The Story of a Dress. | Le Hoarder
Le Hoarder

A NYC -ish* Style and Shopping Blog

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

The Story of a Dress.


Sponsored by Zappos

I've always been a dress girl. I'm not even the girliest girl. I have a bit of tomboy in me. My knees are permanently gray from all the scars from competitive sports and climbing trees in my youth — in dresses. I am simply dress obsessed. I believe that when you put on the right dress, you can take over the world. I've teamed up with Adrianna Papell, who is known for their fashionable, quality dresses, and Zappos.com to share the story of my perfect dress — and tips to help you find yours too!

When I'm in a rush (which is pretty much always LOL) I grab a dress, some cute shoes, sunnies and a bag...and I'm out the door. It's the ultimate momiform. There's no top and bottom to match, which is a huge time saver for this busy mom on the go. Dresses are such a simple way to look polished.

Like most moms (especially over 40) my body isn't what it used to be. When I was shopping for my son's Bar Mitzvah I walked into a store, grabbed 50 dresses, and stood in the dressing room for almost an hour. I grew increasingly frustrated as one after the next did not fit or flatter. I did magically finally find one, but since that experience I've been doing a whole lot more on-line shopping so I could try on in the comfort of my own home.

People like to talk about body confidence and loving the body they're in. Truthfully it's hard. I don't need to be a size 2 or any specific number but I've been finding myself in a rut, hiding in oversized clothing. I decided it was time to push myself outside of my comfort zone and challenge myself find something a little more flattering.




The story of this dress wasn't without a hiccup or two. Ordering on Zappos.com is super easy. I combed through tons of stylish Adrianna Papell dresses until I selected the most beautiful boho embellished dress. When it arrived I quickly put it on...and it didn't zip up. They had been sold out of my size (10) so I was hopeful that I could size down — and I couldn't. So I printed a return slip, packed it back up and returned it. Then I found this chic blue dress and I loved the high low hemline and body skimming shape — and decided it was worth a shot. But I played it safe and sized up to a 12. Big mistake. I tried it on and knew it would be perfect - in a size 10. So I once again, returned the 12 and ordered a 10. And eureka, it fit. So a huge thank you to Zappos for their amazing fast, free shipping and super easy 365 day return policy. FYI Zappos also carries petite and plus sizing for Adrianna Papell, so chances are you're gonna find your perfect fit too.

Knowing your body shape is key. I used to be more pear shaped but now I'm pretty curvy all over. I do love a good a-line style because it shows my shape without hugging my body. I think this dress is successful for me because of all the vertical lines that help draw the eye up and down and creates length. I'm only 5'5" but I tend to look taller because I try to create verticals in my photos. One tip is to make sure your photographer crouches down and shoots you from a lower point. And don't forget those heels! I also think the open neckline extends my neck, and this front panel creates another vertical that (bonus!) also helps cover lumps and bumps. Most importantly, the flutter sleeve helps strengthen my shoulders and balance my hips. I do wish the sleeves covered a little more (I'm a little self conscious of my upper arms) but I went and looked back and photos from a year ago when I was probably 20 lbs lighter and found a bunch I didn't share because I thought I looked too big  and honestly I wish I still looked like that. So now I'm going to try not be so hard on myself and focus what I do like about myself in this dress. I love the color. I love the versatility. I love the simple elegance. And I love that I feel more like myself in the dress  more than I've felt in a while.





Why not make every day a special occasion? Treat yourself to your perfect Adrianna Papell dress   you can thank me later. What do you look for in a dress? Is it more about style, how it fits, or how it makes you feel? For me, it's all of the above.

Thank you to Zappos for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own.

 XO
 Michelle

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21 comments

  1. That is a fabulous dress!!!

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  2. This is one beautiful dress. I love it. Amazing.
    www.sophieatieno.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! There is nothing like finding the perfect dress :)

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  3. I love shopping on Zappos. Their fast shipping and free return policy makes it a no brainer. This dress is beautiful and the color looks amazing on you. I love the asymmetrical hem and the ruffle which makes it edgy but also feminine. What a fab find on Zappos. xoxo, Christine

    http://dailykongfidence.com/

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  4. That color dress looks amazing on you! It goes great with your skin. I have never bought on Zappos , but after reading your post, I will definitely check their stuff.
    Thanks for sharing this flirty and feminine option to rock the spring-summer season!
    Have  agreat week!

    Vanessa

    http://thefashionstatement.net

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  5. Hey Sweetie,
    How are you?
    Love Zappos, they are Amazing:)
    In Love with the Blue Dress, So Beautiful on you:) And that Heels:) Wooow:)
    Super Pretty:)
    Love Kisses Karina
    Wish you Beautiful Day

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  6. I love this dress, very pretty color and I really like the detailing, I will definitely be checking out Zappos, thanks for the post!

    ~xo Sheree
    poshclassymom.com

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  7. You look beautiful in this dress!
    xx- Nina

    http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2018/05/travel-diary-our-honeymoon-in-barcelona.html

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  8. Hi dear,

    First of all, I really like the color of the dress.
    And it looks just great on you!:)

    xoxo
    Darya

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  9. Hello dear ! You looks great this color is perfect for you. Also the A line and ruffles are very nice too. When I’m searching the dress I’m looking for the fabric or something different as usual or looking for the actual tendency.
    Xx
    Eva
    www.themermaidfashin.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks - I always look for a bit of a twist with my dresses. And the perfect cut which is so hard...

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  10. This dress is stunning on you, and I love how you incorporated the chunky feels to give a funky and casual flare. Also, so obsessed with this dusty blue. Perfect for every skin tone!

    xoxo,
    E

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! And I find blue flatters most skintones - especially mine :)

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  11. I'm usually a jeans and tee kind of gal, but I do love a dress every now and then. They are so convenient, lighweight and airy. I love shopping onZappos. Returns are so easy and convenient. I am obsessed with the final Adrianna Papell dress. Looks amazing on you!

    XO
    Tandya
    www.simplytandya.com

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  12. I am a huge dress lover as well! Love how sophisticated this dress looks and Inseriouksh need to get on Zappos. I have yet to shop there!! Must check it Adrianna Papell!

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  13. Yes girl, every dress tells a story! love this blue dress with the ruffles. it's so chic and summery. The perfect dress to have for this summer!

    xx, Jessie
    http://4evajessie.com/my-travel-q-a-with-blackcoralxo/

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