Oh And I’m Going to the Chapel and I’m Gonna Get….
So, the challenge was “beachy but evening” wedding guest attire. Which I took to mean, not too formal. I have a difficult enough time finding dresses to fit…THAT I like, THAT are in my price range…but I didn’t want to spend money on something that was ONLY “event appropriate.” Every piece in my wardrobe needs to be more versatile than that.
I DID buy two dresses at PlusBKLYN a few weeks back, a little impulsively because I was feeling desperate. The one that’s definitely “beachy” was on the $20 rack…but needs at least that much in alterations as it’s a maxi but way too long for me. If I’m going to pay for an alteration I’ll have it brought up to knee length so I can wear it more. It would be fun for a summer cocktail date (HA HA HA)…IF I can find the right bra for it. You’ll see it eventually. It’s a little “out there” for me, but I’m try to stretch the boundaries a bit.
The other is definitely more wedding guesty…but the fit is a little snug and revealing for my liking…and it needs some sort of cover-up piece for the top, certainly in the church. I have another wedding to attend this October, so I think I’ll hunt for that piece over the summer and be ready come fall.
So, the wedding is this Friday and I was still feeling unsure about what I was wearing. I searched all the usual suspects online…Loft, Old Navy, Target, H&M, Anthropologie, Macy*s, Modcloth, Lane Bryant…and finally hit upon this kimono at Avenue. I made a call and found it was in stock at a store near work. I was worried about ordering something online at this late date, waiting all week for delivery then finding it wasn’t a good fit (which it usually isn’t), and then I wouldn’t have time to find another option. So I got it and will wear it over what? Say it with me now – The Black Asos Dress.
That dress has been a godsend for like 5 years now (shakes fist at asos). Anyway, I don’t LOVE love it (the kimono), but it solved a problem, so there you go. Sometimes that’s as good as it gets. I think it will be more fun to wear later over skinny jeans and a white tee.
If I have time this week I’ll look for more summery black shoes or sandals, these off-road Taryn Rose flats are a little heavy-looking for “beachy” and summer (even though they’re the most comfortable shoes outside of sneakers).
And that is the story of my search for an appropriate event dress. I’m such a casual gal it is always a struggle to find clothes for these “once in a great while” occasions, that still fit all my other criteria: fit, style, price, comfort. I’m a PITA, I know, but…I yam who I yam.
PS: I really tried to shoot outside but by the time I got home from work it was pissing down outside.
What I’m Wearing:
- Avenue Ivory Border Print Kimono
- ASOS black swing dress, old. Comparable here and here.
- Taryn Rose black flats, old. Comparable here.
Photos by moi.
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Laurie Elliott
I LOVE the kimono! Turns that black dress into a beautiful backdrop for the filmy light wedding appropriate piece of art. If in doubt stick with the comfy shoes. They will do.
Nothing like hiking from a parking lot or standing in lines to get into the church or receiving line with aching feet to ruin an event.
bettyewp
Oooh, “filmy light wedding appropriate piece of art”! I like that!
Debbie from Illinois
You look great! I like the earrings and bracelet too. Wear the comfy shoes. β€οΈ
bettyewp
The comfy shoes will probably be the ones as I’m out of shopping days at this point!
jodie filogomo
What do you mean you don’t LOVE love the kimono? It’s incredible. It almost looks like you draped a scarf over your dress, and it’s such a lovely print!!
Now I want to see you wear it with jeans. I bet it’ll be so versatile.
OXOX
Jodie
bettyewp
Okay. Are you ready? I felt a little like I look like a rabbi with the tallit (prayer shawl) on. I know, I’m a lunatic. I also prefer florals on colored backgrounds vs. white. AND, my old thing, I don’t feel comfortable wearing light things over dark. It just feels unbalanced to me. All those things (as ridiculous as they may seem to someone else) combined and…if I weren’t out of time, I would still be looking π It *is* a very nice kimono. It FEELS wonderful. I’m sure it’s polyester, but it feels as close to silk as you could get without being silk.
And you will definitely see it in the future over jeans!
Karen
I love that kimono! I love the floral design and the black border as well as the expanse of ivory to keep it from being overly busy. Always love a touch of understatement somewhere to highlight the design that’s there. Great choice for a beachy wedding!
bettyewp
Thanks, Karen!
julia
Before I got to the last paragraph I was going to comment how nice your indoor photos were and that new camera is working out really well. Plus, your door is a really pretty backdrop. I’m curious if you’ve tried hanging the lights on it in a different configuration, like outlining the window, so you get the light but it highlights the pretty structure. I thought of it as I was looking at it and wanting to see the door more fully. Just my two cents! Have a fabulous week Bettye!
bettyewp
No, I’ve never outlined the window with the lights. Wouldn’t THAT be a lot of effort for a lazy person like me?!?
π
Linda
Elegant outfit, beautiful kimono!! Perfect dress and shoes too.
bettyewp
Linda, you’re too kind π
MJ
I LOVE IT! Itβs perfect for a beachy dressy Friday night wedding… itβs a tall order π
The countdown has begun… please will this rain away!!!
bettyewp
HEY! IT’S THE BRIDE! And now you’ve seen me in my wedding guest dress! Isn’t that bad luck?? π
There will be no rain on Friday. I have declared it to be so, or my name isn’t Bettye RAINWATER.
xoxo See ya Friday!
Chris J
LOVE the kimono over the dress.
bettyewp
Thanks, Chris xoxo
Chris
I adore the kimono, too, and think it looks elegant and beautiful on you! Maybe it will grow on you. It looks very versatile. Enjoy the wedding!!
bettyewp
Thanks, Chris!
Betty (no E) π
Wow!! Loving the look!!! I could totally get into that kimono. I also agree with comfy shoes. Who’s going to be looking at your feet when the dress combo is so fabulous!!!!!
Iris
Well, I’m with everyone else – I absolutely love the kimono. It looks great over that dress – and you could wear it with pants, and….
Isn’t it always amazing – others love an outfit and I hate, and something I really like is just so-so to others.
But, you look amazing. Have fun at the wedding.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
Elle
Well I do love love love the kimono! I think youβre going to like it even more as time goes by. The print is gorgeous and itβs overslept. This weather is indeed quite depressing.
It is always fun to go to a wedding. I am glad that I have several coming up. Enjoy. And thank you for your very thoughtful post reply .
β€οΈ Elle
Elle
So overslept equals versatile.
I use voice dictation, caught 6 errors, but missed this.
In fact the first sentence as it was written by the dictation feature, was I love love love doing chemo. !
Lol , Elle
Was glad that I could post without using my website information. A good test for the future perhaps .
MJ
Please do a NO Rainwater dance LOL ππ°π»π€΅πΌπ
bettyewp
No Rain. Booyah.
Daenel T.
That kimono is everything. And it looks fabulous on you.
Iβm gonna be in the same boat in the next few weeks… I have a wedding to attend next month and I have no idea what to wear.
bettyewp
Thanks, Daenel! AND, I wish you luck in your wedding guest attire search. It’s so hard!
Sarah
The outfit looks great and perfect for the wedding you described. Well done pulling it off! I feel like thatβs the magic I try to make work all the time!! Basically every day. And you got this one right for sure. Also I am in love with the soft lighting in these photos. Gorgeous Bettye!
bettyewp
Thanks, Sarah. Yep, so hard to get it all Just Right. Every new article of clothing is like a new relationship – will it get past the first date? Is it just good for now and then? Or is it the start of a Happily Ever After outfit??
Cheryl Tucker
I don’t think you could have found a more perfect kimono for this look! It is so pretty and absolutely beachy evening attire! Spot on! Fun story but it sounds like a little stressful for you. But now you have fabulous look for all kinds of occasions!
Peace!
Cheryl
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
bettyewp
Thanks, Cheryl. It actually worked out very nicely…and I look forward to wearing it over jeans and a tee soon!