A personal stylist helps this MOG
Happy Monday, ladies! Come join me as I share about how a personal stylist helps this MOG.
Of course, I am a Mother-of-the-groom (the MOG), and this top picture depicts the stress I have felt about all the clothing I need not only for the wedding, but events surrounding it.
I promised to take you on this journey with me, and the feelings over my desire to have my son proud of me and to look and feel my absolute best in several outfits do add a bit of stress.
I have also shared in early posts this year, that I have changed sizes…I have shrunk some over the past few years (not because I want to), and I am in the process of losing weight…a little over 20 pounds so far.
Learning to understand what fits me best is now a part of the MOG journey.
This is a spring/early summer formal wedding and I want to be super confident and dance the night away with family.
I hope I do not sound like a drama queen, but for some reason this is very important to me to look just right.
Stick with me here, I will explain the lace cape I have on below and why I have it on.
But, let me start with the calvary…because the calvary rode in this week to help me.
A PERSONAL STYLIST HELPS THIS MOG AND HOW IT BEGAN
In the back of my mind, I knew a personal stylist helps when you have specific needs, but never really thought I would work with one.
Last week, I went on a preliminary mission to see what was at the mall….I know it is early, but I have so many needs that I was scoping out early situations.
I was flipping through racks at Nordstrom and feeling a little lost, when I decided to reach out to one of the sales associates.
Because I have an account at the store, I knew they promote free styling services but I have never considered taking advantage.
Honestly, I thought anyone working there would not understand me and all my preferred styling requirements and would be too young to understand me.
I confess now and ask for forgiveness….I was wrong…a personal stylist helps when you need it most.
I walked up to this very stylish woman, who is young, but also quite mature. The best conversation I have initiated in a very long time.
She listened, took notes and since that moment has been on the case to find me what I need.
She gets me and understood when I gave her parameters such as I wear flats…and what something youthful but classy.
She has also set up a styling board with ideas from clothing -to- accessories, and remained in touch with me several times since I left the store.
I amazed at her value so far for a free service.
A personal stylist helps with peace….and I needed that. It is so reassuring that I have true customer service when I need it the most.
Here is the first important step that this lovely Miss J helped me take.
A PERSONAL STYLIST HELPS THIS MOG WITH NEW POINT OF VIEW
Also, a personal stylist helps open your eyes to a new point of view.
Remember, I have written before of how I have gone away from wearing dresses and do not own that many?
Well, Miss J has opened my eyes to dresses and now I am embracing them.
At the showers, the bridal brunch, the rehearsal dinner, and, of course, the wedding I will be seen in dresses.
Also, I am now comfortable with wearing dresses to those events…I just had no idea which direction to go with dresses.
A personal stylist helps define those areas where you need it most.
Look at the peach & blue Julia Jordan Floral Mock Neck Dress.
I never would have pulled that dress on my own. But, Miss J pulled it for me and then pulled it in a smaller size 14.
I tried the size 16 that I have worn for so long and did not like the fit…after coercing, I tried the 14 and wow what a difference that made.
I love it now. I will style it for you when I have the accessories.
I am not certain which of the activities I will wear it for…but it will be worn for one.
Later that day I discovered these Vionic Minna Leather Bow Ballet Flats to pair with the dress.
I am looking forward to trying them together.
DRESS #2 WAS PURCHASED ON MY OWN
Now that my mind is opened to dresses, I have been a crazy dress shopper online.
Seeking the exact ones I want for this event.
I have always loved “toile” …please don’t tell me I look like a shower curtain or comforter.
This is the Noir Cypress Toile Delaney Dress from Tuckernuck and it is at a much higher price point.
It definitely needs to be hemmed…in fact, a lot of that hem needs to go…the online picture shows where that hem should be.
I like the dress and believe with vibrant accessories, it would work.
However, Leigh Ann reminded me that my best colors are vibrant and this is not in my best colors.
The structure of this dress though is excellent and top quality. I feel good in it…still conflicted.
So, much to consider……..
A PERSONAL STYLIST HELPS LOWER MISTAKES
Over Christmas, my confidence of finding what to wear was low.
I saw this beautiful By Anthropologie Embellished Lace Cape online, and decided to order it.
I felt like it was a good piece to have if I discovered a simple sleeveless gown to wear to the wedding. My daughter, DIL, and future DIL agreed that I should go ahead and get it while it was available.
I believe this cape is stunning, but working with a personal stylist helps me to see that I can find a great dress…it will happen and I will not need to hide.
However, if you are looking for a piece to wear with a sleeveless outfit…I do recommend this.
But, I am going to return the cape.
A personal stylist helps me to have hope that I will find the looks I need…such a great service from Nordstrom if you find the right personal stylist.
I believe I have. She has impressed me so far. She is a member of the team at Nordstrom in the Shops at La Cantera.
Have you ever worked with a personal stylist for a special event? Please share any thoughts you have on how a personal stylist helps. This MOG is so glad to have the help and hyperventilating less.
This means that throughout this process, I will………………………………………………………………………………………KEEP SMILING!!
By Pamela Lutrell
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Thanks for sharing. I will be interested to see what else she suggests….are you going to share other items she recommends besides as a MOG? I went to Nordstroms in Chicago looking for a MOG dress approx. 6 years ago (when there was better inventory than now, after Covid) and could not find anything. I felt like I had to choose between retirement party or pageant circuit…I think I could have found something for the rehearsal dinner but it was the formal wedding I was looking for. Anyway…anxious to see as someone close to your age and size what else she suggests and pics please. Happy Monday.
Pam, you don’t look like a shower curtain or comforter in the toile dress. In fact, the print looks much better on you than on the hanger. Which is a lesson in why trying on is important.
Oh, Pam, this is so exciting! I would love to work with a personal stylist for a special event. I have gone beyond just colors with mine, but never shopped with her for anything except eye glasses. Even if you are yet to find ‘the dress’ in your best colors, you are embracing the journey. A good Nordstroms is a dream. I don’t have one near me. San Antonio is a shoppers delight. I attended a wedding last summer where the grooms side was British. I was so impressed with their beautiful floral dresses (and a few lovely fascinators). You are on the right track. What a difference the hemming will make. I can’t see the slideshow but I am sure that you have some beauties there. By the way , I have used Angelus shoe paint on at least s dozen pairs of sandals, flats, heels, and boots to get the colors that I want. Don’t be afraid to try it. They are lovely and now in my palette. I am so excited to see this process. Dresses with sleeves, no cleavage, and being able to adjust the hem. Glorious! You are looking happy and svelte.
Oh! Something just struck me re your comment about sleeveless dresses.
Have you heard about Sleevey Wonders? I’ve never tried on, but they sound interesting. They are a way to add sheer sleeves to sleeveless dresses & tops.
I don’t know how much to say to you. I don’t like the patterned dresses at all. I would look around for other options. Remember, the stylist is working for you, but she is working from the store’s inventory. The best selections for you may not be at that store! I would listen to your friend. I also don’t like the cape. It looks as if you are hiding your body. You have lost weight! I wish i could say I wear a size 14! Embrace your new figure. If you insist upon a flowered dress, pick another one and wear only one during all the festivities. I hope my comments have not upset you. I wish you the best. I may go to a wedding in May so I am in a panic too because I wear flats also.
Nordstrom’s and their staff is wonderful. Several years ago while visiting family in Seattle I was able to visit their flagship store. Clinton Kelly was there promoting his book and because of that visit I have a signed copy. What a fun day in Seattle!!
I think you should consider keeping the green lace cap. It looks great on you and I am sure there will be some event in the future, not necessarily the upcoming wedding events, where you will have an opportunity to look stunning in this cape!!
Pam- You look great in the toile dress and the shoe you chose seems a perfect fit ! ( and this is from me- the usual anti prints or florals person). You do look so pretty!
Sleevey Wonders sounds interesting. I want to check that out. I also have dresses with sleeves that I want to dye before I donate. There is a group on FB that ‘plunge right in’ to get their best colors.
I want to apologize for my previous typos above. I am having cataract surgery tomorrow and proofreading vision is difficult. Have a good day, readers.
Pamela,
Have you shopped White House Black Market?
When I attended my niece’s wedding, August 2021 in Milwaukee, WI I found a lovely sleeveless dress there. The sales women are fantastic, very knowledgeable.
Now I am not a fan of sleeveless but it was near 90 and I wanted to be comfortable.
I received so many compliments that day!
Also, for my 50th class reunion August, 2022 I found a beautiful black dress, with short sleeves at JCPenneys. I will be wearing it to my nieces’ July wedding in MT. I accessorized the black dress with turquoise jewelry that I purchased in AZ.
Be careful with prints, often they can over whelm our aging bodies.
The dress is beautiful! You so DON’T look like a shower curtain. The dress gives you a long lean look because there is no break at the waist. Wishing you the best in your continued journey and I at least am eager to see you styled in more dresses.
Hi Nancy, I had a talk with her about the line between looking matronly and looking too young. In that in between space is where I desire to hit. She has been great so far. I hope everyone will remember that we are early,early in this process. While she works for me at Nordstrom, I am looking at other places…such as the Tuckernuck dress…and yes, as I have done today, I hope to share with you what works and what doesn’t and why. Happy Monday to you as well.
So, sorry..but that was a joke. I know there are some women who do like toile because it reminds them of home decor. I am not one of those women….I wrote that with tongue in cheek.
Thank you Deborah…with this stylist assistance, I am feeling joyful now about the process. She has opened my eyes to wearing dresses and to trying smaller sizes. That’s fun. I do not know if I will try the shoe paint, but I admit that is intriguing and nice to know you had success.
Interesting…I will check this out.
You can say whatever you like, Linda. Please know that because I bend toward creative dressing and live in an over-the-top creative, colorful community that print and pattern will be a part of the story…but not all of it. The stylist has already sent a link to a gown that is green and gold with no noticeable print. I am going to be looking over many options. Of course I know she works for one brand, but working with her is so helpful and I appreciate the service Nordstrom offers…it has relieved some stress already. I think you can see by the fact that I am showing you another brand that I will be looking at many places. The cape has already been returned, but I wanted to show it to the audience…someone may need a beautiful cape.
I am seriously considering changing into sparkly sneakers with my gown at the reception so I can have some dancing fun!
I think the peach and blue dress is lovely on, it should go with the Vionic flats well. Or look at wedges, they are comfy and don’t have to be high heels. Much more dressy/casual. I too am unsure about the toile dress. You don’t need to brightly accessorize such a big print, and the puffy sleeves are a bit much. If I did anything to that dress, I’d add a stunning belt. Then simple jewelry. I think I’d keep looking for a solid color next, you don’t want all floral prints. Or maybe a dot?
The green cape is petty but I find once I buy one thing, then have to add to it for an outfit, it never ends, and I’m never satisfied. I’d take it back.
Glad the stylist pointed you to dresses. It’s like colors, Pam. When we say never, we are limiting our choices. Why do that with all the other stressors? If you feel good in it, it will show. That’s worth everything.
I returned the cape, Janet. It is a beauty, but in my past when I keep something because I might need it….then I don’t. It is worth the money if you have the need. But, I am doing my best to juggle budget over several events. I agree with you though that it is lovely.
Thanks Paulette…I love the fit of that dress. Now I need to get it hemmed and brighten it with accessories. But I feel great wearing it…even just around the house!
Oh my, Deborah…hope the surgery goes well…I make typos with no excuse…that FB group sounds fun!
I’m so glad you’re working with a stylist! I wish you the best of luck. I think the toile dress looks fabulous on you, but understand if you want something in your colors. I agree with wanting to put your best, most lovely, foot forward for your son’s wedding–there’s no such thing as shopping too early for such an event!
I know now that I can find all that I need, Mary Ann, without going sleeveless. That is why I returned the cape. I will look at White House Black Market…though they are not a great place for color. JCP continues to surprise many of us. I am so glad I have chosen to wear some of their clothing this past year. Sometimes we can locate a gem there. I know about prints…they can age and add pounds…but that has been part of my discussion with the stylist. She knows I am sensitive to looking older.
I am glad I have started the process now, because it has calmed me down. But even the stylist said…it is early, be at peace! I cannot wait to see what the spring collections bring.
Pam, I like dresses, and you look gorgeous in them. The toile is stunning on you. The green lace cape is so classy and feminine. You would be lovely pairing it with a long cream skirt and flats. The soft prints and floral are perfect for spring. Enjoy your search and have fun.
I am open to solids as well as prints, but prints are a part of my story. I do disagree about colors. When I wear my best colors…my vibrant autumn palette…I look my youthful, confident best. I will be attempting to select the best colors for me. It is freeing and refreshing to know that some colors don’t work for me…and that is ok. I feel my best in my colors and that does bring a smile. The green cape has already been returned, but the color is fabulous. The bride has selected lovely colors for her wedding…olive green, deep coral, and lovely yellow. I looked at her palette and was so excited…I can work with that!
I am having more fun now, Marcia, that I have help from the Nordstrom stylist. I look forward to hearing her suggestions weather they work or not…it gives me something to learn from. I am having fun with dresses now…and that is a big statement for me.
You will see it! And I can say that now with confidence. I do like the Tuckernuck dress a lot.
The toile dress looks just lovely on you!!!! I did not like the green cape on you at all!!! I went through all this about 7 years ago!!! The Lord will provide you with proper beautiful dresses for every event you have to attend!!! Have a wonderful time doing this!!! This is a very special time!!!
Yes…the Lord will provide…cape was returned yesterday!
When my kids got married almost 20 years ago I was living in NY where the formal wear stores are abundant. I worked with a stylist both times and it made selecting a dress so much easier! Both times the stylist asked me for adjectives on how I wanted to look as well as inquiring about the venue. I think you have started the process fabulously! The floral looks great on you! Can’t wait to see what you choose for all the other events!
Wow…I love it that your stylist worked with the adjectives that you wanted to communicate. They would completely get me!!
I would love to see the flowered dress on you! The toile dress is beautiful but I’m questioning if it’s really you. To me, with it’s high collared neck and big puffy sleeves, it almost looks as though it’s wearing you instead of you wearing it. That being said though, if you feel beautiful when wearing it then go for it! Just a thought, have you ever looked at ordering from eShakti? Every piece is custom made to your measurements and you have the option of altering the sleeves, neckline and length. Quality is outstanding and at a very reasonable price!
Wow – I looked at those two dresses and thought…hmmm…they look kind of old! But then, you tried on the toile one and WOW! It is adorable on! I can’t wait to see the other one styled out! Keep the toile and since it is black and white, use your preferred color palette to accessorize. It is so exciting to be the MOG. I loved it and it was a very special time. Don’t panic. Enjoy the time! Hugs to you!
I ordered from eShakti once and the process was timely and a little disappointing. Why I have not gone to them again…as a larger, curvy woman, it is more difficult when looking for flattering styles this way. It is so good to know that you have enjoyed success with them, Jocelyn…I am sure there are many more who have. I find that when I wear my best colors, I am wearing the looks. But, when I don’t the looks are wearing me…that may be what you see in the toile dress, because it is way more muted than this vibrant autumn lady usually wears. Thanks so much!
And…hugs back! That is exactly what my plan is for that dress and I am looking at bold accessories in purses and shoes. The stylist also suggested funky, fashionable shoes with it like a loafer…pondering that one.
Hi Pam, I’m an avid follower of your blog but usually just stay on the sidelines. However, my grandson is getting married April 22of this year and my daughter and I have already ordered several dresses. We are very fussy and want just the right dress. Of course my daughter is MOG so she really wants to look good. We are both somewhat shopaholics and always feel there just might be a better one. That being said we have found some of our favorites are JS Collections, Adrianna Papell, and others! I must say Adrianna Papell has some beautiful cover ups (sheer with 3/4 sleeves) that are just beautiful if you want a sleeveless dress. I know I’m looking for a dress with a half or 3/4 sleeve. Even though I am thin my skin is certainly not what it was!! I’ll be keeping close watch over your selections! Good luck you will look beautiful on that special day!!
This is so interesting to me. I have no children, so I do not understand what the MOG process is like. Are there color or style guidelines you have to follow? Will the dress you wear to the wedding be floor length? Don’t bridal shops also carry MOB and MOG dresses? Do you have to pass things by the bride or her mother? What if you lose or gain weight by the wedding? Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
I just posted a comment, Pam but need to mention the brands I mention are all available online at Macys and Nordstroms. By looking online you can really see such a better selection. Also, Alex Evenings has some very nice dresses!! Nordstroms free return policy makes it possible to order a few you like and won’t ever see in the store. Also of course you know it’s free alterations!!❤️
How exciting for you and your daughter! Thank you for the suggestions. I now know I definitely do not want sleeveless and believe I can find a dress with 3/4 sleeves. The cape idea was returned. Thank you!
I think the patterned dresses do not suit you. A smaller pattern or even one colour would look dressier. I also wonder about relying on a store consultant. When I saw your pictures today, I noticed how different you look especially in your face. Way to go, Pam for losing all that weight!
Ok, lots of questions and I do appreciate your interest in the process. I am blessed to have a friendship with the bride and her mother! I have seen the MOB dress and it is gorgeous. She will be wearing pink. I do not wear pink, but if I did, I would avoid the color out of respect. One of the wedding colors is an olive green and that happens to be one of my best colors so I hope to find a green. This is my third time to go through a wedding as a mother. I have never been impressed with what bridal shops offer. I hope to find a dress for the wedding I will wear again. Bridal shop dresses are usually one and done. But who know about now, I am open but also very busy so I don’t see me stopping by there. It doesn’t have to be floor length but typically formal weddings are.
I think I clarified that I am looking other places and have other events around the wedding than just the wedding itself. I am not solely relying on her, but she is amazing. It is so refreshing to find good customer service again. She relieved stress and put fun back in the process. This is a post where it will help to read my responses to the comments! Thanks!
I am glad you clarified for the readers. I know about these brands online. A few years ago I wore Alex Evening to an event downtown. I have already looked it over and seen anything there yet. Spring collections will bloom soon!
Alterations can be made if And hopefully when I continue to lose weight! I hope I need alterations!
Great to peek into your process, as I have no idea when my two young bachelor sons may find their true loves. I do kind of picture my future self in a column of rich cream, a silky blouse, fluid mid-calf fitted skirt, and a drapey third piece perhaps with some tonal embroidery, kitten heeled pumps in a matte black, matching clutch. Just daydreaming! You look fantastic, and I love your idea of switching to true dancing tennies when the music gets going. Every lady in heels, or barefoot by default, will appreciate your choice.
I got my MOG at a bridal shop. I loved it. It had rushing across the, stomach and a short jacket in a dark aborigine. I had not bought or worn a dress in a long time and trended towards black. I tried low heels but decided on flats in silver. At a bridal shop you can try on and pick colors then they fit and hem but you need to order now. One stop shopping. The MOG even bought her dress there after already buying one. For the other events I bought some dressy pants and two contemporary jackets with blouses and tanks. I felt comfortable and enjoyed myself. I can’t wait it see you journey and choices.
The tennis sound fun to me! I want to dance confidently with my son and we are kicking around doing something choreographed and fun. I also want to dance with my six grandchildren…they are so excited about this wedding!
Thanks for sharing that Shelia! I will try to stop by next month!
I LOVE the toile on you! Perfect example of Stacy London’s philosophy that you must try things on. You have such a good friend in Leigh keeping you focused, but, I think this is one of those dresses that transcends our “best” colors. It whispers spring without screaming look at me. OK, sooooo glad the cape went back. You said it perfectly, no hiding for this MOG. So excited to be on this journey with you, thanks for sharing.
Flats are a good idea for all the standing that will be required at pre-wedding events. Start breaking those shoes in as soon as you decide on a dress.
Thank you, Suzi! Leigh Ann is a great friend who will tell me what I need to hear! She is such a treasure!
Forgive me if someone else has already said this but I agree with your friend about the color of the toile dress on you. It’s not your usual cheerful, friendly color. It may be my computer or your camera but it washes you out completely and gives a grey cast to your skin. If you don’t “love” it, maybe let it go.
Thanks for sharing, Pam! It is good to hear from others and Leigh Ann agrees with you!
I love the toile dress on you! You are very fortunate to have a friend like Leigh to keep you focused, but this dress transcends color issues it’s classic and fits you beautifully. As Stacey London always said you have to try clothing on and don’t look at the size. So glad the green cape went back, as you so beautifully said this M O B is not going to hide. Thank you for sharing this fun journey with us.
Try shoe paint on a pair of old shoes that you might toss or donate. See them come back to life in your colors. Amazing. Angelus also will work with mixing to get just the right shade. I turned a pair of $$ black ballet flats into marine blue. Black sandals into olive. Silver slip on sneaks into forest. Etc.
The struggle and anxiety are real. Due to insurance snafus, I ended up having a breast reduction 5 weeks before my son’s wedding, and boy, was I a wreck in contemplating it. I started shopping early, but I couldn’t tell them the date of the surgery at that time, and I had no idea of my size on top, any swelling, etc. There was a team in Occasion at a lovely store in this area called Von Maur, and they said, “we got this,” and they did. I ended up in a black chiffon long skirt and a sheer lace overlay top. They let me pay for one and gave me 3 sizes of the top to keep for 8 months! Then they did a rush alteration a few days before the wedding. As a result, I’m a customer of theirs for life. Sometimes we need a different perspective, especially in size. We “know” we wear a certain size, and it’s our comfort zone, but once in the correct (usually smaller) size, it’s a though the scales have fallen from our eyes. As you know, if you feel amazing in the flowered dress, you are going to project that. To a more objective eye, and to the extent you (didn’t :):)) ask, I think you look beautiful in it!
Great post, Pam! I am excited you will share your experience with all of us. On the hanger, both dresses capture my attention. I agree that trying on the dress and in different styles is key. I have worked with a personal stylist at Nordstrom in the past. I have found it to be a very pleasant and eye-opening experience. They were not pushy and helped me find options. I would definitely use them for finding a special occasion. I think the toile dress looks better on you than on the hanger. And I love the blue dress – the colors will look amazing on you. I love Vionic shoes. I look forward to your future posts as MOG. Congratulations to your son and his bride-to-be!
Wow you have a lot going on! I have never used a stylist at a store but I would be willing to try it because she would probably take me out of my comfort zone and find something I would never have tried in my own.
Congratulations on the weight loss! I remember reading about that and have tried to follow the WW program but am of course having a hard time staying on track. I’m going to go back and look at some of your recipe suggestions. It seems I need to get new ideas to help me.
Good luck in finding the right dress. That is a really special occasion!
That voile dress is absolutely stunning on you!
I meant toile!!
Lol!
Thank you!
Thanks Paula! The stylists at Nordstrom are free and she already pushed me out of my box a little. It is fun right now!
Your challenge was much bigger than mine…and makes me feel a little silly. But I so appreciate hearing that accepting help was a great assistance to you. D
Makes a huge difference when someone says with confidence… we got this.
I appreciate you sharing this Linda..,I know there are others facing the same thing!
As a mother of 3 married sons, Dillards was the store that worked for me—-classic & timeless.
Thanks for sharing, Carol! Dillards is one of my favorite places. Tried on several dresses there last week and will return often. It will be interesting…even to me.,,to see where these outfits originate.
So much fun! Kudos to you for stepping out of your comfort zone and asking the sales lady for styling assistance! I know that took courage. Now that you’ve crossed that hurdle, wow! I’m excited with your new dresses. The toile brings out your tiny waist! Good for you! Hard work is paying off, and I’m enjoying your delicious recipes too. I can’t wait to see more, very exciting.
Thank you, Tamara. It has turned from stress to fun!
Oh gosh, Pam, I hope you were joking because I’m sure your son will be proud of you no matter what you wear!
Nice that you’re embracing dresses for a new look. I like them both, although you are the only one that matters quite frankly. Keep smiling your happy smile & you’ll make a burlap sack look good…maybe one of your necklaces too 😊
I’m late to the party Pam, but I think anything you feel confident in will be perfect. You already have a great sense of fashion, so trust your instincts!
It’s been over a decade since I was MOG, but looking back it was such a joyous day, the ceremony, the dinner afterwards, the dancing, the joy of the married couple! Fortunately I found a dress I was happy with, but what I wore barely registers in my memories. And yes to comfortable dancing shoes, sparkly sneakers would be great! I can just see you dancing with your grandchildren, all of you smiling!
Since you are losing wt . You may need a 12 or an alteration … ialso sometimesyou can find a gorgeous dressy jacket inna print to go over a simples solid dressy dress..
Or a solid dressy jacket over a brighterbusier print that ties the dress.together and also slims you . I found a lovely navy print sleeveless dress at a designer type vintage store and paired it with a chiffony dressy Jacket. Solid wore to a rehearsal dinnner . You can also have a jacket made . Chicos sometimes has stunning jackets . Enjoy the wedding
He would, Lois…as long as it is not a burlap bag! Lol!
Yes! I can see it too! It is refreshing to have assistance with this one!
I plan to! Thank you Susan!
Though my children are all married and I’m not aware of any weddings in my near future, I look forward to following your journey! When it comes to the toile dress, I do agree with Leigh Ann. I was very surprised to see that you’d chosen something in black and white instead of in the colours that you know look so good on you. Though I’m not fond of large floral patterns, I look forward to seeing what you look like in the other dress. It’s always so hard to tell by looking at something on the hanger which is why I must have tried on fifty dresses before finally settling on one for my youngest son’s wedding a few years ago!
Thanks Elaine…glad you will follow along!
I agree with Leu, that dress looks way better on you than the hanger
I’m looking forward to seeing all you find. I have a June wedding—our niece/goddaughter. I haven’t worn a dress in years, but you are inspiring me to give it a try. I found several online at JCP that I ordered. I’m not a fan of prints on me (my style adjectives don’t include creative 🙂), but the fit of the toile dress is perfect on you.
I do need several outfits, Kate for different events around the wedding. I probably won’t do prints for all of them..but right now, who knows? I want to be open. Glad you are joining along with us!
I agree with the ladies that a solid color would be the way to go for the wedding itself. Just pick one of YOUR colors and it will be easy to accessorize with something classy. Remember the wedding pictures.
I wore a solid emerald green silk dress for my son’s wedding many years ago and I stood out in the pictures, but in a good way! My husband took me to DC to shop and I would not have tried it on except for him. After a little alteration, it was perfect. I have worn it to several weddings and events since then.
I read your blog all the time, but usually do not comment; but when I read this, I just had to put my 2 cents in. The other dresses would look great at the other bridal events.
Jan
So glad you shared, Jan! Green is my first choice!
Finding the right MOG dresses were very stressful for me. We have 4 boys so I got to repeat that stress. My suggestion would be solid color dresses or tone on tone outfits. A more fitted lace caplet or a shawl would add elegance. Maybe shoes with a slight heel and/or a little shimmer would look nice.
I shopped at some upscale stores first in search of styles/colors that looked best and then shopped for similar dresses at more reasonably priced stores. It worked for me and I wasn’t disappointed in my choices after the event when I saw pictures. 😊
I am looking forward to seeing more of your experience in finding lovely dresses, outfits, for the special occasions you will be attending. Very exciting. If you have time, would appreciate your suggestions on correct make up to wear when having pictures taken at formal events. I believe some foundations are better than others for flash photos.
P.s. love the idea of changing into sparkly sneakers to dance the night away!
I like the Toilie. I can’t tell from the photo about the colors b/c you’re in the light from the windows, but overall I like the pattern. It reminds me a dress I bought a couple of years ago at H&M. I got it in the Winter so it was ultra marked down, but it’s got that same sort of print and styling. I feel pretty when I wear it.
They will defintely carry sizes 14-16 — maybe take a look online there?
It was a good idea to consult with a stylist because patterned dresses, which is what I imagine is the proper thing to wear to bridal events in South Texas, aren’t something you have a lot of experience with. It looks very nice!
I’m also glad the cape is going back, it’s an awfully strong color. That’s fine for you in a photo by yourself, but wedding pictures tend to stick around and I think it’s better to blend in them than stand out. Particularly when you’re the MOG!
ooh…I love the Black and White Toile dress. It’s sold out now. I’ve been eyeing for graduation. Our 2 sons are graduating in May and hey, b&w goes with black grad gowns. Did you return it?