Going back to Tulips’ last comment…

Well, my Tulips, when I was working I was a BIG shopper; years ago when I was teaching at Fashion Industries I was a perfectionite. When I switched to elementary school and often got down on the floor so to speak, with little kids, I ditched the heels and wore slacks and blazers in great colors–aqua, violet, coral have about 20 that I probably will never wear again but can’t ditch.

Now that I am retired I have no need to get “dressed” everyday, now it’s all about COMFORT.  There’s a chain here that I love called “Chico’s” based in Florida and the stuff it perfect for me.  http://www.chicos.com.  I like their coordinated colors and fabrics.  Gym type stuff crosses into coordinated everyday stuff.

So I rarely have an opportunity to buy or dress up–this was an exceptional year with weddings and bar mitzvahs.  I can show you the great dress I got and shoes for my nephew’s Bar Mitzvah (all from Lord & Taylor–the above dress is from L&T, too).  I’ll probably wear it again to a wedding in June.  The dress is Tadashi–I found a pic of it, look at the enlarged detail of the bodice:

TADASHI BASKETWEAVE BODICE DRESS   Back to Dresses

Off-the-shoulder dance dress by Tadashi in silk crinkle chiffon – styled to flatter most figures. Bodice is pieced in a basketweave design…shirred full skirt has swirling movement. Below-knee length:  Center back zip closure. Semi-fitted; fully lined. Imported.

You can see the detail by clicking on the picture. Click on all.

Tadashi is a Japanese designer and I had never thought of purchasing an expensive dress, but with coupon I got a, over $300 classic dress 15% off, still high-ish but can be worn again and again.  VERY elegant–there is a silk sheath–it’s navy–under the gauzy layers.

When I tried on the dress, I thought the shoulders were too big, not realizing they were supposed to be off the shoulder, so I had the tailor bring up the top, which changes the look.  Had I known, I would have left it, but the feel might have been annoying.

Then I got a wrap in a pleated silk, to match the shoes, also silk.
The little bag is totally beaded and sequined in black and silver.
Here is is with the wrap.  And me.

When I got the previous gray dress, I thought I’d wear these shoes, but I think it would be too monochrome. I like the bright color.  These are a sedately elegant.

My sister’s dress–she is the mother of the Bar Mitzvah boy, was gorgeous.  Maybe she’ll display it , very detailed and beautifully made.

Here she is at the party.

It has a gorgeous handkerchief bottom and a very intricate bodice.  The wrap was made from  black silk with her extra fabric at the bottom.  I made the jewelry.  The necklace is made of black vintage aurora borealis crystals and glass.

I’ll display my jewelry at a future date when I am done with the charm collections.

reply starfishred wrote on Apr 26, ’08 Ca has chicos to and i usually buy there when I come over love your dress and yes the brither shoes will perk it all up

edit delete reply lauritasita wrote on Apr 26, ’08 Well, it looks like I’ve been shopping at the wrong stores again (just kidding!) Ok, but I have to get out the old scanner, hee, hee. Oh wait, maybe not. Those pics may be online somewhere…Hey, we have a Chico’s here too !

edit delete reply lauritasita wrote on Apr 26, ’08 P.S. I think the shoes I wore were made by Nina, too. She makes nice stuff.

edit delete reply lauritasita wrote on Apr 26, ’08 Here’s my dress !

reply ppiccola wrote on Apr 26, ’08 love ittttttttttttttttttttttttttttt, the black dress is just so my style………..wowowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I’m getting addicted with the kind of fashion blogs………..please never stop…..and you look beautiful!!! I could wars your sister’s dress too…love the turquoise!

reply tulipsinspring wrote on Apr 26, ’08 You are both gorgeous, and I love the dresses!!!!! Seriously, you and Laurita are so glamorous!!! And I am stealing both dresses, and those sassy shoes, I love them!Oh Lord & Taylor! I am SO going shopping in NY. You are giving me the bug! Montreal just isn’t the same as any big American city, and NY especially! I really have a thing for shoes and purses, and those are just darling …. but I’m loving the dresses too. Thanks for sharing this, and I say you, me and Laurita go shopping soon in NYC!!!!

reply sanssouciblogs wrote on Apr 26, ’08 Mine is actually navy, Piccola–click on the model in the pic. The “braiding” on the bodice in the fabric is a lovely detail. Believe it or not, black and white are not good colors for me. I have yellow undertones and they drain color from my face. (I’ve worked at Color Me Beautiful, another story).

reply ppiccola wrote on Apr 26, ’08 sanssouciblogs said Mine is actually navy, Piccola–click on the model in the pic. The “braiding” on the bodice in the fabric is a lovely detail. Believe it or not, black and white are not good colors for me. I have yellow undertones and they drain color from my face. (I’ve worked at Color Me Beautiful, another story). yes it is really beautiful. ohhh I want to hear about Color me Beautiful one day!

edit delete reply lauritasita wrote on Apr 26, ’08 When I get a chance, maybe I’ll post the neclaces you made me for the Bar Mitzvah.

reply kwika wrote on Apr 26, ’08 That’s a beautiful dress and I love the shoes.

reply luluone wrote on Apr 26, ’08 the dress and the shoes are gorgeous!! I like the color of the dress

reply strongwilledwoman wrote on Apr 26, ’08 Stunning,…. both of you beautiful women and the outfits.