party prep

There was a time where my party dress acquisition process went something like this: (1) receive invitation, (2) eventually get around to shopping for said dress, (3) run out of time, (4) settle for something good enough but often not fantastic, and then (5) repeat. And, of course, the problem worsened after I had kids and my shopping time was in even scarcer supply. Eventually, I found my solution: I just resolved to buy fantastic party dresses as I came across them, regardless of whether I had an actual party on the immediate horizon. I must tell you--it works quite nicely. Thus, when I recently stumbled upon Self Portrait, a new UK-based nicely-priced line of dresses, I did not simply bookmark the site, I immediately bought not one frock, but two (!): the lace pleated one on the left and the red cut-out, above. This sweet success put me in the mood, and I've since found a few more festive options including this BCBG Max Azria, this Milly, this Jay Ahr, this Christopher Kane, and this Victoria Beckham. Now I just need some fun invites!