+ 
+ 
= not exactly a mother of the bride dress. Nonetheless, what I will wear.
Details:
- the “shrug” (which word will never pass my lips when describing an article of my own clothing) is actually a tan color which makes a nice set with the metallic “bustier” (which word I will also hereafter not use)
- the skirt has the tan in the print
- skirt and top are lined, and mostly cotton. Sweater is mostly silk. Thus I will be warmer than if I wore a $300 polyester dress
- I already had all the correct underpinnings and accessories to complete the ensemble
- bride and groom both like it 🙂
- I will have another opportunity to wear it in late May
Now, the truly amazing part of the story: yesterday, at the suggestion of one of the ladies in my Bible study, at stopped at this store on the way home, around noon. With the helpful service I received, I spent well over an hour in the fitting room before deciding on the outfit pictured. But they didn’t have my size in all the pieces. I took home the top and ordered the rest from Bellevue, and they arrived today! Before the mall was even open today, I had my entire outfit, with time to try it on!
Now I can relax and enjoy the season. 🙂
So glad you’ve managed to find something Rebecca – at least that’s one thing off your mind!
Good work – modest with a twist! I like it. Quietly triumphant. Says to me: I got to see my daughter marry well and yet I have my whole life in front of me.
Wonderful; especially like the skirt, it;s has wit. And definitely not stuffy, poly or matronly. I hope you will post a photo wearing the whole ensemble.
yes! Photos, please!!
What store did these come from? They are what I wish I was wearing this weekend to a friend’s wedding!!!
Love it! Thanks, Rebecca.
Now … shoes?
Thank you for the lovely comments! “Triumphant, wit”, yes, those are just the kinds of things I’d like to convey. 🙂
Clothes all came from the “black and white store”, White House Black Market. I have gray ombre peep-toe patent pumps to wear (and pearls).
I will definitely plan to post a photo!
Perfect! Can’t wait to see it all …. in person :-))
I like!
It may be alternative, but I think it’s going to look fantastic, and not one person will think “alternative” in a negative sense. Good thinking, going for separates. I’d have tortured myself with the notion that it absolutely had to be a dress (or why would they be called occasional dresses?), even though I’d feel much more together in an outfit like you’ve built.
Looking forward to seeing you in all your glory, the items looks sharp and pretty and stylish — I actually have peeked into WHBM before but they seem a bit pricey (and not too colourful, hehehe) — however for a “M of the B” outfit, well worth it~~ the bustier is esp. cute!
Love it, love it, love it!! Can’t wait to see it on you.
Its beautiful! You will look so stylishly appropriate, and a mother the bride will be proud of!
I think this is a wonderful solution, Rebecca — little boleros are so useful, the metallic top adds a little shine but not too much sparkle, and the skirt is lovely. Not only will you look wonderful for the wedding, but I love it when a “special occasion outfit” can be worn more than once. (And on a practical note, separates have a better cost per wear ratio in my closet than fancier dresses.)
I have never shopped White House Black Market before, for the reasons you mentioned Ellem, but I am so glad to have it figured out!
You are so right about cost per wear, Wendy. At this point, I’m thinking the top and the sweater stay together as a special occasion team sort of a twinset, but the skirt rolls right into my regular spring and summer wardrobe, for church and social.