YES I DID! And I didn’t have a meltdown, or cry in the store, or have a panic attack. I did it all by myself, too! Well- I did text my sister, a friend, Isabel, and her mom. But I ended up making the decision on my own.
But first… when I last posted, I was feeling down after the holiday and visit from Paul and Isabel. But then… Wednesday rolled around. It’s my day off, and I didn’t have any appointments. I didn’t have to cook, clean the house, or really, do ANYTHING. I decided to embrace this more relaxed phase.
I started the day with a Caroline Girvan Iron Series workout (more on this coming up in the Weekly Rundown, but after my recent more relaxed approach to strength training, these workouts are KILLING me!!!) Then… I went to Barnes and Noble.
I sat with my tea and this stack of books. I read the first few pages of each of them, and decided to buy this one:
Such a pretty cover! And it drew me in enough that I ended up reading the first several chapters in the store. It was really fun to go with the intent of making a purchase. I haven’t bought any books since January, so I figured I could get ONE.
Then, Nordstrom Rack is right next to Barnes and Noble. I gathered my courage, went in to browse, and made myself try on several dresses, even though I was pretty sure none of them would be right. I was just trying to get started, you know?
None of them were right, but I was vaguely encouraged by the experience. My next stop was supposed to be the mall, but I was passing TJ Maxx and I thought “Let’s just see what they have.”
It turns out they have a LOT of nice dresses! Again, I wasn’t seriously expecting to find anything… but one of them worked. Even though Isabel’s mom- whose name happens to be Jennifer, what are the odds that we have the same name- was talking about dark green, I always had it in my head that I wanted navy. I texted Isabel and Jennifer, would navy work? And they both said YES.
Here’s the dress. Ignore the fact that for some bizarre reason, I wore my oldest, saggiest bra to go dress shopping (um, WHY) and also that the expression on my face is totally dopey…
It’s sleeveless (my arms are a part of my body that I actually LIKE), it’s the right length, and it camouflages my stomach bulge without looking like it’s actually trying to cover anything up. RIGHT??? Please just smile and nod.
I just feel like this dress is very “me.” It strikes the right balance between not being too matronly, but also not slinky or low-cut (again- please smile and nod!)
THIS IS A HUGE RELIEF. Now I have three months to figure out shoes, jewelry, and what in the world I’m going to do with my hair. Isabel has requested gold accessories. I was thinking silver, but it’s her wedding! I’ll do gold.
The best thing about this dress is, I can continue to eat well and work out, and hopefully tone up a bit before the wedding- but also, if my body looks exactly like this, it will also be FINE. I don’t feel like I have to suck my stomach in or be self conscious. Phew.
Have you had any major (or minor) victories lately?
Top photo by Patti Black on Unsplash
52 Responses
Jenny, I AM ECSTATIC. (I can guarantee Nicole will be dying as she reads this post and I basically want to from the delight of hearing your news).
You look amazing. Honestly and truly. It is perfect. The colour! The fit! The length! The way it highlights your INCREDIBLY TONED BODY. It looks elegant and comfortable (so important) and incredibly classy.
I used to be anti-gold jewelry, but it’s all the rage now and I’m leaning into it. I can’t remember; do you have pierced ears? Will you do a bit of a heel? If so, I would 100% recommend a slight wedge as they’re 1000x more comfortable.
Thank you so much, Elisabeth!!! I will definitely be welcoming all shoe suggestions. It will probably come as no surprise that I have shoe issues as well!
Wow, you look great! The cut and color really suit you! I like the simplicity of it- cut is elegant and sleek. So glad you found a dress without drama.
Thank you!!! Yes, there was no drama- I can’t believe it.
That is the PERFECT dress! I’m so excited for you! Yay!! Get yourself some gold pumps (or flats if that’s your jam) and some gold bangles. It will be perfect. YES!! I personally would not do a necklace with that neckline and it doesn’t look like you have pierced ears so it would be ALL ABOUT THE BRACELETS FOR ME. I’m so excited I can’t stop writing in all caps.
Thank you Engie!!! Yes, the debate on flats or heels has begun. I actually love bracelets but rarely wear them. I do not have pierced ears!
I saw your post title and immediately got the biggest smile on my face! I’m SO happy for you!
I have been thinking about you, and wanting to text you pictures of dresses, and not wanting to overstep. And look! You picked the MOST FLATTERING, BEAUTIFUL dress! You look amazing! Look at your tiny waist! The color is beautiful on you!
Do you wear earrings? I would wear gold earrings and a bracelet with that dress. Oh, do you have any sapphire earrings? Wouldn’t gold and sapphires be beautiful?
Thank you Julie!!! I don’t have pierced ears. But, I do like bracelets. Shoes and jewelry are definitely the next step.
I love this for you, Jenny. It looks so flattering on you, but that is not hard—your “stomach bulge” must be the smallest on record. Gold and navy will look very chic. I had gold shoes and gold accessories for E’s wedding, just a small heel, super comfortable, but still pretty glam pair of shoes that I danced for a few hours in, as well as all the other standing required. The shoe store put a few of those soft, spongy clear stickers in the box with my shoes. If you can find them, they are really worth it. I wore the shoes for about 30 minutes and worked out where I had pressure spots, and then I just stuck them into the shoes at those spots.
Thank you Melissa! I love the fact that you said you had shoes with a small heel that were super comfortable. And pretty glam! So it is possible…
That dress is so gorgeous on you!! <3 So glad you found it! I love silver more too but that blue goes so well with either!
TJ Maxx is my jam, hehe. I used to go there to walk around when I was waiting around during my OB rotation and found some gems there. :]
Thank you Farrah! Yes, I love TJ Maxx- but I’ve never looked at dresses there. I’ll probably go back and look some more, because I still need something for the rehearsal dinner and possible the bridal shower.
Perfect, Jenny! It definitely suits you very well and looks very elegant, too. So glad you found it!
Very different look from the dirty, dusty and sweaty trails, haha!
I know, Catrina!!! My usual photos are of me in running clothes. Or pajamas. A dress is definitely different!
TJ Maxx is always so surprising!
You look so lovely and elegant in that dress; it’s perfect for Mother of the Groom without being *too* Mother of the Groom, if that makes sense?
Thank you Diane!!! Yes, that’s the way I felt about it too.
That dress is absolutely stunning and you look beautiful in it! The thing around the waist is very clever. I’d like to find dresses with something like that! Gold with that dress will be very elegant.
Thank you so much Susanne! I should have known there would be dresses to hide any figure flaw. I mean- how many women complain about a stomach bulge? Of course there would be a dress for that!
Jenny, this dress is perfection!!! It fits you so well and the color is gorgeous. You look spectacular – and in a dressing room selfie!!! With gold jewelry and some fun shoes you are going to be a bombshell!
Aw, thank you Suzanne!!! Yes, the dressing room selfie is not my best look, ha… but it will be nice and dressy with shoes and accessories.
Yay! I love it! I love navy. It looks awesome! I love dresses that are “easy to wear”, too- like they don’t have some weird straps that require a special bra, etc. What a relief to check this off the list!! The mid-section is perfect, too- not overly clingy which I hate in a dress. It looks really comfortable!
Yes!!! Great point- like I don’t have to try and find a strapless bra or something I’m not comfortable with. It is definitely easy to wear. PHEW.
YOU DID IT JENNY!!!! IT IS PERFECT! YOU LOOK GORGEOUS!
Honestly, it looks like it was made for you. The cut, the colour, the neckline – everything! I love it so much and it just goes to show you never know where you’re going to find the perfect dress!
Okay, I have thoughts. You knew I would! First, hair. You have very pretty hair and you could wear it down, but I wouldn’t. The reason is that it will be a long day and you want the style to stay with you. Also it will likely be hot and humid, and that can mess with a “down” hairstyle. Also also, you are used to wearing it in a ponytail, and you want to be comfortable. So here’s my thought: a French twist. It’s an easy style, it’s classic, and it will really go with the classic lines of the dress. I’m sure there are a ton of videos on YouTube, you could do it yourself, your daughter could help, or I’m sure Jennifer could recommend a stylist. She probably has one who will do her hair on the big day, and that stylist could easily pop yours into a French twist.
Okay, so now we have the hair, let’s go accessories. And – hear me out – I don’t think you need a necklace. I agree with you that silver is a better stylistic choice with navy, but it’s Isobel’s day so yes, gold it is. However, with that neckline, you’d kind of need a statement necklace, and I think a big gold statement necklace is all wrong. So NO necklace. But let’s go earrings. Take the statement to the earrings, if you like, or just a simple gold drop or hoop earring will look great with the French twist. Then you could add a simple bracelet but with that dress, no need to overdo.
Shoes! We must be practical here. You’re going to be standing a lot, and dancing, you need a comfortable shoe. The length of the dress will be great with a low heel – block or kitten, and maybe a slingback. You could do a low-heeled sandal too but you should treat yourself to a pedicure. I know many people will say no one is looking at your feet, but they will be looking at you, and you want the whole look to be cohesive. So – slingback or sandal, but get a pedicure.
On the topic of makeup, I have a very strong opinion. You want to look like YOU. You aren’t a heavy makeup girl and so it would look very odd to have a face full of makeup. I’m thinking a coat of mascara and a lipstick. My mom doesn’t wear a ton of makeup but for my brother’s wedding the bride (since divorced, it’s a whole thing, maybe this is related) insisted my mom have her makeup done. She looked ridiculous. It was SO not her. So don’t make that mistake! Not that you would, but you know, things can happen. I’d go for a mascara and a nice lipstick – you could go bold lip if you wanted to.
Anyway! I’m SO excited. It’s a perfect dress, you look fabulous, and I am SO happy for you!
Thank you so, so much Nicole!!! I love all the advice. You’re the second person to say no necklace, and I’m all for that. I do love bracelets, but unfortunately don’t have pierced ears. I will definitely look at videos of the french twist for my hair. Shoes- I’m also thinking (insisting) on something comfortable and low heel.
I’m so glad you said that about the makeup. i never wear makeup and would feel uncomfortable and not like myself with a full face of makeup. I will say this… I am a HUGE cryer. I will definitely be crying throughout the wedding. I know there’s waterproof mascara… just have to make sure it would stand up to the deluge of tears that will be falling.
Okay! Let’s forget the mascara altogether. It might irritate your eyes anyway, if you’re not used to it, particularly waterproof. Perhaps just a nice lip gloss or lipstick. And we shall forget the earrings – just a bracelet would be lovely.
I just looked and there are literally hundreds of videos! But it might be worthwhile to talk to a stylist, just to save yourself the stress.
EEEEEEEEEEEEE this is so exciting!
YES YES YES!!! The dress is perfect, and it’s a big “to do” that’s checked off the list.
Thank you Birchie!!! Yes- it is a big thing to cross off my list.
Oh, Jenny, it’s a lovely dress and it looks great on you! I’m so happy for you. What a huge milestone to get done, and so early!
Thank you!!! Yes, I can’t believe I got it done. I thought I would start now because it was going to take me forever. Phew.
That dress is beautiful! It looks perfect on you. When I was looking for a dress for my son’s wedding last summer I was so frustrated. I found that the malls had all “fast fashion” that felt really cheap on. I ended up hitting a high end consignment store and found a perfect dress. Such a relief once it’s done! I would recommend an up-do. I had my har and makeup done with the bride & bridesmaids, mostly because of FOMO but was so happy I did. So exciting for you!
Thank you Pat!!! I’m glad I didn’t go to the mall- although I would have gone to Macy’s and Nordstrom, and I’m sure they have nice things. But I’m happy with what I got!
I think the dress looks great on you! The color is really nice and it looks elegant.
I also still have to find shoes/jewelry for my sister’s wedding. I’m wearing a jumpsuit — even though I like my legs, I have weird tanlines from running that I hate when people comment on so I’m just gonna cover them up. I will probably wear some strappy flat sandals even though I’m short because I’m not comfortable in heels and I want to be able to dance and move around easily. I’m doing my own makeup for her wedding but I will be getting my hair done so that will be nice!
Thank you Ashley! Yes to the weird tanlines. Some of the dresses I tried on showed more of my chest, i.e. tan lines from my running bra. I’m also NOT comfortable in heels, so have to figure out the shoe situation…
The dress is perfect and you look amazing! Even in the dressing room!
Thank you Coco!!! Yes, I can only hope it will look better when I’m all dressed and accessorized.
I love this dress! You look great–how awesome that you were able to find something so quickly! The fit is beautiful, and I love navy too!
Thank you so much Sam! Yes- it was amazingly quick, after all.
I love this dress! It looks so great on you. I love the color too. I am a little surprised that the bride would tell you what color jewelry to wear. Maybe that’s just me. I’m hoping to find a dress to wear to Mini’s graduation soon. I bought one in the fall and I thought it would be so perfect, but now I realize that it’s too short for me. Grrr. It is hard sometimes to remember how old I am. Wearing green to the ND graduation is sort of a thing, and the short dress was the perfect green. Hopefully I will be back soon to report on a victory in the dress department.
Okay Ernie, I have my fingers crossed for you!!! And, I think the bride is thinking about photos? I don’t know… she has a whole color palette going on, which luckily navy fits into.
I LOVE the dress!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s perfect. It’s the same color that I wore for my stepson’s wedding. (Is that the MIL color??)
It must be the MIL color!!! I always had it in my mind that I wanted navy, somehow.
OMG LOOOOVE THIS DRESS! So simple! So elegant! YAYYYYY HUGE WIN!!!
Thank you SHU!!!!
You look stunning! I am so glad you found something together you love and feel good in. That is so important. I would check with Isabel to see if you could get a simple updo by the stylish she will surely hire to get her and her wedding party’s hair done. Or she might have a suggestion for where you could go that day. A French twist is pretty straight forward so any stylist could do it! And I would also go pretty light on make up so you look and feel like yourself. Eeks I am so excited for you!!
PS – I love navy! That was one of our wedding colors so my sisters both picked out navy dresses for their matron of honor dresses. It’s such a pretty color!
Thank you so much Lisa! And, I agree that a French twist is a great idea- definitely won’t be able to do it myself though. I’ll ask Isabel’s mom if she’s getting her hair done by someone. DEFINITELY light on the makeup!!!
Jenny!! So beautiful! I think you should start practicing with mascara now and find one that works. Mascara, lip balm with a tint and maybe a stick blush would be perfect. I can help you learn a really really simple and chic chignon that is no harder than a pony tail!! I agree w/ Nicole re: pedicure
Really??? Send me into about this chignon! I could do it myself???
JENNY THIS DRESS IS SO PRETTY! I didn’t notice ANY stomach bulge so STOP, MA’AM. You have a rockin’ bod! You are going to feel so good at that wedding, wearing a dress you feel so confident in. I’m so happy for you!
I would recommend going to a salon for hair and makeup! Let them get you all gussied up. Yes, it isn’t cheap but it’s also your son’s wedding and I don’t think you will regret it. <3
Thank you Stephany! I think you didn’t notice any stomach bulge thanks to the design of the dress- which makes it perfect : )
I love your dress! It’s understated, yet sophisticated, and I especially love the waistline – it shows off your cute figure beautifully!
Yes, that’s the perfect dress for you!
Gold bangles, watch, maybe gold hairpin/clip for your updo. Maybe a gold shawl to cover your shoulders for warmth if needed? Here’s one
Sumolux Shawls Wraps for Evening Dresses Metallic Glitter Shawls
I think when I was in a wedding, I had someone do my makeup for the pictures. I don’t normally wear it. It was more subtle. I also had someone do my hair a bit which was like a twist or braid from the front and pinned in the back. Very simple.
You’re going to look gorgeous!