Last Saturday I had the joy of attending two showers. I needed a party dress that would fit both occasions. The first party was an outside celebration for my girlfriend who is having baby number three! The second was a bridal tea shower. Both were very special events and the hostesses were very intentional about making sure the details both delighted and honored the recipients.
Spring Party Dress
I have quite a few dresses from my spring and summer 2015 capsule wardrobe. Since the weather heated up, I wanted a springy, flowy party dress for the occasions. I decided to pull this dress out from storage. Our culture has gotten so casual…especially in California. It’s now common for people to show up to parties in jeans and a nice top.
Dressing up is one way I like to honor the bride or new mother. I think it makes it more special when we put aside our everyday jeans, and wear something more celebratory! I can’t think of anything more special and worth celebrating than new life and getting married!!!
I bought this dress last spring at Nordstrom Rack. It’s the Max Studio brand which fits my “pear” body shape well. I have quite a few dresses from them. I didn’t have a necklace that went well with this swing dress. Because the print is so busy, everything I had clashed or got lost in the fabric.
I amped up my wrist with bracelets instead and grabbed this vintage looking clutch I found at GoodWill for $4. It accompanies me to quite a few weddings since it’s a nice neutral color. I thought it went perfectly with this party dress which has a tiny bit of taupe in the print. You can see it better in the last picture on the bottom.
My two year old just broke my favorite gold cuff from H&M. So, you won’t be seeing it anymore. I’ve had it forever! It was time for an upgrade anyhow. I’m not too broken hearted–I paid less than $10 for it. I’m glad I have these pictures to remember it by.
I found the white, strappy, Steve Madden sandals at Ross for about $20 several months ago. They have been stashed in my closet because I bought them before the weather was warm. They look best with a hem that is above the knee or white pants. (Since I’m just under 5.4, I do everything I can to lengthen my leg line by matching my pants and shoe color, etc.)
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SHOP SPRING PARTY DRESSES
COMMENT OF THE WEEK:
“This dress is super cute! I need to really renovate my summer dress collection and add in new pieces…but I have to wait until June. Since I saw your post on how you’re going to stop spending…until a certain month, I decided to do the same.” STACEY
Stacey I’m so proud of you! Going on a shopping freeze takes a lot of self-control. It encourages me to know I’m not the only one biting the bullet and staying out of the stores. June 1st is almost here!
PLEASE SHARE: What do you think about dressing up for parties? What do you like wearing to a shower?
We are linked up with:
Jo Lynne Shane| Fashion Should Be Fun | The Pleated Poppy |The Mummy Chronicles |Shopping My Closet
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You look so pretty in this dress! And what fun sandals, too. I totally agree with you about our casual California culture! It’s so rare for people to dress up for anything other than a black tie event around here. I know my style has changed since moving from Seattle to SoCal. It’s definitely more casual, and I do miss dressing up a bit!
Gina || On the Daily Express
Thank you Gina, oddly enough people in So Cal dress up more than people in Nor Cal. I remember noticing that when we moved up here. I think the entertainment industry greatly influences the culture down there. When I wear jeans, a top and a necklace to school pick up, people ask me where I’m going. LOL. Most moms wear their workout clothes all day…hence the Athleisure trend. xx-S
SUCH a cute dress! Perfect for those occasions.
Seeing you in my comments just made my day! Thanks Jo-Lynne. 🙂
Such a great dress!!! Love it!
Jaymie
Thanks Jaymie. I love the maxi dress on your latest post! xx-S
Shannon, this dress is so pretty, can be dressed up or down or in between like you did here with the cute sandals and adorable clutch. You look lovely. I have heard great things about California and the way people dress here. I do agree though that one needs to dress up a little bit more for a shower. I usually do a dress and sometimes a skirt.
By the way, just like you I am shopping my closet and doing a shopping freeze come June 1st and it feels good. I am long overdue for one since I have spent far too much this year. Wish me luck!
Do stop by today and linkup with me too, pretty lady. A brand-new Thursday Moda linkup is currently up. Thanks and Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Ada. =)
http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/05/thursday-moda-13-and-spring-bohemian.html
Thank you Ada. Isn’t it wonderful to take a break from shopping and learn to enjoy and appreciate what we already have? So good for the soul. 😉 xx-S
You’re right about how people dress super casual going to parties now. I really would rather dress up as well since I think it’s a big sign of respect to put effort and look your best. Btw, I love your entire outfit!
Yay I made it to comments! And yesss June 1st is coming and I’m already listing down what I need to buy, I CANNOT WAIT! I miss shopping!! LOL
I’m looking forward to seeing what you get. 🙂 xx-S
cool
http://www.romwe.com/Brown-Chain-Ring-Embellished-Satchel-Bag-p-147867-cat-711.html?utm_source=highheelpoodl.blogspot.rs&utm_medium=blogger&url_from=highheelpoodl
Oh wow, this is SUCH a great dress…. would be perfect for so many events… dates… lunches…brunches… wedding guest… and party!! I love this look!
♥
Amber
All the Cute ?
Today’s Post: Day Trip: Chicago
Thanks Amber. This is a versatile dress that I wear casually and to parties. 🙂 xx-S
You’re beautiful! And that is such a pretty dress 🙂
Thank you Suzi! And congrats on your first ebook! xx-S
Your dress was perfect for the shower! It was so wonderful to see you and celebrate with you! I think it’s so great when we can honor our friends by dressing up and celebrating together in style ?
Thank you Kim. Your bridal shower was one of my favorites. There was so much love put into each detail. Tea is my favorite theme for any party! I think I ate all the left over cucumber sandwiches. LOL. xx-S
Found you from the link up. I LOVE that dress. It looks so pretty and flattering. Hoping I can find a similar one for myself – I think my closet needs it!
Thank you C.K. The link up parties are so fun. Thank you for stopping by! xx-S