holy shit yes!

SOMEONE PLEASE WEAR THIS TO A WEDDING SOMEWHERE

Half off at Pour Porter, the original where-do-the-cool-girls-shop



(Thank you, Rachie!)

Three weddings, one dress?

Dear ESB,

I have three weddings this year, without any overlap in guests, so I'd like to find one fantastic outfit that I can wear to all of them. They are:

1. August in a rose garden in Anchorage, Alaska, no matter the weather. Reception in a restaurant.

2. August on a mountain summit in Boulder, Colorado, no matter the weather. Reception in a field with diy tables made out of wood pallets.

3. October in a low-key but classy beach club at a Ritz Carlton in Florida.

Actually, typing that out makes me think that one outfit might be a stretch for all three, so maybe one for the first two is more reasonable?

I'm a size 8, can get away with no bra with the right material, with a budget of about $400.

Thanks!

*****

How bout The Reformation's Lumen Dress?

Racy enough for Florida, romantic enough for a rose garden, way too chic for Boulder but WHATEVER you can bring along a polar fleece.

ISO: Studio 54 style for an Indiana wedding

Hi ESB and readers,

I need help.

I'm going to a wedding this fall in my Indiana hometown. I have been living out of the country for years, and am really excited to see old friends in person. I just don't know what to wear.

You guys are so talented. Could you please help me find something? I love the Studio 54 style and am also a fan of Saint Laurent Paris. Typically I like leather and sequins, but I don't want to be too flashy.

I'm also 5'2'', blonde, thin and flat. There is no price range.

Thank you so much!!!

*****

No boobs + NO BUDGET??

You're punking me, aren't you.



Image courtesy of Matches Fashion (Saint Laurent gold lamé jobber still avail at net-a-porter)

And the winners are....

Vine Dress from The Reformation (100% viscose -- sooooo much more breathable than poly -- $218)

Helmut Lang Jaquard Mini Dress from The Outnet (deemed not formal enough and also it's 44% poly but still worth an honorable mention, $210)

Saloni Ella Gown from Barneys Warehouse (Silk jersey! $179)

See all of the many evening-wear-under-$200-for-a-Mexican-wedding suggestions over here
______________________________

ps you guys RULE

URGENT SHOPPING CHALLENGE: Can formal be fun?

Dear ESB,

I will be attending a wedding in Mexico the first week of April. The invitation says something that translates to "evening attire" and this side of the family is known for going a little over the top. I do not see this side of my family very often and I do not want to look like a clueless American. While I can dress myself for any other occasion this one is giving me nightmares. 

I have a small budget due to travel expenses ($200) and I am looking for something that will pass as evening wear while having something of an edge i.e.: not a lace gown like all my aunts will be wearing. 

If you have any advice for me at all please help. 

*****

AAAAAAAAAAH SUCH A GOOD ONE

I'm beyond excited for you guys to shop this. Maybe I'll throw up some of my favorite suggestions and we can take a vote??




Photo by Zachary Gray for Pennyweight (shop the Celine dress here)

______________________________

p.s. There's a Monday morning MMOHIAC for you over here.

Dear Celia: Please help me dress my boobs! (NURSING EDITION)

ESB: Here's my boobs dilemma. I've always been a petite but busty girl: 5'2", and a 30DD... before I had a baby last month. And now that I'm an on-demand milk bar for my little piglet, I've jumped up a cup size or three. 

My nursing and maternity leave wardrobe is pretty limited; that I can live with for the time being. But I have two weddings to attend in the next few months, one on Cape Cod in September and a second in LA in October. The tot is coming along for both. I'm looking for a dress that will be easy to nurse in, not to mention accommodating of a huge, hideous but non-negotiable nursing bra. 

I'm somewhere in the 0/2/4 size range these days, depending on the dress and brand; something that is forgiving of a not-totally-flat post-baby belly would be nice. I don't want to spend more than $200 if possible, but for the right (versatile) dress, I could be persuaded to shell out a tiny bit more.

xo

a new mama

*****

WHOOPS I hope Celia and I aren't too late with this. I suspect we might be.....

Dear New Mama,

On the off chance that you have yet to find something, I highly recommend going the Nadia Tarr route. Her dresses are CRAZY stretchy, so nursing is not at all a problem in them. A nursing friend of mine recently attended her brother's wedding in one of her pieces and claims she couldn't have made a better choice. I know you said $200 was your limit, but GAH, look at this! 

The straps are convertible, so they can be worn higher on your shoulders to conceal even the nastiest of nursing bras. And it's not a dress that *just* works for nursing, so you know you can get plenty of use out of it in the future, too. 

But if you really are strict about your budget, Nadia also has her Signature Jersey Dress currently on sale. The Cap Sleeved version would probably be the best way to wear it if you're trying to cover a nursing bra and a post-baby belly.

Love,

C

What do I wear to a wedding in TOFINO?

dear esb,

I'm heading out to Tofino, British Columbia for a wedding this September. I'm super excited about the location (right on the beach), but all the guests were told to expect anything when it comes to the weather. 

I'm left feeling completely unsure and hopeless about what to wear for a beach wedding where we could be hot, cold, or soaked from rain, or perhaps some combo of all three. Can you or your lovely readers offer some help? I was thinking something long and in a natural fabric, but can't get much further than that (I did mention I'm hopeless, right?). 

Also - thanks to you and the lovely ladies at Bona Drag I scored my dream wedding dress in the Mara Hoffman all seeing bridal gown for our cottage wedding next year. But, until I can rock that hot number, I need some help with my current dress dilemma. 

many thanks....

p.s. I probably should have said I've got a budget of about 300 to work with...

*****

TEVAS!!

just kidding.



How bout you do this Mara Hoffman snake braided maxi* + jean jacket + booties. (Though you really could rock Tevas, and you'd blend right in with the natives....)


*If you happen to wear a size large, it's on sale over here.

What do I wear to an Indian wedding?

Dear ESB,

What do I wear to an Indian wedding? (I'm white if you haven't figured it out.)

I'm accompanying my man to this wedding in May. The couple is interracial (Chinese and Indian) and there will actually be three events across two days. Also, do I need to have a second outfit for the second day? Oh by the way, did I tell you that my man is Indian-American, is close friends with the groom, and is actually in the wedding?! When I appealed to him for help, he assured me that whatever I wore would be fine.

Because it is an interracial wedding, I'm sure there will be people from several different backgrounds attending. I'm comfortable wearing almost anything but I have no idea what's appropriate and I'd hesitate to wear something that felt like a costume. Mostly I would like to fit in with the general color, mood, and modesty level.

*****

When I put out the APB on twitter, Anna immediately volunteered to write this one. (My readers rule. What else can I say??)

So let me start out by saying I'm not Indian, but I had a sorta-Indian wedding and have been to several of them as a guest. The first one I ever went to was back in the fall of 2009, when I traveled to San Francisco for my now-husband's cousin's wedding (the first time I'd met his extended family). My then-boyfriend's sister had excitedly told me I should wear a sari, and that her parents would bring a few of hers from their house in Los Angeles, but it made me incredibly nervous—I'd never worn one—so I packed a dress just in case. This sounds ridiculous in retrospect, but the dress I packed was actually my prom dress. It was really pretty and not prommy, though, and it would have been a really good option (elegant, colorful, long enough). But I'm so glad I didn't go with it.

My now-sister-in-law helped me pick out a bright lime green sari and, with the help of a jillion safety pins and some very tightly-tied drawstrings, got me into it. And let me tell you, I honestly had never felt more beautiful. I don't care what kind of schlub you are; if you put on a sari, you look gorgeous. I was a little self conscious that my tum was sort of hanging out, and I was worried about, like, being able to pee without having to take the whole thing off, but it worked out so well. And I think it helped make a good impression on his family—that I was willing to put myself out there and try something new, and that I was obviously really happy and excited to be giving this part of their culture a shot, etc. Also, peeing was way less hard than I expected. Good stuff.

So I'd say, if one of your guy's Indian lady-friends (or a sister or cousin or someone) has a sari you can borrow—and, importantly, if you know that someone will be around on the day of to help you get yourself into it—then go for it. You'll look awesome, not at all out of place, and I am certain you won't feel like you're wearing a costume. The other thing you could do would be to buy (or rent: Borrow it Bindaas has really pretty stuff and is like Rent the Runway for Indian garb) a lehenga or salwar kameez—they're just as pretty but require way less skill in terms of assembly/draping. And pile on the bangles.

But if you're just too anxious about all that, you shouldn't feel weird at all wearing your normal stuff to the wedding, especially since it's almost certain there will be guests from lots of different backgrounds there. Out of respect for older family members, I'd suggest avoiding anything too short or low-cut (if you really want to play it safe, don't do strapless or super-skimpy straps, either). Bright colors are always good. And I would bet that most people will have a different outfit for the second day; remember that the focus is very much on the couple and not on the guests' outfits, but if you want to feel uber-prepared, you might want to have a costume change ready, too.

Most of all, don't worry too much about it. Have fun and dance your butt off.

p.s. Unrelated but is this not the best DIY ever??

Anna bought plastic animals online and spray-painted them gold. SUCK IT, BHLDN

(Photos by Oh, Darling! See more over here)

Here's another pregs-y one you'll like....

Dear ESB,

Help! I am pregnant and need a super chic, special cocktail dress to wear to a friend's early April wedding here in NYC.

By the time her big day rolls around I will be just about 8 months (I'm due in early May). I'm a girl who loves her cocktail dress and heels and so far have not been able to find anything that will fit both my belly and my style. I am normally quite petite ( 5'5" size 0-2), and really have only gotten big in the boobs and the belly area. Most maternity dress options I have found just are not special enough.

Just because I am pregnant does not mean I am willing to give up my style! I would love to find something sexy, chic and all around awesome to wear that night. I am not afraid of color, prints or embellishments and would be grateful for any idea that do not resemble a tent or you typical ruched down the sides fitted, jersey maternity dress. Boring!

Please help!

Sincerely,
Preggers and Fashion Deprived

*****

LANVIN

I mean. Right?



NOW LEAVE ME ALONE, YOU BREEDERS

At top: Roisin Murphy photographed by Dancian and styled by Sarah Bachs for Zoo Magazine via Fashion Gone Rogue

What should the (recently pregnant) best (wo)man wear?

Hey hi!

I'm excited to be writing you with my very own dress challenge. I have no doubt you and your trusted b*tches will do good on me.

My brother is getting married at a farm house in Sonoma County this August and has asked me.....wait for it....to be his best (wo)man. When he first asked I thought it would be fun to play up the role a bit and dress a little masculine. Like a rad pantsuit [pictured above].

Buuuut then I got pregnant, and I highly doubt my gunt (can I say that on here) will be back in high-waisted form by wedding time. So what do you think I should wear to a semi-formal, evening wedding that will flatter my post-pregnancy body (nothing sleeveless ya'll) and be a killer way to support my brother, not take (too much) attention away from the bride?.

xo
Best woMan?

*****

How bout stripes? Am I crazy? These silk pants look hella comfy (and gunt-friendly).

With something like this cutaway blazer....?

And killer heels, obvs.

looking for the impossible dress

Dear esb,

Fashion is not really my thing but I love your style. And right now I am having huge shopping issues regarding a formal, evening wedding I'll be attending in a couple of weeks.

The last year has been a bit tumultuous and I feel like this is a great occasion for me to look and feel sexy. Basically I was in a pretty bad car accident and have scars along one arm and on both knees. I broke a leg and am still pretty wobbly in heels and so want avoid those. What I want is a dress that makes me look great but can hide as many of my scars as possible (arms are more of a priority than knees and the worst scars are high up my arm). 

Also, I'm three months pregnant (it was a surprise, but the hubs and I are excited) and so can't wear anything tight in the abdomen area. I also don't want to look obviously pregnant (I am not yet showing, though might be by the time of the wedding), as I just don't associate that with sexy. 

As if the dress I'm describing is not impossible enough to find, I'd like to stay under $200 since I'm not sure I will wear it again (I've gained some weight between the accident and the pregnancy). I'm probably a size 6, with short legs and most of my weight in my thighs (and now belly).

Can you help me?

Many thanks,
Almost recovered

*****

How bout this Thakoon shirtdress?

With an embellished sandal similar-to-but-perhaps-cheaper-than these studded suede Alaïas.

I'd wear that outfit. 

I WANT THAT OUTFIT.

Top image: Stella Tennant by Steven Meisel for W March 2013 via Visual Optimism

lady tuxedo?

Hi there, ESB,

I am traveling to New Orleans for a funky NYE wedding at this lovely industrial space full of decadence and decay, and I got it in my head that it might be fun to wear a lady tuxedo.

I've seen one only in pictures: a cigarette pant with a cropped jacket that somehow manages to contain more than a few ounces of femininity. Tell me, 1. Does such a thing exist outside of Vogue?, and 2. Am I insane to pursue this nonsense?

Thank you, thank you!

*****

Clearly you were not around for #PANTSWEEK. I am very pro lady tuxedo. Very.

Rag & Bone is making my favorite tux jackets for ladies right now.

(Pale pink, $535 at American Rag)

(Metallic brocade, $895 at Shopbop)

(Metallic shawl-collar, $595 at Neiman Marcus)

But you can find em a lot cheaper at Zara or even Banana Republic.

Image at top: Karlie Kloss for Mango, Winter 2012

Dear ESB: WTF do I wear to a wedding in Palm Springs?

I have a fashion dilemma and you are the only person who can solve it.

What does one wear to an early November wedding (5pm, outside) in Palm Springs with the reception (outside) at a fancy hotel? Bride is from southern California, groom is from snotty Connecticut and is a total prepster. I literally have no idea what the deal is - they said jackets with ties optional for dudes, and dresses for women. (Shit, I guess that means I can't wear the gold lamé jumpsuit I had lined up.)  

Last time I got invited to a wedding outside of New York, the dress code was "Mountain Casual" and I nearly blew a gasket when I TOTALLY got it wrong and showed up looking like a lumberjack. So, yeah. I need your help. Any advice would be gratefully accepted - I think I need to buy something this weekend, since I'm pretty much sure everything I own is inappropriate.

Fanks, lady.

*****

The key to Palm Springs is looking expensive but breezy. Like you just stepped out of the pool (cocktail in hand) and threw something on.

Something like this, though maybe without the $495 price tag.

(And with wedges or heeled sandals, obvs.)

If you're willing to brave the meatpacking district, I'd go to Scoop and Trina Turk and maybe Calypso St. Barth. Bird, in Brooklyn, also has the right vibe. Find something on the sale rack in a bright color and/or a bold print that makes you feel like a fabulous celebrity-in-exile.

Palm Springs wedding guest photos at top by Max Wanger via 100 Layer Cake

Where can I find this Gucci dress for, like, $200?

Dear ESB, 

I'm going to a wedding in the Hudson Valley this fall and I'm trying to figure out what to wear. I like the idea of wearing a long floral dress, mostly because I fell in love with this Gucci Drew Barrymore is wearing in a 2006 Vogue. 

Any suggestions for where a girl can find a feminine long dress that doesn't look like a potato sack? Preferably in red or some other rich color (under $200). 

I can probably be convinced of going in an entirely different direction if you have something in mind.

Thank you!

*****

How bout something like this Rachel Zoe?

(On sale for $259)

(If you're a 0/4)

(Or you could just go with this red jumpsuit)


Photo at top by Mario Testino for Vogue, February 2006

garden formal wedding attire?

Hi!

I will be the guest of my boyfriend to a June outdoor wedding held upstate in June. The invitation says the attire is garden formal with hats encouraged. I'm ok with the hat idea. In fact, I'm kinda excited. But the dress situation is freaking me out. I am "that girl" who only wears black.

What the hell does a girl like me wear to a wedding advertising "lawn games" after the catholic ceremony?? I'm not opposed to floral or lace for a wedding, but I dont have the slightest idea where to begin. 

Please please help.

*****

GARDEN FORMAL?  WITH LAWN GAMES??

Jesus H.

I think you should wear this Cynthia Vincent (so Stealing Beauty, right?) with a wrap to throw around your shoulders inside the church, and a wide brim hat by my friend Gladys Tamez.
______________________________

Many thanks to the catbird blog!

Is this appropriate to wear to a casual wedding this summer? I want to get something I'll wear again - you know - in regular life.

*****

a) it's a SWEATER DRESS

b) meh

Dear ESB: Can I wear pants?

To an early evening wedding as a guest? 

I've got one I'm attending this weekend I'm outfit-less for. Not literally, you know, but figuratively I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR. So I just went impulse shopping and tried on a few perfectly lovely, wedding-guest-y dresses. I'm bored with the whole idea. I found a shirt sort of like this except in a creamy peach silk, and it came home with me instead. 

Can I wear this with pants and not look crazy? If so, I saved so much on the shirt I have room in the budget for new pretty shit to make pants look fancier, any ideas?  

Thanks,

Pants Please

*****

YES

DO IT

I have worn pants to more than one wedding, and I'm pretty sure I looked killer. (I felt killer.)

Photo: Kate Lanphear (obv) via Street Peeper

And the winner is....

beeprint!

She took 27% of the vote with the sparkly Antik Batik Mini Dress + badass Rachel Comey Tux Boots.

The Michael Angel Peplum dress took 21.6%, just barely inching out The Burning Torch Ikat Dress at 20.1%. The Funktional Tunnel Dress got 18.9%, and the Acne Moreau Crepe Dress came in dead last at 12.4%.

Big ups to Shopbop for providing the $200 shopping prize. (beeprint: email me, wouldja?)

Dear Our Colorado Wedding Guest,

I know most of these dresses weren't in your price range, but perhaps you can stalk em for sales. And take inspiration from all the rad suggestions, obvs.

xoxo.

Colorado Wedding Guest Attire: THE VOTE!

I pored over your contest entries last night (PORED), and it wasn't too hard to narrow it down. My basic criteria were: a) Do I like the dress? and then b) Do those shoes go with the dress?

Here are the five ensembles I'm recommending for our Colorado wedding guest, four out of five of which feature BOOTIES. 

What can I say? I'm not a big fan of espadrilles.

from Emily (pictured above): Michael Angel Sleeveless Peplum Dress, Zara Leather Jacket, Charles Albert Obsidian Arrowhead Ring + Rachel Comey Ankle Boots

from beeprint: Antik Batik Mini Dress for some sparkle and falltime colors, Veda Avery Leather Jacket, kh:W earrings because they are subtle but badass + Rachel Comey Tux Boots because they are amazing.

from marisa, the i might get mauled by a bear (or hit on by an elk) but i will look damn good doing it outfit: Acne Moreau Crepe Dress, Matthew Williamson Mongolian Vest + Boutique 9 Wedges.

from Abbey: Burning Torch Ikat Dress, Leslie Shershow Antler Necklace + Rachel Comey Huron Boots

from buttercup133: Funktional Tunnel Dress, A Peace Treaty Yaluc Earrings, Club Monaco Adele Parachute Parka, Geometrical Illusion Printed Leather Pouch + Loeffler Randall Ollie Open Toe Booties

Cast your vote quickly! I'm shutting her down when we hit 500.

Note: As usual, I included no chalk/blush/white dresses, even though a startling number of you suggested them. If it's a color the bride might wear (especially at a casual wedding) it is not appropriate for a guest, mkay?

Attire for an outdoor wedding in Colorado? (Thursday Morning SHOPPING CONTEST!)

When I first received this query, I bubbled over with joy:

What do you wear to an outdoor wedding in September in a small mountain town in Colorado? The bride said we will likely see live elk. Tights? Fur? Boots? Chunky sweaters over a cocktail dress? Is it ok to wear a long dress?

I got as far as asking my CO and former CO pals what the weather will be like there in September (Answer: Gorgeous) and then I was stumped. It's like this question is just TOO AWESOME.

So here's the deal.

Put together an outfit for our Colorado wedding guest featuring at least one item from Shopbop. They've got a pretty terrif selection of dresses, but feel free to shop their shoes, boots, sweaters, etc, if you find a killer dress somewhere else.

Extra points if you somehow manage to work in the elk theme.

Paste as many entries as you like in the comments below (one entry per comment), and pls follow the "HOW TO MAKE FANCY LINKS" instructions on the right-hand side of the blog to make everything nice and clickable.

I'll give you until 5pm pst on Monday afternoon (4/30), and then on Tuesday I'll post my top five-ish outfits for you guys to vote on. *UPDATE: I've extended the deadline to 12pm pst on Thurs (5/3).*

A $200 Shopbop gift certificate goes to the winner. WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?

Stella McCartney Elk Sweatshirt via Coolspotters