Winery Wedding

Once my stepson became engaged I told myself I'd be the last in the extended family to find her dress - letting the Mother of the Bride get first dibs on color, style, etc.  It is a long engagement so I knew I'd have plenty of time - plus the MotB has different taste than I do, however, I did not want to show up wearing the same color or style as her dress.

As luck would have it my well meaning plans have been shot to hell.  Earlier today, I was making a return, doing the customary browse, when I saw this dress.  I immediately recognized it because I absolutely adored on Atlantic Pacific.  The print and colors are perfection and the leather accent at the waist just makes me happy.  My first thought was that my (beyond DD) cups would runneth over, but I had to try it on - just to make sure, and I have to tell you - it is ahhhhmazing! It is light as air, flattering and perfect for the balmy fall weather in Napa.  The girls will be miraculously concealed with a minor alteration.  The only dress to try in store today was a size smaller than what I usually take, but I could tell that it would be perfection in my size.

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What you don't see on the beautiful Blair is the back of the dress - quite nice and not too vaavoom if you know what I mean.  You also can't really see that there are godets in the the skirt that are a sheer version of the fabric creating a lovely ethereal swish when you walk.

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I know I should wait, but I ordered my size to try with the accessories I have in my closet that I envision will complete the look.  I have what I think will be the perfect sandal, bag and jewelry, the high price of the dress isn't so bad *cringe* since I won't need to purchase accessories.

Where will I wear it again, you very practical reader, asks?  A holiday party in Laguna Beach next December at the home of one of our oldest friends.  He's already asked us to save the date.

Thank you stopping by. You can now return to your holiday cooking, weekend planning or whatever it is that makes you happy.  

As our Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, I want to thank all of YOU for being here.  After I tried this dress I couldn't wait to get home and write this post - I knew all of you would understand.

It's a Wrap

After much - and I mean a LOT of indecision about adding another dress to my wardrobe, I have finally narrowed it down to two.  Not surprisingly they are both from my very favorite woman in fashion, Diane von Furstenberg.  Diane knows how to design a perfect dress, although if she could add a little extra fabric to conceal the girls in the wrap dresses I'd be thrilled.  Not to worry though - I have a perfect, whisper thin slip that does the job.

I came to the conclusion about DVF's place in my wardrobe when I was finishing up my most recent closet clean-out.  The question I'd asked myself during the 2 hour process of transitioning summer items out and fall items into rotation, was, "what is my favorite" piece of clothing?  It took no time to realize that my first (and only) DVF wrap, purchased with birthday funds in New York over 3 years ago, is the best item I own.  Not only is it always flattering, garnering compliments from men and women, it is well-made and comfortable.  I'm sure I've blathered on here about my dress - but I needed the reassurance that investing in another variation would be a wise splurge.

The New Julian is, for my money, the most versatile style of DVF wrap styles and it fits me best; the length is perfect it transitions from day to evening with ease.  Considering the cost of this dress, it has to be all things in my closet.  The new prints for the Resort '15 collection are absolutely stunning and I've been impatiently waiting for months to see them in person.  On Saturday I tried the poppy print below and it is gorgeous.  I am anxiously awaiting a call from my Nordstrom associate with the arrival of the Leandra (2nd dress) so I can determine which is the holiday gift my unsuspecting hubby will be rolling his eyes at this year.  My sweet husband absolutely does not understand my love of fashion but fortunately he will indulge it a few times a year.

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My admiration for DVF knows no bounds.  I have ordered her newest books, Journey of a Dress, a companion to the exhibition I saw in LA a earlier this year and her autobiography, The Woman I Wanted to Be.  Although I'm not a big fan of reality TV, I have been watching House of DVF on E and I'm as enthralled with DVF as the contestants are.  What I most admire about DVF is her desire to empower women and the down-to-earth attitude she seem to have about life.  She really wants her customers to feel confident and beautiful, and her designs are her way of helping women achieve those feelings of strength and power that come with confidence.

Help me decide.  Which dress do you like best?  I do have to choose - although maybe one now and one on sale next year - or is that just too much of a good thing?   I'm hoping to add a DVF maxi next summer to wear to my step-son's wedding.  The the actual dress will need daughter in-law approval, she is already knows that I will be probably be wearing DVF on the big day - what better excuse to add to my collection **wink**.

Have a great week!