I’m a last-minute planner. I hate to admit this, but it’s just the way I am. I pack the night before a trip (often leaving out very important items and I’m ways down for spur-of-the-moment adventures because it leaves out the planning process completely.
So when my cousin got married a few weeks ago, I casually perused my closet the week before. Surely, I had something great to wear.
But as I opened up our closet and looked through my items, my smile turned upside down as I realized that I’d spent so much time working on my ‘casual wear game,’ that I’d completely neglected my event/wedding wear game. While I heavily rely on Rent the Runway for most events, I realized I NEEDED to buy at least one great cocktail dress I could wear and re-wear for lots of different events.
I’ve been vying after a Self Portrait dress for quite some time, but the price point seemed just out of reach for me. So imagine my joy when I spotted this one on the Outnet for just around $200. There were only a few sizes left, and I’d heard people talk about Self Portrait’s weird sizing issues, so I crossed my fingers and ordered the UK size 8 (I’m usually a US 4.)
When the dress arrived, I ripped open the box and threw the dress on. Luckily, it was the perfect fit! I’m not saying I’ll be eating pizza before I need to wear it and think it’s all gonna be fine…because it certainly doesn’t have a TON of room to give around my waistline, but it’s in every way perfect to me. Expect to see this at just about every holiday party I attend this year, NO SHAME.
Needless to say, it was a hit at the wedding, and the perfect piece a couple weeks later when I wore it to the Washingtonian Style Setters party. I met up with photographer Dennis Turbeville before the event to run around CityCenter (but not too quickly given the height of these heels), and snap a few pics. We had such a blast, and if you’re looking for an inspiring account to follow, be sure to check out his site and Instagram page!
Wearing Self Portrait dress via The Outnet, Banana Republic sandals (my go-to fancy shoe), Jeffrey Levinson clutch, and Sophie Blake bracelet.
