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.
the fashion huntress 
Gorgeous dress! I’ve heard such great things about DVF dresses. Plus, who doesn’t love a dress that can be office appropriate and worn for the evening?! I love your second point, too. When it’s something you will wear a lot or for many years, it’s worth the extra money if it’s good quality and if you truly love it!
This was my first one!! I always heard that her clothes feel so ladylike, and now I can say that I totally agree!! 🙂 Thanks girl!! xo
On Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 5:20 PM, The Fashion Huntress wrote:
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hahah I am the same way… “i’ll just try..” and that dress is fab! xx
http://www.bisousmack.wordpress.com
Love your fashion-find! DVF dresses are the best! Great investment!
Very cool dress – I’m guessing it’s genuine silk, right? $100 for a silk dress you love is no big thing! Totally digging that you paired it with some colourful tights! 😀
Yes! A good point- it is silk, so that is part of the reason for the cost! Thanks girl!!
On Monday, March 17, 2014, The Fashion Huntress wrote:
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Gorgeous, gorgeous dress and well worth the money spent! It’s DVF, after all! Love love love her.:)
Super fun dress! Love DVF!
divine print! 🙂 Lovely look
Looks great!!
A DVFdress is well worth the investment!! I love those butterfly sleeve dresses that are flowy with beautiful prints!! Your find is fabulous!! And its also true that not all designer dresses are worth the $$$!! I wouldnt pay 100$+ if i wasnt wearing them to death.. Lol!! Xx
But of course you had to get it!
Original, love the effect with the tights and boots ❤
I don’t blame you, it looks fab!
http://www.sweetcandydreamer.com
That dress is Beautiful! Look great with those tights. Xoxo
http://www.littleprettymess.com
you are always a joy to watch, I love looking your photos. 😀
http://beybiapril.wordpress.com/
Cute, Cute, Cute! I’m the exact same way…if I even take the dress off the rack and hold it up to me I’m usually sold. I like to think that’s what it takes to have a well rounded wardrobe, right?! Loved the post, the dress was so worth it! Cortneybre…
http://cortneybre.com
Looove this dress! I’ve been buying a lot more DVF lately-it’s a problem. Thank goodness for Nordstrom Rack!
xx Jamie Lynne
Love the flow of this dress! 🙂
Now you’ve got all of us craving the gorgeous DVF dress! Looking fabulous as always!
XOXO N & N
very very beautiful dress!!!! its really timeless piece! You paired it awesome with tights. I’m actually so in love with this your tights:))
I love sending those dressing room selfies for opinions 😀 Good choice, what a fun dress!
Fantastic!
I love this look! One of my favorites! 😉
Diana
http://www.ManhattanImageandStyle.com / http://www.MISBoutique.storenvy.com/
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