A couture lace dress is literally the stuff of dreams. The quality and weight of the lace is sumptuous and the stitching is flawless . Once you see and wear such a dress , it is hard to wear frocks with inferior quality. But I do, of course!
But you say, who can afford it? Almost everybody who is reading this is my answer. My Valentino lace dress, seen on Instagram , was bought for about the same as a dress from Zara. Yes, you read that correctly.
Below, a couture lace dress in almond.
Lined in silk, this beige confection feels like heaven on. It is timeless in beige and with the knee grazing length. Not trendy, but still on point. My pearl shoes were ten tiny dollars, many years ago at Ava’s Sag Harbor . My Chanel fingerless gloves add an edgy vibe to this otherwise ladylike ensemble. They were purchased two years ago at Designer Revival.
Do you like my patent leather bag? Do you assume it is Gucci? It is not, it is from a yard sale where I bought it for $5.00! This vintage bag was crafted with good hardware, after many years the gold is still lustrous and shiny.
A second look below of my beige couture lace dress.
There are also many fine designers who do high quality lace.
I love this dress from L.K. Bennett that is on sale ! The color combination is unusual and the quality of the lace, while not couture, is excellent.
Jaw dropping Valentino lace dresses are on sale! I do realize that this is pricey even at 75% off, but it is available at Barney’s Warehouse , and deserves a look-see!
For my upcoming 60th, I am going to wear a beautiful cobalt blue lace jacket, also bought at Encore recently, and made by Anne Fontaine. I paid $80.00 for this gem and it is exquisitely made. I feel regal wearing it! Thank you to Encore for having such amazing merchandise and great service! This is also where I snagged this dress Valentino dress that I feature today.
Upscale consignment stores are full of unique and high quality merchandise. You will not see yourself coming and going, and can enjoy luxuries that you could not (or would not) otherwise.
Regal blue lace with matching pleated grosgrain ribbon trim, is pictured below:
Below a less expensive blue lace dress looks well too. There is a place for mid-quality fashion also, but please avoid fast fashion if possible .
I HOPE I HAVE GIVEN YOU SOME SHOPPING TIPS TODAY THAT YOU WILL FIND USEFUL AND FUN!
Whatever you choose to wear, please wear it with joy and appreciation for the makers and sewers.
Happy mid-week and thank you, as always, for reading and following along!
—— XOXO, Elle ——
There’s such a world of difference between high quality couture lace and its high street equivalent, which tends to look cheap and tatty, and certainly not made to last. What an utterly fantastic find: your dress is nothing short of amazing, so delicate and elegant. And then my eyes were drawn to those unusual pearl shoes. They, as well as the fingerless gloves (Chanel, no less) indeed an edgy vibe, making this a grown up look, instead of just girly-girly! xxx
Elle you have such a good hand for shopping. You look so gorgeous in this wonderful lace dress. ❤️❤️❤️
I wish I can shop in NY with you;)
XOXO Tina
That is a beautiful dress, and I love the gloves and bag with it! Great way to ‘toughen it up’ a little and make it yours. Amazing bargain find too! I wish we had more consignment stores here in Brisbane!
Hope that you have been having a great week and have a nice weekend ahead of you! 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Your ensembles are always a delight for the eyes, especially the textures.
This is just more proof that great clothes do not need to be bought new.
Suzanne
http://wwww.suzannecarillo.com
Great post.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Whoa! Amazing! Beautiful dress. And you’re right: good-quality clothing is infinitely more satisfying than fast-fashion crap from China. Which is why I’ll ship in tony boutiques as well as cut-rate thrift-stores. You never know where you’ll find a gem and, for one, I’ll stretch my budget.
Elle, really! Wow amazing information! And I love you in your precious lace dress! You styled it so perfect and for sure I thought the bag is from Gucci. Your appeal at the end of your post is highly appreciated! Have a happy weekend!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
What a beautiful dress. I love the gloves too! Consignment is amazinggggg
x,
S | Je M’appelle Chanel
This dress looks so beautiful on you! I love how you have accessorised it with those gloves matching with your handbag! 😊
Xoxo Babita
http://travelhues.com
How beautiful you look, dear Elle! The dress is divine and your styling is superb as always!
Lots of love!
You’re stunning, Elle, and one can see the high quality of this dress. What a fabulous find, after careful shopping. You look dreamy, xo,
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Wow. Fantastic deal Elle and it is a stunning piece! i would love to have the consignment stores that you have in NYC! I bet there are alot of great finds. The detail is beautiful and I also love those beautiful shoes with the pearls. The whole look is beautiful, as are you!
Have a wonderful week! I hope you are doing well.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
This dress is so fab! You look amazing.
Gemma x
This dress looks perfect on you, love the color.
Nina’s Style Blog
Oh wow, I can’t believe you can snag a Valentino dress with a price of Zara’s. Definitely love this almond dress, how you style it is perfect.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Great, all the items you selected are very nice, I like them very much
https://pinmytees.com/
You look absolutely stunning, Elle! I love the dress! So elegant and chic!
Raindrops of Sapphire
You look elegant love the lace
Dress cute or what you wore 🙂
I liked everyone you posted.
XoXo
– Helena Primeira
– Helena Primeira Youtube
– Primeira Panos
Ah yes I have been meaning to ask you where the consignment shops are that you go to. But yes you can find some great finds for sure as is the FABULOUS dress.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
That dress looks amazing on you dear! So gorgeous, and you picked the perfect shoes to pair it wtih. Such a fab feminine look!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com