Friday, November 4, 2011

Another Sartorially Challenged Bride


Well, I'll keep it short and sweet since you seem to have a lot of these "help me" requests lately. My deal - I'm not too fashion savvy, and I want to look hot at my reception dinner. We are having a week long camping/wedding bash and yes, I read previous posts on the subject, and yes, we are providing alternatives for those who appreciate a roof over their heads. 

That said, the wedding will be in a group campground site, surrounded by redwoods, on the coast of California. To get to it one must walk maybe 1/4 of a mile down a lovely path, across a simple wooden bridge, and up through the redwood duff to get to the actual ceremony/reception area. We are very familiar with the site (we help run a summer camp that has a session there every summer) and recognize the logistical short-comings of the venue. For instance carrying all camping/food/booze/wedding supplies 1/4 mile in. That's cool though, I'm totally psyched about it and ready to get my hands dirty and work on my biceps that week. 

What I do, sincerely, need help with is wtf to wear Friday night for dinner. I have a wedding dress, I'll find shoes, I'm sure. But it gets cold at night. And I'm a wuss in the cold. And I'll end up sitting around a campfire at some point. And probably wearing an apron and cooking at some point. But I still want to look hot. At least earlier in the evening before I throw a fleece on. Also, we are doing this wedding on $5000. My dress was $200.  I can't see myself spending that for a non-wedding dress.

Could I wear this with black tights underneath and boots? Or maybe go this route? I'm 5'8", size 6, with big boobs. I lean towards earthy colors and no bling. I'm seriously at a loss. The event obviously isn't formal, but I still want to get prettied up a bit.

So, anyone out there have any ideas for a warm yet attractive alternative? Want to throw in an appropriate cape/jacket for my wedding dress as well? I know it's a lot to ask, and everyone has been working hard at helping all of us needy types a lot lately, but believe me, we NEED your help. Especially when you say "don't wear that. ever."

Thanks. really.

*****

I'm pretty sure you need a shirtdress. Possibly one that is camp-themed.


You're gonna sweat while you're prepping for dinner (sweater dress = NO) and either of these will look adorbs if you add tights later + throw a big ol cardigan over top.

15 comments:

  1. Wait, is this for the rehearsal dinner, or after the wedding? If it's for the rehearsal dinner, I like the camp dress. But after the wedding, I say stay in the dress as long as you can. Why not copy the tons of delightful brides who have paired their dress with a cardigan (yellow seems to be a popular choice, based on Google Image search, but you could do purple, cranberry, bright red, lovely blue, green, go crazy...). I mean, it's good enough for the future queen.

    ReplyDelete
  2. hail the all-purpose shirtdress

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have been waiting and waiting for someone to do this: flannel shirt over wedding dress!

    ReplyDelete
  4. p.s. Thumbs up to the splendid l/s maxi dress and both of ESB's suggestions!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Um, when did LL Bean get so cool? I feel like my youth was wasted on ill-fitting flannel shirts and stone-wash tapered jeans.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You read my mind Maddie; I can't believe it. My Mom will be so thrilled.

    ReplyDelete
  7. My wedding sounds similar to what yours will be like and you will be working your tail off on Friday. I did not change into anything cuter but stayed in jeans and a plaid shirt for my Friday night. All of these suggestions (including your own) seem on the same level of appropriate to me.

    P.S. We had a ton of friends who were nervous about our whole idea (not camping but summer camp). Some shared their concerns, some did not until after the event. I feel confident in saying that ours was the most fun wedding most of our guests had ever attended so be confident in your choice!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cute and "campy!" Love it.

    I also like this shirtdress, since you mentioned wanting to look "hot."

    It wouldn't necessarily add much warmth, but I noticed this florette stole, is on sale for $30. It's a version of that florette bomber ESB recommended awhile back. I kinda dig it.

    As for something warm to wear over your wedding gown, you could go with a sparkly jacket (note: this girl turned me into a fan of sequins), a cozy cardigan, a tuxedo blazer with an ivory knit cowl (sort of like this bride), or, for a camp/ranch/outdoorsy feel, this suede jacket is kind of amazing, and it would give your lovely lace gown a more relaxed look. Just an idea. Good luck! xo.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am also a wuss when it comes to cold -- but I do love me some glam. I <3 the flannel shirt suggestions, and think awesome boots + jeans + splurge-y sweater would be fun. BUT, can I also say I heart tuxedo dress, paired with a heavy sweater or coat + tights? Okay, and I think I'm just loving procrastinating-by-shopping, but I also love this; this or this dress + some chunky knit + sweater tights (on top of sexy thermals; not sure if I love or hate this shirtdress... and I have been shopping far too long already :D

    ReplyDelete
  10. The second shirtdress is SO great that I want a reason to wear it. Since I live in Minnesota at the moment, it's not going to work - bu that dress at a wedding with some great boots and warm tights and a big sweater or warm wool shirt layered over it sounds just perfect. I hope she'll go for it. Inspired suggestion, esb.

    ReplyDelete
  11. bride here... first of all thanks for all of the suggestions. I think I may go with the shirtdress from Cara, I love it. Then when it gets cold/dark I will just get into jeans and flannel and get down to party. As for the wedding dress, I'll probably go royal with a cardigan. And a big warm shawl. awesome guys. really really appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete
  12. @the bride - You know ESB doesn't like us to "blow our white dress wad" the night before the wedding, right???

    See: this post.

    ReplyDelete
  13. @nicole also: FUCK MODCLOTH. Polyster is fine when it's actual vintage, but not when it's that cheap-ass faux vintage shit.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm planning a friend's campsite wedding, can you say where you're holding yours? Or do you have any ideas of other CA campsites that would be good for a wedding?

    ReplyDelete