These two options I loved, for different reasons, and didn’t buy, also for different reasons.
(N.B. I did not plan to post these photos. Hence: roughness. So rough for the second dress that I had to use a Photoshop technique I’d never tried to remove me from the temporary detritus in our room. This makes me look either like a goddess, or someone celebrated on an easel outside a below-ground conference room in a business hotel in a mid-sized city not served by non-stop flights.)
The first is by the Italian company, La Double J. A gorgeous flowered silk twill with pink feather trim. Just saying those words makes me happy. You can find some of their dresses at Tuckernuck, and otherwise can order directly from the Double J site.
However, the fit, advertised truthfully as close in the shoulders and loose in the body, didn’t quite reflect back to me the shape of myself I have grown used to and fond of over the years.
I thought about tailoring, but my daughter didn’t feel the color was right for her and say no more. So fun, that t-shirt top and girly hem, the twirl and flutter in contrast to a structured European print. They call it “Botticelli,” but raucous English Garden wouldn’t have been far off the mark.
Then below, from an Instagram pursuer, you know what I mean, those brands that pick up what you’re after and start following you around? Arotagas is the company’s name, and this is the Ilivy dress. I’d vowed not to go navy, but their silk satin is delicious, liquid, smooch-worthy.
(As per previous note, did not take this picture at Zeus’s throne)
It became clear to me in that moment, I want to express my native love of existing and slightly querulous quick-step mind, first, the flesh and bone that’s been with me since my admittedly wayward youth, second. So the dress I ended up buying–but won’t show you until the time comes–gets there.
I think. It’s dark green silk organza over satin. No fair not to offer up something of the future.
(N.B. Return processes for both these companies are less formal and well-developed than places like Nordstrom and Net-a-Porter. If I have trouble with either of them, I’ll report back.)
Have a good weekend, everyone. Silk is often worth it.
11 Responses
The prints on the Italian web site are enticing.
If the Bride doesn’t like the colors I think the good Mother puts aside her fringe-trimmed dreams without complaint. It’s her day.
I hope the final dress looks more like the second, I think it’s Grand Dame.
It’s truly a mix of both and also quite different. And we are all imperfect mothers and yet, yes, we know when to step aside.
The navy just needs another shoulder to make it drop dead gorgeous.
It’s a one-shouldered dress. The link might show it to you than my goofy Photoshop file;)
Love the second navy blue dress – you have the body to “rock it “ something we probably want to avoid on our “daughters day,” but it’s understated elegance balances out what is apropos fit “mother-of-the-bride.”
Thank you:). And that’s exactly the thing, I don’t want to rock it. I am responsible for so little of my silhouette, I’m happy not to have it front and center!
So excited to see the dress you chose! I’m glad you found the perfect one. I do love the navy one for a different occasion, and it looks fabulous on you.
Have a lovely weekend. ❤
The navy dress for sure.
Quietly beautiful….. You look striking
I think you actually were at Zeus’ throne, but just want to keep your consorting with the gods on the down-low. :)
Love the navy dress on you.
Dark green silk organza over satin sounds beautiful. Can’t wait to see all the photos of the joyful day.
Love the blue and am amused by the quirkiness of the other. Looking forward to seeing what you chose!
https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/carolina-herrera-floral-lace-short-sleeve-illusion-dress-prod189870216?childItemId=BGB9K8K_&navpath=cat000000_cat000001_cat243303&page=0&position=21&uuid=PDP_PAGINATION_45a0eff9d4ab44a745d381082368433c_WBVCJ171wnCNt22aRyWOy1r6UXT2krAiZxlBOjAc.jsession
I love this dress and love that it’s black. It would be stunning next to your daughter’s while walking her down the aisle.
Dislike both of the above dresses. A noisy print is overwhelming on you, and the navy dress is so typical MOB, which is also not “you”.