Please help style me for a birthday celebration. - YouLookFab Forum

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Please help style me for a birthday celebration.

Parsley

Veteran

We're going to a celebration for a close friend's milestone birthday on Saturday, with cocktails, a limo, and dinner at a very nice restaurant, so I'd like to wear something festive.

I'd like to wear my new pale gray Helmut Lang bomber jacket that I'm quite enamored of at the moment.

I've tried it here with an Eileen Fisher sparkly tank, Vince slim tux pants and the highest heeled sandals I own (old). The jury's still out as to whether I can get through an evening in these heels, but it is a mostly sitting occasion, and I do love them.

Is this OK? I know clutches are in vogue right now, but is my old 2.55 bag all right instead? If not I have a couple of clutches that might work, but they're more of a bronze color.

Any suggestions for changes or improvement? Accessories?

Or should I go back to the drawing board? Thanks!

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Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from texstyle

celia

Veteran

I am not sure what the 'dress code' should be but just wanted to say this outfit is fabulous,full of 'right now' elements but still classic.Love it.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

You look beautiful and festive! This outfit totally works.

Now, let's see that clutch. Why wouldn't bronze work with this outfit? Do you have a lighter colored dressy sandal or open-toed shoe to try out? Just to consider the options.

My first thought was that beautiful t-shaped dress that you posted recently. Did you consider it?

I can't really see detail on the earrings and bracelet here, but they look perfect, as to shape, style, and shiny-ness.

Parsley

Veteran

Thanks, Celia

Firecracker,
Hmm, I'm not sure which dress you mean. Was it this one?- pic 1
Here are the clutch possibilites- pic 2 & 3.
And here are some gray sandals, but they're not as dressy.
Are any of these better?

I just have plain silver hoops on here, which I'd probably switch out for something a little sparklier, but most of my earrings are on the simple side.

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Anonymous

I love #1 with the heels. No heels, well that might be a deal breaker for me there. I think this particular pair make the ensemble more " evening like" as opposed to " work week". Chanel supersedes any clutch, IMO.

Parsley

Veteran

Thanks, Zap!
That was my feeling about the Chanel. I like the contrast between the classic bag and the more contemporary outfit.
Now if I wanted to go really classic, I have a vintage black Kelly...

When you say #1, do you mean the dress, or the original outfit?

I kind of felt like the dress looked too much like a work outfit.

Anonymous

The original outfit, but you know, it is hard to see the details of the trousers and the texture of the top.
ETA: Aha! You are holding out on us Let's see that black kelly!

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I love the original look as is. I love the purse and the heels definitely give it a night out dressy feel.

Anonymous

I love the original outfit. If you can't wear them for this occasion with a limo to drop you at the door, when would you wear them?
Also, getting in and out of a limo seems like it would be easier in pants than a dress. You look modern, sophisticated and festive

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Yes, I'm pretty sure that was the dress. I love that dress on you, but it's not as festive looking as the sparkly tank and bomber.

I like the black sandals better than the light ones for this occasion, too, and agree with you on the Chanel bag. The snakeskin clutch would work also, but the Chanel is <sigh> so fab!

Parsley

Veteran

Thanks, ladies!

Zap, in the original outfit, the pants are a lightweight wool blend, with a tuxedo stripe of the same fabric down the sides. The tank has scattered tiny sequins, so it's not a work type top.

I'll go snap a picture of my Kelly, but not styled right now, 'cause I'm in my jammies.

Anonymous

Ah, only if I'm not going to make you go out of your way. I can stay tuned for it, perhaps at a later WIW. Can you tell I love handbags?

Beth Ann

Veteran

Love this! So festive, but still relaxed and modern.

How would you feel about simplifying the earrings and swapping for a statement necklace? It might fight for attention with the sequins in your top, but I like the idea of added interest next to you face. You have such lovely skin and refined features -- they're a stellar accessory in themselves!

Parsley

Veteran

For Zap-
Here's a picture of my Kelly- probably almost 50 years old, and stunk to high heaven when I got her. After activated charcoal treatments to get rid of the smell, and a trip to the Hermès "spa" where they replaced the handle and conditioned the leather, she's just about as good as new.

(Can you tell I love handbags, too? )

Beth Ann, (blushing)- you are so sweet!

I don't know whether I have a necklace that would work, and I'm sort of afraid that it could be too busy with the top, but I'll go dig in my jewelry box tomorrow and see what I can try.

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Anonymous

WOW
(crash helmet needed)
thank you for sharing, It is gorgeous.

MNsara

Veteran

Well, I've lost track of the options in all this fabulousness!

So far I think the 2.55 should be the bag, the pants outfit at the top gets my vote for the modern vibe and how elegant you can still look getting in and out of the limo.

But I sure do love that dress and that necklace you posted You think that's work-like? (Apparently I don't work around stylish women

Eliza

Veteran

The outfit is beyond amazing on you. Love the jacket and top together with the simple elegance of the pants. How can you argue with Chanel? I like how it too is very special, but doesn't "upstage" the jacket. Another time you could try it with a pop of color bag and see if it works. This look is a show stopper! Have a great night.

(Didn't even peek at the dress yet- stopped by #1 and couldn't get past it.)

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Wow, you look amazing, don't change a thing! Love the Chanel bag! You look so glamorous, you're going to upstage the birthday girl for sure!

And love all the subsequent pics too, like the dress with bubble necklace (hi black bubble necklace twin!).

Lantana

Veteran

Parsley, I have no suggestions to add but wanted to wish you a fun night. Will there be dancing?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look sensational!! In both outfits, actually, but I am voting for the original. Perfect in all its particulars. I like the texture of the 255 with the silky outfit and sequins. And the contrast between these modern elements and the classic bag. Enjoy!!

krishnidoux

Veteran

I really like the original outfit, especially with your (old?) sandals. They are so lovely on your foot!

I would add a shine on the neck area: like a flat plate silver, or a flat chain, keeping it very simple above all to respect the integrity of this fab outfit. Or that silver cuff and soft leather clutch you show in your comment (pic 2), I would go with those.

And then top it with your gorgeous smile.

Krista

Veteran

First, I bow down to you and your Kelly bag. Thank you for the Friday morning awesome-ness!
Second, this outfit (the original one) is amazing and sooooo on-trend. I would keep every element, including the 2.55. So stylish, Parsley! You inspire me.

missvee

Veteran

My vote is for the original outfit. Love the new jacket ( glad you kept the pale gray). You look simply stunning in this.

Parsley

Veteran

Thanks to each and every one of you for your helpful replies!
Zap, haha- glad you ad your helmet,
MNSara- it's true, I don't exactly know what people wear to work, since I wear not-so-fabulous scrubs to work every day.
Eliza- gosh, thank you so much
Natalie, The party is for a male friend, but his wife is always dressed to the nines and very beautiful and glamorous, so usually I'm more of the Plain Jane by comparison. The nice thing is that I know I can go a little glitzy and not be overdressed. (Hi necklace twin! )
Lantana- there won't be dancing (darn!), but if there were, I would definitely have to wear different shoes or I'd break my neck!
Suz, Thanks!
Krish, I do have a silver necklace that I could try. We'll see how it looks later today when I can play with it.
Krista, thanks- you are so sweet!
MissVee, thanks!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I also love your original outfit and think you look fantastic in it. The sparkle of the tank and that bomber lend an easy elegance that seems just perfect for the event. And that bag is beautiful and classic. I hope you have wonderful time.