Petite Fashion Challenge #16: Summer Wedding

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Hosted by Lauren @ Petite on a Penny, Petite Fashion Challenge #16: Summer Wedding has us creating an outfit for a summer wedding (the dress code is up to you). For bonus points, try to make your whole outfit, head to toe, come in under $100! (Or, exclude shoes and accessories to meet the $100 mark.)

Most of the summer weddings I've attended in the past featured an outdoor ceremony with an indoor reception. I kept the possibility of temperature variances in mind when selecting an appropriate outfit as a guest.

Outdoor ceremonies could very well occur on a hot and humid day, so I tend to favor dresses in lighter colors or ones with breathable fabric (or both). For this challenge, I went with the latter, a dark-colored dress in silk. The dress isn't clingy and flows nicely as I move -- great for dancing the night away.

The dress is on the casual side, so I dressed it up through accessories and strappy sandals. There's something about metallics that just scream "fancy" to me (shiny objects = bling, lol). I also brought along a shawl in case temperatures cool by nightfall. Ideally I would've preferred one with a nicer fabric, but I worked with what I had in my closet and loved the lilac pairing with navy.
I didn't even come close under the $100 mark for the outfit. If I exclude shoes and accessories, then yes, I'm under (but that would mean I cheated because the only item left is the dress). The cost breakdown for my outfit:
$9 Forever 21 gypsy necklace (similar)
$6 H&M gold leaf cuff (similar)
$27 Banana Republic solid jersey wrap (similar)
$0 BCBG bow clutch via Sunshine's giveaway (sold here)
$66 Lauren by Ralph Lauren Aela shoes (similar)

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26 comments

  1. Wow I love that dress Cee! And I would totally wear this to a wedding - great accessories!

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  2. I love your dress. Good idea shining up dress. Actually your shoes are so beautiful!

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  3. I was looking forward to your post since I know you always come up with great ideas to remix your outfits. This month's challenge is no exception. Great job, Cee! Love love the polka dot dress on you.

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    1. You're too kind, Syd :) If only I put in half as much effort into my everyday outfits, hahaha.

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  4. Love this look, Cee! I am especially loving the gold cuff on your upper arm--what a fun addition to this lovely outfit!

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  5. you are gorgeous in this outfit! i love the accessories you picked out too! just totally elegant. xox P

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  6. i love your choice, the whole outfit is beautiful!

    xo julesinflats.blogspot.com

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  7. Wow I loove your dress..I was just looking at polka dot patterns today and was thinking of so many possibilities! :-)

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    1. Polka dots are everywhere this season. Like the follower I am, I succumbed eventually ;) Hope you find "the one" soon!

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  8. Cee, you always do such amazing job in remixing your outfit. I need to take lesson from you.

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  9. Oh so cute!! I love the arm band, I'm glad to see it's making a comeback :)

    http://www.mythriftychic.com/

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    1. Want to know a secret? The makeshift cuff was too big and looked awkward on my wrist. This might be the only time that having skinny arms was a positive trait, lol.

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  10. You're right - the lilac and navy combination is gorgeous! Also loving the way you wore your cuff and you already know I love the dress :)

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  11. Very pretty dress!! I can see that as being a fun dancing dress!! :)

    I love all the gold accessories you chose...especially that cuff!

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  13. My love for navy and white polka dots is deep and abiding. Needless to say, I love this look. :)

    Thanks for participating in the challenge!

    www.petiteonapenny.com

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  14. The pashmina definitely makes it more formal. Love the polka dots.

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  15. One of my favorite summer look is polka dots (or black and white with a touch of color). I love pink and I esp LOVE this pink scarf draped over your black and white dress. The color combo is perfect! :)

    www.KTRstyle.com

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  16. really cute! i'm a huge sucker for polka dots and gold... so seeing them both combined is pure love :D

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  17. Wow I love the polka dots :) Really pretty yet simple

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

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  18. the cuff really connects the whole outfit together! lovee

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  19. Beautiful outfit! This is something I would wear too :)

    http://glamorouspetite.blogspot.com

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  20. The lilac and navy pairing is so pretty! Great choice. Bringing a scarf is a great idea, especially if it gets cooler in the evening.

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  21. Great mix of pattern & colours!

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  22. I love your dress. I love your photos. They are so vibrant with all the colors and textures.

    Very cool.

    Helen

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I'd love to hear from you. Constructive criticisms welcome!

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