2/15/11

Vintage Here, Vintage There: Date Night!!

A New Collaboration
Saturday was the annual military ball! It snuck up on me this year and without a lot of time to shop the mall for a new dress I decided I'd just head to Red Velvet to browse the vintage dresses in hopes of finding something pretty. I tried on so many GORGEOUS mid-century frocks that were either a little snug in the hips, a little too big in the chest, or perfect but not quite formal enough. The one I brought home was cocktail party appropriate but was a little bit large in the shoulders. It must have been worn by a much taller woman in it's day!

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I hated to change it's silhouette because it's what made this dress so classic! However, I had only a few hours to make something work or have to wear the same dress that I'd worn last year. I reworked the neckline to open it up a little and took in about 1.5" in the shoulders. Then I had to adjust the sleeves ghetto style. In the end, it felt a little more 90's than 60's but it finally fit.

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Brett and I were running a little late again this year so we only had time to take two pictures before we left. Here we are, much less nervous about what to expect at the ball and if our three month old (at the time) would be okay for at least three hours away from mama!

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We got to the University Plaza Hotel downtown and visited with another couple a little closer to our ages (um...not 21) during the social hour before the receiving line started. We laughed a lot and heard their stories about deployment and married life. We even had friendly, talkative people at our table this year so the whole night was pretty enjoyable.

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We ducked out after dinner as we'd already been there for about four hours and really aren't the dancing fools we used to be. Oh wait...nope, we've never been dancing fools unless you count living room dance parties with the kids to Dan Zane! Ha!

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I asked Brett if I looked like I was going to a funeral. He was a sweetie and said no. I did feel pretty but if I were to do it again, I think I would've gone with something a little more flirty or long and flowy. I need to remember to take advantage of those opportunities to dress to the nines!

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I DID get to wear my new red coat! I thrifted this pretty boucle coat with a fur collar for $3 in town last month. $3!!! I've seen similar coats for $70 - $100 on Etsy and to find one that was more fitted and in such a great color was kind of fantastic.

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Oh, and you can't see my earrings very well in any of these photos but they are Betsey Johnson. Elsie got them for me two Christmases ago and they are little rhinestone hearts with arrows attached to a chain. Perfect for Valentine's weekend!

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Date nights are my favorite nights, perfect dress or not. And doesn't Brett look handsome in his uniform!

Rubyellen wore a pretty vintage dress this weekend, too! Did you get to wear something pretty this weekend (date night or not)?

xoxo,
Rachel

23 comments:

Christina R. Griffith said...

Girl, you look GREAT, the dress and coat is SUPER wonderful...what a steal!

Amber said...

You looked beautiful! That coat is amazing! I love finding deals like that.

marci said...

So pretty!

Nicole Coffin. said...

You look awesome in that dress!

Sara said...

you look fabulous! I love how you altered the dress, much more modern and chic. Hope you had a great time!

2020 Student Ministries said...
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Whitney said...

I'm amazed that you got that gorgeous coat for only $3!!! Oh, the power of thrift stores :)

bethan said...

you look fantastic, and that coat is just wow! what a find :) i remember going to balls at university, it was always such a challenge to find something cute, affordable and a little different, i'd have loved for a dress like yours!

x.

Unknown said...

Rachel, you look beautiful and you did such a great job on that dress too! What a steal your coat was! Fabulous!
Px

Brittany said...

aww you two are so cute!! and great job on the dress--i love it!

RachelDenbow said...

Thanks, everyone! Could you tell I was a little on the fence about it? ;)

Unknown said...

My Betsey Johnson earrings are my absolute fave!
It looks like you 2 had a nice fun night out!

Dawn Trest said...

you two are adorable! LOVE the red coat and dress...so pretty :)

Stephanie said...

Every time the USMC Birthday Ball rolls around I'm happy because, yay pretty dress stuff and creations, but I do hate being one of the older wives (even if I don't look it). Love the coat by the way.

Teeny said...

You look superb! I wish I could find such a coat. Date nights are fun huh! It's great to have babies, but also great to have a date night out without them too, i concur!

Anonymous said...

you're so classy and pretty :)

Alizabeth Reinhart said...

sooo pretty! =)

Melissa Crowe said...

You look fantastic! You just reminded me that I went to a Military Ball back in college when I was dating a ROTC boy (during a brief hiatus from my now-husband!)--I think that was last time I ever got to dress formally, besides my wedding. We do need to seize those opportunities when they arise! Now I feel like I should have a prom for my next birthday. ;-)

Rubyellen said...

both you look absolutely dashing!!!

Kira said...

That dress looks great on you, and I love your coat!

Molly said...

Military Balls are the best! That was my husband's and my first date :) Your dress looks beautiful, I'm glad you all had fun that evening!

Holly said...

oh my gosh Rachel you look STUNNING! Mr. Brett is certainly handsome in his uniform as well.

cupcakesandcoffee schwartz said...

Totally cute!! The coat is amazing.