Showing posts with label what to wear to a special occasion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label what to wear to a special occasion. Show all posts

Sunday, 27 August 2023

WHAT I WORE FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Hello my dear readers.  Hope you are all well.

This is post is long overdue as we celebrated our wedding anniversary on the 29 of July.  Sadly, the following week I had to go to the hospital to have a surgical procedure on my nose.  It was BCC (basal cell carcinoma), the most common form of skin cancer and the least dangerous but if left untreated it can turn nasty.  

A few years ago my skin doctor had removed a similar BCC from the right side of my nose but this time the lesion was bigger which involved skin grafting and I was referred to the plastic surgeon.  As a result, my nose is scarred on this side and as you can imagine, does not look attractive at ll.  I was told that the healing process might take up to 4 months, so I am not sure how I am going to take photos for my blog without scaring readers away.  Perhaps, I might just pose sideways, that’s a thought 😊.

Anyway, back to the topic.  A few months ago my older daughter showed me this glamorous looking jacket made out of jacquard fabric and asked if I wanted it.  I was not entirely sure if I needed it but said "yes", just in case.  Since then it has been sitting in my closet waiting for the occasion; it is not the kind of jacket that I would wear for my every day chores or to work.  In the old days people used to differentiate their wardrobe between what they wear everyday and for special occasions and although it sounds rather old-fashioned, I adhere to this notion. 

This way getting dressed for an occasion makes it feel really special. It does not have to be a major event like a wedding for example, it could be just a night at the Opera or theatre or a dinner party at an upscale restaurant.  I read somewhere that the ambience of the place depends as much on the interior decor as on the way the patrons appearance and we should make an effort to dress accordingly. My husband and I totally agree, if fact when I think I am overdressed, he always reassured me that it's better to be overdressed then underdressed.  

I like to start planning ahead on what I will wear with what and which accessories, shoes and a handbag would work best, it kind of builds anticipation for a good time ahead and fittingly, our anniversary dinner was one of those occasions.

I wanted the jacket to be the focal point of my outfit so all other elements should be of less impact as not to distract attention and since the background of it is black, I chose it as a base colour for all my clothes for the night except the shoes.

The slim pants I am wearing are also new.  They are my latest purchase from Reiss.  Those of you who read my blog, might remember that I absolutely love this brand and follow its sales religiously.  I appreciate the brand for its fashion style, high quality fabric and the craftsmanship of the execution.  The top is quite old Zara purchase but comes handy when I need to wear something black without any frills.

As for shoes, I am so happy that the singback pumps are back, here in OZ at least.  I haven’t worn these beauties for quite some time and am looking forward for winter to end so I will be able to give them a full workout during the worm months.

And that is that.  We spent our anniversary night at the Spanish wine bar called Bibo Wine Bar. It was our first dinner there but we passed it many times on our walks and loved the way it looks:  dark painted wall, flickering candles, people drinking, eating, laughing - obviously enjoying themselves.

It turned out exactly what we expected, the food (modern Med) was very tasty, the staff was exceptionally friendly yet highly officiant and knowledgeable and we had great time.

Do you separate your wardrobe into everyday wear and a special occasion or you just wear whatever takes your fancy?   Please share your thoughts in a comment section below.

Outfit details: Jacket - Minkpink, Top - Zara, Pants - Reiss, Shoes:  Hugo Boss, Glasses - Prada

Until then

Anna

xoxoxo 




 

Sunday, 26 March 2023

BLACK GARCIA GOWN FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

Hello my dear readers, hope you are doing well.

BLACK GARCIA GOWN FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

I know it sounds like an old adage, but time does fly, wouldn’t you agree?  In April this year my dear husband is approaching one of those milestone birthdays that sounds a bit scary – he is turning 70.  I know it’s just a number but in Danny’s case, it means a lot considering his medical history  included a stroke, a quadruple by-pass and cancer.

BLACK GARCIA GOWN FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

Anyhow, birthday no matter the number, are meant to be celebrated and we are doing it in style.  To celebrate his actual birthday which is on Friday the 28 of April, just the two of us are going to a swanky restaurant called Oncore by ClaireSmyth, the first and only female chef to hold three Michelin Stars in the UK.  "Situated on level 26 of Crown Sydney and overlooking one of the most breath-taking views of Sydney Harbour, the outstanding delivery of fare has resulted in recognising Oncore as one of the top fitfty restaurants in the world from the prestigious La Liste Awards and has been awarded three Chef Hats from Good Food Guide Awards."

BLACK GARCIA GOWN FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

If you want to eat there, you have to book 3 months in advance and on the day when the site opens for booking, you have to be very quick as the places are snapped up with supersonic speed.

Then, on the following Saturday, we have invited our family and close friends, some of them Danny has known since his years living in Cape Town, all and all around thirty people, to celebrate his birthday at an award-winning restaurant called China Doll for dinner.  The restaurant resides on the historic Finger Warf where patrons are treated to delicious pan -Asian style food and are bedazzled by the sparkling views over CBD, Art Gallery of NSW and iconic Harbour Bridge.

BLACK GARCIA GOWN FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

Then in May we are we are thinking of visiting Bali for a week but so far it’s just an idea so  I will keep you informed when it, hopefully, will materialise. 

Now that we have a venue, all I need is an outfit that matches it.  Of course, I could’ve found something in my wardrobe that would do but I wanted to wear something fresh. 

BLACK GARCIA GOWN FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

I didn’t have a clear idea of what to look for, just went into Westfield Shopping Centre in hope that in one of the numerous clothing stores I will find something that I like.  As luck has it, it didn’t take me long to find it.  I was in the Myer department store browsing aimlessly between concession counters when at Pilgrims I saw a mannequin dressed in a very elegant looking black dress that looked exactly what I had in mind.

BLACK GARCIA GOWN FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

The first thing that attracted my attention was the shape of its plunging neckline and off the shoulder sleeves.  On closer examination I noticed that it also has a crossover detail around the bodice that visually makes your waist look slimmer and a tulip shaped skirt that allows you to show your legs without too much skin being exposed.  In other words, a perfect evening dress suited for a special occasion.  A quick trip to a fitting room and it was mine.

BLACK GARCIA GOWN FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

This dress speaks for itself and does not require heavy accessories to make a statement.  Just a string of white pearls, contrasting red shoes, an evening hand bag and a smear of red lipstick to match the shoes and I am ready to party.

Stay tuned for the follow up.

Until then,

Anna

xoxoxo

Outfit details:
Dress:  Pilgrim 
Handbag:  Chanel (old)
Sunglasses:  Prada (old)