Black Tie Charity Event – The Look is Found

While I didn’t get around to sharing more of my outfit inspiration as I determined what to wear for this weekend’s black tie charity event, I thought I’d at least share the final look. I scored the dress, an empire-waisted Maggy London, from Nordstrom on clearance for about $80 with tax and shipping. It’s the softest shade of pale gray with just a hint of a purple hue, a really lovely silk chiffon. The satin and crystal headband is from Jennifer Behr, a sparkly little treasure I returned home with following my visit to see my Chicago BFF, Ami, at the end of last month. (Thanks, Ami! xoxo) The shoes, which you can’t see here, are my wedding shoes from JCrew, which I featured in my original inspiration look. I ended up going long and not black, which is basically completely different than I had planned. However, I love the beading and the fabric and the price was definitely right. If you’re lucky and I have the time, I’ll show you some non self-portrait photos from the weekend next week. Sadly, it has come to that – time is really that limited. At any rate, here’s how it shaped up…

Deliciously Girly Aprons at Anthropologie

I swear, one of these days I’m going to post about something other than things I want to buy. Today, my friends, is not that day. My latest obsession is the deliciously pretty collection of girly patterned and bow-bedecked aprons at Anthropologie. Yes, if you didn’t know, Anthro sells aprons. And, yes, they are fabulous.

As per my usual, I will take one of each, thank you very much.

{Aprons from Anthropologie}

Felted Wool Slippers by French Press Knits on Etsy

If you haven’t yet figured it out, I’m completely Etsy-obsessed. And I’m also on a major fall kick. The same coworker for whom I took photos of her handmade gift tags, turned me onto this Etsy shop, French Press Knits, today and I basically need a pair of these felted wool slippers. Immediately. How perfect are these for getting to the office on a snowy morning, kicking off your boots and treating your toes to something cozy? And clearly they’re amazingly adorable, too. Even the packaging is sensational! If you followed my wedding planning adventures, you already know I’m obsessed with kraft paper boxes tied up with baker’s twine.

And, yes, they even come in many different colors. Really fun and cozy colors. I’ll take a pair of each, please and thank you.

{Photos from French Press Knits}

Black Tie Charity Event – Finding the Look

In November, Mike and I will once again be attending a black tie charity event in my hometown with my father and stepmother. We had so much fun last year, I really can’t wait to go! My dad called today to confirm we were planning to go before he purchased tickets, which got me all excited just thinking about what cute outfit I might be able to put together. My one requirement is that I’d like to wear a dress that is short and sassy so I can wear – and really show off – the lovely heels I wore at our wedding again. I love them oh so much. But the look still has to be black tie appropriate even though I don’t want to wear a full length gown. So I’m thinking black. With the gold heels. A fabulous clutch. And a really sparkly necklace. Here’s my first little attempt at piecing together a look. I think I’d wear my hair up (or as “up” as my short hair goes) and maybe even get crazy and rock out the sparkly headband I wore to our Saturday evening reception. What do you think? (And, by all means, feel free to pass along cute dress ideas if you know of something fabulous!)

Dress by Maggy London at Nordstrom
Shoes and clutch by JCrew (Shoes no longer available)
Necklace by Mia Beads on Etsy (I have on just like this already that I made for myself when making my bridesmaids’ necklaces before the wedding.)