Most people buy a dress for a specific occasion. I buy a dress and then search for an excuse to wear the dress.
This dress is going to High Tea and it’s taking me along for the ride.
I scored this beauty on a massively good thrifting day along with two other dresses and quite a few other secondhand treasures. The thrifting Gods were with me that day my friends.
It is an ABS dress by Allen Schwartz which apparently retails for around $350-$450.
I paid…a whole lot less than that!
There are no fabric description tags however it feels like silk and the neckline and lower bust are trimmed with mini faux pearls.
There was a dry-cleaning tag attached to this and it is in immaculate condition.
In this heat am enjoying the fact that it is loose and yet shapely. A rarity in dresses.
I’m busy searching for the very best place for high tea for this dress.
I am a sucker for high tea dresses/outfits and have amassed quite the collection should I suddenly be faced with an intensive week of non-stop high tea emergencies. You know how that goes.
Outfit Ideas For High Tea
I think this would have been the perfect outfit to wear to the Queen’s Plate.
Shame I found it the week after the Queen’s Plate.
I’ve never attended that particular horse race before but I have gone to horse races while visiting Prince Edward Island and bet a few times.
I’m not a gambler so this it very out of character for me. I always feel there is something else I could have done (thrifting, obviously) with that $10 rather than gamble it away.
Here I am making my totally random selection based on the name of the horse. Yes, I’m impulsive scientific like that.
And winning! No, not a million bucks, I think it was $20. Doesn’t take much to get me excited.
Yes, that is my natural hair colour. Well, aside from the purple bits.
Are you a gambler? Have you been to a horse race? Did you win anything?
When was the last time you bought an outfit and then had to figure out somewhere to wear it? Or am I the only crazy doing that?
Linking up with Hat Attack, Visible Monday, I Will Wear What I Like, Shoe and Tell, Turning Heads Tuesdays, Throw Back Thursdays, Monday Motivation
jodie filogomo says
I don’t consider that crazy at all!! Besides, it’s actually smarter to have the outfit and then figure out where to go in it. There’s not the stress about I have nothing to wear! So see, you’re actually smarter than most by doing it this way!!
I’ve also seen (well, only in pictures) the spread you make yourself for high tea—so it’s only appropriate to be dressed fabulously for it!!
Beautiful dress!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
suzanne carillo says
Yes, my high tea was loads of prep. That is why it is nice sometimes to just go out and let someone else do all the work : )
Patti says
Oh, high tea sounds wonderful today! Love this new dress and yes it is shapely without being constricted – looks like it was made for you. And as I recall, you make a fierce high tea! xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
suzanne carillo says
I’ll be pulling a “Patti” and letting someone else do all the cooking and prep this time around. I can’t be Suzi Chef all the time : )
jess jannenga says
Love this on you from tip to toe. Shoes love. The red ribbon on your hat with it looks like the hat was made for this pretty Rd dress! Sunsational?
Jessxx
http://www.elegantlydresssedandstylish.com
suzanne carillo says
Ha! I did make the hat band in advance of finding the dress but I was surprised how well they worked together.
Porcelina says
I’m with you – dress first, occasion second! I have a few beauties still waiting in my wardrobe for the perfect occasion. Soon, my pretties, soon.
What a bargain to find such a gorgeous frock in the charity shop, well done you!
P x
jacqui says
Love wearing dresses, this one is perfect on you. Love the little pearls on the dress – super stylish.
jacqui
Theresa Campbell says
Totally with you on this. IMO if you like a dress enough, you will most likely find an opportunity to wear it. But if you pass it by you will most assuredly have an occasion where you will kick yourself for letting it go. Best to be on the safe side and get it if you love it.
That bias cut red polka dot dress is so adorable and figure flattering. Especially like the little pearl accents.
Congrats on your big win, BTW! Hope you can parlay it into another great find 🙂
suzanne carillo says
You are 100% right about letting something slip through your hands and then regretting it. I find that with thrift or vintage one needs to be able to take swift action and not look back.
No doubt ; ) $20 can go a long way when thrift shopping!
Anna Parkes says
This is such a sweet dress that of course you had to buy it first and plan the event later. It looks very sleek and lady like so will be perfect for your afternoon tea outing – is it happening soon? I constantly buy without an outing in mind, but it’s always good to be prepared I think.
Anna x
suzanne carillo says
We were supposed to go this weekend, but today it is a holiday here so they closed for Sunday and Monday. Next weekend hopefully we’ll get out.
Evelyn Adkisson says
I do this all the time, figuring I’ll find somewhere to wear the new item. I bought a thrifted skirt the other day, with the distinct thought, “This is worth changing my lifestyle for.” It actually looks more like you, Suzanne, maxi, close fitting jersey, but bias-cut so it swings a bit at the hem, and a futuristic planet pattern. LOVE it. I have such a casual lifestyle, and it’s in the high 90’s now, so it’s hard to feel motivated to wear something enjoyable. I find myself just sticking with loose cotton and flip-flops.
Evie
suzanne carillo says
I LOVE the description of that skirt! The pattern sounds fabulous! Good thing we weren’t thrifting together, there might have been a bit of wrestling going on.
I understand totally about the hot weather, we are also baking in the heat. Nothing remotely fitted for me right now. This dress looks like it is hugging me but in fact is quite loose.
Marilee Gramith says
If I could find an opportunity for high tea I most assuredly would want the proper attire!!! Goodness knows I have several lovely dresses that could suit this purpose.
One of my most dismal self realizations is the fact that I’m prepared for several occasions that I have little hope of being invited to attend.
Clearly the fantasy of what we’d like our lives to be is enough inspiration to be ready “just in case”.
All of your tea time ensembles are beautiful and diverse. I hadn’t realized that high tea could be varietal as well as seasonal. Almost makes me think I could pull one off myself!!!
suzanne carillo says
Oh yes! My high tea dresses change dramatically with the season. ( Of course! Ha ha!)
I have a stash of “red carpet” dresses that normally I would never have an opportunity to wear (my Oscar invite always seems to be lost in the mail!). I just decided I would wear them anyhow. I have worn them for birthday parties and New Year’s Eve, even when we stayed at home. Yes, I’m overdressed, no I don’t give a damn.
Kezzie says
That is the perfect outfit for high tea!
Happiness at Mid Life says
I love to buy pretty dresses and have no where to wear them too. Too bad we don’t live closer to each other so we can just dress up to go get a cup of tea.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
suzanne carillo says
I agree Alice!
Rachel G says
You had purple hair?!!! Awesome. Purple hair is awesome no matter who, when, or where. Love the cut of your new dress, particularly the ruffle hem.
suzanne carillo says
I’ve had purple, pink, blue and black hair. My favourites were purple and blue, which I had for about three or four years. The black was awful. It lasted about 2 days and then faded into greige.
CiCi Marie says
This is how I buy ALL my clothes, pretty much. I just try I’m going to wear it some time… And surely everyone needs to have an outfit ready for a spontaneous high tea?! This dress is really lovely, you did well to snap it up.
Shybiker says
Lately I’m exactly the same — I find an item I’m dying to buy so, to justify the purchase, I rack my brain to come up with an excuse for where to wear it. Boy clothes, too. You’ve been a BAD INFLUENCE on me, Suzanne.
The last photo shows us something only your dentist should know… 🙂
suzanne carillo says
Ha ha! I love being a bad influence ; )
I know, you can see my molars. Thus why I don’t understand all those photos of people on IG with their mouths wide open smiling are so darn popular.
Vix says
That dress is all kinds of fabulous. I love that pearl trim and how wonderfully it fits you. It doesn’t surprise me that it cost a bomb originally, it shouts class.
No, you’re not mad, I do the same. My Grandma always used to tell me, buy it and the occasion will present itself. I’m still waiting for the right occasion to wear that turquoise cut-out catsuit!
Our natural hair colour is identical (I bet I’m grey underneath the black). Love that excited race face! xxx
Andrea@WellnessNotes says
Fabulous dress for high tea! And very smart of you to let someone else do all the work! All those cute little sandwiches, cupcakes, etc. are a ton of work!
Sherry - Petite Over 40 says
I just love this dress on you, Suzanne! You do look ready for high tea or any other lovely summer affair.
elle the Elle Diaries says
Love the dress, the color, the dots and the fit! High tea is the perfect spot for this! Love your other choices!
I do that sometimes, too,
Hmmm. where can i wear this, but there is always a place!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
Anna says
I really love that short hair look on you. Super cute! Also, I’m usually pretty ecstatic when I win anything, regardless of how valuable the thing is. Hehe. Winning just feels rad. :P~
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
Lana says
Love high tea, and I love the dress. My favorite high tea is at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, although I haven’t been in years. My great uncle took me to a horse race once, but I was too young to bet on anything!
Mona says
Love the dress, and all of the outfits really!
I’m going to High Tea and am having so much fun deciding what to wear. But I’m like you. I buy the dress, and then have to come up with a excuse to wear it somewhere haha!
Hope you’re having a great day!
Much love,
Mona
curlsncakes.blogspot.com
No Fear of Fashion says
Not only for high tea, I think. Why not morning coffee too and be the best dressed woman on the terrace? Lovely dress. You scored big. And no I am not a gambler. Been to the casino twice and never spent a penny.
Greetje
Sheela Goh says
Absolutely all the time, Suzanne. I’ll buy something and then discern when/where to wear it, that’s half the fun, I reckon 🙂 this way, I’m also not dictated by societal expectations in terms of where I’m supposedly expected to wear a particular piece. I simply wear what I like, whenever and wherever I fancy.
Petite Silver Vixen says
I’m always buying things and then having to find events to wear them to! A habit too hard to break.
But I tell you what, pop on a plane with all your fabulous high tea dresses and we’ll go out every day in London for high tea. I know some exquisite venues that would do your dresses proud!
https://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Petite Silver Vixen says
I’m quite often a retrospective buyer! And by that I mean I buy things all the time and then retrospectively think um… where shall I wear that then!
As for all your dresses, pack them in a suitcase, hop on a plane and we’ll spend a glorious, but potentially calorific two weeks partaking of high tea every day! I know some fabulous places to go to!
https://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
The Style Crone says
Could I be more behind on commenting??? Traveling does that to me!
I am with you, in that I buy a piece and THEN find the place to wear it. Your high tea ensemble is perfection. And the hat! You always choose the most wonderful headwear for an outfit. Thank you for sharing with Hat Attack!