Dresses And Girls’ Day Out
I’d promised to get a better picture of the Nanette Lepore dress that I purchased in Las Vegas to wear out for a nice dinner. So here it is. I just love the color of this dress…not black but still quite timeless. I’m still experimenting with footwear, and if I were wearing this out I’d add one or two bold jewelry pieces (earrings and cuff bracelet probably), but kept it plain here to highlight the dress.
In comments on the previous post, someone brought up the bra strap issue. The way this dress is cut, I’m able to wear my regular bra! I noticed that about a lot of the NL pieces with cutouts or inserts: they seem to be strategically placed so that the bra straps are either covered, or if not are minimally visible.
I’m a bit behind the Social Media Curve, but I have figured out that following a favorite designer or retailer’s Facebook page sometimes clues me in to discounts or store events I might otherwise miss. When I saw on the Nanette Lepore FB page that the LA store was holding an event on Saturday and that the designer herself would be there, I dashed off an RSVP and texted Karen to see if she’d like to go with me.
The Nanette Lepore store was buzzing, but not yet crowded when we arrived. Champagne was immediately offered (and accepted!), we said hello to Nanette and chatted for a few moments, then got down to some shopping.
The store filled up quickly, and I tend to get a bit overwhelmed in crowds, so didn’t snap as many pictures as I’d have liked. Karen really loved the line too and tried several pieces, but it was this dress that won her heart (and her husband’s, from what she tells me).
She really does look amazing in that dress. In fact, as she walked through the store wearing it, at least three other women asked the Sales Associates to bring them the same one to try. One thing that Karen and I both noticed and remarked on was how well so many of these styles looked on different body types…from tall and angular to short and curvy, everyone was finding dresses and other pieces that were very flattering.
Nanette Lepore was lovely and gracious, and very down-to-earth. It was a pleasure to meet her. I’ll show you what’s in my shopping bag later this week. 😉
We had a bit of time left on our “shore leave,” so walked down the block to explore some other stores. Next stop was Anya Hindmarch. I could just kick myself for not knowing this store has been here for years. If you are tired of recognizable “It” bags and logos, if you love simple, modern designs, beautiful leathers and impeccable craftmanship, this is a brand you should definitely check out. We both found several bags to tempt us.
The store wasn’t too crowded, so the Manager and Sales Associate shared a lot of information about the brand and products. We were very impressed, and I’ll have more on Anya Hindmarch in a separate post soon.
I’d been telling Karen that I thought she’d like Alica + Olivia, so that was our next stop.
Next shop was a favorite of Karen’s, the very French brand Paul & Joe.
I loved the kitty-themed makeup packaging.
Karen found a kitty of her own, and went home with this sweater (which I’ll admit, I was cheerleading heavily for…it was SO cute on her!)
And this striped/rose blouse, also so very Karen.
We had such a blast! Karen received a lot of compliments on those trousers she’s wearing. They’re from J.Crew, the Stretch Herringbone Skinny Cargo pants. Her shoes are Julianne Hough for Sole Society. She says they’re super comfortable.
I was wearing my Equipment Eiffel Tower shirt, Eileen Fisher silk jersey tank and Eileen Fisher organic cotton skinny jeans.
Linking up with Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style.
And for a last bit of fun,
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Smokin’ hot! Love the dress and I think it looks fabulous with the booties and tights! The cutouts add just the right amount of edgy sexiness. Looks like you had a great time.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com
You look stunning in that dress, it was made for your figure.
I really like Anya’s bags but so often they are massive which is no use for my height.
you look so chic and DIVINE!!!! I have 2 NL frocks- great that you met her! x
This dress was made for you…what a cool design and amazing fit Just fabulous! It is so much fun that you got to meet Nanette Lepore! And you both looked great! Loved both looks! I always really liked this type of post…fun to see you out and about!
What a great day out. can’t wait to see what you bought. Anya Hindmarsh make gorgeous classic bags. Since she has gone global the prices have gone up a lot. Wish I had bought one some years ago.
Looks like you had a fantastic time – and you look fabulous in that dress!
Your dress is fantastic, thanks for another peek. Also loved the red/black in the first store photo. Alice + Olivia or Paul & Joe: The clothes do not pass the Jane Birkin test.
But I do like the leather studded jacket, so sometimes it’s worth checking out stores you’ve decided are not for you.
You and Karen both look great and how fun that you got to meet Nanette! She seems like she is such a nice person in addition to being a great designer. Love the cat sweater on Karen. My 6 yr. old daughter is obsessed with cat shirts (she has quite a collection now) and she would love this one!
So fabulous – you, in the NL dress! And what fun to meet the designer at her shop. I can’t wait to see the new purchase. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday.
You look like a celebrity!
What a fun day, and you both look so great! I do miss Karen’s blog, and I’m always happy to see her here, hanging out with you. Thanks for a peek at some very promising retail spaces — looking forward to seeing more. . .
Psue you look so elegant and chic in that dress- I wouldn’t have guessed it as “you” on the rack, but on yours- meow! Speaking of purr-purr, love the pink kitteh sweater!
What a whirlwind shopping adventure!
It is great to see you out with Karen having such fun.
Your dress has amazing lines, I think it is one that you will wear for many years and you must get oodles of compliments as it looks stunning on you.
I must confess to being a tad envious of being able to shop in those boutiques….living in a small city means I have to travel to experience this kind of shopping.
This post is such a delight. You look absolutely fantastic in that dress. Wow. And to meet the designer, what timing! Finally, I love those bags. I knew the name, Hindmarch, but had never looked into any of her stuff. Beautiful.
I also just love the idea of you out and about, having fun. xoxox.
I will chime in with the “fabulous dress!!” chorus. It really is perfect on you; I also love that its not black but the color has the depth and strength of a LBD. You really scored with this one on all fronts. And I love the detail about the bras – it reminds of me how female designers sometimes incorporate the tiniest of details that make wearing their clothes a joy – something you only find out when in the garment,in situ.
Love Anya Hindmarch’s stuff too, always have. Clean design, with only the teensiest of logos. Her prints are charming too.
You look absolutely gorgeous in the LP dress, Sue. Thanks for a very informative post. I never tried LP because it always look so “young,” but will now take a real look at the brand. Love Anya Hindmarch–and so happy to see some of the new bags. You and Karen look like you were having lots of fun–isn’t that the best?
Most importantly, it looks like you both had a fabulous time. I haven’t been shopping with a girlfriend in ages, and it makes me want to do it. Your NL dress is great on you, and I love the dress that Karen bought too.
Colour-perfect and really, really looks great on you. Wondering what it would look like if you had the same colour tights (not sure I like the break in colour at the knee but that’s just me)?
In any case, stunning! And shopping with a friend – twice the fun.
Love the dress. But have you considered a pair of hose/tights that are slightly sheer? I find that the combo of opaque hose and ankle boots is heavy and a bit aging….
Hi Kolleen, I’m not sure about “aging,” but I do want to try this dress with some sheerer tights and different shoes for a dressier look. I’m still experimenting. 🙂
You look fantastic in that blue dress! I bet you turned a lot of heads wearing that. Looks like a very successful shopping trip. I love that Paul & Joe striped/rose shirt.
One word, STUNNING! You look absolutely gorgeous and the dress is to die for. Love the details and the color is perfect for fall
GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/
You are looking very glamorous today! The dress fits to perfection and love it with your boots. Stunning from head to toe. The cutouts on the dress are a special favorite and so wise for the designer to allow a bra to be worn without showing. Thinking about the customer!
A very fun post. Looks like you and Karen took this shopping area by storm.
Susan, you look elegant and sex-ay in that dress! Wowzer. Nice job on that photo with the mirror, champagne glasses and the dress on the form. Artistic! I’m glad you enjoyed yourself too :).
I love dresses with cutouts. You look fabulous in yours. I’ve never tried a NL dress; I think it’s time. Your shopping trip with Karen looks like a lot of fun. Love the AH handbags–gorgeous!
Clearly you were both having way too much fun! So happy you did, though! Your dress is smashing, and I hope you wear it often and happily.
I love your bold style!
http://dilettantedoyenne.blogspot.com/2013/10/happy-fall-yall-iv-marshalls-mommy.html
You look truly stunning in that dress! Love the pink one too and that black quilted jacket is to LIVE for!
It’s especially fun when the store owners are pouring you champagne!
Love your Lepore dress! I have to say that photo of the one I bought doesn’t do it justice! I look better in mine!
I’m so late to the party!…
Your store serves you champagne? I wanna shop where you shop. I usually only get cookie crumbs in my pocket at mine. Really, the dress is ultra flattering for your figure. These are all great pieces you’ve showcased. I’d be afraid of breaking off the kitty ear on the lipstick.