Wednesday, 8 June 2011

Help! Wardrobe dilemma.

Normally my life as an author involves clothing choices. Will I wear the black jogging bottoms today or the grey? Split-second decision and move on.

However, I now have a wardrobe-related quandry and I need some help. (Husband is no help. He thinks I look nice in everything.) For this kind of thing you need girl advice.

Anyway, here’s the skinny…

I had my outfit all planned out for Harlequin’s party in New York during the RWA conference in a couple of weeks, and then when the invite arrived I discovered it was a black and white ball. Very swish. But then I realised I might need something a little more dressy than I’d been planning.

Here are the options, 1-4:
(Click the picture if you want to see it larger)

I’d been planning to wear no.1. Black, yes, but also cream animal print. Could I get away with it, and is animal print too much?

My other option was no.2. Black and white, certainly, but maybe not dressy enough? (It's not a full ball-gown affair, more cocktail dresses etc.)


Option no.3 is black, looks fairly elegant, but it’s actually a bargain buy in cotton jersey. Can be dressed up with nice accessories, though. But don't want to feel downmarket...

Option no.4: something I found in the wardrobe when I was looking for something else and forgot I'd had (hence the sandals that don't work - I shoved it on and did another photo right before I left the house to go shopping). Fits the bill, but I wore it to the HQ party in 07.

Any ideas, anyone? Anyone? Bueller…?

13 comments:

Donna Alward said...

Personally I like the all black. Budget or not, it's flattering and makes your boobs look good. Not that, as your roomate, I'm fixated on your chest or anything. Just sayin'. :-)

I say go with the black, do something funky with your hair and add some bling.

Michelle Styles said...

I agree with Donna. The all black is very flattering.

Lorix said...

I agree I LOVE the all black - you look amazing in it. And if the dress was a bargain you can spend more on the accessories, right?

Janet Ch said...

The black looks really lovely. I'd go with that.

Katie said...

I agree with everyone else-love number 3 and you'd never know it was a bargain.

Liz Fielding said...

I love the black, Fiona. Certainly doesn't look budget, looks totally fab.

I was at the last black and white ball at the Waldorf and you are going to have such a great time.

Anne Stewart went dressed as a nun...

Liz Fielding said...

PS, No 1 is lovely, too. :)

Fiona Harper said...

Right. Decision made. The black it is.
That was going to be my RITA dress, so I will just have to swap another one in for that night. (Possibly no.1)

Thanks so much!

Janet Ch said...

No 1 was my second choice. :)

Unknown said...

3 then 1...
Lx

Fiona Harper said...

Okay, definite consensus! Black for the HQ party and maybe no.1 for the RITAs.

See? I knew I needed some girls to help me with this! Thanks to you all!

Romy Sommer said...

My vote would definitely be for #3 - the all black number. Looks very elegant.

Love the pattern on the casual option too!

Fiona Harper said...

I love that dress too, Romy. I'm definitely taking it to the conference - just maybe won't wear it to one of the glitzier parties.