I'm Going Strapless In French Connection's Samara Party Dress. Watch Out, World.

I've got a wedding next month in Brooklyn, and the dress code is "Brooklyn formal." That means an olde-tymey mustache and suspenders. Just kidding. Anyway, I interpreted that to mean "dress like an extra from the movie 'Burlesque.'" And I'm certain I'll achieve that in this French Connection sequined "Samara" party dress I bought (in record time, mind you -- in and out of the store in about 11 minutes or something ridiculous).

$198.99, French Connection

I'm gonna employ the assistance of the spaghetti straps, a SERIOUS strapless bra, and the grace of the Lord. Also, hi, half off! Done.

Oh! Shoes!  

$70, Aldo

Aldo was kind enough to be located approximately four feet from French Connection. I purchased these cool two-tone Wademen heels in approximately four minutes. And they're surprisingly comfortable. I'm into Aldo, but I can't handle the fact that many of their heels are like 19 inches high. These are a FAR more reasonable three inches or something.

Anyway, point is, there's a strapless bra in my immediate future. Wish me luck.

I Bought It: Miu Miu-Alike French Connection Dandy Voile Dress

French Connection

I've been in the market for some slightly more professional dresses -- I work in online content for MTV, so this is pretty professional in my realm. I don't exactly need a Chanel suit or whatever (though Chanel, if you're reading this and have some kind of blogger suit program, I'd be happy to wear one to work and watch people's WTH faces). Also, I've been scratching a LOT of impulse buy itches lately, and this French Connection dress was one them. I was at Bloomingdale's, and this pretty much leaped up into my arms like a lost puppy looking for a home. It practically licked my face. Annoyingly, I paid $148 for it (very unlike to me to whip out one and a half Benjamins, but again, this poor dress, it needed a home -- also, I don't carry "Benjamins." I don't think I've ever seen a real 100-dollar bill in my life except maybe in mafia movies... I really need richer friends) and then I saw it on French Connection online for half that, but it was sold out, so whatever. It fit perfectly, despite the fact that it was about 128 sizes larger than the three sizes I might normally wear. (Looks like I'm not the only one who finds that French Connection likes to size up.)

Anyway, as much as I love Mad Men-style everything (duh -- I'm in my '30s and live in Brooklyn. It's a given), there's a time and a place to dress like Joan Holloway, and a time and place to be not costumey. So while the pleated, nipped-waist style feels retro, the ruffled sleeves keep this from looking like you're swilling a Manhattan and vying for Don Draper's attention. It's like Mad Men meets Gaga.

Oh, and the print kinda references Miu Miu, no?

($1094, Miu Miu, Mytheresa.com)

Hmm. Maybe I did get a good deal after all.