Wednesday 19 May 2010

Yet another wardrobe dilemma

We've been invited to a good friend's party in London this weekend. I know it'll be a trendy crowd, so I want to wear something that won't hurt the eye.

For me the weather is always a problem, because, as you know if you've been following my trials and tribulations with getting dressed for functions, I hate being hot or cold. And I know all the most interesting people at this party in will be spending all their time in the garden. Luckily for once, it's supposed to be quite nice this week-end, so anything faintly summery will do. I also don't want to wear uncomfortable shoes if I'm to stand all night, which at parties I usually do. So the Painful Pradas are out of question (again). And I'm not as slim as I used to be, and since I'm no longer 25, I don't want to wear anything too young. On the other hand I do not want to become invisible in some perfectly well suited for my age, stylish thing. Like an Agnes B black dress...

I have a little time to do shopping in town on Friday, but I also know very well  that my wardrobe almost certainly already has the item - or items - I could wear to be something in between, 'Too young, trying to hard to be trendy' and 'Too old, stylish but boring'.

So as usual, I turn to you, the fashion bloggers for advice.


This is my first choice: a dress I bought last week by Phase Eight. 


It's really boho chic, in lovely thin silky tulle fabric with frills and a separate jersey lining dress. It's far too short to be worn on its own, as you can see from the picture above, so I'm going to pair it with turned up jeans and my Miu Miu shoes. Question: is it too casual (with the jeans) for a birthday party?




Second favourite is this silky top by Marlene Birger. Again I'd wear it with jeans, or if I have time try to get a pair of black tapered trousers on Friday. The problem with this top is that it makes me look big. Not fat exactly, but all those ruffles make me look a little like a just hatched chick.




The way I'm holding the camera makes it look ok, but I can't very well stand for the whole of the night holding my elbows in close just to show everyone my body isn't as big as the top makes it look? Then again, the top is mighty fine...



Last but not least I have a few dresses in my wardrobe which would do: 


This one is by Jean Paul Gaultier and it's made from really nice, body-hugging stretchy silk fabric and comes just above the knee. I usually wear a t-shirt underneath or a jacket over the top. With black shoes and a clashing clutch I think this could be a left-field surprise choice.



My serial buying dresses: these two I have worn to death. With the right accessories they do look good, but I'm a little bored with them. And they're not exactly the latest trend now are they? 

I am not even going to post a picture of the many black Agnes B numbers I own. My back-up plan, if I wake on Friday morning feeling fat and ugly, is to wear one of them with the camel coloured DKNY wrap and the gold-tipped Pradas. In that case you're well within your rights to tell me off and never darken the pages of this blog ever again.  

18 comments:

Style At Every Age said...

Here goes, my opinion only. The Phase Eight is lovely but would look better with leggings. Love the Malene Birger and this would be my choice, but if you do wear this, although it is great with jeans, don't turn them up as this make them too casual for an evening birthday party, although rolling them up is fab for day with your Dune sandals. I would also consider the JPG dress, I really like this, get some really fab black high heeled gladiators to go with it, x

Unknown said...

Thanks, Looking Fab. I too was thinking of leggings, but I really can't bear them. (I know that's silly). I also love the JPG dress & thanks for the tip on shoes! xx

That's Not My Age said...

I think you've got great legs and could wear the Phase Eight dress on it's own. Otherwise it's the JPG dress or one of your ABDs. The Malene Birger top and jeans combo is quite casual - I suppose it depends on what type of party it is, and most importantly, what you feel comfortable in.

Unknown said...

You're too kind, That's Not My Age, but that picture is flattering. xx

Anonymous said...

I agree with TNMA, if I had legs like yours I would go for the phase 8 dress on its own. Otherwise I think the JPG dress is stunning - left field or not it would be perfect for warm day outside. You can take a jacket off if you get hot, so that would be better than a T shirt underneath.

Wildernesschic said...

I like the JPG dress .. maybe a spray tan?? I l also like the Phase Eight and think you have great legs .. but I know what you mean about feeling conscious about legs etc.. I think jeans are great for any occasion, but if you don't get the chance to dress up often, where a dress, you will look great in any of the options xx

mermaid gallery said...

Most important is to be comfortable...don't go wearing something that makes you feel fat or aware of your problem areas. I ALWAYS tell people...wear classic, comfortable clothes...and FABULOUS jewellery! Think a new, scoop neck t shirt in white or a spring colour....Just make sure you feel comfortable so you can have a good time!

Chic Mama said...

You look great in all the photos...you must be very tall because I have that phase eight dress and it's not short on me at all.
I hope whatever you choose you have a great weekend. x

Marguerite said...

I agree with the others, that you have great legs and think that you should show them off, either with the Phase Eight dress (by itself) or the JPG, with maybe a light shawl. Have a wonderful time!

Anonymous said...

I vote for the JPG dress as well, maybe with a slouchy boyfriend jacket. My second choice would be the Phase Eight dress, but with either black leggings (although I hear ya: I hate them too. I lived through the eighties already, no need to do THAT again.) or skinny black trousers.
But then, what do I know? I still own a flannel jacket with shoulder pads! (But in my defense, I haven't actually worn it in public for almost ten years ... maybe it's time to get rid of it?)

Elizabeth said...

Phase Eight dress gets my vote, but with leggings or skinny jeans. It is a beautiful dress but a tad short even with lovely legs, unless you are 18. Just my opinion. Can't wait to see what you choose.

Christina @ Fashion's Most Wanted said...

I would wear the Phase 8 dress with either very thick Wolford tights, leggings (Wallis do some good simple ones, I always buy the high waisted), skinny black trousers or jeans and heels or boots. I like the JPG dress too. How about that with a long sleeved shrug? - I have a number and the one I wear most is also from Wallis (about £20 I think). I always wear something that could be unsuitable and then take things to cover up in my bag in case the weather turns xx

Anonymous said...

I agree with most of the commenters. First of all: great legs!

I vote for Jean Paul (maybe w. a black blazer). My second choice is the Malene Birger top, but with black tapered trousers instead of jeans. Good luck deciding, and fingers crossed that the weather will be great. xx

Julie Sardinetin said...

Agree with others that if I had legs like yours I would go for Phase 8 dress on its own. OH always tries to get me to wear more dresses, but I always end up wearing jeans with a "fancy" top to these things as I just feel more comfortable. So go on - be more daring that me!!

Unknown said...

Oh, I don't know what to do now! That's not fair, you should all agree to make life easier for me, though I guess the JPG dress has got quite a few votes. For what it's worth Husband liked the Phase 8 one on its own (predictable!) but also liked it with jeans and thought JPG dress to dressy...I think it's because it's a bit longer. I'll take a pic before we go out to show you how brave I was feeling on the night. (Let's hope Husband doesn't give me any bubbly before we leave, because a) I can't say no to that b) it makes me too brave) xx

Lisa Borgnes Giramonti said...

Helena: I took you up on your shoe challenge. (Take a look...) xx

Karena said...

Helena,

I really love the JPG dress, the style, the fabulous palette!!
Have fun and show us the pics!

Karena

Art by Karena

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