2 August 2011
My dear friend Alyssa sent in a fashion query this week, and I was only too happy to oblige! She wrote:
Dear P&P,
I’m headed to my boyfriend’s sister’s wedding in two weeks and I’m looking for guidance on an appropriate dress. I’ve been putting it off all summer, hoping inspiration would come to me. But, it hasn’t and so now I turn to you, my trusted fashion advisor. It’s an evening, outdoor wedding with what the bride describes as a ’20s infused spirit. Her color palette is blue, I believe. My boyfriend is in the wedding party and so I want a dress that will not clash with him but that is not similar to the colors of the bridesmaids, either. I’m a blue-eyed blonde and while I do have a slight summer tan, I’d prefer to shy away from any color that will wash me out. I’m also struggling with style. I will be meeting pretty much all of my boyfriend’s extended family for the first time at the wedding and want a dress that is cute and fun but also elegant and appropriate. Yikes, seeing all of those requirements in writing, it’s no wonder I’m struggling to find the perfect dress!
Any suggestions and/or advice you could provide would be most appreciated :)
Alyssa
I went straight to my old standby Modcloth when faced with your search, Alyssa, especially since you were maybe looking for something with a vintage vibe. Modcloth hint: when searching for dresses, I always select the “longer lengths” category — many of Modcloth’s dresses look reasonable on their website only to turn out to indecently short in person (in my opinion!). “Longer lengths” nets you dresses that are more of a true cocktail length.
But on to the dresses!
“Too Much Fun” dress in raspberry (also available in grapefruit) for $78. Cute, but perhaps a tad casual for an evening wedding. I like that you could add a braided leather belt or a jean jacket and be good to go for daytime wear.
“Red-y to Dance” dress for $100. Love this dress! Definitely elegant, but the red makes it fun, and it has a bit of a vintage vibe. I think this color would look stunning on Alyssa!
“Love is the Answer” dress for $65. I think this dress is elegant and darling at the same time. My only concern is that the color might not be the best for Alyssa (depends how tan you currently are, my friend!).
“SoCal Bungalow” dress in purple (also available in scarlet) for $50. Gorgeous color, elegant style, and a great price.
My token non-Modcloth option, this one is from Macy’s for $83. Alyssa, I know you would be pleased to know that this one got the “adorable” vote from John :)
I hope this helps, my friend! Readers, have any great wedding guest outfit options for Alyssa? Leave them below in the comments!
1 August 2011
At the beginning of every month, I plan to write a short post covering what I accomplished in the previous month and what I hope to accomplish in the next one. I’ll also introduce you to one of my 101 in 1001 buddies (see them all in the sidebar!). Here we go!
July 1, 2011: 11/101 goals complete, 24/101 goals in progress
Did I begin…
— No. 45: Read the New Testament? YES! We’re on Mark right now.
— No. 82: Successfully dock a boat each summer at the Island? YES!
— No. 84: Send news to The Quarterly at least once a year? YES! Engagement made that easy!
— No. 89: Jump off the dock at the Island once a year? Um, no… totally chickened out.
Did I continue…
— No. 98: Read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series? Yep, read “Prince Caspian.”
Sadly, I was NOT able to keep up with all of my monthly commitments (nos. 5, 7, 16, and 48) — we were again not able to make it to the animal shelter.
August 1, 2011: 12/101 goals complete, 28/101 goals in progress
Plan to begin:
No. 13: Read To Kill a Mockingbird every August (0/3)
Plan to continue:
No. 11: Cultivate five habits to make my life more green
No. 44: Try ten new foods
No. 45: Read the New Testament
No. 50: Go to church when traveling
August Spotlight: Jennifer of Just Lovely
You can catch up with Jennifer’s progress on her goals here! I think she did a great job assembling her list, but my five favorites she’s undertaking are:
— Volunteer art and design services to a charitable cause
— Visit five artist’s studios (this would be so interesting!)
— Plan a baby shower
— Eat at 10 different independent restaurants
— Try all of the different kinds of fruit in my grocery store
In the meantime, you can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here’s to a great month!
Both photos by Lucia and Mapp
