Two Sides of the Coin

I need some opinions here.  I have my company holiday party tomorrow (Saturday) night and I'm trying to decide what to wear.  This is a pretty low-key event - just a cocktail party at a local, nice restaurant with our small group plus spouses.  But since I feel like I never get out of the house, part of me wants to go a bit crazy... at least by North Carolina standards. 

To put it in perspective, I wore fake eyelashes last year and caused quite a stir.  So yeah...

Anyways, I've narrowed it down to two options.  One a bit "crazier" and the other an outfit I picked up today that I really like which also happens to be a bit more elegant.  So here are the choices -

Option 1 - Short dress with added crinoline, cardigan and uber-high heels.

The black and white petticoats I bought a long time ago.  The dress is from Forever 21 about a year ago and the cardigan is Twelve by Twelve also from about a year ago.

I hate going sleeveless so I would add the cardigan no matter what, but the fact that it's chilly means it's going to be necessary.

I love these fabric rosettes and the rhinestone buttons. Gives is just the right amount of shine.

Now, if it wasn't winter I'd be totally wearing my Alexander McQueen rose heels.  They are just too smashing.  But, even though bare legs and these peep-toes look great with the short, short skirt, I think I would look ridiculous as it is 20 degrees out.

So I was thinking of these sheer black tights with the thigh bow detail from Cynthia Rowley (bought from Gilt Group - really loving the tights they get on there).

And pairing them up with my Manolo Blahnik Campari black patent mary janes.

So that's my wacky options. 

Option 2 is a bit more subtle. 

I walked by a New York and Company store today and, which I never do, decided to pop in.  They merchandised well because my eye was caught by this paillette skirt right off the bat. Not surprisingly of course.  I love the muted olive-y green sheen and had to have it.  I wanted to keep it low key but glam so I found a heathered bronze v-neck sweater and, just in case, a taupe cami for layering. It seems a bit loose here but the look is more relaxed and slouchy, contrasting with the fitted gleaming skirt.  I probably wear just a simple necklace and maybe my watch.

To keep the neutral elegance going, I was thinking of my Le Silla Stardust heels. 

They have a beautiful, almost retro shape, handcrafted heel details and a subtle metallic gleam as well.



Of course, the second option would be more comfortable but I kinda want to wear the more silly dress.

What do you think???

Paillettes Please

While the styles that come out for the Fall collections are usually my favorites, I have a special fondness for Resort. And continuing with my love of the great work coming out of Prada & Miu Miu, I have to say some of their Resort pieces are just stunning.

No doubt much of this adoration is due to the materials they are using to such great effect... especially paillettes.

Now I know paillettes are just sequins by a fancier name, but I'm still a sucker. Not that I'm not entranced when they're called plain old sequins. I guess there is a bit of the magpie in me (right now I am currently trying to resist sequined Chuck Taylors and a sequined hoodie... Must. Hold. Out.)

I love these peep-toe heels from Prada. A lot.



The shape is amazing, especially the heel and the color, a warm bronze-y degradé taupe would glow.



I love that the size of the paillettes change from the larger ones on the body of the shoe to the petite ones on the heel. And the overlapping discs look almost like snakeskin.




Green and charcoal together is a great combination and they look amazing on this clutch, also from Prada. Its a good size so, not only could you wear it for evening but I think it would be an unexpected element during the day. That might be hard to pull off but I like to wear my fancy stuff all the time and not just wait for going out or a "special occasion"



But right now I am totally smitten with these platform peep-toes from Miu Miu. I mean look at them, they're a-dor-a-ble! I love them! The colors are amazing. I saw another version of these from the collection and the variation in the size of the sequins is done so well, so artistically. They are just very smart and special.

I have to own up to being a bit "sold" by the feeling conjured by the word "paillettes". Of course the material is magical with their shiny candy colors. The style of the shoes and bag are not that unique but I've always liked a classic shape done in unique ways.