Ask Belle Roundup Vol. II, No. Seven

Hi Belle,

I saw this Proenza Schouler dress in the Washingtonian’s Sept 7, 2012 ShopAround blog post.  Any suggestions on a cheaper version?  $1500 is too rich for me! 

Thanks, Sarah

Proenza Schouler Full Skirt Dress (Kirna Zabete, $850)

Boden LouLou Dress ($128) // Kate Spade Charlie Dress ($388) // Rachel Pally Rocio Dress ($207)

While the Proenza dress is well over $1,000 at most retailers, Kirna Zabete has it for $850.  While this is a significant difference in price, it only makes the dress less expensive, not necessarily more affordable.

The three dresses at right are the closest dresses that I could find style-wise.  The trouble I kept running into is that many of the full-skirted black dresses I saw were either inappropriate for work or made from cheap materials. 

For example, this byCorpus dress has a very similar fit but its deep scoop back makes it way too revealing for work.   Unless you work as a ballet instructor.

Also, J.Crew made an A-Line Ponte Dress ($138) that is schockingly similar to the Proenza, but is sold out online.  Maybe you can find it in a store?

Belle,

I need your help.  I’m going to a wedding at the end of September.  I’m planning on wearing a dress that I own (a blue v-neck chiffon, sleeveless dress from J.CREW), but I am trying to pick out a purse that gives it a pop of color and downplays the fact that this is an old bridesmaids dress by giving it some personality.

I found a few options at ASOS (thanks to you I’m absolutely in love wit this site).  But I’m completely lost as to what would go best.

Thanks for your help, MT

Asos Foldover Clutch ($14) // Asos Metal Bar Clutch ($12) // Modcloth Statement to Be Clutch ($40) // Aldo Crowston Clutch ($35)

I’m glad you mentioned ASOS, because I firmly believe that they have the best selection of stylish, inexpensive clutches.  They’re a great way to add live to an old cocktail dress or a bland casual outfit.

If you’re looking to add a pop of color, you can go bold (the bright yellow, the Modcloth colorclock) or you can go subtle (the teal or the fuschia Aldo).  I’d probably choose the fuschia because I like blue and berry-tones together, but the Modcloth is also nice if you’re looking to by a true statement piece.  I’d also carry that bag on the weekends when wearing jeans and tall boots.