Style Dilemma: 20th Reunion Advance Work - Putting it all out there. Really

Alright, folks. You asked. Well, kinda.

Last night, a few of us had a little twitter fashion show with the options. All of them. I tried on both the 3 pretty dresses from my zappos shopping spree, but also, at H's request, pulled out some old (and newer) favorites that might work. I have the twitterverse's opinions.

Not that this is entirely a democratic process, because in the end, I'll select what I feel suits me best and the dress in which I feel the best, but in the name of good cross-media coverage, I've posted multiple views of the options in my closet on the DC Celine facebook page. Go. Look. Share your opinion.

For those of you who really need all the details to consider, this is, obviously, my 20th high school reunion. All 183 of us grew up in a small, at-the-time mostly rural Pennsylvania community that even now toys with the idea of being suburban. We have malls and such, and sometimes act as a bedroom community to Philly, but really, we still have a Community Fair. There are cows. And silage.


So some of us from the class of 1991 will gather at a reasonably nice hotel ballroom this Saturday night. While the original inn is "all historic and stuff" like a lot of our area, the owners have added on. Unless our esteemed class president (thanks, Tom!) has something up his sleeve, this is your fairly standard hotel cocktail reception.

Due diligence warning, now: H took the pics on his camera phone, which isn't as good as mine. Mine is on the fritz. I don't have hair, makeup, accessories, the correct undergarments, or a clean bedroom. You've been warned.

But the one non-negotiable piece of my ensemble, absolutely unanimously, and even if it weren't, I'd override everyone: The Shoes.

Style Dilemma: 20th Reunion Advance Work

20th Reunion Advance Work by dcceline

T-minus 13 days til the reunion.

Law & Order on TV. Fingers flying on the keyboard. Scrolling through rows and rows of Zappos.com options. Because of their amazing (still the best in the business) 365 return policy. Hopefully, I'll be able to try them on with my black patent and natural straw version of these Oscar de la Renta sandals (with a sexy red insole) this weekend.

We've got Calvin, always a winner. Draping + red should be flattering and showstopping. The main thing that concerns me? Bra. I think - but am not sure - I have a convertible bra in my drawer somewhere. Braless is not an option.

Then Jessica Simpson. Seriously. This blousy top with fitted skirt might strike the perfect blend of relaxed and still sexy. I'll even forgive the black for the cool, interesting slitted sleeves.

Last up? Juicy Couture. Again, surprised me when I clicked. I do well in the sexy structure of a 60s-style shift minidress. I've got legs, know how to use them, but the 3/4 sleeves and covered up demure lace might balance the über-sexy ankle straps on my beloved Oscars. Granted, they might not work, but then again, they might.

Divine Inspiration - Pink Patent Pumps

I had a dream.

Two nights ago, I dreamt of pink patent leather pumps.

They were perfect.

Babygirl pink, medium heel, round toe, a hint of a wooden edge on the sole.

Demure, but not boring.

Where they came from, I don't know, and how they got in my head, I have no idea. But needless to say, when a girl dreams (at least this one) of shoes, she works very hard to find them. It's along the same lines as the pair of red patent leather pumps I went back to "visit" three times before I finally bought them. My own personal rule? If you think about them constantly for 3 or more days, and you can afford them, they need to be bought.

So using what might just be a new favorite tool (I'm sure I'm the last on this bandwagon), like.com, I'm scouring the web for these pearly babies. I'm convinced they exist. If not, I might just pick up the phone and call my new favorite shoe designer (if you haven't checked out her in-house, personally designed, named after her own Bean line, lillybee, do it NOW), Kassie of simplysoles, and suggest them. I don't even need credit for the idea. I just want the shoes.

So here's the run down, and how they aren't really what I saw in my dreams.

Demonia - around $40, and cute. Color's close, and the stitching and bow are a nice touch, but, well, demure they're not.

Bettye Muller. Not $40. Softer color, lower heel, but the price, the peep toe, and the heel aren't quite right. (Though I thought maybe Bettye Muller would be the place to find my dream shoe, with the modern retro feel.)

Bandolino. Online, about $30. By far the most reasonable. And definitely the most demure, with the Mary Jane detail. But, well, they're red. And the MJ is juuuuust too demure.

Juicy Couture. Also not $40. But the toe is right, and they're simple. Fun color, too, but clearly not the right pair.

Another Demonia pair, reasonably priced, and more demure than the first pair. Like the spectator detail, but the color and the MJ strap aren't right. Nor is the height. Stripper going to church?

J Crew. The closest, by far, in the sense of my dream shoe. The bow is just a-DOR-able, but still very wearable. They were on like.com in a darker pink than I dreamt, but apparently everyone else in the world thinks they're wearable, too. Completely sold out in every color.

So Kassie? I'll be calling soon!

Dearest DC Celine,

HELP! I just got two great new finds, but I need some shoe help!!! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I bought Max Studio Sweater Dress in Aubergine (see photo-- btw, it looks great on, but not so great in the photo) and another Juicy Couture knit dress in Heather Grey (see photo, but heather grey, not black). What are your thoughts on shoes--style, color, tights, fishnets, etc.? You know...more on the funky side, but also wearable to work in the big corporate environment. I hope you have some ideas, because I'm having a hard time with the whole "look".

Patiently awaiting your advice,
BlueSuitGirl

Dear BlueSuitGirl:

What a terrible dilemma for you - two pretty new dresses.

[grin]

So now what to do? Difficult question. Especially for work.

My first thought? MaryJanes. But if you're not careful, and get a pair that's too sweet, you'll look too young for the office. Try this Sciapo pair at Carbon. You could also do the open toed version with tights. For that matter, all shoe choices I'd pair with tights for these dresses.

Second thought? Flat boots. Maybe a little slouchy, if you're going to wear somewhere other than the office. For the office, pick straight. Something along the lines of the Sammi at AdMo cornerstone, Wild Women Wear Red.

You could go with flats, as pictured with the Juicy frock, but again, I think it's a little too sweet. But you could throw on a pair to wear with the dress when you take it out for a spin at the shoe store. In other words, wear the dress to go shopping.

And then pick out at least one pair...maybe more! (And report in, of course.)