Why is it so hard to find a good Bachelorette/Hen Dress?
The whole ordeal, and some good stuff I've spotted out and about.
The Starter 🍤
If I haven’t already shouted it at you enough, I am indeed having a wedding (did the courthouse marriage last year). With a wedding comes the ever-notorious Hen Do/Bachelorette. I didn’t want a joint event, shout out to the couples that can do that and enjoy it, but I know my Hen will be much more fun than Nii’s comedy club/karaoke evening, no offence 👀.
Obviously I had to find an outfit, which ended up being much more challenging than I’d expected. Firstly, what’s the vibe? I’m 32, which by no means is coffin-dodging, but I’m not going for an itty-bitty mini, bordering on socially inappropriate, causing mothers to shield the eyes of their young children - which is what I probably what I would have worn 5 years ago. So what am I comfortable with at by “big age” that still feels sexy and fun, but in a way that doesn’t involve me constantly pulling down my skirt all evening? Do I want to do a sheer moment? My Mum, who is the Mum from Mean Girls, was very keen for me to do a sheer moment, and I had to remind her it will still be daylight when the festivities begin and no one needs to see that much of my bum at 4pm on a Thursday. So I could do a little sheer, but it has to be the right kind of sheer.
🚨Crucial info - I’m actually going straight from talking on a panel at YouTube to my first festivity of the night, so I can’t embarrass myself too much, seated on a elevated stage.
I’ve felt like Goldilocks during this whole search - too sexy, too dowdy, too long, too short, too plain, too much, that one requires a complex bra system that I can’t even begin to understand, that one would require 3 pairs of Skims on top of each other, too feather-y, too forgettable etc. etc.
The one part I did enjoy was only having to look at the white dresses - it narrowed things down in a sea of options, and that’s coming from someone who is usually terrified of all white outfits.
And then there was the price. The “Wedding Wardrobe” budget was blown through very early on in the engagement, and thankfully there’s lots of elements I can re-wear, but I was trying to be more sensible with this dress. As much as I would have loved an embellished Balmain moment…not for those prices.
I got in touch with my friend who’s a fashion designer in London, but I was too short notice to have something special made. I then saw this dress from De La Vali and I thought the lace draping was so romantic, but also gave that sheer aspect that made it feel sexy. But…it’s burgundy. Apparently they’re going to release it in white (PSA to all my future Brides!), but not in time for my Hen. I turned to my go-to party dress brand, New Arrivals, and sadly felt nothing scrolling through the pages.
And so I turned to old faithful, Vivienne Westwood and there she was. A great dress that I could wear over and over again, (not in the bridal section and therefore not bridal prices woohoo 🥳) that was just the right amount of sexy. Sometimes the obvious choice is the right one!
The Main Course 🍔
A random mix of things I’ve seen and wanted to share (some are on sale!)
Etro Vela Bag - I keep going back to thinking about this bag. She’s just so interesting, in a sea of Margauxs (hehe sorry). Not only does this come in a plethora of colours, fabrics and designs, but the hardware-trimmed mouth stays open whilst you forage inside for your keys. The orange is really making me feel things. Ugh, she’s cool.
Jean Paul Gaultier Dress - this one was a serious contender for a Wedding event, but I ended up going with something else. How fun is that MANE of fringe draping down the back of the dress? She’s 30% off.
$756 (on sale) Greg Yüna Twiglet Bracelet - ok, so it’s not actually called the twiglet, but that’s what I’ve named it. I popped into the Greg Yüna store on Mulberry street this week, which is dangerous because the wish list conveniently grows the moment I walk in. This twiggy/branch-like bangle is great alone, but in a stack it feels really unexpected.
This is the yellow gold (on top), which I think works a little too well with what I currently have going on on my wrist. Gucci Giglio Bag - Why is this bag so good? A good shoulder bag tote that has a personality is hard to find - this is almost into hobo territory but not quite. It currently comes in classic GG monogram or a denim, and the price isn’t insane.
Versace Sale Pieces - Versace has their sale going on currently and they tend do a decent discount, so here are the pieces that caught my eye. I really like this cameo print in the yellow/grey combo (there’s also a pink/blue) - this camp shirt is similar to one I have and love. If you’re looking for the cutest cover up set then the award goes to this top and these shorts - the best part is you can wear them as stand alone pieces too. VERSATILITY!
Prada Silk Top - Following on from the above, Prada has this beautiful silk tie-back high neck top. I find it hilarious how the only retailers who stock this top have all been given the same lacklustre image, so use your imagination here and trust me lol. Could you just fashion a silk scarf for much cheaper? Yes but some of us are lazy.
Miu Miu Sunglasses - These are great, excellent even! The wrap around shield is big enough that it gives that “I’m famous, don’t look at me” vibe, but doesn’t take over your whole face. I also tend to go for sunglasses with skinny arms, which I think can be unexpected for a style like this. The all-black is good, but the ‘Havana’ tortoiseshell is fantastic.
The Dessert… 🧁
What I’ve been…
Listening to: An excellent episode of Ladies Who Launch with Lorna Luxe
Reading: One in Four by Lucinda Berry - don’t bother, what a massive waste of time. On a positive note, I’m now reading Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney and I’m really enjoying it!
Watching: And Just Like That on Max, Sirens on Netflix and Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning in the cinema - pure entertainment from start to finish.
Buying: Lots of last minute wedding stuff including my hen do dress lol, shout out to MyTheresa for fast shipping.
Doing: Trying to get all my ducks in a row before my parents arrive!
I hope you enjoyed this one, let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Love,
Ca$$ie
I pulled trigger on the Vela months ago and had to return it — I received two after getting one and requesting a fresh one, and both had leather that was sort of bubbling where the bag bends. I think depending on the color (I was opting for white) it might not be designed with longevity in mind. It seemed like every time I would bend it to open it, the folding would further damage the leather. Devastating, because I really do think it's the best bag out rn!
Thanks for sharing, can’t wait for pictures!