I've had an obsession with cocktail dresses since I first started wearing them. I would buy a dress without an occasion (and still do) when I felt I could not live without it. I never rid of the dresses. This Cynthia Rowley has always been a favorite. I purchased it my senior year of high school from the first boutique I ever came to love, Constance Boutique, in my hometown of Asheville, NC. The owner is a friend and one of the most inspirational people in my life when it comes to fashion. Constance has always had a strong sense of style that is all her own. I look at this outfit, acknowledging it is a little off the beaten path with the layering of the belts and the pattern repeat, and it reminds me of Constance. She always did her own thing, much like my Grandmother. It's not for everybody, but it is for me.
Dress: Cynthia Rowley (so old!), from Constance Boutique, but this one's pretty fun. Denim Jacket: Gap. Shoes: Nine West. Gold Belt: Raina (old), here's one. Circle Belt: Target (old). Clutch: JJ Winters, mine is from Lipp Boutique. Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a less expensive pair. Earrings: Luv Aj. Cuff: Henri Bendel. Rings: Tiffany, Custom at Diamonds Direct.
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| Nine West Flax Pumps |
I wear my jean jacket with everything...
For the love of a style all your own,
I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy sharing it with you!
Thank you for being here!! Whitley
I have a fitted jean jacket I need to pull out of storage.
ReplyDeleteoh yeah, that looks great with the jacket! love your style, love your blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://streetlily.blogspot.com
Thank you!! How did you find me/the Queen City Style?
DeleteVery Nice! I like how you mixed both leopard prints!
ReplyDeletewww.theluxuryrehab.com
Thank you Ilse!
DeleteAbsolutely! Those who say you need an occasion to wear/buy a cocktail dress are just making excuses! Here's to making every day an occasion!
ReplyDeletehttp://makingofthemuse.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Liz! You couldn't have stated it more precisely with your point about making every day an occasion!! Thank you for taking the time to visit and share!
DeleteLoving the jacket, looks perfect with the dress! Stunning!
ReplyDeleteAmy
Leopard and Lillies
Thank you Amy!!
DeleteLove that light denim jacket! Totally edges up this fabulous look!
ReplyDeleteXO
www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com
Love the double leopard!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a chic look Whitley! LOVE that dress, and really love how you paired it with that jean jacket. You seriously have the best hair!!! I do the same thing with dresses...whenever I see one that I love, I buy it, even if I don't have an occasion to wear it to. That's because when I do need a new dress for something, I can never find the perfect one. This way I will already have it in my closet!
ReplyDeletexo Jenny
www.crazystylelove.com
Thank you, Jenny, and thanks for the kind words. I am completely with you on snagging those fabulous dresses when you see them. Heaven forbid, how awful would it be to go out and buy something that will just "do," because we are in a hurry and in desperate need? It's all about being prepared! ;)
DeleteI am the same way! I LOVE cocktail dresses, and I buy them before I have any event to wear them too. This one is gorgeous and I love the shoes you paired with it!
ReplyDeleteMeredith
www.createthatoutfit.com
Meredith, it sounds like all of us girls who love to play dress up are on the same page when it comes to buying without an occasion... I suppose we know there will always be an occasion, it is just a matter of when. And, who doesn't love being prepared and not having to rush out and shop for something and run the risk of buying something that, simply, "will do", because we are in a pinch?! :)
DeleteAlthough this dress is "old" but you made it look new again with that awesome belt!
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way when it comes to buying dresses without an occasion in mind! When I see a great print or silhouette I just can't resist and I'm glad I'm not alone. I'm glad you resurrected this leopard dress, it's stunning with the belt but perfect for a night out paired with your jean jacket.
ReplyDeleteI suppose those of us who can't get enough of great clothing as a form of artistic self-expression probably always feel this way! Thanks for the kind words on the dress, paired with belt and jacket, and thanks for taking the time to comment!
DeleteI am particularly drawn to your uniqueness. I think it's great that you have a penchant for following your intuition and with style and the way you live in the world. That's rare and special!
ReplyDeleteI never tire of animal print so I can see why this is a keeper. The jean jacket is the perfect accessory and very cool styling the print on print with the pumps. You look great!
xo
nic
mymannersandmoxie.com
Nic,
DeleteThis is quite possibly the nicest comment I have ever received about my dress. Certainly it is the most flattering... I feel like you "get" me. Thanks girl. The feeling is mutual! xx
You look so fab! Love Constance! I used to buy tons of clothes there before Charlotte had good shops (seriously). Ha! Remember when they were downtown?
ReplyDeleteI actually don't remember when there were shops in downtown Charlotte, but I have heard there were and they were great. I first started going downtown in CLT when I was in college, and ABI and Cosmos were about the only bars :).
DeleteI meant when Constance was in DT asheville!
Deletegrea tpost honey, i really love your dress!
ReplyDeletehave a nice day!
xx
Thank you!! Thanks for visiting the Queen City Style, and I hope to see you again soon!
DeleteI love the mix of prints and the jean jacket! These pictures are really pretty too :-)
ReplyDeleteMaria
Dainty and Decadent
Thanks Maria! So glad to have connected with you!
DeleteJust discovered your blog and I love it!!! I am a fellow Charlottean and love seeing your photos around town. I also love Constance - I used to shop there in high school before there were good places in Charlotte, too!
ReplyDeleteHello! Thank you so much for visiting, and I hope you will follow or visit again! How did you find me? Love making a new Charlotte friend!!!
ReplyDeleteFollowed!
ReplyDeleteI found you because yesterday, Matters of Style blog linked to you! :)