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…?

14 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.

Nikki Logan said...

No3 all the way, baby. It doesn't look budget, it looks elegant. And as Donna says just bling it up.

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.