
We all have our LBDs but do you have your little red dress? I’ve been having fun styling my red fit and flair lined dress by Calvin Klein. It’s always a favorite of mine for special events. This dress has twenty-four gores–can really swish & swing–and is so much fun to wear.
Using three stylings, I took my LRD from dressy to casual. Everything was shopped from my closet. I was determined today not to use black with this dress because, well, I just felt like it.
Act 1-Dramatic But Simple
Pearls always dress up the occasion. Could it be that I thought the bigger the better? I have a few normal pearl necklaces. However, when I saw these big pearl beads on sale for half price at Joanne’s fabric store, I decided that I needed one more pearl necklace. It took me a while to get around making it, but I think it’s quite fun and really makes a statement of,”Yes, I like pearls!”. I know what you are thinking,”those look heavy.” They are heavier than a normal pair of pearls but not that bad.
The shoes I chose for Act 1 are some cork and rose gold toned very high heels from Badgley Mischka. I picked these up a couple of years ago from eBay because I fell in love with the idea of cork shoes but didn’t realize how high they were. These are probably the highest heels I have but I can walk in them just fine. However, I don’t think I would spend a day shopping in these babies. I call these kind of shoes my “symphony” shoes because you spend most of your time sitting down at the symphony.
I carried the pearl idea out with a normal sized pearl bracelet and the gold was followed through with another bracelet and a vintage Rodo clam shell clutch.
Act 2-Playing Red Against Neutrals
I’ve been playing red against beige, brown and camel a lot this season. This is a look that I actually did wear to the symphony. It’s still dressy and the red is balanced out with three neutral players. This was done by adding a cream colored thrifted silk look polyester shrug, beige patent leather Nine West heels and a vintage cream Rodo bag. The jewelry was kept very simple with a few small gold pieces.
Act 3-The Experimental
Could navy be my new black? I was intrigued if I could interpret my dress as a skirt, add a cardigan and go for something a bit more casual. What do you think? Although, I could see this look in my mind, I didn’t put it together until right before we took the photo shoot.
The silk cardigan is by Pendleton. Back in the early 2000’s we took a trip to Oregon and being a wool fanatic, I made sure we visited Pendleton’s factory and mill in Pendleton, Oregon (where else?). I did come home with some nice wool pieces but this navy silk cardigan came home too. Of course, this cardigan isn’t available anymore, but you can find something similiar HERE.
The neckline of my dress peeked over the cardigan edge so this gave me a chance to throw on a silk jewel toned thrifted paisley scarf.
I chose my cobalt patent leather Leo clutch by Rebecca Minkoff. I’ve talked about my affection for Leos before. They are simple, versatile and during a clearance sale, very reasonable in price. This Leo design was closed out last year but she makes Leos in so many colorways and textures. It’s a virtual Leo garden on her online store.
The shoes are Nine West’s Raheza heels.The navy smooth leather is no longer available but you can still get these shoes in a neutral, black and dark grey suede.
My most important accessory probably are my glasses because I am as blind as a bat and have been that way since the fifth grade. I have soft contacts and wear them on special occasions but I do, I also have to use a pair of reading glasses .
I think glasses with transition lenses are perfect. They are like built in sun glasses. When outside, these get much darker than any of my sunnies.
Instagram Focus
This photo was taken a year ago last September at the symphony. If you notice, I wore the cuffs down rather than up.
Salvation Army’s Consignment Shop
My Calvin Klein dress was hanging forever at Joplin’s Salvation Army. This Salvation Army store is unique in that it has a mini shop within its larger store. The little shop is just for better quality items and they charge better quality prices. I probably overpaid for this dress but it just looked great and, at the time, I didn’t have a red dress. The price was $40 ( I know, very high for Salvation Army) but I don’t think it had ever been worn (or once at the most). The first time I saw it I didn’t grab it but I went back a month later and it was still there. For me, that was a sign.
You can still find this great dress on Amazon and in regular and plus sizes and pick it up for all your holiday events! Check it out. They also have it in navy and black.
Amazon-$89
What Colors To Wear With Red According To The Dress Doctors
A while ago, I read and reviewed the book, The Lost Art of Dress; The Women Who Once MadeAmerica Stylish by Linda Przybyszewski,
I was so taken by The Dress Doctors, I created color charts from the their ideas and decided this would be a good time to re-share the red charts.
These color combinations were suggested a few decades ago but color theory doesn’t change that much. I think these charts could be helpful for a novice trying to figure out color schemes. I will note that I already break their rules because I love mixing tan, camel and brown with my red.
In case you want to check out the other colors (black, navy, brown, and green), there is a tab for them on the top menu.
That wraps it up for this week. Thank you for stopping by. I’ll have another blog bit next week. You are certainly welcome to leave a comment or two or three. I love to hear from you.
Something Extra
It’s been a while since I’ve created a still-life and had a bug today to create one. So here are a few items that I used in today’s post. I think it’s the only way to show the gold flecks on these shoes and that’s what really made me fall for them. Also, you can see how I lessen the weight on my pearl necklace by adding smaller beads in the back.
I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.
Husband Michael gets credit for the photos of me and does a bit of editing from time to time.
Again, thanks for stopping by. Take care……..
Now it’s time for my 2nd Loved 1st Friday blurb!
December’s 2nd Loved 1st Friday Linkup will stay open until December 32st..
Any post on a blog, Instagram, Facebook or the like can linkup to this style celebration. If you can copy and paste the URL in the Linky box, you are good to go!
One item is quite OK—a hat, skirt, pants, shoes, purse, or a piece of jewelry. That item (or items) can be from a thrift shop, eBay, consignment shop, vintage boutique, one of the online consignment shops such as RealReal–or even something a friend gave you because they didn’t want it anymore.
When you do post, I would appreciate a description about your 2nd Loved item (or items), what type of shop you found it and what drew you to it. Tell as much or as little as you want. To be featured in my collage, which I will put on Instagram along with your links, you have to say what item is second loved. That is a “have to”.
If you have never participated in a linkup before, no fear. Go to Linkup 101 guide that is found on my 2nd Loved 1st Friday linkup page (also found at the top in the tab section).
Just click the frog below to link up and join the fun. Even better, you can find some great new creative bloggers.
That dress is adorable and I love the different looks that you’ve given it!!!!!!
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Thanks, Catherine-it sure did get me in the holiday vibe.
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Great styling of your LRD, Terri! I love the one with the navy cardigan. Thanks for linking up, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
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Thank you Patti, I am glad you like it because I am very happy how it turned out.
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Coming over to visit from Patti’s blog to tell you how much I love that red dress. Gored panels always make for a flattering silhouette and nice twirly skirt. Red with camel is a fav combination of mine. And I’m really anxious to read that book. Sounds right up my alley!
Theresa
http://www.vintagestylefiles.com
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Thank you, I wear quite a bit of vintage also and have it quite frequently on the blog.
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Great! I’ll be checking back 🙂
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Pretty LRD! and I love how you dressed it with pretty jewelry and other clothing. Thanks for sharing 🙂
http://www.tipsyheelz.com
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Thanks Trina-I’ve spent quite a few years collecting bags, shoes and stuff. And I have to admit, I sure do have fun playing with them. And i am glad that I finally got that necklace made.That was a relief.
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I have my eye on a printed red dress at the moment! That would be my first red dress! Red suits you very well!
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Thank you Nancy and it’s just that red time of the year. i will admit this is my one and only red dress but not my only red item. I wonder why it took me so many years to wear red because i wouldn’t touch it when i was younger. Maybe the wisdom of time, you think?
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Oh Terri, that dress is gorgeous, what a perfect cut. It’s a super fit for you. What a lucky find and though pricey, still half the Amazon price. I have a less gorgeous red dress but it doesn’t fit any more … maybe it has, err, shrunk?!
I love all three stylings though I guess the navy pairing is what would fit into my less-glam lifestyle! Clever you to make that statement necklace.
Loved the fun you had with the acronym and loved the still life, which shows some of the detail of the pieces.
I stopped wearing contacts 10 years ago because of dry eyes and now need old lady solar shields because of cataracts, so my much-necessary eyewear is limited!
Great post, lots to love!
Happy week. Hugs, x.
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I will agree with you about the price and I was questioning myself all the way to the counter and still when i got home. What I didn’t mention in the post is that after the first time I saw it at SA, I saw it being worn by someone at some big party in the society & style section of the Kansas City Star. Then i was determined to go see if it was still there on my next trip to Joplin. I’ve had it for 1 1/2 years so imagine my surprise that you could still get it on Amazon.
I just started re-wearing contacts a little over a year ago. I just couldn’t handle those hard contacts anymore and wasn’t aware that they had finally made soft ones for folks like me.
As far as my jewelry making, I am a “stringer” and love to put beautiful stuff together.
You’ve haven’t been the only one liking the navy the best and that was the one i was most worried about.
Have a great week and enjoy that lovely island you get to live on. Hugs back
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That’s a lovely dress, Terri! I like all the looks but the navy jacket is inspirational – such an interesting colour combo. Great post x
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Thanks Penny. My Pendleton was just a utility piece until this year and I really didn’t wear it that much, but being a Pendleton, I would never get rid of it. It’s so nice that after all these years it can help out. This third style was the one I was worried about (but not much) and it seems to be everyone’s favorite. Take care and have a lovely week.
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That dress is drop dead gorgeous. Loving red as I do, combined with a beautiful cut, it looks fantastic in all of your interpretations.
Interestingly, I use all the colours the dress doctors suggest with red and with darker reds, I think a little olive green can look good too.
xxx
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Yes, on the olive green! I didn’t even think about that one, I need to do something with that color combination. Hey do you want to do something together with that one. I’m not sure what I would do, but thought I would throw the idea out there.
I think these charts were put together back in the 40s so they just didn’t think about the olive green thing, but it makes such sense being that red and green are complimentary colors.
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Yes, good idea!
I’ll have to start thinking about it and see what I can come up with, let me know your thoughts.
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The dress definitely had your name on it! I love all the looks but perhaps the navy just sneaks ahead. I LOVE red as I just do not suit black at all. I love it teamed with grey/gull.
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Brigid-thank you and you mentioned the one color combination that I had to leave out, the red and grey. I need to do a post on just red and grey because, it is one of my favorites, And did you notice, I didn’t use one piece of black in this piece-just decided not to because everyone always seems to put black accessories with red, including me but not this time. Take care and have a lovely week. Terri
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I look forward to a red and grey post. I love both colours.
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I haven’t actually got a red dress but I’m always on the look out for one. Yours is gorgeous – such a lovely shape and looks stunning on you! I love the way you’ve styled it in all the pictures!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
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Thanks Suzy. I’ve decided after getting this one, that a red dress does come in handy. Good luck in finding one because I now know that they are very versatile. Terri xx
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I absolutely love the variety you can pair with this dress!! It’s so perfect for almost any occasion, Terri!!
I added another look to your linkup—-my photo of me with these jeans that were thrifted about 3 years ago!!
Enjoy your Monday!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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Thanks for another linkup Jodie, you know how I appreciate it. I believe when a dress is super simple and sleeveless it offers so much more possibilities.
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A red fit+flare dress is perfect for any season and special occasion. Love how you styled yours, especially with the bolero or just on its own with the oversized pearl necklace. Welcome by Thursdays and link up with me dear Teri. Thanks, Ada. =)
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Thank You Ada, I will drop by
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I have a LRD and a black in the same style for black tie dinners. I feel a bit special in the red one I have to say. My favourite of your looks is the middle one. I like the proportions in that look. I’ve never heard of the book but those are useful charts thank you
Anna mutton_style
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Thanks, as so far that is the only way i have actually worn it in public and that is my favorite one too.
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I adore red and do have a favourite red dress – the same vibrant tomato as yours but long and not so gorgeously swishy! I love your ideas for styling and will be experimenting afresh with different colours and accessories. Thank you so much!
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Hi, I am so glad that you found something inspiring. I jumped over to your blog the other day and thoroughly enjoyed it. Take care…..Terri
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I did and I will dip in again. Glad you enjoyed my nonsense. You take care too!
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Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. You look stunning in this little red dress. The fit-and-flare style looks great on you!
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And thank you for hosting, Nicole. I don’t think I’ve worn this much red since the 80’s.
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Very pretty mix of colors and i love red! i enjoyed seeing the color chart too and mixing various shades you might not think of. Great looking clutch too. love RM. i have been doing more on-line thifting and look forward to sharing some of those deals on your linkup.
Happy holidays Terri!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
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Thank you Jess. A friend and I were discussing that we like olive and red together and that is not on the chart. These were written probably about 60 years ago. What I enjoy the most about the charts are some of the name interpretations of some of the colors. I think there were a couple I just couldn’t figure out what they were suppose to be and just had to wing it on the colors but it has been a couple of years ago that I made these charts and can’t remember which colors gave me problems.
Have fun thrifting. I think we all do quite a bit of online thrifting now and I will be looking forward to what you have been up to!
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How did I not know you had a link up! Well I won’t miss this anymore! I love your red dress and I can’t believe I don’t have one. It seems like something every lady should have. I’ll be on the search now! I love to find treasures at the thrift shops and consignment stores. It just seems right to love something that someone else loved once upon a time.
Peace!
Cheryl
https://www.northwestmountainliving.com
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Hi, Cherly-Yep, I started this month long lilnkup (every 1st Friday) back in April I think. I decided I wanted to do something to encourage and showcase bloggers who do find some of the things on the second hand market. It just takes one piece to be in my monthly collage that I make and also put on Instagram. I would love to have you link up. There is a new one out now, my last post just started a new one. xo Terri
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