What Not to Wear?

I am in the midst (aren't we all) of the cleaning-decorating-party-party dress shopping, airport pickup joy of the season. 

Mr. Fix-it's annual Christmas party is this coming Saturday night. It's always a lovely affair and is being held in a wonderful venue called The Abbey. I' am generally a little black dress kind of gal when it comes to dressing up--classic, safe, flattering. I'm trying to shake things up a bit o.m.g.d.i.am.almost.fifty.   To that end, I am trying royal purple this year. For $11 at Marshall's, wouldn't you? I have to take the side seams on top in a bit and shorten the straps a smidge, but that's not hard.

My dilemma is what to wear on top. "Cause girlfriend does not do sleeveless anymore. Unless it's with a mid-summer tan and it's 100 degrees outside.

I went shrug shopping. Probably in and out of 8 stores in an hour. Wouldn't you know I'd find something at the very same Marshall's by my house where I bought the dress last Friday. It didn't look then because we were headed to a movie. 

Here are the choices (so far, there are three more shopping days until the party). When viewing thse photos please bear in mind that I will be self-tanning for the rest of the week; hopefully that will tone down the glare on my legs. California girls just do not wear pantyhose for anything other than funerals. Also, jewelry will be involved. 

First the shrugs, then me in the shrugs. 

 

Shrug #1

 

 

Shrug #2

Shrug #3

Grownup Girl suggested that one that makes me a foot taller would be a good choice. Not sure how that happened, but sure not going to fix it at this hour. 

What say you? One, two or three? Luckily, no matter which one you pick, my entire outfit will still be less than $25 including tax. 

 

Comments

[Sandra]

The dress looks great on you.
I would go with the first, the shorter lacy one, or, for a bit more of a tame choice number two, the longer one with the crocheted look. I am not a fan of the furry one, even if it makes you taller :-) .

[Denise]

I would go with #3. It screams holiday attire and with the right necklace, it will make your outfit glamorous and appropriate for a work party. I love the dress. I am in shock that you found it at Marshall's. I may head there to see what I can find. Whatever choice you make, you will look beautiful with your wonderful smile.

[jenn]

#2 is my favorite, but I think that all of them look good with the dress. The purple is a beautiful choice! Have fun at your party. You're a knockout!

[JFS in IL]

I perfer 3, judging by the photo. I agree fur seems more festive, too.

[Jen on the Edge]

1 or 3.

Love the dress. You look smashing.

[Navhelowife]

I like 1 or 2.

[unmitigated me]

The silhouette in the first picture is really flattering. I'd have gone with black or metallic!

[Gail]

GUG is a smart aleck (wonder where she gets that?). I like #2. I like that there is a bit more coverage. This may be your mother talking.

[Patti]

I love #2! Very holiday appropriate.

[Patti]

I mean two in the pictures of you. The Fuzzy one

[Jenn @ Juggling Life]

Looked high low for gold. Nothing flattering in black.

Sent from my iPhone

[Jenn @ Juggling Life]

I was hoping you would weigh in. I respect your fashion sense :)

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[Christina]

I like the lacy one best. Yes, the furry one is more festive yet I wasn't thrilled with the bulk. The other one looks too much like a regular sweater to my eye.

Oh how I love Marshall's! That's a fantastic dress!!

[Sally]

I like #1 the best but I also think black would look better. But the dress is fabulous! And I understand the need to change it up. My daughter told me I only wear black & white dresses. I didn't believe her until I looked in my closet & counted 8 of them!

[Cassi Renee]

I think the furry one is a bit bulky. I like both the others, but think the lacy one is a bit more fancy/festive.

You are rocking that dress! A beautiful color on you!

[Janet]

I like #1 the best :-)

[JennyExplainsItAll]

I like Number One, for this reason: The sleeves are look a bit longer--sleeves that come a little closer to elbow are more flattering than ones that stop mid-bicep. Let me add that I don't actually think your arms need slimming--but in general, that's something to consider.

The furry one is the most fun--but I agree that it might be a tad bulky. And I think the purple dress is sensational! Eleven dollars? Even better! You'll look perfect.

And finally--great shoes! Promise us you'll take a picture of the whole outfit before you leave (ghost of prom dates past...) Have fun!

[Molly]

Lacy number 1 is first choice, furry festive number 3 is second choice, number 2 is too everyday. The dress is smashing. I am going to Marshalls.

[Green Girl in Wisconsin]

1 or 3. You look cute!

[Liz]

My favorite is #2, like #3 as well.

[The Zadge]

Number 3 for sure. Much more fashionable and festive.

[Violet]

I really wanted to like the furry one but it looks like a fur collar with sleeves when you have it on.

I like #1 best because it looks more festive. #3 is just a sweater.

You look fantastic, btw!

[aaryn b.]

My gut instinct is the furry one. It's more festive and formal. Or the one on the left, which is delicate. The one on the right is too long and caszhs the whole thing down. Also: I would probably throw on some black tights with a cool pattern and black heels (not peep toe), or opaque back tights and some purple heels (again, not peep toe).

[Karen (formerly kcinnova)]

LOVE the purple dress -- what a deal! -- and I vote for the lacy shrug. If you lived in a cooler climate, I might be tempted by the furry one, but since you don't... the lace reminds me of snowflakes.
No matter which one you choose, you are going to look fabulous!

[Jenn @ Juggling Life]

If The Zadge approves, thats my pick as well. Just wanted to make sure I wasnt looking like I was trying to look too young.

Did you see my message on Facebook that I will be in Colorado May 19 20?

Jenn

Sent from my iPhone

[Jenrantsraves]

I like #1, which shocks me, since I'm not usually a lace kind of gal, but it looks great on you! I love that you are being daring. Have fun!

[lanes]

Love the dress and I go with what was behind door #1!

[gary rith]

men know better than to EVER comment on a woman's outfit other than to smile and say "that looks great!" ;)

[Susan Walker]

I'd say #1 or #3, as well. I love the furry one...looks very dressy & fun!

You look gorgeous, Jenn. LOVE your hair.

[magpie]

not the furry one.

[Busy Bee Suz]

I think they all look great...and the dress is just smashing. If someone were to hold a gun to my head to choose one. {please don't let that happen} I'd go with #2, I like the way it cuts at your waistline.
yippie for a party!

[auntjone]

Lacy is top choice, followed by furry. Lacy is more flattering but furry would do. Love the dress!

[shrink on the couch]

Shrug #2 (the 3rd pic on far right) is my fave. Something about the sleeves is more flattering overall. Purple is a great variation on the little black dress and what a steal at $11 !! Classic and understated is my personal style too.

[Becky]

#1 or #3. Have a great time! :-)

[Nell Jean]

No. 1 looks more partyish. The furry one will get hot before the evening ends, I bet. The other one just looks like a sweater, less festive.

[Jocelyn]

I write to you from the future, and I know how this turns out: with the best possible decision and you making Angie Dickinson in her POLICE WOMAN years look like a hag in comparison.

I have no idea why that reference popped up just now.

But, trust me: you look amazing.

[Heather]

I like 2 and 3. The fur one is best for the party. Number 2 looks good on your so buy it as well, save it for a fun night out this summer with a tank and skirt.