Wedding Fashion dilemma

[mbrogier]

My sweet 41 year old SIL--Rob's sister--is getting married the week before Thanksgiving. Rob and I are both attendants.

SIL wanted her attendants to wear clothing they would want to wear again, but she also wanted floor length, round or scoop neck (very modest--which I am anyway), and 3/4 or long sleeves.

I found a floor length stretchy velvet skirt at Stein Mart for $25.

Close up of chiffon panels on the back bottom of the skirt


Front of the skirt


The skirt looks fabulous on me--almost straight down until it sweeps out a bit at the bottom in more of a tulip shape instead of an a line.

SIL doesn't want sparkly, beady stuff, and that's not my style either.

I want this cashmere twinset from J Crew. It's a bit pricey, but I'll wear it forever.

J Crew has this cute shell piece that is more of a tee. I love it.


I love the thick ribbing on the neckline and wrists on this cardigan.


I'm sure a beaded cardigan would make my outfit more dressy, but I like the juxtaposition between fabrics. I am thinking about monogramming my cardigan in black. SIL hasn't told me what she was thinking about for jewelry... I have a nice pearl strand, pearl earrings, and would like to have black pearl earrings (not that expensive at TJ Maxx.) Rob bought me a www.trollbeads.com bracelet and a few beads to dress up my medic alert tag I wear on my right arm, so I will be wearing that.

I just want the fashion mavens to say that they think my outfit looks ok or point out any issues.

I'm also worried about shoes. I'm trying to find a pair of open toed black leather patent shoes. I fell in love with a pair from Cole Haan, but I can't afford the store price AND the sweater set, too. I know I'll get years of use from the sweater set, so that's a no brainer for me.

I've seen the shoes on Ebay, but I'm afraid of getting burnt. Rob and I are going to go down to Schaumburg soon and look around. The Off Saks has Manolos... There's also an enormous DSW.

I've also been thinking that maybe the black patent pumps would be wiser with winter coming up... warmer toes, dryer feet.

My issue with the shoes is that I can't find many that fit very well or are comfortable--at all. In my thinking, I'd rather pay $50 more for a pair of shoes I'd wear all the time than scrimp and never wear the shoes because they hurt so bad.

Rob's tux is taken care of already. SIL got a deal, and rental is only $60.

All suggestions are welcome.

[cocoa'smom]

I absolutely LOVE the skirt. What a bargain, especially if it fits you well. I don't think patent leather shoes would be appropriate with the skirt, though. They would be to flashy, IMO. Maybe a silk fabric (peau-de-soire (spelling?!?) closed toed pump would be better. Just came from DSW & saw several in all heel heights. As for a top...a cashmere twin set might work if the knit was very fine (i.e. not too heavy). The sweater in the link you posted looks way too casual (although its hard to see the detail). I also just came from TJ Maxx and saw several dressy cardigan-type sweaters that would look good with the skirt with a plain black shell. I don't think you'll have any problem finding a top. I'd definitely grab that skirt if you haven't already!

[miller88]

Definitely stick with the skirt. How often do you find a great deal on something that you think looks fabulous??? I understand what you mean about the juxtaposition of fabrics. It makes me think of the fabulous outfit Sharon Stone wore to some awards show - long black formal skirt with a white tee and fancy jewelry I think.

Assuming the twinset works well with the skirt, I say splurge on it (but I would forgo the monogramming), wear good jewelry and find cheap shoes (agree about something silk/matte).

Why do wedding pose such a multitude of fashion dilemmas?!

[stefania4]

The skirt is perfect. I agree that the twinset is very practical, but not quite dressy enough.

[mbrogier]

I was thinking about that outfit that Sharon Stone wore when I picked up the skirt. I have bought it. I'm just working on a top now.

The skirt really is floor length...actually the back has about a 3" train. I don't think I'd get any use out of silk shoes...what about suede? I love suede.

[greta]

mbrogier,

Do you mind me asking what size you are and how tall you are?

I have a 2 piece black, full length dress that I bought for my best friend's wedding last april. I'd be more than happy to send it to you to try on. And, I can probably track down a photo of me in it.

Let me know.
Greta

[aggie94]

I have to say, I'm not a fan of the twinset even putting aside what you want to wear it with. To be perfectly honest, I think it looks frumpy and matronly. And I definitely wouldn't pair it with the skirt, which I do like.

[PAMMELA]

Do you like something like this? This is Ann Taylor. I agree with Aggie about not liking that twinset with that skirt.....


Silk Viscose Cross-Front V-neck
Sleek V-neck with modern front crossover styling. 3/4 Sleeves. Pairs perfectly back to silk viscose skirts for easy knit dressing outfits.

55% Silk, 45% Viscose
Fabric Information
Imported
Machine Washable
Style #211192

[mbrogier]

I am 5'7" and a size 10. I do have a belly pooch from my recent hysterectomy.

Eva, I don't dress like a yuppie, but I do love twinsets, especially cashmere. With this hysterectomy, I get hot then cold then hot and cold again. I love being able to just take a piece off and put it back on.

If someone knows of a prettier top, I'm all ears. Or a pretty dress. I couldn't find anything when I went shopping.

[MKSquared]

Hmmm. I'm hearing cashmere, velvet, and a possibility of suede shoes. They're all so ... soft and fuzzy.

Did the bride specify black?

I would think a jacket (maybe with a brocade or other pattern) would look lovely - a tailored one in a smooth fabric like satin.

[greta]

i don't know why i thought you were close to my height. i must be confusing you with someone else. i'm 6 feet tall. so, i'm pretty sure it wouldn't work for you. sorry. (i'm praying that someone else will get some use out of it!!).

good luck with your search.
greta

[dixie]

I agree with leaving off the cardigan/twin set but the cashmere tee alone would be feminine and pretty I think with the skirt...jewelry will then dress it up or down, since its already a bit of a preppy (dressy preppy!) look I'd prob skip pearls and go with beautiful dressy earrings, no necklace. Shoes - no suede, I love it too, but I think its more casual...peau de soie (sp?) would be perfect, in a strappy sandal. I've never loved pumps with full length, it looks matronly to me...but some beautiful manolos!!! POinty toes and strappy back...that would be beautiful!

[AvrilH]

I think the twin set would be lovely with some upscale jewelry.

What about silver shoes?

And Greta - I'm 6'2" and a size 10. Wish I had a reason for that black dress, I'd come knocking on your door!

[PAMMELA]

I think the twin set would be lovely with some upscale jewelry.

What about silver shoes?

And Greta - I'm 6'2" and a size 10. Wish I had a reason for that black dress, I'd come knocking on your door!

Me too!!! 5'10ish and size 10. I'm going to remember you Greta!

[CompassRose]

Did you see the fabu cashmere bateau top at JCrew? I agree, that sweater is WAY too casual for that skirt. The ribknit kills it IMHO.

[greta]

Avril and Pammela,
Just let me know!!
I don't know how the dress would correspond to an actual size because I ordered it from a bridal salon and you know how they size things. And, of course, they ordered it too big so I'd have to get it altered down. UUGGGh. I took it somewhere else for the alterations.
(shamefully, I also have a full length black dress that I ordered from overstock.com and didn't return in the time allowed--tags on and all. I've learned a valuable lesson).

Sorry for the hijack Mbrogier!!!

Greta

[mbrogier]

Everything has to be black. Pumps required, nothing strappy--thus my issue. I did talk her into peep toes as I've been dying to have a pair of black patent peep toes. I would never wear silk shoes again, and they'd get ruined up here in the snow, and the only other place I'd wear them was during Opera season.

I'm not sure what the bride wants to do as far as jewelry. I have some nice pieces. I'd rather not wear my pearls with this dress since it will just scream preppy matron, but I don't know what she has in mind. (She isn't into fashion, and my evil SIL is stuck in the 80s prep)

Thanks for your help everyone. I'll try to keep the textures to a minimum.

I haven't bought a top yet. I'll keep looking. If y'all have any other ideas, let me know!

[PAMMELA]

Before I look for anything else (when i'm bored! ) did you like/hate the one i posted?

[misskitty100]

Could you wear a tank top with a jacket over it? - then for the ceremony and formal photos you would have the longer sleeves? If that would work for the bride, I would probably go for that so you can take your jacket off whenever you get hot.

If jackets are an option, you might look at Chicos. I found several plain black jacket options.

http://www.chicos.com/store/product.asp?PID=100061934

http://www.chicos.com/store/product.asp?PID=100069354

http://www.chicos.com/store/product.asp?PID=100069823


I also recomend taking that skirt with you to Nordstrom or Macy's and seeing what they might have that would go with it.

[brinked]

stein mart? is that like a walmart? any place online carry the same piece?

[funniegrrl]

SteinMart is nothing like Wal-Mart ... it's a somewhat-upscale store that carries department store cast-offs.

[hollysmom]

So how did this turn out - pictures?

SSM

[mbrogier]

I found a gorgeous twinset at Nordstrom Rack. It's a lot more formal than the one at JCrew. I also found a pair of Guess patent leather pumps at DSW.