Friday, April 12, 2013

The Little WHITE Dress

We all know the magic of owning the perfect little black dress, which can be worn for many occasions. Redbook magazine editors recently issued the challenge for me to wear a little white dress for summer. They are considering using this image in a blogger segment for their July issue.


Those of you who know me well know that I would never even look at a white dress. White is not good with my hair color and skin tone. Dresses are not normally on my shopping list, even in the correct colors. I don't like to show my legs, and the top half of me is much larger than the bottom half. This makes my dress choices very limited because they look like a tent on me.

For this blogger feature, I decided to put aside my preconceptions and give the task my best effort. My shopping time is minimal, so I headed over to my favorite store, which I can actually see from my breakfast nook. (I live on a hill, and they are on another hill across the valley.) Stein Mart has a nice selection of dresses most of the time, and on this day, I found two white dresses for consideration. This pearl ivory sheath with an asymmetric layered peplum was my choice. 




You may also know that I always look for a great price. I will never suggest that you buy a $300 pair of jeans. (Honestly! How do these young twenty-something bloggers afford a $1,500 handbag?) That's another reason I love Stein Mart! I found this dress by Premise Dresses with a suggested retail price of $128 for only $39.99. 

Since the dress was so form-fitting, I tried it in size 10 instead of an 8, and it worked great.  It came with a belt in the same fabric, but I omitted that since I wanted to up the glam for this shoot.



 
I paired the dress with nude pumps by BCBGeneration and an ivory trimmed straw bag from T.J. Maxx. 




The silver jewelry includes crystal trimmed large hoops, a large face crystal trimmed watch, and a large-scale link bracelet. The watch and crystal ring are from Stein Mart, and the other items have been in my collection so long I don't remember where I got them. 



It's official! My image will be in the July issue Redbook!

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

You look so pretty in this outfit! Fresh and young-

SheilaF said...

Love that dress and what a bargain! Like you, wouldn't normally look at white unless at the end of summer when I have a nice tan. But this works well!

Irene Helms Designs said...

Beautiful look. I especially like the nude pumps - using ivory would have been too much white I think. All in all, very well put together!
Irene

it"s me said...

You look great! Pretty dress and I love how you have styled it. I think the style and color are very flattering.

Judith-Ann said...

Way to rock a challenge! You are stunning. I understand what you mean about not wearing white with your hair color, but now that you own the dress perhaps a lovely scarf for spring would give some color around your face.

Judith-Ann said...

Way to rock a challenge. Stunning.

Anonymous said...

You look beautiful! I love dresses, but they so rarely fit me.

SusanG said...

You look lovely in white, Susan. It throws flattering light onto your face. Congrats for being considered for Redbook!

Kathleen said...

This is wonderful! Of course they should pick you. Love your technique of buying a form fitting dress in a larger size to get a fit you are comfortable with. I do it all the time with tank tops.

Anonymous said...

I think this white works for you. Simply beautiful!!!

Anonymous said...

Absolute stunning, will be checking that issue out.

Jacquie said...

Wow! You look fabulous in that dress. You should wear white more often!

Carole S. said...

I think you look incredible in this outfit. It flatters your shape and looks good with you hair color.

gracefully50 said...

You should definitely wear white more often! This is such an elegant look for you!

Anonymous said...

Susan, do you wear panty hose? Do you go bare legged in summer?

Donna said...

You are stunning in white! Love the detailing on the dress...fabulous choice. How exciting to be considered for the magazine. We all look forward to seeing you in Redbook in July!

Anonymous said...

I think the dress looks beautiful on you and the detail at the hip helps distract from any perceived "top-heaviness". Although I agree that it can be a tricky color to wear I think the red lipstick does a lot to keep you from looking washed out by all that white. It works, it's lovely and elegant - what's not to love?

Stein Mart is always my first stop if I'm looking for anything in particular, and often even when I'm not. I can't believe they don't charge me rent ;-).

Spashionista (Alicia)

Gael said...

I totally disagree that you can't wear white with your hair color. You look lovely! I also think that women our age need to be a bit careful of black which can be harsh and aging and not the go-to color for everyone after all. Some look great and some need to rethink the LBD myth. There is no color that everyone looks good in.

Crystal said...

Love, love, love the white dress on you. How I wish I could wear a medium shoe width. There's no telling how many more shoes I could have --because TJ Maxx is the best for shoes. Love this whole look on you!

free2b said...

you look fresh and current yet timeless and elegant in the lovely white dress. a great cut for your amazing figure!

bluehuewonderland said...

What a great dress, so beautiful on you! Lovely accessories--just perfect.

Yvonne said...

Susan, you look elegant. I hope you get into the Redbook challenge.

Whispering Life Style said...

Hello, I just came across this post and I love it. You look beautiful and I really like how you styled that dress. I also love to find great prices :) ! And the deal you found was great ! I wouldn't suggest to spend so much money either. Don't know how some young bloggers can spend so much money (good for them tought :)
Good luck with the publishing of this look. It deserves it :)
best wishes
Elsey
http://whisperingstyle.blogspot.com