Pix-Elated

71 Comments

• Diana replied 10 years ago

  OK, so my very first thought (before I looked at the pictures even) was the fuchsia suit.  

  Of the options you've shown, I really like #6.  I think the pattern mixing is fun and makes it more funky and less glitzy.  But if you are concerned about being too dressy (I don't think you need to be though), maybe switch the skirt for the slouchy pants?  

  Honestly this sounds like the type of fantastically non-judgmental and relaxed event (like the baby shower I went to recently) where everyone will show up in precisely what they want to wear, there will be a wide range of dressiness, and it will be a fabulous reflection of everyone's individual senses of style.  So I think you really don't need to worry too much about being too dressy/not dressy enough, and just focus on choosing something that is quintessentially "Suz."

• Pat_P replied 10 years ago

  I think the vintage top is stunning! Both skirts are great - the fuller one seems a little more casual to me.

• Word Lily replied 10 years ago

  I don't think the dress is overly dressy. Could you use your shopping to (hopefully) find comfortable shoes that stay on? I feel like the need for comfort may be most vital in the shoes, since you'll be on your feet, cooking and serving, etc. I wonder if you could tone down the formality a bit with different jewelry and/or shoes? Instead of sparkly, maybe something fun/bright/whimsical? 

  I also really like the brocade top with the pencil skirt for the event. How are those shoes?

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Thanks, Diana - I actually thought a bit of you with that pattern mix! :) 

  I did think of the fuchsia suit as well. The issue with that is the pants are cropped and I am not sure I could wear them with hose underneath -- and without hose I would freeze. Plus, I wondered if a whole silk suit might feel a bit much if they're wearing sweater dresses or something. But it IS an option and should be on the table as well. So thanks. 

  Thank you, Pat P!

• bella replied 10 years ago

  I vote for #1 hands down. I think this dress would blend very well no matter what everyone else is wearing. It can look causal (throw a scarf on) or dressy (long, sparkly earrings), you can dress it up or down at the last minute depending on the bride's and others' outfits. It looks comfy, elegant and also suitable for all the chores that you have to deal with. Others might be too fussy when cooking, serving, etc. I am sorry about the shoes, they look well with the skirt but you might even wear your zara booties, you can't go wrong with this dress. 

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Thanks Word Lily. Those shoes stay on just fine -- they are Eccos and extremely comfortable. The only comfortable pumps I have ever owned. I could wear those with the Meister dress, too, of course. 

• bella replied 10 years ago

  oh, sorry I forgot to add: Congratulations!

• Scarlet replied 10 years ago

  Isn't it cold to go barefoot? Congratulations on the wonderful news! Nothing tops the first dress. It looks perfect. Go shoe shopping? Or add grippers to the heel of the shoes? Your daughter looks so cute, but also a bit like she is ready for a business trip :)

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  I know, Scarlet -- she is just developing her own style sense so we are letting her roll with what she likes! :) 

  Maybe I can look for some better holiday shoes. Maybe the Bay has the ones Angie recommended. I wish pumps and I got along better. The booties just feel too clumpy for this occasion I think. I tried my Pliner booties (bronze with pointy toes) but they are too leg-stumpifying. 

  ETA: It is TOTALLY too cold to go barefoot -- she is crazy! Especially in our house. The kitchen/ dining area has no basement, only a crawl space. The floors are freezing. 

• shiny replied 10 years ago

  Barefoot confuses me! Unless the ceremony is on a beach? 

  I dunno but if it is at your house, you have the option of wearing loungewear with an apron over it, and when everyone arrives, quickly check out what they are all wearing, apologize for not being changed yet, excuse yourself and go get dressed in whichever option harmonizes the best... and to that end, I'd think about which outfit will photograph the best and blend with everyone else. 

  If that's not an option, I'm leaning towards #1 since it is the most blendable.. but I really love the brocade top too. For warmth, I might skip the jacket and go with a pashmina instead - more casual and yet wedding-dressy. 

  Don't forget the pedicure. :-)

• RoseandJoan replied 10 years ago

  Congratulations to the family Suz!

  Where are we in the tale of the grey knee high boots, if available would they work with the dress in #1?

  I also have a soft spot for #7 you look as though you could comfortably cook, dance and sit on the floor with a glass of champagne in that look.

• shiny replied 10 years ago

  For fun you could buy everyone matching house slippers... 

  (The girls and I all wore UGGs with our wedding attire when Bill and I got married... outdoors in the snow... we swapped later but it made for cute photos and considering the snow we had to be practical).

• replied 10 years ago

  Not reading any other replies yet, but my immediate and definitive reaction is to wear #1 as is. You do not need a statement necklace. In fact, that would be less "you" IMHO than this is. And why not take advantage of one piece dressing since the event is in your own home? You control the temperature, and you won't need to mess with layers. Simple. Divine. Chic. Done. Even if others arrive barefoot with daisy chains in their hair, you should feel free to be yourself and not match anyone else's level of dressiness. (Wow, I'm so bossy this morning!)

  Okay, I just went back and read about the shoe problem with the David Meister dress. Could you swap our your leopard wedges or another shoe with an ankle strap that stay on better? I had a similar problem with hose making my feet too slippery when I was road testing my outfit for an upcoming wedding. I tried another pair of hose that were 100% nylon, and they worked fine. My foot wasn't compressed like it was in the hose with Spandex and the nylon was actually a little "grippy". 

  You look absolutely fabulous in all of these. I love the different looks with the separates, and I hope you'll have occasions to wear them all! Tell DD she looks super sharp!

• Kristin L replied 10 years ago

  Congrats to your family Suz! 

  I like #6 and 8 the best. I'm a little confused about the barefoot thing as well, but I guess all you can do is roll with it. 

  And your DD looks very nice. It's awesome that you and your DH are letting her express herself and not forcing her to dress another way. 

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Thank you all! You're making great points! I am going to scout out the mall but I'm not going to stress about actually buying something. If I see a great pair of party shoes that fit and stay on (or a pair of 100% nylon stockings) I will grab them, but if not, I can swap out my gold shoes for the patent ones or my leopard pumps or even the grey boots as Julie suggested. (Pic with one of those boots below -- the other are my black boots.) And it sounds as if at least one of these outfits will do, so I can decide a bit closer to the ceremony itself. I'm leaning towards the David Meister dress again, just because it feels so great on and is one-piece dressing. With sleeves. :)

  Shiny - love the slippers idea! Maybe I should do it! I think maybe the bride is worried about being a bit taller than her groom in shoes. They are (I think) exactly the same height, but not in footwear.) Although why she would worry about that I am not sure -- she doesn't seem the type. So it might just be a child-of-a-flower-child statement of some kind. :) 

  1
• Emily replied 10 years ago

  You look like a comfortable and elegant hostess in #1 - that is my vote, hands down.  Is the event indoors?  What is the indoor/outdoor shoe protocol in your house?  Your DD is adorable - she totally owns that look!

• Jan replied 10 years ago

  I love all of the looks, that brocade top is gorgeous. In my opinion though, I think #2 looks most suitable to my interpretation of the event and company. Congratulations!

• minimalist replied 10 years ago

  I liked 1 and 8 ...but dress with boots wins, hands down. And your DD is adorable.

• MsMary replied 10 years ago

  I like dress and boots!  And don't stress about a necklace!

  But mostly I want to say DD looks FANTASTIC in her suit!!! :)

• jengehrt replied 10 years ago

  Congrats!!! I really like #1. I love how it photographs!!  I have not read the other comments, but this one is my favorite. It's classic and elegant. Go with this!!!  Please post a couple of photos of yourself from the big day.

• Ariadne replied 10 years ago

  I vote #1 or #s 4-6, without reading any other comments.  Beautiful options!  It sounds like you definitely need to go shoe shopping.  Oh, darn. ;)

• Angie replied 10 years ago

  #6. I love #6, Suz.  (High five, Diana). Have you tried the combination with darker hose? Or lighter footwear? 

  I love #1 next. 

  (All your outfits are gorgeous though). 

  DD is mega adorable. Please tell her I think she looks fabulous. xo

• Angie replied 10 years ago

  And, you will be beautifully turned out no matter what, and stepson will be very proud. Glad you can ease into all of this. 

• replied 10 years ago

  Many congratulations Suz.

  Out of all the iterations I like #1, #6 and #7.

• replied 10 years ago

  The grey suede boots look really good too and are a great option. 

  FWIW, the hose I tried are seriously old-school nylons. They are Evan Picone "Bussiness Sheers" I have no idea how old they are because I got them from the swap. They have a control top, but the legs are super-sheer. When I pulled them out of the package, they were HUGE, like, as big as I am (I guess they have to be since they have zero stretch), but they fit perfectly.

  Good luck and have fun shopping. I forgot to say earlier: Congratulations on the happy event. It sounds just wonderful. DH and I had an at-home wedding with only 28 people (rare in those days), so I think that's a fun way to get hitched!

• carter replied 10 years ago

  Definitely #1 with the gray boots. Have fun!

• Aubergine replied 10 years ago

  I love #1 and #6 and I think the boots definitely help #1 read as less dressy. And I love your daughter's suit!

• dustt replied 10 years ago

  so happy for you and your family - I love #4!!

• Marley replied 10 years ago

  #7 or #8.  They both look as though you could do just about anything in them - cook, greet, sit on the floor, or on the arm of chair - and they look fabulous on you.  I think #1 is beautiful on you - but not for this event.  Also, in my opinion #6 (Angie's choice?) just looks too stuffy, with a business-like silhouette that you can't get away from even with the festive top and jacket.  It's still a blazer and pencil skirt - also, doesn't look all that comfy to me in regards to everything you are going to be doing that day.
  Also, LOVE your daughter's suit!  So cute - what a great sense of style she has!

• Diana replied 10 years ago

  Re: the hose.  You might want to try a cheap drugstore pair.  I think they're 100% nylon (the regular sheer ones at least) and have no shaping or other bells and whistles.  Here in the US, I buy L'eggs.  The only issue might be that they have limited color options so you might not be able to find a good skin tone match.  

• Alexandra replied 10 years ago

  Definitely #1 as is. My next two picks would be option 4 and option 6. But the dress would be perfect.

• Joyce B replied 10 years ago

  You look beautiful in all but I love number 1.
  Mazel Tov and all the best to the happy couple.

• JAileen replied 10 years ago

  I like the outfit in pic #8. It looks great on you, is dressy and yet not too dressy at the same time.

• lyn* replied 10 years ago

  My vote is in for #1 - Congratulations!

• deb replied 10 years ago

  I vote #8. It is dressy/casual and will look good next to the barefoot bride and your daughter.

• kkards replied 10 years ago

  1st Mazel Tov!
  2nd what incredible style your daughter has.
  3rd. I love the dress in #1, and I would solve the shoe problem by wearing house sleepers, besides being totally comfy, they solve the problem of being overdressed. My second choice is #8.

• unfrumped replied 10 years ago

  Congrats! And I can't believe what a flexible hostess you are! I would be in a tizzy.

  Love # 1 for simplicity and chameleon properties so you look killer but not at all like trying to outshine the bride, and # 6 for festive fabric. But I would not be warm enough with no sleeves.

• Debora replied 10 years ago

  My vote is for pic #4 or 7. The brocade top is stunning and I think it will photograph beautifully, both front and back. Congratulations!

• CocoLion replied 10 years ago

  Late to the party, but in case you are still looking for input:
  - The pants outfit with the fuchsia jacket is most casual while still being suitable for a wedding (bare feet in Dec. in Canada, my word!).
  - I love the outfit with the brocade blouse and pencil skirt (the sleeveless blouse).  If you don't wear it for this occasion, you must create another occasion to wear it!
  - Love the other outfits too, you can't go wrong although the first I'd eliminate is the dress because of the footwear issues.  Also, a dress somehow reads as more formal than separates.  Although if you wear an apron, it changes the vibe.  

  Did you try these on with the apron?

• E replied 10 years ago

  Congrats to you & your stepson! :)

  I'm with the majority: #1 seems the most flexible for your occasion. It doesn't read too dressy, and I wouldn't bother with finding a statement necklace. Sounds like you have quite a few shoe options, especially as you don't need to worry about formal shoes. 

• Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

  #1 is what I would choose Suz.
  Leave off the statement necklace if you don't want to be too dressy.
  This dress looks appropriate for cooler weather, stylish and gorgeous.
  What a lovely event to have on the horizon- I hope you get a chance to take lots of pics for us to enjoy too!

• Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

  How wonderful, congratulations! Tell your daughter she looks amazing - love her outfit. I also love that she can be herself for the occasion :) :)

  My pick is #1 - what about with boots to make it more casual? My next pick is #6. This are all fab options though :)

  I wrote this before reading the other comments & see that you've shown the dress with the boots - the lighter boots look fab imo.

• Sveta replied 10 years ago

  Hmm, did you tell the bride that it may be too cold in your house to go barefoot - she may not have thought of this!
  I agree with Diana and suggest you wear what makes you feel good. I am partial to that stunning patterned top worn with the flared skirt - less formal than with the pencil but just as pretty. Navy dress is great too as fuchsia jacket with slouchy pants (maybe with a sparkly top).
  I guess it means I like your options and you cannot go wrong with any of those. As for the shoes - isn't it a perfect opportunity to wear those Pliner booties I admire so much? They would work with any of those outfits I think in that stunning bronze color! 

• Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

  All these are marvelous, and the ones you don't choose should be worn to other events! 

  I think I like#6, #7, #1 and #8 (with boots) for the wedding.  I would make your selection based upon your duties on the day.

  Now a sparkly sweater with your sparkly pants does sound amazing!

• Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

  Ooops!  Forgot to say congratulations!

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Thank you everyone for the input! It seems that opinions are quite mixed. But in a way that is good. I guess I can't really go too wrong here. And I can play it by ear to an extent. Whatever seems best on the day I can pull out of the closet. 

  Sveta, the Pliner booties are too "stumpifying" for my legs unless I wear dark hose. I can do that, of course. But it darkens the look quite a bit. I am not against wearing them in theory. I am wearing them with the pants in the fuchsia jacket look. 

  Re footwear in our house: we ordinarily wear slippers all the time indoors, but for this event will be wearing shoes and allowing our guests to wear shoes. And yes, the bride knows the floors are very cold. She says she does not care. 

  I could wear the dress with darker hose and/ or the skirt with darker hose. I could also wear the skirt with the gold shoes, Angie -- although those shoes are my least comfortable option. 

  I went shopping and made a purchase of a sparkly tunic sweater. It probably won't be necessary for this event but it might come in handy over the season anyway. Will post in a separate thread. 

  Thanks all for your thoughts -- very useful observations and I think what I will wait for a final decision -- once I figure out what the others are wearing I will go from there. 

• Sveta replied 10 years ago

  Suz, I beg to differ on the "stumpifying" effect on the booties with the skirt. Remember, I saw them IRL with skirts and saw none of this. I guess this is one of those "style myths" about yourself you cannot get rid off. I told you before and I am telling you now: they looked great with skirts and your bare legs!

• Neelie replied 10 years ago

  Mazel Tov!  I love #'s 1 (with the boots) and 7 the best.  Love the idea of giving out slippers ( or socks)...we went to a wedding once and everyone was given sparkly chinese slippers so while dancing we could kick off the heels and be comfortable, it was great!  Another option would be sparkly festive socks or sockettes .

  I have an androgynous dd too (she is only 10) who only wants to wear boys clothes.  I respect that, but secretly would love to dress her up a bit for my own personal pleasure!

• Echo replied 10 years ago

  I vote for the first dress. That dress can go from casual to dressy with a quick change of accessory and is perfect for almost any occasion, IMO. 

• viva replied 10 years ago

  Congratulations, Suz, on both the upcoming wedding and on your adorable daughter and her sense of style! As for outfits, my favorite from the initial photo viewing was #6 -- just love that brocade top and the mix of textures. Second choice, for a more dressed down vibe, would be the dress with the boots, no need for a sparkly necklace IMO if your earrings have some sparkle.

• Ariadne replied 10 years ago

  Okay, Suz, show us the booties with a skirt or dress and bare legs.  Sveta has spoken!

• Deborah replied 10 years ago

  Suz, all look wonderful but #1 would be my choice. It's elegant and will be comfortable and easy to wear. You are hosting so I imagine you will be on your feet and mingling. This is the kind of dress that can go almost anywhere.

• Kbfenner replied 10 years ago

  Only comfortable shoes that stay securely on your feet. That is paramount, especially when you are the hostess! I think trousers or even dark jeans read more appropriately casual with a barefoot bride(!), but you can do brocade or such with them!

• elpgal replied 10 years ago

  Haven't read the other responses but I like the brocade top with the outfits you have created. Do you have accessories to boho-up the first dress? How about your kimono?

• Jaime replied 10 years ago

  Oh my goodness Mazal Tov! Well I love the blue dress and the other dress and DD in her suit and I can't imagine you won't all look fab!

• Karie replied 10 years ago

  I like #6 - I think the pattern mixing makes it look a little more casual, and I like #7 - I think the flared skirt looks more casual than the straight skirt. I also like #1 for its elegance and simplicity.

  I think that everyone will interpret "nice casual" differently and people will show up at all levels of dressiness. I would dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and like "you." And most definitely wear comfy shoes!

• Golden replied 10 years ago

  You look great in all but I vote for #1, I love classic!!! Have a good time!

• ManidipaM replied 10 years ago

  Late Kate (or Lateef, per India) here but congratulations and your daughter looks so distinctive and fun and hip. That's so cool to have the confidence at her age and I have to hold you at least partially responsible.

  Much as I agree with the versatility of an LBD, I think you simply have better less-dressy options here. I also feel a pencil skirt looks more formal and separates inherently more casual except for a suit. So my votes go to the brocade top (butterflies seem to have an aesthetic affinity for barefootedness in my mind) with the fuller skirt and COMFY shoes. Or the pants with fuchsia jacket. Both are dressy and not trying to hard or imposing a generational preference for formality (which may be a risk in your specific situation and might influence guests depending on who and how they are).

  Now I want to meet the sparkly sweater.

• Neel replied 10 years ago

  6 6 6 6 6!!  *jumping like a little kid here with hand up in the air*  :)  You look gorgeous in all of them!  I wish I could steal your wardrobe LOL!  But 6 is just stunner of an outfit!  Your DD is gorgeous!  Love the thought process of putting her outfit together!

• krishnidoux replied 10 years ago

  Hi Suz! Congratulations for your stepson. That is certainly a happy moment! I don't think you mentioned when this wedding is to take place (at what time of the year?). Barefoot in winter is strange... but if it is what she wants. 

  On the other hand, while I adore your style and find you so cute in the shown pictures, my two cents is that they are all too corporate for a wedding event. You don't want to look stiff. The vintage top is the only thing there that is more appropriate for the circumstance, I think.
  Why don't you go for a flapper style dress?
  It can be worn with flat shoes. A flapper dress allows for movement and avoids the stiff look. You can dress it up or down. You can wear a fascinator, maybe, for the ceremony, that can be removed for partying. 
  Examples of what I mean:
  http://lovemydress.typepad.com.....970b-popup
  http://onefabday.com/aw-brides.....otography/

  (BTW DD looks great!)

• Windchime replied 10 years ago

  A holiday wedding in your home-- how fun!
  I, too, vote for 6 or 1. I love your vintage top! I also think the sparkly tunic in your other thread has potential, depending how casual the occasion turns out to be.
  Your daughter is adorable and has your beautiful smile. :)

• Sona replied 10 years ago

  Another vote for 6 followed by 1.They are both chic and occasion appropriate so maybe use comfort as the deciding factor no matter which outfit you choose.And I do mean true comfort: as in ease of movement, ability to put out little fires and mop away wine stains without a care in the world!

• Regina replied 10 years ago

  I researched some of your photos-- [I am too new to see the photos you added to the post]-- and I am sure you will select the right attire. My concern-- if the wedding is in Canada-- at this time of year why a barefooted bride would be a question mark.

  Stepmom-- you will probably look great in your own home no matter what you wear.

  Q...

• texstyle replied 10 years ago

  Congratulations!  I didn't have time to read all the replies. I will say the fuchsia suit is a bit bold and you don't want to personally stand out too much for this event. I think the #1 or #6 options are both good as long as you find comfortable shoes. I'd say wearing the vintage top with loose fit trousers would be great and maybe the way I'd go since it's supposed to be casual, you'll be cooking and it may be pretty cold.

  I imagine the point of the bride/groom requesting casual is probably to avoid anyone feeling stressed about "what do I wear" - of course it never really works this way ;-).

• Elizabeth P replied 10 years ago

  Hey Suz.  Another vote for #1.  With party shoes, if you can swing that
  (not ones that fall off your feet!).   I think the boots made it too
  casual.  Plus, who wears boots in their own house?  You can dress this up or down (or sideways) really quickly if you feel out of place at all.

• LACeleste replied 10 years ago

  Congratulations Suz!  I like #6 followed by #1.  Your DD is super cute!

• Niefern replied 10 years ago

  I think you look very good in all of them, but my favourites are #1, 6 and 8. 8 is great, and so modern, but I feel for a wedding 1 or 6 would be more appropiate. I think I'd choose 1, it's wonderful.

• RoseandJoan replied 10 years ago

  Suz, I cannot believe I overlooked DD's statesman look. She really does have an amazingly defined style for her age, bravo, to Mr and Mrs Suz for giving her the freedom to find her own look and applause to DD for having the courage to take it.

• Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

  I am so ridiculously late to this thread Suz but still had to chime in to say you look positively gorgeous in every single outfit. Congratulations to you and your family :)

  And DD's style is FABULOUS! I love an individual.

• cheryle (Dianthus) replied 10 years ago

  I really like #2 and #8.  Also #6.

  There was a woman at our table at the Xmas party wearing a long straight fluid black skirt to the ankle with a tuxedo jacket and it looked very sharp.  I was thinking something like that could work for your event too.  She didn't have a shirt under the jacket and it was more exposure than I would be comfortable with but I was thinking to try to find similar pieces for next year but with a low cami in black or cream silk.

  Had to come back to my post since I had forgotten to comment on DD too.  She looks very cool in her suit.  Do you think you could talk her into a very narrow dark tie?  Perhaps she should look at some pics of David Bowie from his post ziggy days when he went more elegant and debonair.

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  I am sure I could talk her into a different tie. She just raided Dad's closet for this one. It's what she could find. :) 

  Thanks, all -- no decisions yet but I am not stressing. At least I will be covered!