Remember when I was going to get one dress for my black tie event on New Years? And then I was going to try to use that same dress for the company coctail party I am attending with my husband?
That plan is dead. New plan: 2 dresses are better than one! Yep, I bought one floor length gown, and one knee length gown and got them both for about $135 total!
It’s the Hollywood style by Mikarose. Don’t mind my lack of makeup.
I don’t love the neckline. But look how cute the shoes are!
I do not think the back fits well. I don’t really care. Finding a modest and affordable evening gown was a nightmare.
I tried adding a belt to give it some definition. Should I try to find a dressy looking sash?
I love the silky shiny fabric.
This is $45 cocktail dress I found on jcpenney.com. That Husbands company is having a holiday party with dinner and dancing on the 12th and so I’ll get to make my big debut in it then.
I wish I had a little more of a waist while wearing it, but I can’t cinch it up with anything because it will become too short.
The cap sleeves are really cutting it close, and that is an illusion neckline, so I’m going to have to wear some kind of undershirt under it.
23 comments
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December 5, 2008 at 5:38 am
Cate Subrosa
I vote yes to finding a dressy sash. I also love the JC Penney dress. I know what you mean about the waist (I would surely think the same thing if I tried it on) but I think the shift shape just adds to the cuteness.
December 5, 2008 at 7:01 am
Skywalker
I like the cocktail dress and I do agree to sash as well – you need a POP color going.
December 5, 2008 at 7:54 am
blythewhite
Those are great dresses! Red or silver would pop nicely with the long gown. And, I agree with the first commenter’s note about the shift dress–that’s just the shape of them. Have you thought about jewelry yet?
December 5, 2008 at 8:24 am
smhtorres
Those are both killer on you! I love love love the short one, it’s so fun! Those shoes are to die for with the long dress
I’m actually liking the bit around the waist!
December 5, 2008 at 8:47 am
Julie
So cute!! I think a silver sash (even just a silver gauze scarf) would be perfect with the evening gown. I LOVE the gown, BTW. I think it’s perfect for a black tie event. Maybe with your hair up and some dangily (but not too big) earrings?
December 5, 2008 at 8:58 am
Mrs.S
I like the sash idea. I agree about it being a different color to pop! That would be super cute.
December 5, 2008 at 9:00 am
Cécy
I vote yes for the sash as well. I look forward to see what you find to go with it. And for the other dress if it’s a bit too close to modesty requirement: could you work it out with a shawl or something that would help to hide things a bit on the shoulders?
December 5, 2008 at 9:49 am
Kristen
Can you get the short one taken in a little by a seamstress to cinch in the waist? You could also have her take a look at the back of the long one. I get TONS of my clothes altered because I’ve got an akward body type (big boobs, small waist, big hips, short, tiny torso, long legs). It’s never been more than about $25 for an alteration and the improvement is just astounding.
December 5, 2008 at 9:57 am
Bean
I like the sash. I think both dresses do need a bit of colour, though. Accessories?
December 5, 2008 at 10:19 am
kalen
definitely add a sash.
you could add a belt to the shorter one too, if you added a slip underneath (maybe like black lace, or even silver, so it peeked out the bottom of the dress)… might be a cute idea.
December 5, 2008 at 10:45 am
Rachel
How about jewel coloured shoes with the short shift dress?
Or, some statement earrings? Or a brightly coloured silk clutch from etsy?
December 5, 2008 at 12:31 pm
jenni marie
I think I have those shoes!! I heart them very much! The dresses look great and I definitely vote for a dressy sash, although I do love it with the polka dot belt and head band!
December 5, 2008 at 12:40 pm
kaymarie (upturned.barbie)
I love these dresses, I share your pain of finding modest yet atttractive clothing. I do think that an accessory– a sash, or statement jewelry would add splash of color and dress them up even more.
I love kalen’s idea of having a slip under the dress peek out– it could even be a fun color that matches your jewelry. Oh possibilities
December 5, 2008 at 1:46 pm
tiffany
lovely Jenna! I like these ones much better than your first round of dresses.
I would do a belt like this J. Crew one
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/accessories/belts/PRDOVR~98098/99101562141/98098.jsp
or this one
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/accessories/belts/PRDOVR~98783/99101572995/98783.jsp
I can’t tell if the dress has a defined waist but if it doesn’t, I would wear these belts higher up near the bust to create an empire waist.
For formal occasions I don’t tend to think you need a pop of color. subtle accessories with a bit of sparkle is all you need.
The second one is adorable as it is. Love the shoes!!
December 5, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Kate
Now I just want to go shopping and buy dresses I don’t need for non-existent events I’m not going to. Of course, I will have holiday parties to go to so maybe I do need a new dress.
The best part of adding a sash is you can wear a different sash each time and change the look completely. What fun!
December 5, 2008 at 2:00 pm
GaTiger
totally delurking to say I agree with the other posters…adding a sash or a pop of color with your accessories will jazz them both up. However the lines on both dresses look fab on you in my opinion!
BTW – When you head over to ATL, could you pack your photographer into your suitcase?
December 5, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Liz
sash!
December 5, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Tara
Adorable, and well done on the bargains! If you can’t find the perfect sash for the long dress, I actually think that belt looks pretty darn cute.
December 5, 2008 at 6:52 pm
shaylenerene
Oh Jenna I love them both!! With the floor length I think it is so elegant on it’s own, without a belt or sash. Just have some great earrings or bracelet to give it a little punch! And I love the short cocktail dress too! It is so cute and fun! I can’t wait to see pictures of you all done up with amazing makeup (because you are the best at that!) and your hair so gorgeous!
December 7, 2008 at 10:39 am
Jenny
Nice Work! I love them both. I think the sash idea has kinda been voted in. And since it’s a black dress you could do just about any color with it, but since it’s a black and white tie event you could go with white. Though, I guess it doesn’t really matter. Lol. Now, you’re going to show us demos of make up and hair right cuz I definitely want to see that!
December 7, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Katie
I just saw this post and thought you might be interested in this:
http://www.alleanzabridal.com/
its a clothing company for lds brides but it also has party style dresses. It was started by a girl I went to high school with. It seems right up your alley! Enjoy!
December 8, 2008 at 11:18 am
Single Girl
I love your savvy shopping! Both dresses are AMAZING.
December 13, 2008 at 2:21 pm
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