…Going to the chapel and I’m gonna get to be a wedding guest! You didn’t think it was ME getting hitched, did’ya?? Ha ha, NOPE. But a dear friend with a wonderful second marriage story, IS. I couldn’t be happier for them both.

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:

Photos by moi.

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