Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Rehearsal dinner dress options

Ooo, I have a novel idea! Let's talk about the wedding!

First of all, remember the tragedy of my hair stylist retiring? Well, guess who called yesterday? That's right! He's back, and still cutting hair! He told me that he asked his former salon to give out his contact info to people who asked, but they refused. So you all were right about that one. Jerks. But he's back, and I've already set up a wedding day appointment, and seriously, this is a miracle. I am SO relieved. And so is my mom. And my sister. And I imagine many other women all over the DC area. This guy is a wizard, seriously.

Second of all, we are less than two months away! And the details are still coming together. The rehearsal dinner is more or less arranged, and the restaurant offered a special discount because we're such good customers (it's one of our favorite places). We've picked a location for the formal photos, and I've purchased the attendant gifts for the bridesmaids. More things getting checked off that list! I've reached this unexpectedly zen place where I feel like there's plenty of time to take care of the rest of the details, and that even if we woke up tomorrow and it was our wedding day, everything would be fine. And it would. I haven't had a wedding nightmare for months. Still, I'm sure I'll re-enter that stressed zone still. But in the meantime, I'm enjoying this nice, relaxed feeling.

Third of all, I ordered my rehearsal dinner dress, and also a backup option, and now I would like your opinions. But first, a note on color: I originally saw the one-shoulder dress in black, but I wound up ordering it in pink, in part because it was 40% off and in part because I thought it was a more fun, casual color that was well-suited to an informal rehearsal dinner in a Thai restaurant. But if I decide I like the dress, but not the color, I can still get it in black. Second, the other dress is purple, and of course I love purple, but that isn't really a consideration. I'm pretty sure that I'll be getting my fill of purple (if that's even possible) the next day at the wedding.

So, in short, I need you to judge the dresses on style and suitability on me, not on color. Now, onto the photos.

First, the original pick:


And second, the backup:


So, what do you think? Which dress do you prefer? And a bonus question: If you like the first dress in the pink, what do you think of it paired with the blue shoes? Does it work, or is it too much?

93 comments:

  1. Ooh, I might be the first commenter, YES!!

    I actually like the second one better. The neckline is much more open and flattering and I don't think it's possible for you to OD on purple! So, that's my two cents.

    (Also, I'm going to need your help finding a hotel, because, you know, you don't already have enough stress to deal with.)

    :) xoxo

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  2. I actually like the second one better, like Laurel. There's a reason you like purple, it seems to like you!

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  3. I think the purple one is considerably more flattering as well. The color is just very soft and lovely and the shape of the dress is nicer, I think.

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  4. hi jess - i like the second option better - i think the staps and empire waist suit you better :)

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  5. i like the second one better. like the others said, it's more flattering and i love the purple!

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  6. The shape of the second one is definitely better. You look really pretty in that one!

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  7. second option!! Like the shape and goes with blue shoes

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  8. I agree with everyone else, the second one is extremely flattering to your body and skin tone. Divine!

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  9. First of all YAY for your hairstylist finding you! What a relief!

    Secondly, I LOVE the purple dress! I am a purple gal like yourself and believe that there is no such thing as too much purple.

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  10. Definitely the purple - much more flattering!

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  11. I like the second one on you, not just in terms of color, but the cut itself is much more flattering on you -- it opens up your neckline and, in the grand tradition of Stacy and Clinton -- it highlights the smallest part of you with the empire waist, and gives you a very flattering, feminine shape.

    The pink cuts right across your midsection, which *de-emphasizes* your feminine curves, having the opposite effect.

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  12. i like the purple one better...and not becuase purple is one of my favorite colors either! its a more flattering fit :) i love flowy pleats!

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  13. I'll take purple for 400, Alex.

    I'll also second what jonniker said.

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  14. I'm on board the purple train! I agree w/everyone that the cut is fantastic on you. and it's a totally different purple from your wedding purple (at least as viewed from my phone, anyway).

    YAY for the miraculous return of your hairdresser!!!

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  15. I really like the first one. I totally agree with the cut/color being really fun and further agree that thats perfect for your rehearsal dinner. Very very great dress. Also, I like the blue shoes with it!!

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  16. OMG, this is hard.

    Ihave to say, im voting purple, for a few reasons;
    1- I feel it gives you more of an hour glass shape and is overall very flattering.
    2- I like the length of the purple one better on you.
    3- it looks a bit more casual and maybe its just the photo, but you look more relaxed and lovely in it.
    4- and only slightly unrelated, i just love love the little peep toes you are wearing with it and they also feel very casual and easy, but still very cute, chic and modern.

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  17. I love the second one - you look great! And since you asked, I do think the pink and the blue works. But I still like the second dress better.

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  18. I like the second better- more flattering, and duh! it's purple!

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  19. #2!! I might like #1 better if it was in black. I love those blue shoes!

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  20. I love the second dress. I think Jonniker's explanation is spot on and I can't really add anything.

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  21. I think the second dress looks better on you, but I'd like to see it with the blue shoes or perhaps some black pumps similar to the blue shoes, those are some sexy shoes!

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  22. I think the second dress fits better and the color is faaantastic.

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  23. I love the purple one. It looks so fun and comfortable, yet elegant. It's very flattering.

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  24. Definitely the 2nd one - it is very flattering.

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  25. I vote for the second one - it looks amazing!

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  26. im all about the purple,
    it looks so good on you!

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  27. Second one is more flattering with the neckline. Very sexy.

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  28. Door #2, please. For everyone else's reasons. I really don't want to be too redundant. You look great, though :) Super excited!

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  29. I lovvvve the purple dress! It looks beautiful on you, as well.

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  30. I love the purple one. I think the shape is much more flattering on you!

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  31. The second one hands down! :)

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  32. You look amazing in the second dress. That is my vote.

    I am glad that your hairdresser is back I know how hard and long it takes to find one that you trust.

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  33. I'm with the rest of the group and vote for dress #2. It looks fun, sexy, and maybe something you'll enjoy wearing again later.

    Yay about the stylist, too, and boo for his former salon. What a relief that he's back and able to do your hair for the big day.

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  34. I vote for the second. And purple is just icing on the cake!

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  35. By the way, every time you even TRY to stress out over how little time there is between now and YOUR wedding? I taste a little throw-up in my mouth. Because, I'm reminded I have two fewer weeks than you do to get everything done!!!! :-)

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  36. I really love the second one! The color is great and the shape is really nice on you.

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  37. The purple. No contest. Looks gorgeous!

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  38. Jess, I was JUST thinking about your disappearing hairstylist last night and wondering what ever happened with that. So funny that you would write about it this morning. I'm so glad he is back on the scene!

    I really love the first dress, and I think the color is fantastic. I dig the blue shoes with it as well.

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  39. Definitely the second one. Love the empire waist and the lower neckline which looks very good on you! Ok and yes the purple is super nice on you too.

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  40. I'm voting for the purple dress too! I love the color and the cut, just like everyone else said. It fits you perfectly!

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  41. I think the second one is more flattering, but I think I would really like the first one in black! I love the style.

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  42. I am in the minority: I love the pink dress on you. The blue shoes are ok, but not my favorite. I think silver or gold shoes would be cuter.

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  43. I prefer the purple one. The colour looks great (yes, I know you said ignore the colour, but it's so good..) and the shape is really pretty on you!

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  44. I just love the pink color with blue shoes, but I like the style of the purple dress on you better. Plus, the purple looks great on you, too!

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  45. #2 as well!

    I was in Vegas over the weekend and thought of you while window-shopping. Clearly purple is THE color this fall. You must be in heaven :)

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  46. I'm voting for the 1st dress, but in black. I'm not digging that particular color of pink (even though I love pink dearly!).

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  47. I think the style of the purple one flatters you more. :)

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  48. finitely the purple jess, it looks so great on you!

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  49. I kind of want the purple dress for myself! I think the pink is even prettier in person than I expected having seen the pictures- the color is lovely on you- but I generally don't love asymmetrical styles so I'm drawn to #2.

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  50. As if you didn't have enough opinions already - I like the purple one too. :)

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  51. I like the second one ... the one strap on the first one cuts off your neck, emphasizes your waist and makes you appear heavier.

    But I LOVE the color of the first one. And I think the blue shoes are cute with it. (You said not to judge on color though)

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  52. I think the purple one looks best, though you look great in both!

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  53. I love them both, but the purple one is just damn hot!

    I vote purple!

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  54. I say numero dos. The fit is way better.

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  55. I like the purple one better. I think it's a better shape for you. Plus, purple!

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  56. I prefer the purple one... But that is probably because of my natural dislike for pink ;)

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  57. I prefer the second one. The cut is lovely on you.

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  58. I think you look fantastic in the purple one. Something about the cut and waistline really gives it that extra "wow!"

    And the purple is so you!

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  59. Yay! Your hairdresser is back! You have been doing some right livin'! :) Honestly, I like the purple dress better than the pink. The neckline is what makes the difference, I think.

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  60. i vote for the purple. the pink dress is fun, and you'll look lovely in either but the purple dress is GREAT!

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  61. Definitely number 2. And not just because it's my favorite color, too, but because the shape is very flattering!

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  62. I think the second one is by far more flattering as well.

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  63. I'll hop on board the Purple Dress #2 option. WOOT WOOT!

    It looks great on you, Jess. Seriously, it flatters all the right places, and can you just imagine all the different events you can wear that to?

    That said, you look great and happy, and you'll be positively GLOWING at your rehearsal dinner, so I think you can't go wrong with either.

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  64. Definitely the second dress. And I think it would look even greater with the blue shoes from the pink dress!

    Those shoes are awesome and your legs look greeaaat! Please wear them. :)

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  65. I think the purple one works so much better for you, it's got a really lovely neckline :)

    Also?: EEEEeeee! Two months I'm excited for you!Can't wait to see wedding photos

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  66. I really like the style and cut of the first dress. I think you'd look stunning in the black version. However, given that it's a rehearsal dinner and a bit more casual, you also look quite smashing in the pink version! (See? I'm no help when it comes to these things. Now, dapper dyke attire... I'm SO there!)

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  67. Would it really surprise you if I said PURPLE! Looks amazing.

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  68. I love the purple. I think the cut is more flattering on you than the first one.

    And I must say, you have fab legs. Seriously. Love them.

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  69. I'm voting for the purple number.
    It works better for your skin tone.
    In my opinion of course.

    :)

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  70. DEFINATELY the purple one. i think the cut fits you better, plus it's your color. so I vote- second dress!

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  71. i like them both, but i like the 2nd best.

    oh, and pink with blue is a great color combo.

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  72. Purple! And I love the peep toe ballet flats, the polka dots make the outfit a little more fun and flirty.

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  73. i am a fan of the second one, it's so cute.

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  74. The shape of the purple dress is much more flattering than the pink. And since you love purple so much, you might as well wear purple to the rehearsal dinner too!

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  75. Second one better-- (I'm real original on this one)-- the neckline is really flattering on you.

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  76. I like the back up! I think the purple one is so cute. Love the swingy skirt.

    But, if you go for the pink, definitely rock the blue shoes :)

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  77. I love both dresses, but my favorite is the purple one.

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  78. I love the second dress and I LOVE the color.

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  79. Oh I know you've decided already....but I too, love the purple one.

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  80. I love the pink and blue. I'd just make sure to add another blue accesory to tie it all together, like a clutch or jewelry.

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  81. I really like the second dress more as your primary and the pink one as the back-up. But that's just me, I love purple :) and the cut of the second one is more flattering.

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  82. hmmm. i do like them both! but i will go with purple : )

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  83. One more (albeit a tad tardy) vote for purple. Very cute!

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