Quote from: V M on January 31, 2015, 02:17:17 AM
You're looking great Danielle 
Hugs
Thank you for the hugs and kind words V M.
Quote from: Wynternight on January 31, 2015, 02:06:24 AM
I love the dress. Once again you embody elegance!
Thank you Wynter. I will write about the dress, below.
Quote from: stephaniec on January 30, 2015, 01:53:40 PM
look great
Thank you Stephanie.
Quote from: jessical on January 30, 2015, 12:43:23 PM
Danielle, simply elegant and stunning 
Keira939, you are super cute 
Thank you Jessica.
Quote from: missymay on January 30, 2015, 11:02:33 AM
You look amazing, Danielle. And I love that dress!
Quote from: antonia on January 30, 2015, 10:59:59 AM
You look great, I love that dress and it looks so good on you!
Thank you Missy May and Antonia. Now, about that dress... which I also love! At its core the dress is simply a maxi dress... which I usually do not wear because they are usually sleeveless or tank tops. This one had all of the elements (which, in my opinion, are elements that benefit many women with my body shape, which is broader shoulder, narrower hips and a hip to waist proportion less then considered traditionally feminine.)
But this maxi dress has sleeves! That was the #1 green flag.
#2 It is also a plunging v-neck. V-necks and other vertical necklines draw the eye up and down, elongating and narrowing my thicker torso. Crew necks can make my shoulders and chest look wider.
#3 It has a bold pattern that distracts the eye and camouflage my outline, causing the observer to notice the item of clothing instead of my size.
#4 The fabric is heavy enough and with a cut (purposeful by the designer) that the bottom curves back in toward my ankles, after my hips. Gives me some curve.
#5 The built in "belt" tie straps are meant to be cinched. They are sturdy! I am not afraid the fabric will tear. The belt brings in my waist, of course. Again, contributing to the curves.
Also the length of the dress allows me to wear my super tall wedges without compromising my integrity. These are five inch heels on a two inch platform. I need to be careful wearing these at my age. Not from falling (they are actually easy to walk in I can wear them all day and also not worry about how far from my destination I have to park.) but from just looking... too, well... for lack of better word... "cheap". Maybe a sub 30-year-old could wear these with a mini skirt or skinny jeans. But the only way I could do that would be a true club environment or special party. Certainly not the grocery store. The wedges make me well over 6' tall. Probably about 6' 3". I love it. I have no problem being that tall... Being tall makes me look both thinner and more confident.
The dress is a Versace. Which is why it is cut so well and of quality construction. I would rather have this one great dress rather than 5 of the kind of maxi dresses I tried to wear when I first went full-time.
I love the dress and try to wear it at least once a month. The real problem is that people do remember it. So I have to be a little judicious in how often I wear it. Also, I have more leeway with this dress because this is southern Florida. Many people still dress nicer on an every day basis down here and it is... of course... warmer.
I tried it on in the store and immediately fell in love. But I went home and did not allow my self to buy it for 24 hours. Went back the next day, bought it and have not regretted it. It can also be dressed up with more jewelry and different shoes. Or dressed down even further with different shoes and less jewelry.
Thank you again everyone. That was a good day. Kind Regards, Danielle