For this reason, I'll sometimes pick up a dress at the thrift-store simply to explore possibilities. This dress, for example. I'll rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to wear such a formal gown but it was only $6 and that was cheap enough for me to play with it. In truth, I learned several lessons from wearing it.
Do you ever try clothes on, just to see how they'll look?
Oh, and for you young ones who don't know the cultural reference of the title, it's an interesting story.
"Queen For A Day" started out as a radio show in the 1950's and later became a TV show in the early 1960's. It was a forerunner of the reality-tv of today.
On the show, female contestants who had lived hard lives were asked questions about themselves. A live audience of women voted (by clapping) who it liked the most. The audience usually rewarded women who had endured the most difficult troubles with the most positive attitude. Some of the contestants cried while talking about their lives.
The winner was then crowned with a literal crown, wrapped in a sable-trimmed robe, seated on a throne and given a dozen roses. They were, in all appearances, made "Queen For A Day."
I only got a purple gown, but a girl can dream, can't she?
it looks great on! i think you should find a reason to wear it!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Trying on clothes just for the fun of it is great. We can learn from what works on us, but I think we learn even more by finding out what doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! The color suits you and is much more interesting than the standard black formal gown. You could wear opera gloves with this kind of dress, or a pretty shawl.
ReplyDeleteWould you consider wearing this to your party? After all, you'll be the Belle of the Ball!
I try on clothing in stores to stretch my boundaries. It's a great way to try a new trend with very little commitment. If skinny jeans or the color orange looks lousy in the dressing room, I give myself permission to pass on the trend.
But occasionally I'll be surprised by something that works. As a small example, I always chose rounded neck tops. I'm pretty flat chested and thought that v-necks didn't suit me without any cleavage. But something shifted when I tried on some v-neck dresses "just for fun" and now it is my preferred shape neck line.
I almost always try on formal/dressy outfits when I get a chance. Discount stores like Marshall's and TJMaxx often get a big batch for the holidays. If your dress had been on the rack, you bet your sweet bippy I'd have tried it on! I'll try the slinkiest strapless numbers and the gaudiest beaded ones, the stately satins and the fuzzy fur collars. Usually they make me smile, sometimes wince, and every once in a while I score a great bargain for a future soiree.
One needs to swan about in a gown, even if just in a tiny dressing room, just for fun now and then!
Lovely dress! It's a great color and you do look like a queen. :) I like the necklace with it as well. I've always loved experimenting with clothes; since I was very young playing "dress up" was one of my favorite things to do...and still is (evidence: my last blog post involving tutus...lol!). :)
ReplyDelete♥ Principessa Gabriella
I absolutely love it! It is a great color on you, a nice feminine shape, and good neckline. I wish there were more occasions to wear formal things, because I love dresses, especially Marie Antoinette style dresses. If I could wear fancy stuff like that to the grocery store without getting made fun of,(and things like that weren't so dang expensive)I would.
ReplyDeleteOMGoodness!!!! You look absolutely amazing in this dress. I would sure find a reason and occasion to wear it ~ I LOVE your hair, make up ... everything.
ReplyDeleteWhat were the lessons you learned?
Among them are: a long skirt can be attractive if it is fitted properly and has a nice line; a neckline with wide straps can be flattering to a gal with shoulders as masculine as mine; elegance is easier found in simplicity than complexity; and color matters.
DeleteThat dress is gorgeous. You look amazing!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Thanks for the birthday card!
Gorgeous dress, and a steal at $6! This is a good fit on you and plum is definitely your color. I love having special dress up clothes. At one time my closet was filled to the brim with things I only dressed up in temporarily. I've had to get rid of most of it since moving a couple years back, but I've also bought more 'special' everyday pieces to make up for it.
ReplyDeleteBut nothing can compare to how a gown makes you feel.
The dress is lovely, so is the necklace...I like the sparkly beaded detail on the front...I don't often go and try on clothes just for the fun of it...Today, I went shopping for clothes (end of season summer sales here in SA - I love buying clothes on sale) and that was lots of fun..
ReplyDeleteYou look stunning!!! I think you should wear this to your party :) The color is great on you.
ReplyDeleteThe cut and color of the dress are FABULOUS on you.
ReplyDeleteI will try stuff on at the thrift store just to see, but I rarely bring it home. But I have brought some experimental stuff home just to see if I can make it work. And you definitely made this dress work. I only think maybe it could be a smidge longer?
You're right, Gracey, but this is the problem of being taller than the average bear. What is normal on most women is short on me. I know you know how that is. :)
DeleteI have the opposite problem. I'm only five foot one, so I have to shorten all of my dresses or I look even shorter :(
DeleteThe dress is gorgeous and you look amazing in it!
ReplyDeleteSebbie
The gown is a beautiful color. I was a little girl when Queen-for-a-Day aired. I loved it then, but now thinking back on it the show was bizarre. It was like competing in victimhood.
ReplyDeleteI remember Queen for a Day. I loved that robe! You do look really, really amazing in this dress. The color is just perfect for you. Do you wear purple IRL?
ReplyDeleteI love trying on clothes most of the time. Although sometimes it gets depressing especially when I find something I adore and it has princess seams which I cannot wear any more. There are times when I try on something outside my comfort zone just to see if it would work. I tried on an abstract print top last week and ended up buying it as it was just so cool looking.
This is a STUNNING look on you. So elegant, so graceful. I like many of your outfits but this is my favorite--if you're still sorting out what to wear for your party I agree with the commenter who said this might be a good choice.
ReplyDeleteIf you were on the radio wearing this dress in a Queen for a Day contest, I'd be clapping the loudest!! Wait...if you were on the radio, I guess I wouldn't be able to see you...hmm.
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous in it, though! And only $6?! You look so elegant and confident.
I do like trying on clothes in stores even when I don't buy anything or at home from my closet just for fun. It feels so girly.
You look absolutely stunning in that gown. I adore it and YOU!!
ReplyDeletexo,
Tracy
Yes, you have magic! The dress looks so elegant on you ♥
ReplyDeleteKeep having fun :)
xxx
You look very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a marvelous dress on you - color and fit.
ReplyDeleteMust compliment the make up - me likey !
I do sometimes try things that are not my style on just for kicks - 90% of the time I do not buy them but then there is that unexpected 10% .