Lovely Dress of the Day

Two things I love in this world are re-interpretations and the ability to be re-worn. It's my own form of environmentalism, reduce, reuse, recycle. Re-interpret, re-wear, re-look fabulous. My college roommate Stephanie would be so proud. There's nothing I love more than buying a great dress for Halloween, looking absolutely lovely in it and then getting to wear it again whenever you want, or as the occasion calls for it. When I was 11 my cousin Katie had her sweet sixteen on Halloween--the very, very stylish 11 year old I was went as Holly Golightly in the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany's. After trick-or-treating I removed my costume accessories and changed my shoes and slipped right into party mode. When I was a sophomore in college I bought a blue and white polka dot dress for Halloween, went as a 1950's house wife and wore the dress with cowboy boots and a jean jacket for the rest of the fall.

This Halloween Olivia is going as Dorothy at the request of some of her students, that got me thinking-- how far can we get away from the Judy Garland Dorothy look, into something you'd actually re-wear and still have people know who you're dressed as?

Pair any of these dresses (1. Mariner Dress, 2. Tikirani Stripe Pinafore Dress, 3. Ginger Rock Dress) with a white button down (with a peter pan collar even!) or white leotard. Braid or pigtail your hair, carry a basket with a stuffed (or real, come here Pip!) dog. Most importantly, rock red shoes! Anything from red pumps, to ruby flats, to a pair of blood orange cowboy boots! Or, if you want to go really literary, and less cinematic, shine in silver-- never forget L. Frank Baum wrote Dorothy in magic silver slippers, not ruby!

Not only will people love your creative interpretation of a tried and true costume, but you'll be left with a dress you will re-wear, money well spent on a piece which enhances your wardrobe. Moreover, whenever you wear the dress you can carry that Halloween spirit with you throughout the year. And maybe some of that candy.

(1. Mariner Dress, 2. Tikirani Stripe Pinafore Dress, 3. Ginger Rock Dress)