What I bought - Wildcard dresses in need of an occasion - YouLookFab Forum

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What I bought - Wildcard dresses in need of an occasion

Sal

Veteran

A local boutique is closing with 40-50 percent off. Definitely a sad sign of the times.

So I bought two dresses - really party dresses - and have nowhere to wear them.

The floral is brighter than it photographs. I need a wedding or a Christmas function? It seems versatile and timeless. I just couldn’t leave it behind.

The navy is hard to photograph. Cleavage is out. It is sheer in places with a built in slip. I think it would suit a fine dining restaurant or winter wedding or party. It has a texture on the fabric and the other customers in store thought this was the pick of the three I was considering.

Both dresses were final sale and affordable but not exactly the work blouse or dress I was looking for.

But my current party dresses were purchased as wildcards too - so I hope these are equally successful.

It’s a bit of fun to add total spontaneous purchases to my closet after all planned shopping recently. I definitely scratched that shopping itch.

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43 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

rachylou

Veteran

Truly pretty! You’ll find occasion without too much trouble I suspect.

I must tell you that the dark blue reminds me of the old show Bewitched (my all time favourite ever) and Samantha’s ‘flying costume.’ Oh how I loved that dress when I was little! Dreamed of it!

Sal

Veteran

Rachy - it is a bit of a Bewitched dress! I am happy to be Samantha!

Funnily the floral could be worn for work but not the navy.

cat2

Veteran

The floral looks like it would be fun for brunch or an afternoon wedding; the navy is so elegant!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I know what you mean about so much planned shopping! I feel that too. It’s better overall for the planet but it can lose the fun a bit. Sad that it could happen because of a closure though.
David Pond is a really good brand I know. I don’t own any as it’s expensive! So half price is good. I agree the floral is timeless and versatile. It looks good!
And the navy looks elegant. You will just have to plan another party or a fine dining event

Brooklyn

Veteran

Good for you Sally. These are both lovely. I’m sure you’ll find the occasion to wear them.

I would have thought the floral dress could be worn to work, especially with a jacket. Nice asymmetrical hem. I like

Bijou

Veteran

Both are gorgeous on you - and definitely wear the floral dress with your ice blue blazer to work.

I hear you on feeling sad about the closure of that store. A designer that does mainly special occasion clothing had a dress at David Jones that was reduced from $500 to $90. Whilst I did not have a special occasion to wear it, I bought it only to Google and find that the brand had gone under. My bargain dress is in Finds, but rather than pink, my dress is baby blue. Retail is a tough business.

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Staysfit

Veteran

Wow! I think they look amazing on you, and they are very different from one another which will allow for many potential uses.

JamC

Veteran

I like both dresses a lot. They are beautiful, fit well, and are both unique. I agree with Brooklyn. Wear the floral to work with a blazer or casualize it more with casual shoes, jean jacket, or cardigan. I might even wear it to dinner at a beach restaurant with sandals.

unfrumped

Veteran

I think those are great. The floral does look versatile and changeable with different support acts. Including for work. The navy is dramatic but elegantly so.
I can really relate- though not with a specific recent purchase.
It’s like my trying to tell the difference between my sales goggles -imaginary lifestyle tendencies, vs. aspirational dressing and curating, finding the perfect item for real- life but less common events at a realistic price, being open to times when some unexpected, unusual details or quality turn up. But not creating a wardrobe museum of beautiful things I can’t/ won’t wear.
I’m interested in honing my skills at when to pounce and when to walk away. Working on how more walking away creates room for a more satisfying pounce.

RobinF

Veteran

Ooh really great dresses! I think it is a good idea to buy them when you see them, otherwise the occasion comes up and it can be hard to find something under pressure.

lyn67

Veteran

L.O.V.E. them-both very smart, good cut and fit, lovely color, print &texture! KEEP!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, those are great! You look beautiful in them. I believe in buying these occasion pieces when you find them randomly, because it’s always a nightmare to try to find them when an occasion arises! And yes, I’ve been on such a “practical shopping” streak, I imagine it’s fun to get a bit more wild card.

smittie

Veteran

I love both of these. Of course they’re hard not to buy when you look so nice.
Just wear them around the house. Why not?

Irina

Veteran

Great dresses and you look wonderful in them. It’s hard to find party dresses when needed, so consider yourself lucky to get them on discount. You won’t need to worry once a special occasion presents itself.

Helena

Veteran

Oh wow, these are absolutely made for you Sal. I think you should just throw a few parties and set the dress code, so you can wear them!!

ChristelJ

Veteran

Hooray for spontaneous purchases that turn out this well! Sometimes they are the best ones. I hope you get to wear these soon.

Bonnie

Veteran

Both dresses are really lovely and your hair is looking great, too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WOW.

KILLER dresses, Sal! LOVE! Sooo flattering, elegant and pretty. You look sublime in both.

Just wear the blue one with your white flatforms to work. If not know - when

And the black is perfect for 50th birthday Bond Party #2!

slim cat

Veteran

Both dresses are fab! Lucky you to find such great pieces - perfect fit, lovely print/color and endless possibilities - score!

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Some of the best things in my closet have been wildcard purchases. These both look amazing on you—-you’ll just have to make some occasions!

Anonymous

What lucky finds, and both are perfect for you! The color of the first one is especially striking on you. And the navy one will work brilliantly for any number of occasions, I'm sure. You're definitely inspiring me to go dress-shopping!

Minaminu

Veteran

amazing dresses and great finds! It's a shame that businesses are closing down, retail had a tough year everywhere.

Anonymous

Brilliant purchases, what luck!

Jules

Veteran

They are both really lovely and I feel the first one could also work for a nice meal out, or work as suggested. The second one with the added drama of the "cape" effect does read more special event to me.

Liesbeth

Veteran

That black dress almost made me squeal with delight - no wonder you had to take it home.
I'm not one to talk, having had NO formal occasions to attend for over 3 years... BUT I think party dresses should be wildcards; when you are actually looking for one you won't find any to your liking ;).

Cardiff girl

Veteran

These are both lovely on you and I doubt that they will date so good buys! You will get to wear them one day soon l am sure.Some of my most worn items have been unplanned spontaneous buys that’s the magic of shopping!

Sal

Veteran

Thank you all!

I also think these styles and shapes have longevity - and I am set up for occasions. I will try the blue for work - there is no reason why not to!

Yes this is the second local boutique that has closed in the last six months. The sort of place with an owner plus a couple of casual staff, range of local and imported brands, at the middle to upper price bracket. Off hand there are three others in my city- one is beyond my price range, one is often a bit minimalist/avant garde for my tastes, and the other has been good to me. I do need to support them or they soon won’t exist either.

Runcarla

Veteran

Excellent additions to your wardrobe, Sal! Get the. Lue one into rotation - stat! Does not need to be saved for a ‘special occaision’.

nemosmom

Veteran

Oooh these are both so great on you, Sal! I get a cool Stevie Nicks vibe from the wings. You should definitely not wait for an occasion! Wear them around the block!

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