magical metamorphosis (aka cozy cocoon)

For me, it’s flat-out bad news when I say, “Well, I’ll just try this on” in a store …because you know that at that point, I’m probably going to get the item in question. This DVF dress caught my eye the other day and I knew when I decided to “try it on” that it was going to become mine.

Exhibit A: (my usual text to a girlfriend/sister/mom, “I’m going to get this, right? I HAVE to!” dressing room selfie)

But really, you guys, can you blame me? Look at this magical metamorphosis/cozy cocoon of a dress! The sleeves are so billowy and gorgeous, I felt like I was a butterfly about to take full butterfly form and fly away. …if you haven’t already figured it out, my feelings about fashion run deep…especially when I start storytelling about a specific piece (ie how I felt like a butterfly in the dress). I guess I just like the idea of a transformation- both in life and in clothing. How magical is the thought that we can be whatever we want, and that our clothes can be a representation of that process? As a card I received many years ago says (and remains on my desk all these years later):

…I sure will…and if I’m doing it in a fabulous dress, all the better.

Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg via Nordstrom Rack ($115, paid $70 with gift card, marked down from $365)

Tights: Hue via Filene’s ($3 marked down from $13.50)

Boots: DSW ($15 marked down from $50)

Necklace: Nadri via Nordstrom Rack ($14 marked down from $50)

Fashion Huntress tips:

1) Speaking of transformation, this dress really tones down with a cardigan, as you can see in the photos. To me, this dress is much more “evening out” then “office ready.” But, with the cardigan, it really took on a different feel. I think a lot of “evening attire” can become office-ready with a cardigan (buttoned up or open), and/or other layers. This is a great way to get more use out of dresses that otherwise wouldn’t get as much wear.

2) You all know that I generally really search for the perfect deal. However, some pieces are worth spending a bit more if you love them and will truly wear them. For a lot of us, regularly buying dresses that are over $100 is really not an option (especially not a full price option for $365!). But, I do believe that investing the $100+ for a dress you will wear forever, or the black heels that won’t go out of style is definitely worthwhile, if it’s an option for you. The other option is to go vintage/resale/consignment for even lower prices. Sometimes, stores will still price designer dresses over $100, but I try and avoid those stores- as I think that price point is too high for resale. Resale, for me, for a good designer dress is around $50. I tend to find much more affordable pieces slightly outside the city (Chicago), and I suspect this is the same elsewhere- same quality, same designers, just better prices.

I hope everyone had a good start to the week! Happy Monday and St. Patrick’s Day! Thank you so very much for stopping by.