It’s been several years since I hung up my tiara and said goodbye to the world of french manicures and pageant sashes, but that doesn’t mean that my obsession with evening gowns has abated.  I own six of them.  Sure, I have nowhere to wear them, except around my own apartment while I do household chores, but that doesn’t stop me from loving them.

So when I saw this knee-weakeningly gorgeous gown on Net-a-Porter’s website, I swooned just a bit.

Rouland Mouret Nikiya Gown ($2,970)

How does he make a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit look sophisticated and ladylike?  It’s a mystery.

Few gowns are as interesting from behind as they are from the front, but this one is.  The draping, the cut outs, the defined waist line–this dress will look even better as your walking away.

If only I lived a life of luxury, where evening gowns could be bought and worn with ease.  But alas, I would look awfully funny strolling into a committee hearing in a full length gown.