Tell Me What To Wear To Holt Renfrew’s Gala
Last week the most beautifully embossed invitation arrived on my desk and immediately triggered a deep-rooted feeling of anxiety and inadequacy. No, I’m kidding, I was thrilled to be invited to Holt Renfrew’s Let There Be Magenta Gala, but it does present a major fashion conundrum for a girl that can’t actually afford a dress from Holts! The dress code is fashionable cocktail and while I have pulled together three dresses, I can’t decide what to wear. It’s my first “pink carpet” event so I’d like to make an impression—for the right reasons, not because I look like a Glamour don’t. Check out the options after the jump and let me know which dress you think I should wear to the first holiday gala of the year.
Option #1: The retro vibe of this leopard print taffeta number really appeals to me—as does any formal wear with pockets! I see it with a simple ponytail, sheer black stockings and a brick red lip. Maybe even with my leather jacket if I'm feeling super badass.
Option #2: A glamorous fabrication (very Marchesa), a right on trend one shouldered neckline and a festive hit of gold, but you will have to forgive me for the elastic on my wrist...very bad form. I am very fond of this slightly Grecian gown and with its unexpected wine colour, I would be sure to stand out in the crowd.
Option #3: There’s something so simplistic about the black chiffon stunner, yet the one sided arm detail keeps it from straying into boring territory. It's not photographic like it, but the whole thing is transparent with an underlay so it's really pretty and demurely sexy in person...guess you will just have to take my word for it. The hair and makeup could really shine with this dress—as could the major Nine West shoes I have in mind!
So tell me: Which dress do you think I should wear to the gala and why? Have any hair and makeup ideas? Help a sister out and scroll down to the comments section and leave one!
By: Meghan
Photo Credit: Jess George
Posted by: Christina S | Nov 13, 2009 1:35:29 AM
While all three options are gorgeous, I vote for option 1. Taffeta: Good. 2. Leopard Print: Very Good. rockin it with some sky high heels, a red lip and a leather jacket: I LOVE. And a pony tail will show off that fantastic neckline.
Plus the pockets are a nice addition, a gals gotta have a place to hide her lip gloss, right.
Posted by: Wing | Nov 13, 2009 9:16:30 AM
That's a tough one. I think you should attend two other galas so that you can wear all 3 dresses. My votes goes for option #1. Very sexy and chic. Will definitely go with a black leather jacket and shoes, and yes of course the red lips!
Posted by: Mallory A | Nov 13, 2009 10:25:32 AM
I think both dresses 1 and 2 are absolutely stunning on you! They are both so flattering so it's hard to choose! I say go with the Taffeta Leopard Print number with the red lips and very chic slick back into a pony. Can't go wrong. You'll be sure to be an eye turner.
Posted by: Gillian | Nov 13, 2009 11:45:09 AM
OPTION 1! Simply stunning! I'll keep checkibng back to hear how the big event went :)
That said, I definitely agree with Wing: you should find two more galas so you can wear all three!
Posted by: Laura | Nov 13, 2009 12:06:11 PM
Option 1. Its hot! Im loving the neck line...and Im with you, pockets are great for the brick red lipstick :)
Posted by: Barbie Doll | Nov 13, 2009 12:21:24 PM
I'm with all of the above and voting No. 1. Lovin' the leopard, nice contemporary twist on the classic fabric, and c'mon! Pockets! Add sky-high heels, smokin' eye and ruby-red lips and you will be the fashion equal of even the priciest princess at Holts! ;-}
Posted by: Stephen | Nov 13, 2009 12:35:29 PM
I'm all for number 2; you look hot and the world can always use more sparkle and gold!
Option 1 looks great on you too BTW!
Posted by: Richard K. Wallagong | Nov 13, 2009 12:38:29 PM
Definitely No. 1. All the beautiful people in Melbourne agree.
Posted by: danae | Nov 13, 2009 1:06:21 PM
Option 1 all the way! Love the pockets.
Posted by: Libby | Nov 13, 2009 1:19:27 PM
I love #2, but I think #1 is my pick. Maybe it's the symmetry - or the leopard print! And I LOVE a dress with pockets. All are gorgeous, but my pick is #1!!!
Posted by: C.C. | Nov 13, 2009 3:46:32 PM
my humble opinion? option 1: totally hot, great shape on you, love the pockets= rock n'roll chic. but i think im for option 2! so glam! and the colours are beautiful on you! and the wine toner would be a great contrast with the pink carpet! i just think the whole thing would pop! maybe with a grey smokey eye and a glossy lip? hair softly curled and pulled half back?
im sure which ever one you choose you will be the belle of the ball! gorgeous!
Posted by: JGizzle | Nov 13, 2009 5:55:27 PM
Wow I think the black one is stunning!!! I like the unique touch of the sleves...wear it and heads will turn!
Posted by: Laura B | Nov 13, 2009 5:56:34 PM
Lady, you're gorgeous.... tough choice. I like 1 & 2.
If held at gunpoint I'd pick 2. The gold is beautiful and I love the asymmetrical neckline.
Have fun! xo
Posted by: Frankie | Nov 13, 2009 6:31:54 PM
Although i love the first one on you.. i think you could really but your own stamp on another frock.
wow i couldnt be more alone in this one.............. I CHOOSE #3!!!
FRANKLY here's why:
- hair and makeup is HUGE this season.. the 80's are definately back but in the best way possible- we've seen that on almost every red carpet and almost all the starlettes are rocking a shade of purple on the lips with a chic and classy up do.
- this little number gives a whole new umph! back to the LBD (little black dress) which that gorgeous sleeve
- add a great manicure too plus a stunning clutch and shoe combo and i think you'll be the one wearing the dress not the other way around ;)
HAVE A FANTASTIC TIME!! I have nooo doubt you'll be fierce in anyone you choose. XO
Posted by: Mer | Nov 13, 2009 6:35:33 PM
It is a toss between 1 and 3 for me. Option 1, I think it gives you a great shape and the pockets are a bonus! Option 3 looks very elegant and I always love a great black dress! For this event I am going to vote for Option 1!
Posted by: Ash Bone | Nov 13, 2009 7:58:47 PM
DEFINETLY| number one Meggers. it shows ur tiny waist off and is edgy.
Posted by: Vogue | Nov 14, 2009 7:07:37 PM
I'm all about #2! While I quite enjoy #1 i feel like it will be better suited to many-an-occasion in the near future whereas #2 is for special times. #3 is the perfect little black dress, but we don't wear little black dresses to *pink* carpet events now, do we?! #2! Gold heels too. Just sayin'.
XOXO
Posted by: Mel | Nov 17, 2009 2:17:01 AM
Meg! Loving the dress selection you look goregous in all three! Tough choice but number 1s gotta be my favorite :) ...that neckline's amazing! you + that dress + bright red lips + killer heels = AMAZING!!! You're gonna rock it I'm so excited for you. Have an amazing night and be sure to send pictures!xx
Posted by: Jacquanda | Nov 17, 2009 12:13:12 PM
Sistah, it's gotta be No. 1. Sexy jungle cat. Rawr.
Posted by: Frigeed | Nov 17, 2009 8:55:52 PM
I choose 2!! was going to pick 1 but then thought that 2 seems much more attention grabbing and interesting. I'm with SEB, 2 gets my vote.
Posted by: Lindsay | Nov 18, 2009 1:43:42 AM
Hmmm, it may be too late but whatever dress you picked looks gorgeous! I love all three. If I had to choose...dress #1! It suits you perfectly and a dress with pockets - how can you not pick that?!