Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Our love story: Finding the perfect dress

Why do women put so much thought and effort into finding the perfect dress for an event? Well, my frenzy of finding the perfect engagement dress for our last weekend’s engagement party turned out to be a great story. I was still in the store when I said, "I have to post about this."

Thanksgiving drive down: For months I was looking forward to the drive with my Honey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. No matter how much you love spending time with someone, a road trip always tests your patience. On the drive, we drank our coffees, munched on chips, sang some songs and 450 miles later we finally got close to my families home. And then it happened, Honey suggested that we go to the outlet mall before we get there. Sorry Dad, we were so close…

I loved the idea, but I also felt guilt trickle down my spine.

With less than an hour before the stores closed for the holidays, we made it to the outlets. I felt a shopping 'sense of calm' come over me. My good side told me to find some perfume and my bad side told me to find the perfect dress. We ran into a discount perfume store and found holiday sales without the crowds and bought two perfumes for the price of one.

Boom done. Then came the hunt for THE dress.

Next, we ran into the White House/Black Market and Honey grabbed a dress off the rack that he liked. I put it on in the change room and loved it. I even had enough time to try on some pants. I met Honey at the register to pay. I was shocked to see my dress was rung up for only $20 (see dress below).

I looked at my watch and we had enough time for shoes….

I drove the back roads to my family’s home, just in time to wear my $20 dress to the party. And Honey was sworn to secrecy not to tell anyone. He did tell my best friend. Plus I felt pretty, oh so pretty.

It was the best $20 I’ve ever spent!

Liked this post? Check in next week sweetie for part 2 of the engagement party story. Tell me, do you find the perfect dress or does the dress find you? (If you haven't yet, you can catch up with our story here).

42 comments:

Chicago Chic said...

Amazing story...love your blog!! xx

Dollface said...

I love this... Im going to be in the same perfect search for all types of dresses... grrr... let me know what you find! xxxoo

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

$20!? What a find :)

Madelief said...

Hi Laura,

Thanks for stopping by. I like the slice of San Francisco. Congratulations on your engagement! Your so lucky to find a great dress for only 20 dollars! :)

Groetjes from Holland,

Madelief

Laura said...

Inspiration from Italy: Thanx honey and love yours too!

Dollface: Of course and let me know how I can help with your planning as I'm a couple of months ahead.

Laura said...

Jaime: I know crazy huh!

Madelief: So nice to meet you and thanx for stopping by.

Lyndsay Wells said...

First of all, I LOVE the dress!

That exact thing happened to me last winter. I needed the perfect cocktail dress for an event I was looking very forward to and found it in the space of about ten minutes. It fit, looked great and was marked down to $30.00!

Isn't that the best?

Sierra said...

Oh I love finding the perfect dress, it makes me happy. Sounds like you found a great dress for a great price. I really like your blog, I will definitely be back for more posts. Hope you have a great day! :)

Laura said...

Too funny Maven and I love finding great finds. Welcome home sweetie!

Ocean dreams: Thanx for stopping by!

Julie said...

when i actively search for a dress, i never find it, it's always when i least expect it!

Laura said...

Julie: Thanx for your comment and I totally agree!

Keith said...

I enjoyed reading this. I look forward to the next part. Hope you're having a great week. Cheers!

Midtown Girl said...

You are a shopping rock star! I think I need to take you with me next time I go dress shopping!!

XOXO
Amy

Anonymous said...

What an wonderful story - The dress makes the event! Before my son got married, I surfed the internet trying to find the perfect MOG dress. I found one I liked, but I was worried the sash would do me in. Then when my DIL to be was describing what a wonderful time she had helping her mom pick out the MOB dress, I kind of spiraled down(I have 5 sons). Forget the stores. Forget making it a mini-event. I surfed again. I found the dress - only one left - in my size at 60% off for $128. I don't think I ever felt so beautiful on my wedding day! Sometimes dresses are just gifts from above!

http://bluecottonmemory.wordpress.com/2009/06/23/the-girls-room/

and

http://bluecottonmemory.wordpress.com/2009/07/07/are-you-ready-to-twirl/

Miss Me said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I need that perfect dress too! Haha!

Coming by from SITS to wish you a happy SITS day!

prashant said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Cute story!! I like your blog!! Congrats on the SITS day!

Lisa in Oz said...

Oooooh I love that dress! What an awesome buy!

Stacy's Snippets said...

LOVE the dress, and LOVE your blog! Happy SITS day...a little early! :)

Emily said...

A great bargain buy is the greatest satisfaction!

Unknown said...

Cute blog, cute dress... Congrats on your SITS day! Hope you have a good one.

tattytiara said...

Oh very well done. You have strong shopping karma indeed.

Howdy from sits, and enjoy your day!

Kathleen said...

Love your blog! Great find! Nice to meet you sitsa1

Bianca @southbay rants n raves said...

Hello from SITS!

Congrats on Blog of the day AND your engagement! If I could offer only one piece of advice it'd be: give your phone to your maid of honor on the day of, cuz you'll be too nervous to answer! Happy planning!

Anonymous said...

I love White House/Black Market...one of my fav dresses came from there too! But your $20 one is sooooo cute...good steal!

Jamie :)

Anonymous said...

Wow! $20?? Good find!


Congrats on your SITS day!

Joanna said...

LOVE the dress! Your Honey gets extra points for the shopping trip.

Congrats on your SITS day!

Chocolate Lover said...

What a great find! Happy SITS Day!!

Robbie S. Redmon, LPC said...

Happy SITS Day!

My Trendy Tykes said...

$20!!

That's what I call a deal.

Michelle said...

UNREAL. TOtal STEAL!

The Joynes Girls said...

I got my wedding rehearsal dress from Black Market/White House! LOVE THEM!!! Always classy.

Jen said...

What a fabulous find for $20 bucks, good job!

Anonymous said...

LOVE it. That dress is SO FAB.
Congrats on your engagement!! Definitely blog about your party. I had a blast at ours and found the perfect dress for it the week before on Rue La La Рblack with hot pink trim. And then my fianc̩ decided he would match me and wore black with a hot pink tie. He's a good man. :)

Anonymous said...

They have some great dresses, but I've never seen one there for $20. What a steal!

I'm visiting from SITS. Enjoy your special day.

Split Rock Ranch said...

Wow...lucky YOU! I am totally shopping in the wrong stores!

Tea Time Consultants said...

Love the dress. http://www.teatimeconsultants.blogspot.com

Hannah said...

I love your story about the dress. My Mom once did the same thing when we drove to an out-of-town bridal shower. Shopping before the luncheon and finding a great outfit was so much fun.

www.FunnyPhotosContest.com Submit CUTE or FUNNY photos and tell friends to vote for them. No entry fee.

The Mom O Blogger said...

I love SF. I live about 90 minutes from there. Great Story!

Julia said...

Great dress! I love it when you come in to a store, the first thing you pull off the rack is the one you love and it's an extra bonus when you get an awesome deal!

I Wonder Wye said...

I actually found my wedding dress at White House/Black Market -- 18 years ago...a cream colored lace dress perfect for our outdoor wedding in the old fashioned Victorian cutting garden of the 1860 house we were living in.....congrats on the engagement....