I absolutely love getting dressed up. But there aren’t that many events that noncelebs attend that require getting your hair done, makeup done, and stepping into a gown… So when I learned the dress code for my friend Liz’s wedding was black tie formal, I couldn’t wait to search for the perfect gown. While the act of getting ready for a black tie event is enjoyable — searching for the just the right gown is a pain in the ass.
Especially when you’re 5′ 2”.
I came across a few gorgeous dresses but they were simple and I definitely was going for something that would only be appropriate for a black tie event. Once I tried on the gowns I ordered and had my friends over to help narrow the options down, it was down to two:
I opted against wearing black to a summer wedding, although it is my favorite color (or absence of all color, for you smartasses). With red being my second favorite, this dress was perfect. Of course, I did find a way to incorporate black with my shoes and clutch.
Mermaid style gowns are the most flattering. They are fitted enough to accentuate your body’s shape, without being too tight and stripping the gown of its elegance. I did have to make a few alterations to the gown which really helped to polish the look. First, I had to ditch the black ribbon that the gown had tied in a bow around the waist — I was not about to look like a poorly wrapped present. Next, I obviously needed the bottom hemmed — but I left a small train in the back which I loved. Until… my 6” heels would puncture it while I danced, causing me to stop and adjust it every other song.
My advice: it doesn’t matter if the dress is cheap or expensive, the most important factor is that it fits your body perfectly. Which I can thank Susan Perrone Couture for. Especially since I dropped it off 5 days prior to the day of the wedding!
The sweetheart strapless cut is subtle and contributes to the dress’s tasteful shape without being revealing. The tail of this dress has delicate mesh roses which offers great detail without being overwhelming. 
The back of the dress dipps slightly adding another delicate design.
I chose to have my hair styled with soft cascading curls, swept to one side and held in place with a decorative hairpiece. Since the hairpiece had stones I did not want to crowd the look with too much jewelry. I wore simple square diamond earrings, a delicate diamond necklace, a few delicate rings (because I feel naked without at least 3 on a a time), and a diamond bracelet.
Now I’m just patiently awaiting my next invitation to a black tie event.
XO,
L
Dress: JC Collections, Lord & Taylor
Clutch: BCBG
Jewelry: Diamond necklace + bracelet borrowed from my amazing mother
