So, I know I can’t be alone on this latest quest of mine…the endless search for the perfect Little Black Dress! It is the one elusive piece that I did not have in my closet…that LBD that when some event comes up I could reach for and know that it would be totally appropriate.  It seems like an easy enough item to find…just a simple black dress, but for me, of course, not so much.  There really are so many different kinds of LBD’s that come in all shapes and sizes but I find that for some reason most LBD’s seem to be knee length or shorter and I, personally will not wear anything that shows my less than adorable knees. I also love an a-line or fit-n-flare design for my figure for sure.

I had two important weddings to attend this year…one in the summer and one in the fall, and I really just wanted ONE dress for budget reasons that could be appropriate for both weddings. There is no outfit more appropriate than, of course, the LBD.  I started my quest this time actually in the mall instead of online.  For me, this is not my usual way of starting my quest but I really wanted to see my options in the stores and try them on.  Well, to my surprise there were very few LBD’s to even try on for my size (14/16) that were fit-n-flare and below the knee.  And I really hoped to find one even longer than the knee, perhaps a midi or longer but not quite a maxi…not an easy task for sure.  My trips to the mall were a bust… so onto the computer I went! I searched for many, many hours for not only the perfect LBD but also at my usual “cheaper” price point that we all know I love so much.

I am thrilled to report that I did find my (almost) perfect LBD.  It checks all the boxes…it’s classy, appropriate, simple and cute so I ordered it even though it was not my usual low, low price point. Although, I did get a great deal …I bought it on a site that I hadn’t been familiar with before called CITY CHIC…a site for curvy women. The dress I ordered was the Tea Length LBD Dress in an XS (14) for $99.  But of course I had a coupon code for 25% off so I got $24.75 off of that and Free Shipping (and even received it in only 3 days) so I only paid $74.25.  Which really is a steal since I was wearing for two weddings! (and of course other events as well!)

And although it really is perfect and the length longer than all the others I’ve seen…just wasn’t quite long enough for me so I did take it to my favorite local tailor and he took the hem down about 2 inches for only $20 and THEN it was MY PERFECT LBD!!!

For the summer, more laid back wedding I paired it with simple silver jewelry, patent white and black wedges and clutch purse to match. And for the fall wedding I plan on pairing it with a fancier red heel and silver clutch and jewelry.  Besides the weddings I can now wear this dress for multiple occasions even in winter with high boots and a cute moto jacket!  Even though the price was a bit higher than my usual quests with all these options it was still really a deal for my budget for sure!

So, as you can see…I kind of love this dress and all its possibilities!!

 

Sooo many LBD’s out there!

 

HERE IS MY PERFECT LBD!

 

CITY CHIC Tea Length LBD Dress- $99 minus 25% coupon= $74.25

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HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS (AND DEALS) TO WEAR WITH IT: 

 

Wore to SUMMER WEDDING:

 

Liz Claiborne Cottom Wedges- $78 on clearance for $23.99 minus coupon $10= $13.99

Jessica McClintock Flower Envelope evening bag- $48 on sale for $28.80 minus $10 coupon= $18.80

 

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FALL WEDDING option:

 

PAYLESS- Jinger Buckle Pump- $39.99 minus $10 coupon= $29.99

STEINMART- SASHA- Embroidered Rose Bar Clutch- $24.99- 20% coupon= $20.00

 

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WINTER option:

Kmart.com- Top Moda Zola- 10 Women’s Fashion Faux Suede Zipper Buckle Chunky Heel Boots- $24.99

OLD NAVY- Sueded Tote – $32.00 minus $10 coupon= $22.00

NY and Co.- $89.99- on sale for $53.97 minus $25 off $50 coupon= $28.97