dolled up for the ball

I love me a fancy black tie event. Why? Well, champagne. And because I get to wear one of the many special gowns I’ve thrifted over the years. So, naturally when my husband asked me if I wanted to attend The 2018 Huntsville Heart Ball over breakfast, I practically screamed ‘yaaas!’ as I spit oatmeal. The event would be held at The Huntsville Space & Rocket Center, so I would get to wear a fancy dress, AND we’d get to drink, dine, and dance under a gigantic rocket all in the name of a great cause.

It wasn’t long before I was perusing the The Hunt Shop inventory to find the perfect dress. Our event wear is pretty impressive. Fancy dresses are often (and sadly) a one and done outfit. So, they frequently show up in thrift stores, but in impeccable condition. Over the years we have grown our collection in the hopes that one day our dresses will get to see another party.

I chose an airy white and black number for the occasion. I thrifted it over 2 years ago in Chicago. It’s Jessica McClintock and still had the tags attached. What do I love about it? Oh everything, but mostly I feel like a princess in the layered white tulle skirt. It’s floaty and moves so, so beautifully. The bodice is very fitted and lace which makes it not too princess-y. If memory servers me right I paid around $12 for it.

I wore it with a pair of thrifted Ivanka Trump patent leather peep toes, a wide velvet choker that I crafted myself, a dainty gold necklace (a gift from my business partner), and I finished the look with my favorite vintage bag. The entire look was under $30. Less money on clothes and more money on silent auction goodies for heart disease prevention.