Hi all --
Sorry to be scarce lately -- work, responsibilities, trying to enjoy the last of the nice weather...the usual.
The UNusual: announcement of a big, family wedding back East! Long time coming, relatively short notice for the morning church ceremony + fancy evening celebration. I'll be on a plane a few weeks from now.
Thought I'd show something besides work wear; thanks in advance if you share in my fun!
Luckily I'm set for the rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch, will figure out what to wear once I know weather predictions.
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Aside from a black satin skirt that wasn't really right for this, my closet was sadly lacking in special event wear. As I'll be seeing approximately a million old family friends and relatives and at the mercy of about that many cameras, I decided I had to break into my small fun money stash. I put most of my funds into accessories since I'll use them for more "normal" fancyin' up events.
Figuring stuff out was more annoying than I'd thought and I'm just about done returning the many things that didn't work. I also got involved with the bride's dress selection despite being 3000 miles away (thank you internet...I think!). Yep, shopped out.
*disclaimer: trial runs, hair may or may not look better at actual events*
EVENING (photos 1-4)
At the risk of looking like a PNWerner who doesn't get East Coast life anymore I went with a long gown. I tried many many cocktail looks ranging from somewhat slinky to "work appropriate festive" and got thumbs up IRL, but...meh.
With the clock ticking down I went with my gut and a dress that offered romance, drama, and freedom to dance. I even think it suits my place in the family pecking order. Having picked out the bride's full-sequin reception dress, I know I won't outshine her!
Based on reviews Mothers of Brides snapped up most of the inventory, but I triumphed in the end. [Here I was thinking it was too prom, not too matronly. Of course I'm mid-40s and could theoretically BE a MOB.]
Dress: NWT off eBay for $60 (+ $35 to remove sleeve/nip in here and there) vs the $300 retail price
Clutch: Vintage Whiting & Davis find from a few years back
Jewelry: Repurposed vintage rhinestone cuff and earrings, customized a bit for me by the very lovely/recommended etsy seller Marian at Romance and Ruin
DAY (photos 5-7)
I wanted a solid + color-color since I always get flak from my family about wearing black (and culturally black at a morning church wedding = Not Really Done where I come from).
Tried on lots, didn't like anything more than the one possible dress I already owned. It's a warm-weather dress as it's got PITA sleeves that don't take to jackets or sweaters, but it could be 80 or 60 so: scarf/hose if needed for the few hours I'll be in it.
Already owned: Deep blue jersey dress, peacock silk sash, black patent pumps, vintage iridescent "peacock" shoulder length cluster earrings
Clutch: Vintage Neiman Marcus from another great etsy seller, Vintage Jewelry n Gems
Scarf: Ombre blue/aqua cashmere/silk scarf from Nordstrom I had avoided buying in July because I was being fiscally prudent.
2 DRESS BRIDE (photo 8)
For the classically inclined bride, one comfort-zone dress and one (small) leap: Floor-length stretch lace with discreet sequins and side slit for day, disco ball for the evening.
Both showcase her still-fabulous-at-nearly-70 legs. Metallic heels for her as well....
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If you made it this far, you're invited to the shindigs!
