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Monday, December 21, 2009

In The Fresh Lap Of The Crimson Rose

For the longest time I have been on the hunt for the perfect LRD (little red dress). When I was younger my sister and I would argue that red was our signature color--we didn't want to share it. That was before I developed an obsession with blue (which is still going strong). Despite the new color love in my life, I maintain a deep affection for red and have been greatly desiring the perfect, statement red dress.
When I saw this one on French Connection's website and for sale...I couldn't resist. For several days I debated purchasing it; weighing the pros and cons. Cons, of course being the price. Even on sale, this is easily the most I have ever spent on a dress (including my prom dress). But the perfection of the shape and being exactly what I had desired for so long eventually won out.
Upon arrival, I can't be happier with my decision. I wasn't expecting the shoulders to be so bold, but they're growing on me (hopefully not in a literal sense). I still have no desire to look like a line-backer, but these shoulders I can take.
The finishing topper to my new favorite dress? A wickedly wonderful necklace from Village Idiot. After I admired the necklaces on her blog, she was kind enough to offer me one. This one's name is Frida and is as gorgeous and complicated as the woman it is named after. I love all the detail and elements she puts into each necklace; on this one the chains aren't just layered, but also knotted. I feel it will really spice up jeans and tees...you know, for that day when I do wear jeans and a tee.
Outfit details: French Connection dress, Village Idiot necklace, Betsey Johnson via Modcloth tights, Bona Drag shoes, last year's Forever 21 coat, vintage sequin hat, vintage leather bowling bag, H&M gloves

147 comments:

Platform Princess said...

Why do I still not own heart tights? Love this!

PP x

cécile/detour2mode said...

loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee that outfit!!

Francine said...

Best. Red. Dress. EVER.

Nadine said...

The coat is the perfect contrast for the red dress.

Ashley said...

Amazing dress, it fits you perfectly! Love how you paired it with the tights and the coat!

Sarah Dee said...

LOVE the dress!

redhedgingerbread said...

I believe you have found your perfect LRD - looks amazing on you and I love how you styled it!! super lucky on that necklace - it's utterly amazing; quite a conversation piece!!

The Village Idiot said...

it looks amazing on you!!!! thanks for linking me on your site!
I love it w/ that red dress!
thanks sooo much!

jayne said...

that is such a beautiful shade of red! you look amazingly glamorous!

Megan V said...

I love both the dress AND the necklace. You look stunning!! Totally worth it :)

Helen said...

red is definitely my signature colour! for about the past 10 years i've loved it. yet, bizarrely, i don't own a LRD. must rectify this.

Hanako66 said...

you look absolutely adorable...i love the way that you styled it!

Sistinas said...

You did definitely god buying it, it looks like it was made for you!

Clara said...

OOMG! i love the color of your dress.
the blazer is hot.
i loved all your look.
xx

LML said...

thats probally of my favorite outfit of yours. pure perfection!

Angela said...

the dress is wonderful, such a vibrant red! And the necklace, wow, a statement piece. :)

Jackie said...

Oh my goodness! That is a truly amazing dress. You look fabulous in it! And the shoulders are beautiful!

Django et Coco said...

It beautiful! The dress is perfect, I love the shoulder!

Wow what a gorgeous necklace too and this leopard jacket! Ouff! This in my book is a perfect holiday look; Classic+Original and Elegant!

-Coco From Our Paper Moon

Vicki said...

I want that necklace its so beautiful!
also where did you get the bowling bag!! I love it! :)
magpie-girl.blogspot.com xo

Arushi Khosla (FabBlab) said...

This outfit is PERFECT. I love the dress, it screams ladylike chic and the leopard print coat is TDF.

Seriously, WOAH.

melly said...

money well spent, definitely! you could totally wear this dress for so many years to come.

Melissa Blake said...

Thank you AGAIN for the daily dose of inspiration! xoxo

Ruta said...

Oh I love that dress, it's gorgeous. I really want that dress in navy blue. I actually posted a post on my blog back in June about this dress, but like you said, it is rather expensive even at sale price. Hopefully boxing day brings some better sales.

fayeee said...

love the color of that dress
very coral and simplicity like
x

junebabie said...

this IS the perfect red dress. great choice. and I love the hat!

Caitlin said...

I am IN LOVE with the bag and the tights! I envy your wardrobe!


xo Caitlin

Anonymous said...

Necklace is phenomenal! Screams style!

Chelsea said...

The dress is exquisite! I love the sleeve details. You look very elegant walking around the wet woods.

Brenna said...

The dress is stunning! I know what you mean about the shoulders (they look quite good on you, by the way), I used to have a huge aversion to puffed sleeves of any kind, but they're starting to grow on me. The leopard with the red looks quite dainty and sweet- but that might be you.

maeghan said...

That dress is BEAUTIFUL. Super-flattering and a gorgeous color! I got a little taste of nature today, reminiscent of the nature in your photos today. Currently loving it! :)

P' said...

Oh! You're not in Hawai anymore?
This dress is fantastic! I'm searching the perfect red dress too. But it's not so easy to find... Maybe because a lot of girls are afraid to wear this color? I don't find so ofthen dresses with red color.
I really love the one you found, and with the beanie it's really look like a 50' style, and classy!
Kisses from Paris!
Pandore

Fabiola "Fab" said...

Gorgeous red dress! so feminine and lovely! and adding the statement necklace was key!! super awsome!

kiss kiss

Diana said...

That dress is so gorgeous, and I think it was worth the price. I actually thought it was vintage at first. Every one needs a little red dress right?

Amelie said...

This is beautiful! The whole thing! and I especially love this red dress. I'm really obsessed with red dresses and red things in general, two thumbs up! <3

Chelsea said...

Rebecca, you look truly stunning. I LOVE the dress and the necklace! Excellent choice by you. I hope that you get years of wear out of that lovely dress because it deserves it!

indigotangerine said...

You look SPECTACULAR. That dress= perfection: sophisticated, classic and yet still very "you"
-indigo

Lexie said...

the shape of the dress is incredible! money well spent, in my opinion!

Jimi Phobe said...

The tiqhts/dress combo is splendid, you needn't spend so much time thinking over that dress, its beautiful.
Look lovely :]

-Phobe.

Dani-Elle said...

I love everything about this outfit...truly amazing.

Thanks for sharing!

Dani-Elle from
www.frivolousidlepleasures.blogspot.com

Sherin said...

Wow. That dress is simply stunning and looks fabulous on you!

Fuksjanna said...

Red-color of love&passion-I really adore this outfit!

fashion westie said...

Glad you were won over by the pros..the dress is fabulous. I love the way you have styled this outfit. The necklace sits really well with the ensemble-Village Idiot must be damned proud.

Rebecca said...

What a perfect dress! Your whole ensemble is pretty amazing - actually reminds me of Faye Dunaway in the Bonnie & Clyde movie.

Indy said...

You look adorable, my dear, and not at all like any member of a sports league! I love the dress paired with those wicked cool tights and jacket!

hello birdy said...

I love the cut of this dress, it's very sharp yet incredibly flattering. Love the pockets too! Plus you've reminded me that I really need a sequin beret :o)

hannah elizabeth said...

red is definitely your colour!

NOTHING goes as perfectly with heart pattern tights as a red dress.

x

janettaylor said...

Love that dress!

Please don't forget to enter the brooches giveaways!

X♥X♥

H to the izzo said...

I know you've posted it before but I covet that coat. COVET

sassy said...

I adore this look girl!

auxpaysdesmerveilles said...

Gorgeous!

Lewis said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kelley Anne said...

I love your dress! You're right the shape and color are perfect and the shoulders don't make you look like a linebacker at all. Great choice and styling.

lisa said...

This dress was definitely a good buy--it suits you perfectly!

Liset said...

Gorgeous dress, you look great!

PinkBow said...

love the shoulders on the dress, i was surprised to see it as fc. the necklace is very gorgeous too.

CopyStrands said...

Love dresses with pockets, you look adorable in that dress too, nice find!

Mel said...

You look super glamorous! I love your red dress; that color is amazing! I think the shoulder pads look great and not too exaggerated, but if you really don't like them, perhaps you can take them out (unless they're not shoulder pads and the dress is made like that or something). Your necklace is amazing as well!

Trains and Sewing Machines said...

wow I think you DID find the perfect little red dress! It's gorgeous! I used to hate red, and now it has grown on me and I love it :)
You look fabulous as usual ;)

Leah said...

This dress is gorgeous, hope you find it worth the investment!

Diane said...

i love absolutely everything about this outfit!!!

Brittany said...

Beautiful outfit.. that dress is so timeless and I'm sure you will get PLENTY of use out of it! I love the necklace as well.. I'm checking out The Village Idiot now!

confessions of a marc addict. said...

this entire outfit is incredible. one of my favorites.

Blackbird Fly said...

The animal print and the tights really pull everything together!

Jen said...

J'adore this. There's more than a little je ne sais quoi about it! I love the french feel with the beret and red and black. The dress was worth it, whatever the price! :)

Sahakiel said...

I think that your little red dress is just fabulous!! I need a LRD too, because now I've got a yellow one... but not a red! It would be my next must!! :D!

Carmen said...

Your dress is gorgeous, its such a nice red and the shape of the dress is perfect. I think it was definitely worth however much you payed for it.


Carmen.xx.

Anna said...

such a beautiful dress! and that necklace! you look fantastic!

jessica said...

you're outfit is wonderful! that dress is amazing and goes perfectly with that coat! i think the shoulders look really good (and i hate big shoulders). that necklace is really cool.

betz said...

love this look. and the place is so amazing!

xx, betz
http://herarmoire.blogspot.com

Sharon said...

Wow, that's a really cute dress!

Jen said...

that is such a perfect dress, and you look great in it! especially paired with the leopard coat, it's just stunning :)

Laura Elaine said...

That dress is PERFECTION.

Release Karma said...

Your dress is beautiful.

caramelizedvintage said...

What a gorgeous, sophisticated LRD. I really like the structured shoulders. They're not too exaggerated and really help balance the dress. :}

la fille dans la forêt said...

Ohhh lovely dress! Red is a good color for you:)

Nathalie said...

I love the ouftit and you're so lucky with this necklace it is really brilliant!
xx
nathalie

Nathalie said...

I love the ouftit and you're so lucky with this necklace it is really brilliant!
xx
nathalie

Lady Smaggle said...

I LOVE those tights! I'm so gutted that I can't get tabio in Australia. Love this look.

SO. said...

you make me want to cut up my red dress... hmm.. i think im going to do it! muwhaha

wheredoyoushop said...

The beret and tights are loveeee!

http://wheredoyoushop.blogspot.com/

Eyeliah said...

I too struggle with splurging. Great decision though, it is timeless.

Lauren! said...

SO worth it. Seriously, one of the sexiest dresses ever. LOVE the cut, and the color. It's totally your style.

simone! said...

You look just so immensely classy in these shots - red brings out the best in you.

katthroatworld said...

great outfit!! love the lrd; it's amazing! :)

reckless daughter said...

wow. that dress looks like a million bucks on you. totally worth it.

PS: cool necklace too. I'm sort of in love with this outfit. not gonna lie ;)

JMay said...

Ok, you most definitely found the perfect red dress...I'm still on the look out ;-)
The tights?! Too cute!

Meg said...

How on earth do you afford these dresses if you're unemployed? :O Share your secrets!

Perfectly_P!nk said...

gotta luv it! http://fashionsexmagic.blogspot.com/

Tatiana Landim said...

I don't like orange very much but that dress is amazing! beautiful outfit!

Jasmine said...

that red dress is perfect on you and perfect for the holidays! that necklace is so intriguing too!

Winnie said...

The red dress is gorgeous on you! It's fits you so well too which I find is always a problem when ordering online. Love the necklace, it's wonderful complicated and knotted looking. I think it's great!

Glad you liked the video. I love watching V-logs from other bloggers and hearing their voices...so it's definitely wierd knowing that others can finally put a voice to a face for my blog too! :)

Annie said...

That is definitely the perfect little red dress! The color and shape are amazing.

selinaoolala said...

i agree, i think it is a great purchase! it could never date and now you have the reddest and best dress, it's in investment forever! it looks beautiful

KD said...

It was definitely worth the money! It's beautiful and looks absolutely fabulous on you! With the rest of your outfit and the setting, the awesomeness of this point is just extraordinary.

Rebecca, The Clothes Horse said...

@Meg, it's a combination of money saved from my last job, extreme frugality outside of my closet (i.e. I never eat out, etc) and money I make from advertising on my blog...but I don't quite take that seriously enough to consider it a "job."

Lucy in the Sky said...

your dress is amazing! those shoulders aren't so extreme. as long as your dress doesn't send you back to the 80s, you're fine. :D love your whole outfit!

style-magnet said...

Oh my goooodness THAT NECKLACE. I'm dying. Rebecca, you are fab.

Delightfully Tacky said...

Red is a really fabulous color on you. I don't wear red that often either and I did the other day, which made me wish I had more red in my wardrobe! I like the shoulders too, just the right amount.

Isn't it funny that this year the east coast is having an enormous snow storm and last year it was the west coast.

daisy lane said...

I love that dress, it's so beautiful!
I looks great with the tights!
Oh, red does look lovely on you. xx

rocco said...

OMFG!you rock, the dress is amazing, and the handbag so cool. The total of all photographies is magical, I love place you took the pictures.
have a super week

TIFFANY thegirlwithafeather said...

In love with your dress! It's amazing, especially the colour! Great purchase, definately worth it.

Chloe said...

im still in love with your tights! I just can't find any like them. did u buy yours online?

katrina said...

money wells spent. it's a beautiful dress.

i really like the way you wear your vintage sequined hat. i bought a similar one in red @ F21 last week. i just really liked it and at $4.80 it was kind of a no brainer. but, when i got home, i didn't know how to wear it (i was wearing it like a beanie). now, i get it. thank you.

Kyla said...

You look incredible!

fashionforwriters said...

Hi, Shakespeare's gal! So many statements! The red dress is extraordinary on you. I'm liking the shoulders a lot and the fitted shape. The necklace is so amazing too.

I don't know why but your outfit post just reminded me of that Ramone's song, "It's not my place (in the 9 to 5 world)"!

I'm singing it right now!
xo Jenny

Nadia Kamballa said...

The LRD is perfection!! I wouldn't regret buying it, either..

http://thenovembergirl.blogspot.com

Kassie said...

I love the dress. Its very flattering on you and clearly is a piece that will last. The necklace is stunning.


Stolen Stiletto

Fashion Cappuccino said...

You've made a great decision to buy this dress! I love how bold the color is and the shape is timeless! I'm in love with your necklace! xoxoxoxxo

katrina said...

thank you, rebecca.

http://www.puglypixel.com/2009/12/21/how-to-wear-a-sequined-beret/

M. said...

beyond adorable, I'm in love with this outfit. You remind me so much of the girl in An Education - she looks and dresses so much like you! You should definitely go look at pictures, such a great movie!

lovelove,
http://marissaexplains.blogspot.com

trina's reality said...

The dress is amazing ;]

Danielle said...

Wow. The shoulders on that dress are just incredible. I'd say mission accomplished on your quest for the perfect LRD!


antiquatedtreasures.blogspot.com

Amelia said...

I love this outfit! It's so glam, especially with the sequined hat. I've had a serious red clothing craving recently, too--I'm going to die if I don't get my hands on some red tights ASAP.

emma wallace said...

Oh! You look so stunning! That dress is completely gorgeous and I love your hat and tights.

iamemmamusic.blogspot.com

ashleylauren said...

This is the first time I have commented; I always like your looks... but this outfit is AMAZING

MissKellie said...

I found your picture in this dress on Lookbook, and didn't realize it was you, even though I read this blog every day! How silly!
Anyway, you look gorgeous, and I used your Lookbook picture in my newest Outfit Inspiration post on my blog! :)

http://playingdressupwithkellie.blogspot.com/

Amanda said...

I love the dress and the necklace you are wearing.

Nana said...

the dress is gorgeou darling^^
looks lovely

le blog de leen said...

that's such a lovely outfit!
the red dress looks really nice on you :)
and that necklace is quite amazing!

leen

auxpaysdesmerveilles said...

The photos on my last post were all from different photographers, the pictures link back to the source if you're curious ;)

Parapluie said...

What a great dress!

Alexxander said...

wooooooow amazing style.

Maeko @ thereafterish. said...

Definitely one of the best outfits I've seen this entire week, Rebecca!

There's nothing wrong with those bold shoulders. In fact, they are quite moderate, which is nice, after seeing so many WRONG mannish shoulders (As you say, "line-backer") for the last few seasons, it's refreshing to go back to proportional shoulder weights.

This dress is 40's fantastic, in a more feminine, body hugging way!

By the way, if you love this dress, you might find great, less expensive similarly styled dresses at Shabby Apple. Plus the website has a design aesthetic that I think you can particularly enjoy.

How's life??

xoxo,
Mae

Anna Marie said...

You look like a true starlet! I'm sure the dress is worth the money, the color and cut are timeless. And the sequined beret is so adorable. Love this look. :)
xo

bonjouritsjinah said...

Oh, Rebecca! Red truly is your color. You look like a starlet in this dress!

Sara Lynn said...

That is an absolutely adorable dress! You look great in it :)

Alba said...

You look great! xo

Valencia Lia said...

Another favorite outfit of yours I really love!!

That is indeed a perfect LRD,its really a classic color and the coat paired with it,wow! I love it all.

Plus the necklace is just so stunning<3

daisymay said...

The dress is indeed stunning! And I love your little hat!

Oley said...

liking the dress, esp with those tights!

how do you take such fabulous self portraits?++ah.

myedit said...

I echo the sentiments of many others in saying that this dress is perfect on you.
I, too, find French Connection a little on the pricey side but for some reason the Winners (tj maxx equivalent) nearby always gets huge fcuk shipments and sells everything for under $25 and a fcuk store in the area always has a sample rack with cheap one-offs...

Becca Jane said...

this dress is absolutely STUNNING! SO pretty, and a fabulous colour for you!

teri seaglass said...

i think you found the perfect little red dress! the shoulders are wonderful!

tintedseaglass.blogspot.com

princesspolitico said...

you look like such a lady - your style is so amazingly mature yet modern. this cherry red dress truly suits you. love the addition of that fabulous hat.

xo.
princesspolitico

Claire said...

What a cute red dress! Great structure! I love it, and the shoulders are even cute too! I also have adored your heart tights for a while now. It's too bad that they are ripped though. Great ensemble as always!

*Claire

Alyssa said...

Oh, that red dress is PERFECT. And what a truly lovely set of pictures. :) Thanks for sharing your style and charm with us on the blogosphere!

Dylana said...

That dress is amazing! The color is beautiful! And with the tights . . . so adorable!

colormenana.blogspot.com

sharonlei said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sharonlei said...

R, that red dress is gorgeous on you.. but you're more gorgeous. :) and I adore your bag!

Love & Aloha, S
www.elisharon.blogspot.com

jaunty magpie said...

You will have this dress forever, so consider it an investment piece. You rock the red marvelously well! And you put yet another stunning outfit together -- that coat is such a find!

Raquel said...

that dress is really nice and chic. red is my favourite colour to wear! although my favourite colour is blue :)
x

Winters Reaper said...

I knew I seen those back grounds before.... on fort?


*sighs* very beautiful

Amanda Lalique said...

you look adorable. LOVE the coat and necklace. Forever 21 is such a blessing!

http://mandalyzing.blogspot.com

Manja said...

Oh my, that dress is stunning!

Kevin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Katie said...

gorgeous! it fits you like a dream and looks slightly vintage thanks to the boat neckline and those shoulders. the necklace is so perfect with it!

sarathira sukiman said...

ARGH! this is probaby one of my fav outfits of you. everything just fit together, its so polished and quirky at the same time, my fav! thee dress, thee tights and thee necklace, its thee look.

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