I did mention a couple of days ago that I received a
late-breaking invitation to attend welcome events for King of Saudi Arabia when
he visits the US briefly this weekend. So I am going to DC for a few days. This
is basically my summer vacation (in the swamp) too, since I have been working
like a maniac non stop the whole summer.

I was thinking that the dress level for the reception would
be cocktail, but the invite says “business attire.” I think this could likely
be because there will not be any cocktails served (Saudi Arabia is officially a
dry country and I would think this extends to embassy events.) I have suits (I
am a lawyer, after all) but that’s too boring. I want to wear a nice dress –
and I actually do have several nice summer dresses already. However, they all
show either knees or full arms or both, which would not be conservative enough
for the event.

So I went mad and ordered a bunch of expensive dresses, all
of which but one I will return.

Some facsimiles are in finds.
 

The one I like the best (brown print) may be a little over
the top and evening wear. The others are more day dresses.

My DD likes the darker blue one and says that the pink one
doesn’t look right and the others make me look short. DH concurred. The darker blue is
perfect for my eye color, needs a padded bra, but I am wondering if it looks
dressy enough.

I need to decide today … heading out the door tomorrow at 7
a.m. for carpool run and then on to the airport.

(gonna add the photos from my phone in a sec)