I’d helped my friend get a make-over, pick a dress and got her accessorized. But what am I supposed to wear?
I just got it in my head that I wanted a really updated look in a bright color, in the yellow- fuchsia – orange range . . . maybe a little flirty, maybe a little edgy. And, it had to be under $200. I went to no less than 6 stores.
Here are some I tried on at Nordstrom, then I’ll share what I learned:
All dresses from Nordstrom.
L to R: Yellow Trina Turk was too big, Coral Trina Turk was just right! but the fabric was already showing wear just from having been hanging on the racks, Grey off-the-shoulder number did all sorts of nasty things to my figure, Navy embellished satin was just gorgeous, and the Royal Kay Unger was just not the color I was looking for!
You can imagine how frustrated I was. Have you been frustrated like this too??
Here’s what I learned:
1. I learned what looks good on my body. Though the process was time consuming and frustrating, I’ve learned what styles flatter my new figure.
2. Don’t be more dressed up than your friend. Although I loved some of the dresses I tried on, I felt they were more dressy or flashy than what the Mother of the Groom would be wearing.
3. Fit above all else. No matter what you may hope for, if it doesn’t have a perfect fit, or you can’t make it perfect with some alterations, it’s pointless.
4. Quality over Trend. Not only are you spending your money wisely when you buy something well made, it also looks better.
5. Accessorize appropriately. You can buy a great dress, but then ruin it by carrying your clunky hobo you carry for the car pool.
Remember what I said I was looking for? Here’s what I ended up with:
J Crew cotton dress, TJMaxx's Lcuy&Laurel jewelry, Unisa silver heels, Sally Hansen nails in Laser and my mom's vintage beaded bag.
Detail view
How did I do?
About Grace {Blackbelt Oma}
You did great! LOVE it. So classy yet stylish.
I love your final look. Great job putting it together. Although I must say that coral color looked great on you. Maybe that color in a dress that isn’t already worn will be a consideration in the future.
That coral dress is fabulous!! If I were you, I’d order it online ASAP. Still, the final look is great – perfect for you even if it isn’t a “bright” color. You look wonderful!
My fingers might have to “accidentally” hit the BUY button.
Grace your final outfit was lovely and you looked beautiful and elegant. I agree with the other comments that both the coral and yellow Trina Turk dresses looked stunning on you colorwise so buying something in these bold citrus colors would be a great addition to your wardrobe. Even shoes or bag!
This is the first time I have stumbled onto your website and so I don’t know your fashion taste but you asked for comments so I hope you don’t mind if I suggest that next time you wear this dress that you try some bolder and non-matching jewelry to really make it pop.
Aileen, yes I asked for your opinion but I thought you were just going to say how fabulous I look! HAHA. I was going for a vintage look and that matchy-matchy set fit the bill perfectly for me! I remember my very fashionable mom wearing stud earring with a pendant necklace and matching bracelet…or a brooch! If they had a brooch I would have bought that, too!!
I have a vision in my head to wear it with wedge espadrilles and a straw purse. Look for it on WIWW!
That J Crew dress is far more flattering on you than any of the Nordtrom dresses. You look fabulous!!
…and I didn’t have to suck in my gut!!