This is a very silly, girly post so proceed with caution;)In just a couple of weeks I'll head to St. Louis for the annual American Christian Fiction Writers conference. The web is abuzz with what's to come there. One of the highlights is attending the gala awards banquet the last night. It's quite fun since it's a chance to shuck those jeans and t-shirts and don some serious duds...
Here's literary agent extraordinaire, Chip MacGregor, in Denver two years ago posing with yours truly. No, he's not my agent but he sure looks dashing in a kilt! The Frontiersman's Daughter had just released and he reminded me of Ian Justus, a fellow Scotsman. Only I never put poor Ian in a kilt. Now I wish I had!
This year I need your help in deciding on a dress. There's an author dinner for Revell one night, a dessert night for Books&Such clients another, and then the awards banquet.I found both these two dresses for a song recently but can't decide which to wear! I even have a pair of black pumps with a blossom swirl at the toe which matches the floral pattern in either dress. Add some faux pearl earrings and a necklace and you're all set.
The black and ivory dress has an organza bodice of roses with silky skirt with a V both front and back. It comes to the knee so is still quite modest. I don't like anything shorter than knee length. Call me a prude if you like;)The black and silver dress is tea-length with a satin underdress and a sheer lace overlay that resembles a garden. I normally don't wear black but it seems so popular these days - and all I could find were black dresses!
Below are two close-ups of the one at right, both bodice and skirt. Both dresses are much prettier in person. My camera skills are also lacking but hopefully you have an idea.
I must be a girly girl as I love dressing up. And I'd love to know which dress you prefer - or maybe you'll tell me to head back to the mall... If you're going to St. Lou this year, what will you be wearing? Or are you staying home and dressing down instead?
I like the blue and black one best, but why can't you take both? Where a different one to the two events. Wait. Are they the same day with one being right after the other? If that's so than I guess you wouldn't want to change dresses.
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of clothes we can't leave the men out of being sharply dressed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svKWGnrbVos&feature=channel_video_title
I vote for the black and white one. :)
ReplyDeleteMy stars, Laura! Both of these dresses are GORGEOUS. I have no idea which one you should wear to which event. I would probably suggest the black and silver one for the most formal night.
ReplyDeleteI'll be sitting at home in my stretchy exercise pants and an old t-shirt (as I do every day *sigh*) so I'll be thinking of you as a beautiful princess at the ball. Can't wait to see the pictures you come home with this year!
Hello Laura, I would vote for the black if there was a light shawl of some sort to go with it. The detail work is exquisite! Which does your husband like best? And which makes you feel the most beautiful? How exciting! I know whichever you go with you will be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSorry! I looked on your FB page and saw that the dress I thought was black and blue is actually black and ivory. I know you said that, but on the blog it looks blue on my monitor. On FB it looks ivory.
ReplyDeleteWow I think they are both lovely Laura. I think I like the black and white one a little better though :)
ReplyDeleteLaura, they're both beautiful! I say where one for the first half and then take a brief intermission and change into the other. :D How's that?
ReplyDeleteSo wish I could be at conference this year; hoping and praying for next. Have a wonderful time.
Laura, you disappoint me. :( I thought you were going to say you were going to wear your COLONIAL dress for the gala. Still haven't talked you into that?
ReplyDeleteBut oh my, I love that black and white one. Ah! Makes me want to go dress up in it right now. (and no you're not a prude, I'm the same way. ;-)
I love that black and white one, maybe you should wear that one to the gala??
But I also liked what Sylvia said about wearing both. Why not? It'd be fun. :D
Oh, love reading all your responses to this very silly post! Sylvia, you always have a great link ready and I so appreciate it! I will look in a minute:) All the events are on different days so I could wear them both. It's interesting because not all people who come to these events dress formally which is nice - people are able to wear what they're comfortable with. Since I live in the woods, it's neat being able to do something a little different. People don't even dress up for church out here! Thanks so much for your comments.
ReplyDeleteErin, I thought you would:) Don't ask me why, but it strikes me you would look good in this one!
ReplyDeleteLove the "My stars", dear Mary! I can only say, thank heavens for Ross's as one just opened here (the nearest mall is about 2 hours away). I'd never been to a Ross's before but they have some great buys! It is fun being a princess for a few hours:) Kind of like a little girl dressing up - guess I never got over it. And thanks so much for the reminder to take my camera. Sometimes I forget that!!
ReplyDeleteMaggie Ann, Love your enthusiasm! Hubs likes BOTH! And he's never been in a suit in his life, save the tux on our wedding day. We're thinking alike, you and I, as I do have a black wrap that goes with the sparkly dress. It seems to need that and I've always been shoulder-conscious. The detail is exquisite on the one, like you said. Bless you for being here!
ReplyDeleteCassie, It's so interesting to hear what you and others say. I always post the link to my facebook page for these blog posts and this one is really buzzing over there - a man even chimed in:) Fun comments! And I appreciate yours very much!
ReplyDeleteSally, Being a homebody, it's always hard for me to travel. And I do NOT like planes. So I covet your quiet time at home. I hadn't planned to go this year and waited till nearly the last minute to register. But it's always a blessing in many ways. I would love to meet you in person someday. Probably at ACFW if we happen to attend together. Bless you for your comments! And happy writing and reading to you:)
ReplyDeleteCasey, I feel your pain! It's been hard deciding whether to wear the big gown or not. I think I'll save it for next year if all works out as some other authors are planning to wear theirs then and they're not coming this year. Call me chicken if you lke;) I will give you a sneak peak at the dress soon - at least the sleeve or hat!!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to know what you'll be wearing! I'm flying out of Seattle straight to St. Lou after a hopper flight from here. I imagine you're coming via Portland. Prayers with you!
I sat here having to look at your picture then the dress, look at your picture then the other dress. My family says I'm quite good at picking out outfits so there's my credentials... in fact I just bought my aunt a mink hat on eBay since she's now in colder climates. And I have to ask... what are your colors? Do you carry off white very well or does it wash you out? I guess to me that's the deciding factor. I don't know if the other dress' style is fancy enough, though the details are.
ReplyDeleteAdrienne, Very good question. I actually look terrible in black. And ivory is only slightly better. The only thing that saves me is that I have a tan from being in the garden which seems to make things work this time. Or so I hope! I confess to feeling quite silly about this post as it seems very frivilous to talk about such things in light of more pressing matters all over. I'll blame the reading friends who put me up to it!
ReplyDeleteYour aunt's mink hat sounds lovely - and warm! I wish I had your sense of style:)
They're both very pretty but I do like the one with the beadwork. It looks so old timey but modern too! I hope you have a great trip to the conference! It just be so much fun and I bet you get so much out of it!
ReplyDeleteI think the black and white dress would look stunning...makes me want to get dressed up and go out for the evening! The shoes sound perfect!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Debra
Heather, Bless you:) The beaded one does have a very vintage feel to it. Your kind of dress, I think! It feels very nice on and I have a wrap. Should have posted a pic of the shoes that match - but again, more silliness! Thanks for bearing with me! And for your great comments.
ReplyDeleteDebra, Bless you! It's fun engaging in some girly stuff once in a while. I think the Lord wired some of us to want to dress up and feel pretty:) I think of the old quote that says "the best cosmetic is happiness" and that every woman is beautiful in her own way.
ReplyDeleteYES, the shoes are sweet! And thanks for your fun comments:)
Oo, I'm all giddy! You're going! I can't wait to see you again!
ReplyDeleteI'm wearing my cowgirl get-up, silver-threaded white western shirt with this awesome yoke in the back, long black western skirt, a silver hip concho belt, and my black boots. Which reminds me, I need to beg hubby to polish those babies for me--I knew all the spit shining he had to do for his black military boots would come in handy one day! I won't be in a hat, but have my hair up, don't have a black hat, and it'll only get in the way. Oh and I'll really be getting the whole cowgirl thing going, I'm driving down in hubby's truck. LOL!
Can't believe it's only 2 weeks away.
This is my kind of post, I'm such a girly girl, too! I love the picture of you and Chip!
ReplyDeleteBoth of the dresses are beautiful and I bet you look amazing in them, especially with your tan (something I lack all year round).
I think it would be wonderful to wear them each for a different event. What is the venue? Will they all be at the hotel or will you be to another location? That might make a difference. Also, are you anxious about either event (maybe too strong a word)? But if one event is less comfortable for you to be at, you may want to wear the more comfortable of the dresses to help put you at ease. Those are the types of things I think about. The black dress would look so pretty with a shawl as someone suggested (and you need to ignore the fb remark about it looking frumpy - it is stunning and I'm sure it has quite a different look when its not on the hanger). I do think the black and ivory dress, which seems a little more conservative, might be more suitable for the Revell author dinner while the black one, which is more fun looking (casual elegance I call it) would be great for the dessert night.
With that said, I do hope you are wearing your 18th century gown to the awards banquet! Keli Gwyn has a new 19th century gown, and there must be others so I'm sure you'll be in good company.
Now that I've totally confused you, I say "wear them all!". And be sure to show us photos later.
I'm not sure I'm the correct person to be putting in my two cents here, because I love all things elegant. (You would never know that if you could see me pulling weeds in our yard!) However, if I'm attending an evening affair my dress has to be ankle length. Not only do I feel more elegant, but also slimmer. My absolute all time favorite travel wear is the Chico's line called "Travelers". NOTHING in this line wrinkles. It's fantastic for traveling. I've used it for family weddings where I was helping with other preparations and didn't have time to spend on myself. The Travelers line has a long black skirt or long lounge type pants that are some of my "go to" favorites. I've used them with several different tops. By the way, Chico's has absolutely no idea who I am. Just sharing my love of ease and elegance. Both the dresses you pictured are lovely, but say "afternoon" to me personally. Most important of all, Laura, enjoy your special events.
ReplyDeleteLaura, both dresses are beautiful and so you! If you can't take both, I don't know how you'll decide.
ReplyDeleteMy dress for the ACFW banquet is pretty simple. Black, to the knee. The material isn't fancy. But I like how it fits and feel at ease in it. I actually love my shoes the best!
My Dear Laura,
ReplyDeleteGo with the black and silver!! Lace and Sparkle is the very thing to make your night a success!! If you are modest about the arms and a little cleavage showing than get your self a long black or silver wide scarf wrap. They are pretty inexpensive!! I can't wait to see what you decide. Are you going to wear your hair up?
Stacie
Oh my goodness, I AM starry eyed! That is on gorgeous dress, my goodness, what a devine sight! ((and your too sweet. Thank you for the post ;-))
ReplyDeleteMy gala dress won't be NEAR as dressy as yours. But it's yard sale and Ross, so I'm proud of the savings. ;) It's ankle length, black and gray/white flowers, open heeled shoes (biggest heels I own!) and a black shrug.
It's almost here isn't it?? CRAZY! I've gotten the time off work, so it's all set. Written in red ink on the calendar even. :)
No, we plan to drive, my dad and I. We're planning a road trip for sure! :D
Winter, OH, THIS IS SO YOU!! I have to get some pics;) It's your brand, no pun intended, and it's shining bright!! Chuckling about hub's truck, too, as I drive Randy's a lot, only I don't like parking the thing. It's like a bus. And I'm a blonde...
ReplyDeleteSo thankful you're going to be there again. It's meant to be! See you in a few:)
Carla, Oh, love your comments - I gobbled them up;) We are kindred spirits as far as femininity... I do think, like you, the ivory/black is best for the author dinner and the sparkly one would be good for the banquet - with a wrap. It IS really important to consider the anxiety of the event and what you'll feel comfortable in. I wore a floor length dress the last 2 years (the same outfit, actually) so probably should wear something new this time.
ReplyDeleteI posted some pics of my 18th-century gown above. And I saw a photo of Keli's on Facebook - just stunning! And it's the most beautiful color. It's been a dream of hers to have such a gown, much like me. Debra Marvin is working on sewing one for herself (oh, to be a seamstress!) - 19th-century. And Rosslynn Elliot looked beautiful in hers last year - hubby came in period dress, too!
We need to have a costuming retreat! Bless you for your comments, dear friend.
Mary, Thanks so much for your comments - they're so helpful! I'll have to check out the Chico's/Traveler's line. Floor length is my favorite and it is best for formal occasions. Plus it makes you feel quite elegant - and is very slimming! I have a pair of black pants and a black skirt that travel very well, too, and I'm so thankful for the no wrinkle effect! I'm praying I get there safely, along with everyone else, the Lord is honored, and we enjoy the moment, just like you said, dear Mary:) Bless you.
ReplyDeleteRenee Ann, Me, too! I like my shoes best of all:) Feeling comfortable is so important in whatever you wear. Often our old favorites work so well and I find myself opting for them over and over again. Like wearing the same thing to the banquet the last 2 years!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see you and meet you at last! Let's try to have a meal together, at least. Counting down with you!
Stacie, Love the wrap idea. I have a little black jacket that goes with the sparkly dress so it should work well. I'll wear my hair long, I think. Randy tells me I look better with it down! Bless him;) But it feels better up. If only I could do one of those fancy, French-braidy things...
ReplyDeleteWould love for you to be there, too! Meeting you is on my list. But I'll have to visit Revell to do it and grab you along the way!
I'd love that, Laura! Please find me:)
ReplyDeleteRenee Ann, We'll have to see who finds who first! I'll be looking hard for you:)
ReplyDeleteCasey, I had to read your comment twice to soak it all in! A dad-daughter road trip sounds divine:) SO much better than a plane! Just think of the beautiful scenery along the way. You're making memories with this upcoming trip and I hope you take lots of pics there and back!
ReplyDeletePersonally I like the black one. But we need to see a picture of you in it when you wear it, please? LOL!
ReplyDeleteMandy, You sweetheart:) So glad you're here. I'm going to wear the black sparkly one to the banquet and the black and ivory one to the author dinner. And I promise to take some pics. Last year my camera failed and all my pictures were deleted. I was so sad. But this year I'm praying that doesn't happen! I hope to post some good ones here when I get back the last week in Sept. Bless you and hope things are going well for you!!
ReplyDeleteThey are both beautiful dresses. For some reason I can picture you in the black and white one more so than the other one. But I'm sure you will be pretty in either!
ReplyDeleteWhat does your hubby think? Does he voice opinions on this type of thing? Mine does not, he would probably say,"I don't know..... whatever you decide."
He's not much help. hahah
Lisa, So good to see u! Hubs usually shrugs! Like yours! But this time he said he likes both:) Since they're wrinkle-free, I'll just roll them up and take them both along. Living in the woods I don't get to dress up much so this is a real treat.
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a good day there and you and little Miss L have some sunshine your way with the rest of your kids in school! Have a wonderful weekend.
I agree with Maggie that the black dress would be better with a shoulder wrap, but truly girly.
ReplyDeleteNiki, Bless you for your thoughts. I couldn't help but think that you would wear the sparkly dress very well. Many blondes can't wear black but I think you do! It's so fun to dress up when it rarely happens here, living in the woods. Even our churchgoers don't dress up. I miss those hats and high heels on Sundays! So elegant and lovely!
ReplyDeleteLaura, these dresses are just gorgeous! You're going to look lovely in either one, my friend. :) And can I just tell you, I LOVE the vintage vibe they both have -- the beadwork on the black dress and the lacy bodice on the other both remind me of the fashion in the BBC series Downton Abbey.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ruth:) Love that vintage look, too. I have a black wrap for the sparkly one and my shoes have blossom ends (black pumps). So fun to play dress up! Here's hoping for some good pics this year!
ReplyDeleteI love them both but I think the black strappy dress is smashing but which ever you choose will look beautiful on. It's not the dress that makes the person, it's the person that makes the dress. I hope you all have fun at the conference I SO wish I could be there with you all.
ReplyDeleteXOXO~ Renee
Hi Laura! Sorry I'm late to the party. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI like both dresses, but I especially LOVE the sparkly one!! It's so pretty, and I imagine it looks even prettier in person. I like the idea of wearing a small shawl/cover up if you're self conscious about it being strapless. I'm sure you'd look fantastic in it though! : )
Can't wait to see photos from the event with you all dressed up!
Have a great weekend! I have a feeling that you definitely will! ;-)
Love,
Michelle
Oh Laura, I love the silver/black one. I have the PERFECT shawl for it. Let me know and I'll pack it ;-)
ReplyDeleteEither one will be gorgeous, though
Don't you just love a good deal?
Renee, That's a wonderful statement - "it's the person who makes the dress." Novel-worthy! Happpy you like the sparkly dress. Guess I won't worry about all that black and looking as if I'm in mourning as I'm just thankful to be able to be there, come what may. Don't think I have a chance of winning, either, but it's an honor to be nominated.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comments. Praying you feel much better today! And that that ice cream tasted good;)
Michelle, I so appreciate prayers for health and safe travel since airplanes and I don't mix - please petition that my camera doesn't fail! I'm such a blonde that I think I deleted ALL the pics last time though I like to think my camera malfunctioned. It really hasn't worked since I bought it a few years ago...
ReplyDeleteBless you for being such a huge support. Love your comments:)
Pepper, You're so SWEET!! Guess what - I can't find a shawl! And I don't know if my little black jacket really matches. But again, you have so much on your plate, I don't expect you to remember to pack it. The thought means so much though.
ReplyDeleteAnd I was wondering, given you're a DOUBLE FINALIST, does it mean you get 2 tables at the banquet;)
Laura,
ReplyDeleteI've already set it out to pack ;-) Just let me know.
And, if you need an extra close place to sit at the banquet...I have room.
Seriously.
Wow! Share a table with the fabulously sweet Laura Frantz?!?
You betcha!!! :-)
Pepper, You're such a dear!! And with all the writing contacts/friends you have, I have a feeling there's still a line at both your tables!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you...
Hi Laura! Oh how I've missed you, my friend!! I've been wanting so badly to stop by and say hi but things have been crazy to say the least. But the Lord is sprinkling testimonies in the midst of the trials so we may be cast down but we're not destroyed... :)
ReplyDeleteI love the name of this post, as I love the show on TLC by the same name ;) I haven't read the other comments so not sure what others are saying or where you stand right now but I love the black & silver one! It's so elegant looking and I love the details! And a shawl or wrap would be a wonderful finish! And maybe a clutch in a deep, rich plum color just to keep the essentials close at hand without lugging a big purse around ;) Oh, but no matter what you wear, my friend, you'll look beautiful!! You always have such a glow about you and that is way better a perfect dress or accessory! Like a friend of mine said once, dress as if Jesus is your escort :) Looking forward to the pictures!
Well, I pray you have a beautiful week, dear Laura, and hopefully I will talk to you soon!
Blessings,
Amanda
AMANDA!! I was so hoping you'd be here for my girly post;) I felt kind of silly but had some great feedback and feel ready to go. A writer friend, Pepper, is even bringing me a lovely black wrap with silver flowers to match the sparkly gown. She's a sweetheart for letting me borrow it for the evening as it's an heirloom. So guess this will be a vintage evening:) Wish you lived near St. Lou as I'd love the excuse to see you!!
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine what's going on for you based on your comments here. Your eyes are on Him so you will stay steadfast through it all. I sense you're learning so much and finding Him imminently trustworthy. Prayers are with you as I think of you and your family so often. And it means so much that you would stop here in the midst of it all to touch base. You have really been missed!! And I know I speak for many, dear Amanda. Trusting His blessings will overflow for you today in many, many ways.
Good morning, Laura!
ReplyDeleteI will certainly keep you in prayer for health and safe travels -- and of course, an absence of camera malfunction (or operator error, lol!). ;-)
Sweetest blessings to you this Monday morning, Laura.
Love,
Michelle