Going to a ball! Help me pick a dress!

As a Marine Corps wife, I get the opportunity at least once a year to dress up for the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball. It's the birthday of the corps, which was formed way back in... blah blah blahgetty blah.... all I know is I get to dress up. (OK, before people get mad, I kid, I kid. I appreciate the significance of the event.) Apparently, for the event in Beijing, they really go "all out" and it's supposed to be one of the best birthday balls, ever.

Last year, I was absolutely obsessed with a David Meister velvet cocktail dress... but I didn't want to take the plunge on the price of the dress. This year - having borrowed dresses the last 2 years (I hate having a closet full of worn-once fancy, expensive dresses) - I am buying a new one.

The dress I lusted over last year is no longer available, and would still be my first choice this year. Pictured below:


I don't know if you can tell, but the dress is velvet and is a pretty purple color. Unfortunately, it's only available on ebay, and not in my size.


so....

The dresses up for selection this year are the following:

1. Emerald Green, One Shoulder Velvet Gown



As you can see, it's REALLY similar to last year's dress! The shoulder strap is thinner than last year, and the embellishment is smaller. Also, the color is a jewel-toned emerald green. When I zoomed in on the site, the fit looks more flattering than it does when just looking at the first picture.. (think it has to do with the picture being a little bit dark in the places that would really show you how it fits the model). I love the sort of retro feel it has. If you want to zoom to see how it fits better, click here.

2. Red, One Shoulder with Feather Velvet Gown



Again, you need to be able to look past the crazy photoshopping (why? why do they insist on doing that?!) Similar to the other dresses: one shoulder, red velvet, with feather embellishment.

Out of the two available choices, my husband prefers the emerald green. I like the red, but kind of think it's not the best color for me... and red velvet kind of makes me think of Santa Claus.. so I am leaning towards the green as well.

What do you ladies think?! I know there are a couple things about these dresses.... from what I have learned, people either love or hate one-shoulder pieces, and they either love or hate velvet. I'm obviously digging both.

Here I am again for reference:


If you've seen any dresses no more than $350 that you think would be absolutely perfect, feel free to share.

Oh and yes, I could have a dress made specifically for me here in China, but that involves way more effort than I am willing to put in.

Thanks!

Steph

A Couple New Dresses

So I'm always on the hunt for casual cotton dresses for spring and summer. I like them to be super plain t-shirt dresses. You'd think they'd be everywhere, but surprisingly they aren't, and most of the ones that are easy to find are really expensive for what they are.

Luckily, I found two dresses that fit my criteria and were only about $40 a piece after a discount code I found. Um, people, thats $20 for top and $20 for bottom... thats how I look at dresses to make me feel better about prices, especially when they are a lot more expensive than these two were... hehe. Anyway! Basically, I think they were a great deal and are exactly what I was looking for!

This dress is actually brown, you can't really tell in this pic because the lighting is bad, and I used my Mac camera that is built into my computer. Anyway its cotton, very lightweight, and has two super cute pockets on the bottom.

Here it is on the model - you can see the color and the pockets much better. This dress may or may not need a slip - the jury is still out. I'll have to examine it more thoroughly in different lighting.


You can find this dress at Alternative Apparel for only $48.

The next dress I bought is a perfect for summer! I love it and might invest in a couple more colors, actually. Its just so easy, simple, perfect for really hot days, great for traveling, etc. Its very lightweight, but its not as thin as the previous dress. IMO it doesn't need a slip or anything. It has a cute pocket, too, you can sort of see it on the right.

Am I the palest person you have ever seen or what? I used to be so tan, too! I tan really easily, hopefully I'll get some color soon. Living in Monterey.. its always chilly so my legs never really get to see the sun! For the record, I don't think I am quite as pale as this picture is making me out to be. I think the lighting has a lot to do with it... lol. I swear... hah.

Here it is on the model:

This dress is also available from Alternative Apparel for just $40.Save 15% at Alternative Apparel until April 30th with the code: CEW311.

Anyway these dresses are straight out of the box from the FedEx man. When I wear them out, I'll have a tan...hah... and I'll accessorize properly! Since they are soo plain, accessories will do a lot for them! Some sunnies, a great bag, and bangles... all set! Casual summer chic. I'm thinking some bangles with the brown dress for sure... I love wood and gold together lately.

Available at Nordstrom, $58.

From Aldo, $18.

From Free People, $24.

I'm thinking casual summer dresses, a la fashion icon Rachel Bilson:

Well, I have to cut this short! Some friends are having a going away party for us and I'm 10 minutes late already!

BTW, check out this awesome girl's blog - she is having a give away for some of her gorgeous rope bracelets! I love them & can definitely see myself wearing them with everything this summer!


Steph