Ok, friends - you've helped me out in the past by issuing honest and forthright opinions on my wardrobe sagas. Really, you're the next best thing to having Clinton Kelly on speed dial (which, sadly, has yet to become a reality for this WNTW-obsessed fan). So here's the latest conundrum for which I'm soliciting your thoughts: What should Lisa wear to the Cattle Baron's Ball this weekend?
The event, which benefits the American Cancer Society, is a work-related obligation for my hubby, and since I'm not one to turn down an evening of food and drink, and (let's be honest) the opportunity to go shopping for a new outfit, I'm going to tag along as well. The invitation says the dress code is "western elegance" which despite my many Google searches, remains somewhat of an enigma. My knowledge of western fashion is limited to my brief reign as 1988 Middle Park Fair & Rodeo Queen, and there's no way I'm wearing the high-waisted, butt-elongating, bright pink Rockies jeans that fit the bill then. (I haven't really kept tabs on the current cowgirl style trends, but goodness knows I'm hoping those horrifically unflattering jeans aren't the rage anymore.)
At any rate, I've narrowed my options down to these two dresses. Please review & discuss:
Violet Gloaming Dress from Anthro: silk with velvet tie at waist, worn with brown Frye Campus boots. I have an ivory leather motorcycle jacket I'd probably throw on as a coat.
Pros:
Super comfy
Gorgeous fabric
Very unique
Could probably work in more casual setting, say under a jean jacket
Cons:
Expensive
Possibly not dressy enough
Easily recognizable as "the landscape dress" - not as versatile as a Little Black Dress.
Little black dress from Nordy's: Textured satin with front pleat & bow at waist, worn with traditional black dress cowboy boots. As a coat, I'd probably wear a fitted jean jacket adorned with some fun black tulle flowers.
Pros:
More reasonably priced
Could easily wear again
Fits perfectly
Black is classic
Looks amazing with my red heels (for future event)
Cons:
I'm struggling w/ pairing such a classic dress with boots (does it look funky & hip or just weird?)
Not as unique
Black is a bit boring
I'm not sure I love the front pleat
It's not the Anthro dress
So what do you think? Channel your inner Stacy London and give me the truth! And be sure to voice your opinions here before Friday evening - I've got to have a 12-hour window for shopping! ;)
