And then an opportunity popped up - I accepted a project with Teri Jon in exchange for any dress. It was kismet. Let me tell you, in person it's even more spectacular. I got it right in time for my Nephew's Bar Mitzvah party.
I've been looking for the perfect choker for months. At the AV Max sample sale last week I finally picked up a bunch! It's seriously my go-to sample sale for jewelry - and the best part is that everything is under $25.
Unfortunately I forgot my bag and I was over 200 miles from home...so I went to Target. Found this clutch for less than $20. Seriously, where else can you go at 9am on a Sunday? Target to the resuce!
My mothers requests that I have a head covering at religious gatherings so I brought along my favorite fascinator. Married orthodox Jewish women cover their hair and for the longest time I struggled with it. This hat is more of a token covering (as it doesn't cover much LOL) but I've made my peace and I'm okay with that. I grew up in a pretty strict household and you can say I'm a bit of the black sheep. I like to think of myself as a little more modern orthodox and I do modest-ish at best.
These days it's more my vanity than religion that motivates my covered up looks. Your body changes when you have kids. Add being over 40 and it's an uphill battle. Right now I'm the heaviest I've ever been. Sigh. But it's so important to have beautiful clothing that you love - even when you've put on weight. Last time I was this heavy I hid. Literally. I didn't recognize myself. I refuse to hide anymore. In full disclosure I'm 5'5" and 176 lbs. right now. By some miracle my dress is a size 8. I've always looked lighter than I weighed (heavy bones?) so numbers don't bother me. I may not feel my best right now but when you look like crap you feel like crap - so I put on a pretty dress. Some days even a little lipstick can go a long way.
- Fascinator: Scala, Century 21, $25
- Choker: AV Max, sample sale, $10
- Dress: Teri Jon, gifted (RV $1,420)
- Clutch: Merona, Target, $16.99
- Shoes: Shoes: Jimmy Choo Swarovski Whistler heels, sample sale, $100 (RV $2,450)
My eye makeup was all thanks to my Lancôme Voxbox from Influenster. (Be sure you sign up here to get your free boxes of stuff!) I wanted to try something different so instead of using a colored liner on my top lid I used it on bottom. I love this Drama Liqui-Pencil - I often play with blues, golds, greens and purple to set off my hazel eyes. The Définicils Mascara was not my fave thou. It clumped and didn't give me the long fanned out lashes my Korres mascara does. The lipstick is actually by Korres - it's the Morello Lipstick + Cotton Seed Oil Lip Liner Duo in Classic Red. I was very impressed. It's the perfect shade of red and it stayed on for hours. The company Octoly gifted it to me. If you have over 10k on YouTube or Insta you can apply to Octoly here.
It was actually freezing outside but the lighting in the restaurant was terrible. The girls were huddled together in most of the pictures I took of them LOL. I really wanted to find a prettier location to shoot but as always we were running late (and it was 20 degrees out) so we had to quickly shoot in the parking lot.
Nina Shoes sent me these Idabell pumps and let me tell you - they are gorgeous! Even my flats wearing mom wanted to try them on. I should mention they run a little big. I tried sizing down but they were too small in 8.5 so I took the 9 and figured I'd pad them. For some reason I thought they would match my new dress but the color was off. I still needed to take a picture with them anyway. Check out the beautiful crystal heels!
My pics were taken by my son and teenage nephew B. Thanks guys! If you have kids, train them young!
You can shop our looks here:
Last but not least, check out my new Daniel Wellington Classic Black watch. I'm all about rose gold right now. It came with a matching cuff and you can get 15% off their website with code LEHOARDER. I'm also wearing my new Carolina Amato leather gloves ($15) and Marc Jacobs scarf ($20) that were both sample sale scores. Can't forget my new Baci Outlet jacket! I'm extending my Baci Outlet giveaway so you too can get this jacket with the gift card I'm giving away on Instagram! Enter here.
This week I took the week off from sample sale-ing. There are tons of great sales but so far I'm resisting the urge to shop. If I cave I'll be sure to share my adventures on my Insta stories :)
And I still can't believe I own the dress of my dreams. Thank you Teri Jon! Can't wait to wear it again!
XO
Shoppinggal
That's such a beautiful dress! Love how it looks on you!
ReplyDeleteXx,
|| FLOORTJELOVES ||
www.floortjeloves.com
www.bloglovin.com/blogs/floortjeloves-12198253
Thank you! It's such a special piece :)
DeleteThat dress is a freakin dream. Literally the prettiest! And I'm so glad you're choosing not to hide. I get the struggle but we are more than our bodies. <3
ReplyDeletehttp://asequinloveaffair.com
Thanks Shira. The dress really is so amazing. Some days I just force one foot in front of the other but it's a struggle. But I like that - we are more than our bodies. I just gotta get my food addiction under control.
DeleteYou look stunning!!! Nobody wears a red lip better than you and your girls look adorable :)
ReplyDeleteTracy
www.TracysNotebookofStyle.com
Aww thanks Tracy!
DeleteYou look gorgeous and you're right, Numbers dont mean anything. It's about how you feel about yourself and how you wear that outfit and you rocked it with this stunning dress. I love the fascinator and the choker and the bold lippie. Your daughters are the cutest too! What a gorgeous family! Xoxo, Christine
ReplyDeletehttp://dailykongfidence.com/
Aww thanks Christine. When I doubt I just pretend I'm a supermodel LOL. Gotta fake it till you make it!
DeleteBreathtaking, it is! Can I just have this whole outfit? Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteLiz
Www.lizzieinlace.com
LOL thanks Liz!
DeleteThe gorgeous details on that dress just make me want to get one for myself right about now! You look so elegant and chic in it honey xx
ReplyDeleteHelen x
https://ch1k.com/discover-bangkok-in-2-days
Aww thanks Helen. It's really spectacular.
DeleteLove the details of your dress Michelle! And both of your girls look so dainty in that twinning outfit :)
ReplyDeletexx Aldora
www.AldoraMuses.com
Thanks Aldora! And these my girls don't like matching as much so I save it for special occasions :)
DeleteBabe, you are looking so pretty in this dress! It's very romantic and elegant and sexy in a subtle way. And your little girls are darling and precious. They are lucky to have a beautiful stylish mama like you.
ReplyDeleteLove, Liz
stylewich.com
Aww thanks Elizabeth - so sweet!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous black dress. I love the pop of colour from the red flowers.
ReplyDeleteAlso the girls are adorable with their matching dress
All such great finds !
www.Wanderlustts.com
This dress is so damn beautiful! And it looks amazing on you 🙈 Seriously in love with it! ❤
ReplyDeleteThank you Ana. It really is. My pics don't even do it justice.
Deleteyou looked like a 1000000000 super star! Loved your dress!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.queenhorsfall.com/
The only words I can think of to describe this look are "extreme gorgeous perfection " !! Love that fascinator and choker so much and the floral detail is just about the most delightful addition I've ever seen to an already magnificent dress !!!!
ReplyDeleteHahahaha - I know what you mean thou.
Deletethat black lace is so incredible and cute!! thanks for sharing <3
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thenewgirl.me/12-days-christmas-langdon-hall/
It really is something special - thank you.
DeleteYou look so beautiful! Your dress is so gorgeous, as are those heels!
ReplyDeletexo, Jo
www.cutandchic.com
Thanks Jo. I'm so blessed to have some really special pieces in my collection.
DeleteI love the floral detail on this dress! It definitely makes this dress look so very unique.
ReplyDeletewww.atsunamatsui.com
Thanks - it really is so special.
DeleteYour girls are so cute!! Thanks for the tip too, haha gotta train those kids young!
ReplyDeletexx Jenelle
www.inspiringwit.com
Thanks! And yes - kids are the perfect height to shoot and are easily bribed LOL
DeleteLove those lace appliqué details u had on ur dress and how u mirrored that on your choker!
ReplyDeleteUr girls are so adorable!
Much love,
Everest
Www.everestsays.com
Thanks - the choker really took it up a notch :)
DeleteIn love with this dress! Really reminds me of my time in Barcelona. But it would also be the perfect Christmas party dress. Love it! XO Charissa - www.ladygoldapple.com
ReplyDeleteThanks - it's so special. I think it would make a perfect everything party dress LOL.
DeleteSuch a fairytale dress. SO beautiful on you & the girls are darling ! Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeletexx, gracie
snappedbygracie.com
Thanks - that's such a perfect term - totally fairytale!
DeleteYou have the best deals and steals! I LOVE that dress and you look stunning in it! Your girls look sooo adorable too. Love reading your posts!
ReplyDeleteThat dress looks amazing on you! It kind of reminds me of Valentino's FW collection a little, but a more vampy version. I love the little red flowers on it and definitely the high low hem makes it more unique!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Maggie S.
❤Clothestomidnight.com
It's so funny - I always say I feel like I'm walking out of a Dolce and Gabbana dream but I totally get the Valentino reference. I have a similar Valentino lace sheath that's equally spectacular.
DeleteGirl, you look absolutely stunning in that dress. And the numbers should not bother you. It's a hard thing to not do but seriously you look amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks! This is why it's so important to have clothing you love at every size. When you look good you feel good.
Deletethis is such a dreamy dress! and your girls looks so adorable in the matching dresses!
ReplyDeletewww.samanthamariko.com
Thanks Samantha! It's such a dream :)
DeleteThat dress is so pretty! love the details on that dress and how you matched it with that lace chocker! What a great Combo! Totally rocked that outfit!
ReplyDeletexx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/calzedonia-ss2017-fashion-show-verona/
Thanks Jessie!
Deletethis dress is so cute babe!!
ReplyDeletexo, Samira
www.leathertolunch.com
Thanks Samira!
DeleteHello dear!!!
ReplyDeletebeautiful dream dress love how you styled it, also the hair decoratins.So cute the girls too with her little dresses.
xx
Eva
www.themermaidfashion.com
Thanks - I really didn't have to do much because the dress can really stand alone.
DeleteYou look absolutely stunning in this outfit. I'll not wonder why you love it so much and consider it as your dream dress. :)
ReplyDeleteAdvance Merry Christmas!
xoxo,
SHAIRA
www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com
Thank you - happy holidays to you!
Deleteohh this post is absolutely beautiful!!! you and your girls looks so pretty. I specially love the embroidered flowers on your black dress. And you Lancome makeup is more than perfect. Kisses-
ReplyDeletewww.vanedresscode.com
Aww thanks so much Vanessa!
DeleteYour Dress is Soo Unique:) The Red Flower details Is sooo Pretty:)
ReplyDeleteThe Dress Looks Perfect on you :)
Love Open Kloset By Karina
New:http://openklosetfashion.blogspot.pt/2016/12/prestige-hotel-budapest-elegantclassic.html?m=1
Thank you - I love those little flower details too :)
DeleteI absolutely love your dress! How gorgeous are those embroidered flowers! Love that the flowers are colorful and the dress is black. Must buy!!
ReplyDeletexo,
Spreadfashionblog.com
It really is a must have - thank you!
DeleteYou don't look a day over 40; I don't believe it. You look so youthful and your girls are just adorable in their cute little dresses and flats :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thebeautybeau.com
Hahaha I don't mind sharing my age because I know I don't look it. When I was younger I used to look at people in their 40s and think they were so old LOL. Age really is just a number. I still feel like a kid.
DeleteIt's a dress of my dreams too! So adorable and chic!
ReplyDeletehttp://stylesprinter.com/
LOL - right? It's such a dream!
DeleteYou are over 40? Seriously! Well you look like you're in your 20s! This dress is so beautiful and the lace and flowers are so intricate, I'm not surprised you fell in love with it! Your girls look lovely in their dresses too
ReplyDeleteRachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
Thank you - it's all good genetics. In high school people asked if my dad was my BF and my mom passed for my sister thru my 20s.
DeleteOh my god I love this dress! Exactly my kind of thing. And it looks bomb on you!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It really is spectacular!
DeleteThat dress looks amazing on you! All the details are stunning! You should definitely not hide cause you are perfect like that!
ReplyDeleteI love the accessories you picked up to go with the dress!
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
Aww thanks. I've always had a knack for dressing for my shape - big or small. While I'd prefer to be smaller, I'm gonna make this work too :)
DeleteYou looked amazing in that dress! The embroidery on it was a really nice touch! Have a lovely week! <3
ReplyDeleteAndreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
Thank you - it's really so special!
DeleteYou clearly have some serious sample sale mojo! And that dress is stunning on you!
ReplyDeleteLOL - I guess I do. After a while you develop a sixth sense for them. And thanks!
DeleteThis dress is so beautiful and you wear it so well! I like how you added the choker to the look.
ReplyDeletexo, Maryam
www.glamandposh.com
Aww thanks so much! The choker totally took it up a notch!
DeleteThis dress is so gorgeous and you look absolutely stunning sweetie!
ReplyDeleteXx, Gina
www.artsyrunway.com
Thanks so much Gina! Happy holidays!
DeleteI think you look fantastic in The Dress. My daughter thinks you look like Taylor Swift.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha thanks. I've heard that one before and it always cracks me up.
DeleteThis dress is seriously so stunning, and yay to you finally getting it!! I love the flower details on it, they are just perfect. I hope you had a lovely time!
ReplyDeletehttp://aloveaffairblog.com
Thanks! It's so exciting to finally get something you were coveting :)
DeleteSo love this dress! It definitely is an amazing steal! And I totally can relate to that dying feeling when you are waiting to enter a sample sale and you see people walk out with pieces you love!
ReplyDeletewww.alexandrachloe.com
Me too! It's easy to get FOMO but 90% of the time I'm the one with the awesome deal in my hands so I try to take things in perspective :)
DeleteThe detail on that dress is just beyond! And your girls are divine!! Such a lovely post! Happy Holidays! xo, Jessica
ReplyDeleteAww thanks Jessica! Happy holidays to you too!
DeleteYou are the queen of finding the best deals! And it pays off bc this entire look is so pretty on you. I did LOL at your comment about training the kids early on! Same goes for the husbands lol! Thanks for sharing love!!
ReplyDeletexo Soo | www.BrownEyedToast.com
LOL thanks Soo! Happy holidays!
Deleteyou are literally the queen of finding the best deals! The entire look is amazing ! love this and your kids look adorable hehe!
ReplyDeletehttp://ministryforstyle.com/
x Mandy
Thanks Mandy! Happy holidays!
DeleteSeriously though, how cute aren't your girls!?! And that dress is truly dreamy! I wish I was as good at finding bargains as you are! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Thomas
http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/
LOL thanks so much Thomas!
DeleteThis outfit is so perfect for this feastive season! That dress is so pretty babe
ReplyDeleteXx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/gold-rush/
Thanks Jessie! Happy holidays!
DeleteGorgeous photos and dress! I love that watch! I got it for Christmas a couple of years ago. I love the huge, skinny face.
ReplyDelete