Summer dressing in Baltimore can get a little monotonous. The humidity alone can melt your best fancy-schmancy look into something more along the lines of Barney the Beach Bum. That’s why I love the Best of Baltimore party. It’s an opportunity to break up the rotation of casual summer gear, and actually put on something proper.
One of my biggest pet peeves is buying things that you can only wear once. So, when it came to picking an outfit for the Best of Baltimore 2017 party, I wanted to pick pieces that you can wear over and over.This year’s official dress code requests cocktail attire with silver and gold accents for the ladies. What better accent than a strappy pair of heels! And the best part? Strappy heels never go out of style. You can wear them with a ball gown to a gala or paired with jeans to dinner.
I found this pair of Sam Edelman’s (left) at The Mall in Columbia Nordstrom. At $119.95, they’re a great alternative to the celebrity favorite Stuart Weitzman “Nudists” (right) that retail for $398. If you feel inclined to go big with the Nudists, they’re available online – too – in multiple sizes and widths. Once your shoe game is in order, you can move onto a dress. As much as I love the idea of pants or a jumpsuit for this occasion, I think a cocktail dress is the way to go. Winter is coming, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to cover up. Take advantage of the weather and show some skin (but not too much skin – keep it classy). I found two amazing dresses at two very different price points. (Photos courtesy nordstrom.com)
The first is an amazing Nicole Miller number at Panache in the Shops at Green Spring Station. This dress will last season after season. And, it’s unique enough that you’ll stand out in a crowd. But, it’s not so unique that you can only wear it once. Not to mention – with the multi-colored stitching – your accessory options are endless. (Photo courtesy trendsetter.com)
The second is a flowy off-the-shoulder dress by HYFVE that I found at Cloud 9 Clothing’s Canton location {Cloud 9 Clothing – Canton Can Company}. I love that it comes in three different colors – all of which you can wear well into the fall. You can dress it up or dress it down. For instance – you can pair it with flat sandals for daytime now, or a pair of booties come fall. Not to mention, at $45 it’s a steal. (Photo courtesy Cloud 9 Clothing)
To top the look off, I suggest this statement necklace – only $69! – from Boutique W. It’s by a designer called Escape From Paris. The design is cool and edgy and will give any dress a pop! (Photo courtesy Boutique W)
Regardless of whether you pick one of these pieces or all of them, make sure to wear them over and over again! They’ll work for a summer cocktail party or just when you want to ramp up a summer Saturday night.
What’s the point of having a whole bunch of clothes in your closet if no one ever gets to see them?! xx