So sorry to post so little this week. Tomorrow’s dinner party has me hopping, plus lots of other fun last-week-of-school craziness, which has translated into several posts started but never finished (clearly, this one almost didn’t make it, considering the 2 PM post time). I’ll be back on a regular schedule next week, but for now, I’m asking for your help again (shocker!).
Two years ago, when we hosted our first Summer Dinner Party, I surveyed you guys to ask which dress I should wear to the party.
Ultimately, I ended up with Option E, none of the above. But that was mostly because each of the dresses I was considering had something that made it slightly less than ideal for a 24-weeks-pregnant twin belly. Since I don’t have to worry about that this time, I was able to shop my own closet with freedom (I have neither the time nor the need to go buy something specifically for this party), and I ended up pulling out several dresses that I haven’t worn in ages (and two that I never have), accessorizing them, and then deciding that I would, once again, ask you guys to share your expert opinion on which one would be best suited for this year’s party.
If you weren’t here last time or haven’t seen the inspiration board for party, then just know that the idea here is relaxed elegance. I want to look nice, but not stuffy. Fancier than usual, but still relaxed.
Also, just in case you were wondering or can’t tell from the way the dresses lie on the hanger, none of them have any fit issues for me either in size or modesty. So, that’s not a consideration.
So, without further ado, I give you…
1. The Earth Mother
I’ve had this pretty maxi for years (I think I got it on clearance from Beall’s for about $12) and have worn it everywhere from church (with a jeans jacket) to a wedding.
I really like how much the watercolor heels dress it up. And since the collar is already decorative, I’d throw on a pair of pretty dangly earrings and call it good.
2. The Flower Girl
I never got to wear this E-Shakti dress that was supposed to be my Easter frock last year (we all got sick and didn’t go to church), but I really like it paired with this fun, Anthro-esque necklace from F21 and my wedding shoes.
3. Rainbow Bright
This one definitely plays to my love of color, and I especially like the color-blocking, with the white at the top.
I’d pair this one with my awesome birthday shoes that Mandy got me, a pair of gorgeous funky earrings my MIL gave me, and a Wal-Mart bangle.
4. The Garden Party
I scored this dress from the J. Crew outlet for $35 (regularly $170) on our trip to New Braunfels last year, but I have to yet to find the right occasion for wearing it (isn’t there something exhilarating about going in your closet and pulling something out with the tags still on?).
I love the embroidery and the pretty pom-pom details at the hem.
I think I’d keep my accessories super-simple with a pair of white heeled sandals and some vintage jewelry.
And there you have it. Four different dresses with four very unique styles.
Do you have favorite? Which one do you think I should wear tomorrow? I’d love it if you weighed in!
P.S. I know this is trivial, but if you think of it, could you pray that it doesn’t rain us out tomorrow? I reeeeeeeeeally want to eat out on our patio, but it’s been thunder-storming on and off all week, and the highest chances of evening showers are—of course—forecast for tomorrow night.
#4 is the BEST! so elegant and pretty
Number 3
#4. you simply must.
#4! It would have helped if you had tried each dress on to get the full effect.
I really like Garden Party (4) and Rainbow Bright (3). Those are my two faves!
I vote #1. You’d be much braver than I to wear a white dress hosting a dinner party.
#3 or #4!
#3 Rainbow Bright!
So hard to choose! Love them all so much! I think 3 looks like you and those shoes……well, they are awesome, my friend ;). My 2nd choice is 4…..maybe with your wedding heels? Can’t go wrong with any of them! Can’t wait to see pics and hear all about it. Praying for a lovely, rain-free evening on the patio!
1 or 4.
#4… Love it!
I say Option 2 or 3!
I like them all. But I think you should go with #1 or #4.
Option 4! It fits the theme the best and I love the fact that you haven’t worn it. Perfect for the occasion!
#3 is definitely my favorite though all are lovely!
I love all the choices. Rainbow Bright is my favorite because it seems to say “Summer Time!” to me with all the bright colors.
Here’s my order: 4, 2, 3, 1. But, they are all cute, and I don’t think you could go wrong with any of them!
#4! I would say #2 but I don’t think strapless is most functional for a hostess 🙂
#3 Rainbow Bright! For sure!
They are all darling! But that last white dress with the pink print made my heart stop. Gorgeous! That said, I’d absolutely go with the most comfortable dress to move and sit in. You want to enjoy your own party.
I think either #2 or #4. Both are simple yet elegant
#4
#1. It’s just perfect for a warm evening garden party and I think the maxi length and the halter type neckline add the touch of elegance you are after that isn’t too overly dressy. Have a grand time!
#4 ~ though I like them all. Strapless isn’t ideal for a busy hostess. The purple maxi is lovely ~ perhaps too informal for an elegant (yet relaxed) evening. I’d use any reason to wear those amazing shoes!! JS shoes are surprisingly comfortable too (bonus!).
Rain, rain sty away…hope it’s amazing!
#1!!!!!!
I think I”m in the minority with my number ONE pic (as they are all equally adorable and, I’m sure, look fabulous on you!!!) being dress #1…LOVE that color and the wood accents…seems perfect for a dinner party 🙂 Plus, short dresses always make me a little self conscious when sitting, cross legged, in front of men 😉 Can’t wait to see what you choose!!!!!
4!!
#4.
I LOVE just LOVE, did I mention LOVE number four. However 1, 2, 3, are also amazing you just have the cutest clothes, I never know what outfits to wear.
I love them all but, I think you should wear #4 🙂 Cant wait to see pics. Praying it doesn’t rain on you.
I love #4! All of them are pretty but that dress is the bees knees!
4 really is the perfect dress! 🙂
I vote 3 or 4, but I think 4 might need to be it since you haven’t even worn it yet!
I love #4!
#1!
Option 2 & 4!
#4! It is so garden party-y!
1 or 4.
They are all really pretty looks! I think #4 is probably my favorite.
I like “The Garden Party, #4
options 4 or 2. 4 is my favorite. so pretty!!
I like the color block outfit best.
I’m in love with dress #2, but I think I’d put bright colored shoes with it. Although, it would be lovely as is. I like choice #3 too.
I think Rainbow Bright fits the feel of the party the best. They’re all cute 😉
I love them all and you could make them all work but I really like number 4.
1 or 3 for sure. Leaning toward 3. Have a blast!
#4! Rock something that you haven’t worn before to make the party a little more special 🙂
Just wear them all, change every hour. 😉 They are all great choices, but if I HAD to choose I would go with #4.
My favorite look is #4 (So, so, soooo pretty), but it seems like for a dinner where you will also be bustling around with the food, that maybe #1 or #3 would be more practical.
#3 is my favorite!
I love 2 and 4. Very feminine and cute;) You’ll look great in any of these though very blessed to have good choices!
I like #1 and #3 best, but they’re all really pretty.