Dress Up

A week from today I am flying to New York for my cousin’s bat mitzvah. I can’t wait to see my family on the East Coast (especially my sister!) but the dilemma of what to wear is giving me quite a headache.

For those of you who might not know, it’s customary to have your shoulders covered when you attend a Jewish prayer service at a synagogue as a sign of respect. This works out well in this case – I wouldn’t want to wear anything sleeveless or strapless in New York in February anyway – it snowed last week! (Before you even ask, yes, I am already flipping out over the coat and boot situation.)

Additionally, my cousin’s party is right after the morning prayer service – it’s a luncheon. My usual go-to party dresses with their heavy sequins and sparkles won’t work – even I draw the line at a cocktail dress at noon on a Saturday! However – this is the Queen of LA we’re talking about. I don’t want to wear something black and boring!

So for the past month or so I’ve been on the lookout for a classy yet fabulous dress – something that covers my shoulders (or goes well with a snazzy blazer or sweater) and is appropriate for both praying and partying. Here are some options I’ve been liking…

Should I go for something patterned?

Left to right:

Kate Spade/Diane von Furstenberg/Tucker/J.Crew/Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique

Or something super bright and colorful? Could look fabulous paired with black opaque tights and super high heels or boots…

Left to right:

Topshop/See By Chloe/Elizabeth & James/Anthropologie/Calvin Klein

A basic black or grey dress would allow me to zhush it up with insane accessories and jewels:

Left to right:

DKNY/Michael Stars/Kate Spade/Free People/Juicy Couture

What do you think? What’s your favorite? Got a dress you could recommend? I need to know!