Every girl needs one. It's a staple of everyone's closet, but until yesterday, I didn't own a little black dress.
The Other Violet is getting married next weekend, so I was faced with the age-old question of what to wear? All the dresses that I own are very summery, and not appropriate for October in the mountains. I decided to find my very own LBD- preferably on clearance for about $10. Or $20, but definitely on sale.
After purchasing a wedding gift (on sale! woohoo!) I switched focus to myself. I grabbed all the black dresses I could find in my size, and set off for the dressing rooms. I started with the dresses that were indeed on clearance. Naturally, they were a bit frumpy looking and too frilly. I knew I would wear them maybe once and never again. Moving on, I picked up a dress that looked pretty slinky on the hanger, thinking there was no way it would look good actually ON me, as it was far too form-fitting. But as soon as I put it on and looked in the mirror- vaVOOM! I am pretty sure I have never looked this good in any article of clothing ever. Yes, it was slinky, but the ruching (yes, I've watched Project Runway) made it so that it wasn't showing off every flaw, but just hugging curves. I was instantly happy.
Naturally, this was the most expensive dress I picked up. I know $35 sounds like NOTHING when it comes to a dress, but I do not currently have a clothes budget. Seriously, I haven't purchased clothes for myself that weren't a necessity (i.e. tank tops, after discovering I somehow didn't really have any in order to survive the sweltering southern summer), and when I factor in a wedding gift, a night in a hotel, and gas money to get to the wedding, it adds up. I knew, however, that I couldn't leave the store without it (it was the last one in my size. Clearly it's destiny), figuring I could always take it back if necessary.
Is it acceptable to buy a new dress when you really shouldn't be buying anything? I don't have to take it back, do I?
Showing posts with label what to wear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label what to wear. Show all posts
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Saturday, April 4, 2009
That elusive perfect date outfit
We've all been there. Standing in front of (or in) our closets, pulling clothes off their hangers, throwing them onto the bed, trying on outfit after outfit, modeling for your roommate, or even taking pictures and emailing them to a long-distance friend (i.e., Scarlet). It's a never-ending battle: Choosing the perfect date outfit.
What's so difficult about looking so fantastic? We do it all the time. But on a date, the goal is not just to look fantastic, but to look fantastic without looking like you tried very hard at all. And looking like you didn't try is very hard work indeed.
This is why the lunch date works so well. You're coming from work, so as long as you aren't a construction worker, you can dress very, very well, but have the excuse that you were dressing for work and not for him. I met The Cable Guy for lunch on Thursday, and this is exactly what I did. I was able to wear my hot ass pencil skirt, but I was clearly dressing professionally, and not for him. (I could actually wear jeans to work if I wanted to, but a.) he doesn't know that and b.) I never do anyway. I have a closet full of professional work clothes. I actually want to wear them.) I have had this particular pencil skirt since college (and yes, it still fits!) and it has never let me down. Only time will tell if it came through in the clutch yet again.
But what if you're not going out for lunch in the middle of a work day? Here's a few things to remember:
1. Always keep the venue in mind. A mini-skirt and heels might be appropriate for the club, but they are not appropriate for much else. Also reeks of desperation.
2. Don't be afraid to wear heels. (Unless, of course, the guy is a Liliputian.) Heels make everything look better. But again, if you're going with a shorter skirt, you may want to tone it down with flats.
3. Show some tasteful cleavage. Not too much, of course, you don't want to give away the farm. Just enough to let him know you have some. (And if you don't have any, you can always create the illusion.)
4. Have a stand-by outfit: Flattering jeans, heels, and said top with some cleavage.
5. Get a second opinion- from a guy. Women tend to dress for other women, but when you're on a date, you're not dressing for other women, you're dressing for your date. So the guy next door's opinion is a bit more valuable than your roommate's.
Anyone else have tried and true date outfit advice? I know we could all use some.
What's so difficult about looking so fantastic? We do it all the time. But on a date, the goal is not just to look fantastic, but to look fantastic without looking like you tried very hard at all. And looking like you didn't try is very hard work indeed.
This is why the lunch date works so well. You're coming from work, so as long as you aren't a construction worker, you can dress very, very well, but have the excuse that you were dressing for work and not for him. I met The Cable Guy for lunch on Thursday, and this is exactly what I did. I was able to wear my hot ass pencil skirt, but I was clearly dressing professionally, and not for him. (I could actually wear jeans to work if I wanted to, but a.) he doesn't know that and b.) I never do anyway. I have a closet full of professional work clothes. I actually want to wear them.) I have had this particular pencil skirt since college (and yes, it still fits!) and it has never let me down. Only time will tell if it came through in the clutch yet again.
But what if you're not going out for lunch in the middle of a work day? Here's a few things to remember:
1. Always keep the venue in mind. A mini-skirt and heels might be appropriate for the club, but they are not appropriate for much else. Also reeks of desperation.
2. Don't be afraid to wear heels. (Unless, of course, the guy is a Liliputian.) Heels make everything look better. But again, if you're going with a shorter skirt, you may want to tone it down with flats.
3. Show some tasteful cleavage. Not too much, of course, you don't want to give away the farm. Just enough to let him know you have some. (And if you don't have any, you can always create the illusion.)
4. Have a stand-by outfit: Flattering jeans, heels, and said top with some cleavage.
5. Get a second opinion- from a guy. Women tend to dress for other women, but when you're on a date, you're not dressing for other women, you're dressing for your date. So the guy next door's opinion is a bit more valuable than your roommate's.
Anyone else have tried and true date outfit advice? I know we could all use some.
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