As someone who gets to lounge around in pretty much whatever I like most days of the week when I’m glued to my computer, an invitation to glam it up always ignites a little style fire in this here belly.
If you’ve been following along here for more than a year or two, you’ll be accustomed to my excitement over the arrival of the invitation to Mr SY’s office Christmas party.
For starters, partners are invited. For seconders, it’s always big. And by big, I mean HUGE.
In numbers. In fancy-ness. In surprises.
Case in point, last year there was a circus theme. This year, the special guest entertainer? Yep, one Jessica Mauboy, who rocked BTW. Rocked it like nobody’s business. Even came back on stage when she was dressed to go home because the other band was belting out a bit of Beyonce and she wanted in on the fun.
Anyhoo, knowing that said Christmas bash is a wee bit bigger than the average work party we were used to when we first met, I do like to do a bit of advance planning in the glam department.
And this year I owe inspiration for the planning to one dress.
One Leona Edmiston Ruby dress. The Meredith dress*.
Now, sadly, there are not too many of these frocks left. At last look, only Size 2 is available online (but I’d check in store too).
I say sad because, if you’re like me and you like a bit of a shimmer factor at this time of year – shimmer rolled in with a bit of comfort, then this is THE dress of the party season.
Want to check it out on the model first?
Leona Edmiston Ruby “Meredith” dress $299
And here it is on me …
Now, as you can see, I’m a tad shorter than the model above, which is a good thing in regards to the dress length. It still sits above the knee but not at panty-flashing territory … which would definitely not be a good thing for a woman of a certain age out with her husband and being introduced to his managers. No, it would not.
Here’s a little close up at the shimmer work in this dress. I do love me a sequin or 600.
A little note on the accessories … they’re all from the vault. Shoes by Robert Robert, clutch by Mogil (a gift from two girlfriends that I could not have even predicted at the time how damn handy it could be and has been – yes, there are fold-up flats in that there bag), bracelets by Tiffany & Co (pearls, my 40th birthday pressie from Mr SY) and Witchery (black and brass). The earrings are by Sophie Kyron. Hd them a long time too and they proved just perfect.
As a guide, I’m 167cm tall and I’m wearing the size 4. I probably could have gone the size 3 but it still works. The sequins sit on a lining that has a decent weight which is good for skimming the bits that I like skimmed over and avoiding the need for any Nana pants action.
I totally fell in love with the ’60s-style shift silhouette of this dress.
A theme I was very happy to run with an extend to the hair and makeup department … as you do when one of your favourite TV show is Mad Men. If you’re a fan, remember Don and Betts’ trip to Rome? Here’s a little memory prompt for you …
Thankfully, my beautiful girlfriend and hair stylist, Maria at Suite Three, is happy to run with my creative whims and turn them into reality. In this case a very high pony.
Now, when I walked in the door at home following said hair construction, Mr SY didn’t seem that impressed. I can always tell when he’s not completely sold on a look but is (rightly so) afraid to voice his true opinion for fear of retribution because his voice takes on a squeaky quality. Not unlike that of a tone-deaf choir reject.
Me: What do you think?
Mr SY: It’s (squeaky voice) … different.
In his defence, I had not shown him the dress or shared my “vision”.
Let’s just say that by the time we were heading out the door and down the highway to BrisVegas, his voice had come down about 100 octaves.
In fact he was very taken with the whole ensemble. And the red (Essie Russian Roulette) nails … and a little smokey eye makeup action.
There was only one thing left to do … PAAAARRRRTTTYY.
And that we did. Thank God I have 12 months to recover.
Do you relish an opportunity to glam it up? Are you still recovering from a weekend Christmas bash?
* This frock was gifted to me for editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy.
