridesmaid dress, but if any of the other guests notice, it will probably be to note your ingenuity. Even if the dress requires alterations to make you feel confident in it, your wallet will still be coming out ahead.

When dressing for a black tie wedding, it can be easy to get caught up in the dress code and feel like you need to spend more than you would otherwise be comfortable with. But just because the wedding will be formal and lavish does not mean that you need to pour your yearly clothing budget into dressing for it. Rent a dress, borrow a friend's dress, or become a sleuth of the sales rack so that you can find an option within your comfort zone. 
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wedding season: party dresses for the bride-to-be

4/21/2015

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Spring may be coming and going in bursts, but wedding season has arrived and isn't going anywhere for a few months. But before the actual weddings, there are a whole slew of parties to attend. If you are a guest, you can reuse your outfits with some creative accessorizing, but if you are the bride, you might want something special for each occasion. However, your pre-wedding dresses do not have to only be worn once. That's generally the fate of your wedding dress and you really don't need more single-wear pieces taking up space in your closet. 
When I worked retail, any white summer dresses were immediately grabbed by brides-to-be who wanted to wear a short, white dress for their rehearsal dinner or bridal shower. Although white is a stylish color option in the summer, it isn't necessarily something you will be reaching for on a regular basis. Instead, embrace the idea of "something blue." There are so many shades of blue that you will be able to find one that complements your complexion and personal style. Blue is also an easier color to wear outside of the heat of summer and since it isn't white, you might even be able to wear it as a guest to another wedding this season. Now that is practical.

However, if you really want to wear white, I love these two-piece sets from Banana Republic because each part can be worn separately for added versatility after your party is over. 
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Banana Republic Dot Lace Shell $80 & Pencil Skirt $110
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BR Scalloped Lace Cropped Tank $80 & Pencil Skirt $120
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Boden Lace Tunic Dress in Capri Blue $228
If blue feels too out of the box for you, but you don't want to wear head-to-toe white, light metallics such as silver and rose gold will ensure that you literally sparkle at any event that you attend. A metallic dress is also the perfect piece to keep in your closet for last minute cocktail party emergencies. For an afternoon event, try pairing a metallic skirt with a white blouse and a colorful statement necklace.
You should also feel free to throw out all expectations of what a bride should wear if there is something completely different that makes you feel fantastic! Head over to your favorite stores and try on anything that catches your eye. Choosing something because you love it and not solely because it is appropriate for the occasion means that you are more likely to actually wear it again. 

What other style issues do you face during wedding season? Share your thoughts in the comments and I will be sure to answer them so you can look and feel great on the dance floor.
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wedding season: skip the dress and heels

8/15/2014

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When you get a wedding invitation in the mail, there are lots of things that need to be done: accommodations and travel arrangements, choosing the perfect gift, and of course, deciding what to wear. Since dress codes are more of a dress spectrum (and a vague one at that), it is tempting to just wear a variation of what everyone else will be wearing. A dress that hits just above the knee, usually in a solid color or a subdued pattern, heels that are much too high to dance in for hours, and a pashmina to keep the evening breeze at bay. While I love all of those pieces, I don't love wearing the same formulaic outfit over and over. Fashion should be fun and when you have an occasion to dress up you should not be limited! Wedding season is winding down with the summer, but you may still have a few left to attend. And depending on how packed your social calendar is, you may be running out of solid colored, knee-length dresses to wear. 
But, if you skip the dress and heels, the options open up. Plus, you don't have to worry about showing up wearing the same dress as someone else. The one downside to a dress is that it is very obvious when someone is wearing the same one as you. Skirts are great because even if someone else shows up wearing the same one, it is unlikely that they will have paired the same top with it. (Unless you both bought the outfit off a mannequin at the same store.) Your unique styling will keep you looking fresh. 

For the top, choose a fabric with some sheen to make it feel formal enough for evening. I am partial to a silk cowl neck shell in a neutral color that you will be able to pair with a variety of bottoms. For the skirt, texture is key to making it feel dressy. Lace and jacquard are both great options that won't make you look like you ran to the ceremony straight from work. I love the cheerfulness of the orange and pink dot jacquard skirt from Boden, but for those less adventurous with color, there are some lovely black lace options from Ann Taylor and J. Crew. 
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Bella Vita Taliah Flat in Champagne $62.99
You can also leave your heels at home in the closet without feeling guilty. While I love a gorgeous pair of heels that are not practical to walk long distances in, they are not the best footwear option for an event where you want to be socializing and dancing. It's common enough that women kick off their heels to dance barefoot that some couples now make flip flop baskets available at the reception to keep people on the dance floor.
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Boden Spot Jacquard Skirt $108 (also available in navy and teal)
I am not by any means suggesting that your footwear does not matter, but rather that because it is part of your outfit you should choose shoes that you can last all night in. Metallic flats have an extra bit of pizzazz just based on their color, but there are plenty of other ways to make a statement, such as perforation (such as the pair pictured above), contrast coloring, shape. Look for a style with clean lines and stay away from loafers (which look business-y) and thick rubber soles (which look casual). Peep-toe flats are also a fun option because then you can choose a matching or contrasting nail polish color for your toes! You'll get to dance all night and not suffer from sore feet the next morning which is the perfect stylish success.
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J. Crew Metallic Jacquard Cigarette Pant $198
My last suggestion for an unconventional wedding outfit is probably going to be the one that gets the most push-back because it goes furthest away from the wedding formula we are used to. Instead of a dress or a skirt, wear a pair of fancy pants. A straight-leg, ankle-length pant in a jacquard is a great option and can be found in the fancy pants section of a department store. Banana Republic and J. Crew also often carry jacquard ankle pants. Metallic accents, even if it is just metallic threads sewn into the pattern, and rich jewel tones elevate the pants to evening. Pair with a silk cowl neck top, a dark jacket, and heels. (I know I just tried to convince you to wear flats in the last couple paragraphs, but for a dressier event, an ankle pant should be paired with a heel.) A quick note on the jacket--get a jacket or blazer specifically designed for evening. The jacket from your business suit will have the wrong proportions and detailing for the formality of a social evening event. A crepe blend is usually a good bet and details such as gathering around the waist, a grosgrain ribbon tie, or a scalloped collar can make a black blazer the most wonderful piece in your wardrobe. 

For more wedding related fashion thoughts, check out the wedding season tag and be sure to leave your questions and opinions in the comments! Cheers to many happy and stylish weddings ahead!
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wedding season: dresses for bridal showers & rehearsal dinners

7/5/2014

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I love shopping for new dresses, but during wedding season it can be a little overwhelming. Imagine you are invited to three weddings this summer, as well as the accompanying bridal showers and rehearsal dinners. You now have a total of nine events that require you to dress up (in varying degrees). Wouldn't it be nice if you could wear the same dress to several different events?
You may be wondering why I have combined a post about dresses for both bridal showers and for rehearsal dinners because at first glance the two occasions seem to be quite different. Bridal showers are often mid-day affairs and rehearsal dinners are at night. But chances are you don't want to buy nine new dresses and you also want to avoid wearing the same dress to all three showers and another dress to all three dinners. These dresses can be accessorized to work for both occasions (and possibly even for the actual wedding as well) so that wedding season can be a little bit nicer on both your wallet and your sanity.
When looking for a versatile dress, it can be easy to settle on a boring option that you don't love. We think our great dresses are too distinctive so we are wary about wearing them very often. This dress from J. Crew does a great job of mixing a simple shape in a solid color with a detail like the scallop neckline that makes it feel a little more special. 

Since summer is the season of bright colors, a Little Black Dress can look out of place, but darker shade of blue or purple will be a go-to piece all year round. Choose a color that works equally well with both black and metallic shoes and you'll have the perfect dress for all your last minute party invites.
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J. Crew Scallop Crepe Dress $168
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Boden Selina Dress $218
For summertime events, a floral dress is also a great option because it feels festive in a seasonally appropriate way. The key to making the dress work for both day and evening is to choose your fabric wisely. A crisp cotton dress will usually look like casual sundress no matter how much jewelry you wear or how high your heels are. But if you choose a fabric with a little sheen or a soft drape, then it will be easier to accessorize. 

For an afternoon bridal shower, add a cropped cardigan in a bright color that coordinates with your patterned dress and wear simple (but still brightly colored) ballet flats. No jewelry is required so wear only what you would on a daily basis, such as a pair of stud earrings.

To make this dress look fabulous in the evening for a rehearsal dinner, slip into a pair of metallic heels, pull your hair back to display chandelier earrings, and add a delicate bracelet with a touch of sparkle. Grab your metallic clutch and you are ready for a summer evening of fun!
Looking for a few more options? Here are some other dresses I love that will be a hit at parties that you are invited to:
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Kate Spade Saturday V-Neck Shift Dress $160
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Banana Republic Colorblock Ponte Sheath $120
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Anthropologie Gallery Row Dress $188
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