What to Wear: Weddings, Cocktail Parties and Events

It's been years since I've had to get "dressed up." Don't get me wrong, I've worn dresses and gone to events and parties, but nothing that really required a new purchase, serious thought to accessories and just the right fancy heels. But all that changed when I had a Cocktail Attire dinner in NYC and a Family Wedding, both in the same week. Shopping Powers - activate!

I must have picked the worst week of the year to shop, because while I looked at a TON of dresses, everything was WRONG: too dressy, too "young", too "old" or just plain old too ugly! Can you feel me? As desperation began to set in, I made a last ditch trip to the mall, dragging both boys with me (I KNOW - crazy!) I went into the dress shop at Bloomingdales and my heart started to sink. Everything looked like a boring work dress or a dress fit for a beauty pageant (I like a little bling, but come on!) WHERE were all the dresses "normal" people wear?