Ever looked at a model wearing an item of clothing that appeals to you and dismissed the purchase out of hand? Yep, me too. Well, I’m here to tell you that you SHOULD get into that change room and give the object of your desire a try. You may not look like the model (I don’t, I’m a size 14), but you never know, it just may look right for you. Welcome to The Model and Me series of blog posts.
Last week I told you that I’m generally dressed for comfort. Stylish comfort.
Would you believe me when I tell you that it’s possible to do that in formal evening wear? I do like a good dress up opportunity. The ceremony of it all. Booking in for a hair do. Getting the nails done. All that princess jazz. But often you feel so “done up” that it’s difficult to actually enjoy the event you spent hours getting ready for.
Not me. This time.
This time, I actually took my own advice and went out and bought a new frock, a long gown from Matthew Eager’s ME Too collection (thanks Eve Boutique for securing it for me). The event was the Cindy Mackenzie Breast Cancer Foundation‘s annual gala on Saturday night. It was a swish affair. I’d been to two of them previously so was prepared. Prepared as one is to drink French champagne then martinis all night.
Anyway.
Turns out the dress offered the perfect Model and Me moment as not only does it appear in the Matthew Eager website but it was also worn by Channel 7 personality Johanna Griggs at the Logies a couple of weeks ago.
So, here is the model wearing the dress:
Matthew Eager Me Too black stretch chiffon crystal trim gown $529
Here is Johanna Griggs:
Johanna Grigg wears Me Too by Matthew Eager to the 2011 Logies
And here is me:
Me wearing the same Matthew Eager dress as Johanna Griggs. Note the exquisite detailing. (Sorry about dodgy photo work - it's getting dark early now so couldn't use natural light outside!)
Now, I always thought that Johanna was a down-to-earth-kind-of chick. And her choosing this dress proves it. This dress packs a classic style punch. It’s simple but the detailing is exquisite. And you know what I love the best? You can wear normal undies. Yep, that’s right. No Nana pants.
Which means: a) you can breathe; b) you can eat; and c) you can go to the ladies’ and not spend half and hour just trying to get your pants down because you’ve drunk a few too many of the aforementioned champagnes and martinis, rendering your coordination useless. (Please tell me that’s happened to you?)
And I could wear a relatively normal bra – not a strapless one. I say relatively because as you can see it’s quite a *ahhem* plunging neckline. The “girls” do not sit naturally in an upright position, so short of some quick surgery I went in search of a low-cut bra that still offered *ahhem* support but couldn’t be seen at the front or back. Very happy with this one from Lovable. I also enlisted some Hollywood Tape help. Note to self: pulling off dress and bra at 3am forgetting said application of Hollywood tape hurts. A lot.
Then, and here’s the really key tip to making sure your formal or cocktail wear is a dream to wear, I had my dress altered to fit me exactly by a specialist bridal and formal gown alterations professional. I had the shoulders taken up, a little bit on the hem and to keep that bra securely in place, she added bra keepers that clip around the bra strap. Genius.
Now, I don’t go out and buy a long ball gown every day. Hell, I might only do it once every couple of years. So, when I do, I think about whether it’s something that I know I’ll wear again. And preferably soon. I have another charity ball – The Steps Grand Winter Ball – to attend in July, so I’m warning you now, this is what you’ll see me in. I may just team it with a luxe faux fur stole to change the look a little.
Accessory note
All my accessories were “from the vault”. Favourite pieces that deserved to come out for another party.
Earrings: Mimco
Cuff: Mezi
Bracelets: Pilgrim
My clutch is four-years-old. I love the combo of bling and velvet and I love that I can fit in all my essentials. Camera. Phone. Lipstick. Jane Iredale makeup compact. And Tipsy Toes. Walking Stumbling to the cab pick-up line at 2am, I felt more than a little smug. Yes, my heels may have been in my hands but my feet were covered. And they were comfortable. Everyone else instantly had feet envy. Love how these fold-up ballet flats ($19.95) are super lightweight but can really save your soul soles!
Essential accesories: a clutch that fits some Tipsy Toes to save your feet later, a bit of bling and some girls to enjoy the night with
Beauty note
Nails: CND Shellac in Wildfire. I’ve been raving about this two-week manicure since last August. Ros at Suite Three Beauty does mine.
Hair: A half-up; half-down do inspired by this post on BellaMUMMA and created by Maria at Suite Three Hair.
Makeup: Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals and Pressed Powder in Radiant; Jane Iredale Eye Steppes (GoBlue); Jane Iredale My Steppes (Cool); Jane Iredale Lip Fixation in Craving (Stockists: Ph 1300 850 008). And my go-to, last-all-night eyeliner, Benefit Magic Ink. Love, love this liquid eyeliner. (Stockists: ph 02 8353 5000).
Do you love a good dress up, Stylers? When was the last time you got to glam it up?
Comments 24
Gorgeous lady, this post made me realize that my size 14 (down from 18-20) post baby body could suit a Matthew Eager dress. I now have a gorgeous dress of his to wear for my backyard wedding at Easter. Thank you, thank you, thank you! X
Oh that is wonderful!! Matthew Eager makes you feel a million bucks!
Reading this just makes me want to dress up and go to a ball. It is perfect, in fact I’m going to write that again in capitals so you ge the message.
IT IS PERFECT! Love everything about it. I’m both happy for you and jealous all that the same time. xx
Author
Was a whole lot of fun. Best part with this ball was it wasn’t sit down – great party atmosphere all night!
turning lez
Author
It was the Hollywood tape, wasn’t it? x
You looked amazing……I love bling – that dress is just gorgeous! Now if I can only think of somewhere to wear a dress like that (that doesn’t include my 4 and 2 year old)!!
Author
Trust me, this doesn’t happen often for me. But when it does, I make the most of it and stay out till 3am, forgetting that I don’t get to stay in bed the next day. Oops.
You looked stunning in that dress Nikki! And thanks for including some tips on how to wear low cut dresses. 🙂
Author
Tape, tape and more tape, Norlin!
You looked divine, Nikki! And you didn’t spend half the night putting dress straps back on your shoulders 😉 x
Author
No! That would be the Hollywood tape and the bra catchers. Genius.
Nikki you rock the frock! Absolutely radiantly lovely. xxx
Author
Thanks so much Sarah … was not so radiant later on 😉
Love it all. Make up, bling, flats…And I love Johanna. I like that she’s not part of the TV Presenter Twig Set. And my mum knows her mum so have to like her.
Author
Absolutely, Penny. That’s why her dress choice works for me. Matthew Eager cuts to fit a woman’s shape, whether a size 10 or 16.
you look a million dollars. Beautiful!
Author
Thanks Amy x
Stunning Nikki! Everytime I see you in Jane Iredale make up, you make me want to go get some.
That frock looks fab. #Love
Author
Thanks Amanda – and yes, do yourself a favour … Particularly loving the Liquid Mineral foundation now that winter has arrived.
Wow nikki, you looked absolutely stunning! Gorgeous dress!
Author
thanks Bianca was a fun night – still recovering 😉