On Tuesday I was asked if I could go to a black tie do on Friday (last night) - an industry awards dinner. No time to shop (or slim!) - but no panic - I have my lovely old faithful dress. It has taken me to about 10 black ties over the last 14 years I've had it!
It's black chiffon, with at nude satin underdress. It's cut in narrow herringbone panels, so the seams make a chevron pattern, and it's cut on the bias so it hangs beautifully and can accommodate a dress size up or a dress size down. It is structurally sleeveless, but has little chiffon "angel" caps on the shoulders (I think that's how to describe them). The hem is pointed at the front and back, so that is is just below knee length at the sides, and almost floor length in the centre (Front and back). It dips low enough at the front not to be too stuffy, but equally not to be too revealing. The back is sightly dipped too.
I love it, it just always works and always has. It's classically classy enough to never look dated. I first wore in in my early 30s - still works in my mid 40s! And I almost didn't get it. I was in London for a meeting and got into town earlier than anticipated so I thought I'd walk. It was the end of January and the shops had the dregs of their sales in the windows. I was walking down Regent Street and saw it in the window of Viyella. it caught my eye, but I dismissed it as an old lady shop. Went it anyway to check the price anyway. £50 reduced from £200. Decided I didn't have time to try it on. Coming back that way a few hours later I went in again. 1 dress left, my size, now reduced to £40. Tried it on, bought it and just made it back to Kings Cross for my train!
I wear it with black velvet/silver trim Mary Jane heels I got in the Sainsbury's sale for £4!
I have tried to replace both the dress and the shoes a few times - but have never found anything more suitable or more "me". (or that fits my wide size 8 feet).
Man, I love that dress.