Badgley Mischka Silk Tie Neck Dress

I really try not to write about things that are sold out, or only have a size 00 left or something, because what's the point? I also try not to post about things on Rue La La that often, because it's invitation-only and you can't buy the piece until you're a member. (I've mentioned Ruelala.com before, but in case you haven't heard of it: it's a discount shopping site that has two-day boutiques of a certain brand or designer, marked heavily down. If you want an invitation, just leave your email address in the comments and I'll hook you up.)

But I'm making an exception for this dress, because I'm more than a little in love with it. Made by Badgley Mischka, who is so far out of my price range it isn't even funny, this Fuchsia Silk Tie Neck Dress is $249, originally $680. I'm hugely into bright floral prints this summer, and this dress ups the ante by mixing in a bit of the current color-blocking trend. I love the flattering high waist and the silver O-ring at the halter, but I'm absolutely gaga for the sequins on the top.




I love how it's fun and glitzy but not Vegas Showgirl--you could easily wear this dress during the day, which isn't true of most sequined clothes. Sure, it's a little over the top; I can see the trophy wife of some Hollywood bigwig wearing this to a late lunch with her fellow cougers, but I can also see (a fantasy version of) me wearing this to a rocking rooftop party. Although I'd probably spent half the time yelling, "If you get Jell-O shots on my Badgley Mischka dress, I will push you off this roof!" The other half would be spent graciously accepting compliments and juggling my beaus (because in my fantasy, this party is held on the roof of Tara).

Theory at Rue La La

I love Rue La La in theory (the noun, not the brand)-- designer clothes at reduced prices, plus a cool members-only site? Genius! But a $800 purse that's 75% off is still way out of my price range, and so most of the time Rue La La only serves to make me sad about how long it'll be until I can buy a Diane Von Furstenburg Dress.

One of the boutiques today is Theory (the brand, not the noun), and there are some really great pieces. I'm particularly lusting over this "Peruva" Urchin Multi Pinwheel Skirt, $95, and think it would be a perfect addition to my growing skirt collection (btw, I have no idea if that skirt will work for RLL members, but it definitely won't for non-members). The print is really fun but too loud or overwhelming, and I could definitely go for a little magenta in my wardrobe. I also like the high waist and silk tie, and notice the subtle and flattering pleating.

Crap, I really want it. Now I need to convince myself not to buy this $95 skirt: It's dry clean only! It'll be really tough to match with anything besides black or white! Forever 21 will have a decent knock-off by spring! It'll get all wrinkly if I sit down! Skirts with belts force you to tuck in your shirt, which I can't always pull off!

Ok, I feel better. Anyway, Alex offered this a while ago, but I'll repeat: if any one of you readers aren't members of Rue La La and want to check it out (there's a Shoshanna boutique from Sunday to Tuesday, so don't wait!), leave your email address in the comments and I'll send you an invite. Hopefully you'll have a less angsty time with it than I do.