Friday, August 7th, 2009

Day 7: In My Little Black Dress

LOOK OF THE DAY

What is The Little Black Dress Experiment all about? Read the introduction here.

TIP OF THE DAY

Take care of your handbags and shoes by having them polished and refurbished as needed. A bag can usually be refurbished for under $40 and often is returned to new condition. I have had my blue MJ bag reconditioned more than four times and each time it comes back looking amazing.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What do you do to lengthen the lifespan of your wardrobe pieces and accessories?

LOCATION OF THE DAY: The Elli Grace store at Willowbend

ABOUT THE OUTFIT

THE DRESS: “The Valerie Shift” designed by Elli Grace. Black cowl neck, sleeveless, knit dress.

WHERE TO BUY: Available online, beginning August 10, at www.elligrace.com

PRICE: $150

WATCH: MICHELE

MODEL: Deco Glamour

WHERE TO BUY: Available at MICHELE retailers include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Michele.com.

PRICE: $3295 Deco Glamour, with SS Diamond Strap; $2695 Deco Glamour, head only; $200 Espresso Alligator Strap

ABOUT THE PIECE: The Deco style is one of the top seller’s for MICHELE. The Deco Glamour just seems like a perfect match for me, right? Bringing together two of my favorites, MICHELE & Glamour. This month I’ll be pairing this watch head with a variety of straps from my strap wardrobe to showcase how changing the strap on your watch can change not just the look of the watch but often the look of the outfit as well. Today I paired it with the Espresso Alligator Strap.

michele-day-7

JACKET: Marc Jacobs

ABOUT THE PIECE: Though initially created to be a dress I pair this piece with other dresses to add an element of character and break things up. I picked this dress up at Buffalo Exchange (one of my favorite spots for amazing deals) for a steal…just under $40.

NECKLACE: Brown/Gold Beaded

ABOUT THE PIECE: I picked this necklace up at JC Penney I believe for under $10. Very versatile as the gold and brown are neutral colors but it also is a great mix of browns to coordinate with any shade.

EARRINGS: Gold Shell Drops

ABOUT THE PIECE: I purchased these at Target for under $10 and they go great with many different looks. I have gotten quite a few compliments n them and love to mix them with my summery looks.

BELT: St. John- Brown with bronzed buckle

ABOUT THE PIECE: While accompanying my husband to San Antonio for business in January I got to indulge in one of my favorite past times, outlet shopping. We made a brief stop at the San Marcos outlets where I discovered a St. John outlet with Target prices. I’ll be wearing a number of pieces from that amazing shopping trip throughout the month. I picked up this very versatile belt for just $18, MSRP $145.

BRACELET: Elli Grace

ABOUT THE PIECE: Though I have been focusing on using existing wardrobe pieces in this experiment I picked up this great gold and white bracelet at the Elli Grace fashion show tonight. The price point? Just $15, and just $12 after the show discount!!! Buy a few and stack them together for a creative alternative to this look.

HANDBAG: Marc Jacobs

ABOUT THE PIECE: This “navy” (I think it looks “royal” but MJ calls it “navy” and he gets final say) Venetia is my favorite handbag. I have had it for quite a few seasons and enjoy endless compliments whenever I carry it. I purchased this bag at Nordstrom from a limited run (it has the gold tone hardware) at retail, $1195. It is one of the only pieces in my handbag wardrobe that can claim full retail price.

SHOES: Miu Miu Strappy Sabbia Sandals

ABOUT THE PIECE: I picked these shoes up at Nordstrom South Coast Plaza as a day before my birthday gift. Funny story…after trying on quite a few pairs of shoes and selecting these for their style comfort and versatility I was flabbergasted when after fifteen minutes the salesman told me he couldn’t find the other shoe, there were no more in the country and couldn’t I just find another shoe. Solution? A salesgirl. LOL. One thing I have found when shopping, you must find salespeople as motivated as you. The salesman couldn’t see why I wouldn’t just pick something else while the girl realized (as of course you will as well) that once a woman has selected a shoe, its time to find the shoe. So what happened? The girl went in the back and reappeared not two minutes later with my shoes. This is the second time I have worn them and though I don’t recommend them for long walks in the woods or a day in retail they are comfortable and certainly a great neutral footwear solution. Celebrity sighting? Lauren Conrad has these shoes. I purchase the shoes for approximately 60% off retail at $236.90, MSRP $595.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 7th, 2009 at 11:59 PM and is filed under The Dress Diaries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Karen Morse says:
August 8th, 2009
9:21 AM

I completely love two things in particular that you did with this look – the pop of color with the bag (gorgeous!) and the use of a dress not as a dress but instead used as a “coat”. It inspired me to look in my closet and find other uses for my clothing items, just like you did with the dress/coat.

Karen says:
August 8th, 2009
6:29 PM

I try to really take care of the items I love. I prolong their life by being careful and paying close attention to any repairs that might be needed. Seamstress skills come in very handy, but those without these skills can always locate a good seamstress. I believe that the items you especially love–clothing and accessories–should be used. Take care of them, but enjoy them.

sue says:
August 9th, 2009
5:27 PM

you need to tell me the place to get your purse cleaned…name & #, PLEASE
They did look like they were NEW!!!!
I got lots of shoes & purses to be dropped there as I wear them very rough

admin says:
August 9th, 2009
11:10 PM

For handbag cleaning and restoration in Dallas I use Deno’s at Highland Park Village. In fact that reminds me I think I have a bunch to pick up Their phone #(214) 521-1070
xoxo,