Spring Dresses: Derby, Weddings, & Everything In Between

Spring always brings a flurry of invitations and save the dates. All those weddings, parties, or even just a night out with your main squeeze is the perfect excuse to shop for a dress that makes the occasion feel special. 

Derby Day has had a special meaning to me over the last ten (10!) years as Matt and I met at a charity Derby party (this one) and have been together ever since. Now that we are in the suburbs we will be attending the Barrington Children's Charity Derby Party, and it will feel extra sweet this year with that ten years to celebrate. Deciding between this and this to wear this year. 

And there is always the flurry of wedding showers, receptions, and (hopefully) warm date nights out to snag a new dress for. So here are twenty-four colorful options for all of the above. 

Pink pretties...

1. Love a ballet nod. Black Halo $190

2. The perfect palette to add your fave jewelry. Banana Republic $78

3.  Off shoulder and hot pink. love. Black Halo $298

4. When you want a little length. Black Halo $390

5. Obsessed with the laser cut. Elizabeth & James $365

Fun brights...

1. Love the scallop trim.  J. Crew $128

2. Pretty and looks comfy. Milly $350 (many other colors)

3. LOVE this. Delicate and interesting. Tracy Reese $348

4. Sporty and would look great with gold jewelry. Elizabeth & James $385

Love the off shoulder trend...

1. A pretty print, love this. Rebecca Taylor $371

2. Sweet yellow. Cupcakes & Cashmere $105

3. A sexy boho action. Asos $187

4. Breezy navy Alice + Olivia $368

 Some sweet prints...

1. Banana has upped their game. This is so pretty. Banana Republic $98

2. This is crazy flattering. Parker $265

3. A sweet brocade. Alice + Olivia $440

4. I want to live in this all Spring. Asos $55

Stripes and geometrics...

1. Classic and uber flattering. Milly $375

2. LOVE the pastel stripes. Ted Baker $225

3. A modern cut in soft colors. Elizabeth & James $395

Not right for a wedding, but certainly for anything else...

1. Seriously, Banana. this is beyond cute. Banana Republic $168

2. Love a ruffled drop waist. ST Olcay Gulsen $150

3. This breezy dress has great volume. Asos $51

4. This looks like you could live in it. BB Dakota $90

Happy celebrating and hopefully Spring. 

xo

Erin 

Modern Rustic Table Setting

Though I am not hosting a Thanksgiving myself this year, I could not help but to put together my dream table. I am feeling a modern rustic vibe. Black, white, wood, marble, and copper. Simple, yet unexpected. Maybe this will give you some good inspiration for your table this year. 

 Buffalo Check Runner / White Ceramic Vase / Marble Serving Bowl (obsessed) / Chalkboard Place Cards / Angled Stemware / Back Collins Glasses / Copper Flatware / Black Stitched Napkins (also obsessed) / Wooden Chargers / White Bistro Plates / 

xo

Erin 

Wedding Season

These days there is not a whole lot of dressing up happening. I like to get it together for date night, but it certainly does not involve a cocktail dress. So for some of us, that wedding invitation or fundraising party are the best excuses to do a little shopping and put a unique and refined look together. And though my wedding wardrobe for this weekend (can't wait!) includes a bridesmaid dress, these are the looks that would look so great for your Summer line up. 

For a more modern feel...

Dress: Blessed are the Meek $230 / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff $95 / Shoes: Alive + Olivia $325

I am obsessed with the zipper lined envelope clutch. Comes in a bunch of colors too!  

This could work for any wedding, even black tie...

Dress: Notte by Marchesa $340 (on sale) / Bag: Santi $145 / Shoes: Sam Edelman $109

When the dress code is more casual...

Dress: Parker $192 (on sale) / Bag: Oliveve $130 / Shoes: Vince $395

Love a pop in a shoe...

Dress: Black Halo $390 / Bag: Inge Christopher $178  / Shoes: Pour la Victoire $195 

Can't stop thinking about this look...

Dress: Asos $235 / Shoes: L.K. Bennet $395 / Bag: Michael Kors $138 (on sale)

Because pink is always a great idea and this embroidery, love...

Dress: Asos $172 / Bag: Ted Baker $170 (obsessed) / Shoes: BCBG $325

Love a little preppy look...

Dress: Asos $118 / Bag: Lauren Merkin $175 / Shoes: Stuart Weitzman $398 

Love all these so much. Any of them your favorite? 

xo

Erin 

Spring Weddings: What to Wear

They are starting to arrive. All those perfectly calligraphy filled envelopes with gilded invites to a day full of love. And while those of us in the cold can barely get out of our pajamas (if you are wearing short sleeves right now, I hate you), it is really nice to imagine life in a flirty dress in a little sunshine toasting the happy couple. And there are some really great options for all you might need. Rehearsal dinners included. 

Love a black and white, which can be surprisingly "springy" and versatile year round. 

From Left to Right: Worship this graphic Parker $211 (on sale) / Preppy stripes are so fun by Line & Dot $149  / This silk Rachel Zoe is so chic $350 / Love the fringe on this Michael Kors $195

A nice drape in a light fabric always feels great and can flatter

Left: Love this print and ruffled Anna Sui $340 / Right: soft lilac and pretty drape by Asos $83

Florals get a modern touch this season and I would sport any of these 

From Left to Right: I have been on eyeing this Parker $184 (on sale) / A digital print in rad colors Hunter Bell $325 / Love a sleeve and this print is so fun Tracy Reese $298 / This Parker would be so flattering and fun $319

Going long can be hard, but these could be dressed up or down. 

Left: This Shoshanna is both elegant and preppy $395 / Right: Cannot say enough about this Rachel Zoe. LOVE $350

Yellow was a standout on the runway for Spring

Left: The lace and ruffle is so flirty BCBG $268 / Right: This Alice + Olivia is a classic you can wear forever $198

There is also a huge Shopbop sale happening right now (a lot of the above is from there) until Saturday. Use code BIGEVENT15 at check out. 

If you need help for a specific event and want more options email me! Erin@ImperfectPolish.com

Always here to help you with styling and nothing makes me happier!

xo

Erin 

Ballerina Beautiful

Though my ballet days are behind me, I can't help but gravitate towards it as inspiration. It taught me so much in how I approach my life, even now. Anyone that has trained or rehearsed intensively knows that it lights a fire in you that never burns out. I would like to think I could still pull out some of my old tricks, but I think sticking to Pilates is probably best for this old (in ballet years) lady. 

Ballet is such a beautiful inspiration for  fashion, too. I love a great ballet flat year round, specially the ones that actually look like ballet slippers. Here are my current favorites. 

1. Bloch $83 / 2. Sam Edelman $78  / 3. Yosi Samara $74 / 4. Melissa $85

Pale pink always brings everyone back to their time on the barre, but so does delicate lace (that costume), spaghetti straps (your favorite leotard), and full skirts (tutus at every age). 

1. Gorgeous way to rock a tutu-esque skirt. findersKeepers $170

2. A classic pink dress. Asos $113

3. The front of this dress is even more gorgeous. For Love and Lemons $194

4. Pretty and casual dress from House of Harlow 1960 $68

5. Usually I am not a huge fan of the high-low, but this leather version is so pretty. BCBG $268

6. A full skirt brings you back to the tutu and this has an amazing open back. One by Saunder $198

7. The lace on this BCBG is so femme $298

8. Thin spaghetti straps and pale pink is the perfect combo. Rory Beca $229

Are you doing pliés yet? 

xo

Erin 

Black Tie Affair

With wedding season pretty much never ending for us twenty and thirty somethings, the black tie dress code can be a monthly affair. This dress code can be the hardest as the dress cannot be worn to many other functions and you never know just how dressy people will get. The trick is to find something classic that you can switch up with accessories for different weddings. I recently put together some options for a friend and now I am hoping for a fancy event in my future as well. 

This simple, but stunning dress would look gorgeous with gold accessories and a statement shoe. $250

A romantic, pleated dress gets an edge with a metal gold belt. This dress comes in many colors. So pretty. $106

If you go all out with the jewelry, shoes, bag, hair, and make up, short is totally doable for black tie. I love that all of these have an interesting architectural element. 

The pink peplum would look fab with a blingy statement necklace ($116). 

The halter dress would be gorgeous with chunky gold cuffs and a drop earring ($63 on sale). 

I am obsessed with this flutter detail on the skater dress. The ultimate way to make a statement with a LBD. $106

And if you really want to make a statement, the jumpsuit would be so fab. Both the deep v with the mesh version and this killer black and white would be a show stopper. Just make sure you do it up with the rest of your look. 

xo

Erin 

Diamonds on Monday

Blah, Monday is so lame. So in an effort to make it better, let's looks at some diamonds. I have my radar on some delicate diamond rings as I like something small and femme on my right hand, there was one on my bday wish list. I kind of like them alone, but by starting a little collection you can get a finger party going pretty fast. 

A pretty solo diamond ring is kind of the best, but I like stacking as well. I even mismatched my engagement ring and bands in different metals and styles and I love it. Obviously at any price point diamonds are an investment, so just pick something classic that you can wear forever. 

The good news is there are some fantastic styles of diamond rings under $550 that would be so pretty added into your other rings or solo. A lot of people think diamonds are always in the thousands, but as you can see below, there are some seriously gorgeous pieces that are a great addition to your wish list. 

1. This double diamond ring is so chic. $460

2. Gorgeous update to the eternity band. $534

3. Obsessed with this love knot ring. $506

4. A classic eternity band $395

5. This ring resembles a crown is just so cool $315

6. A cross ring would be fun in a stack $375

7. A mini evil eye ring. Love it so much $465

8. go straight for the stack with Jennifer Meyer $525

9. This braided diamond band is genius. $350

10. Another pretty eternity band $498

11. The filigree on this gold band gives it a vintage feel $250

12. This arrow ring is modern and fun $390

13. So simple, yet so gorgeous. Gabriela Artigas $264

14. This rose gold ring would be perfect solo. $495

15. A cluster of diamonds is always better. Jennifer Meyer $500

Monday just got way better, right? 

xo

Erin 

Shopping with Friends

Another week has passed and we are inching closer to baby girl's arrival. 35 weeks and I am hoping that the weeks slow down just a bit so I can enjoy them with Tommy before her debut. We shall see. 

This weekend is going to be another chill one with pilates (still attempting, somewhat successfully), risotto dinner for two, pizza play date with friends, and hopefully naps for everyone. The weather is gorgeous, so maybe some pool time too. What are you up to? 

 It is always flattering when people ask for my advice on what to wear, what to cook, and how to decorate. I feel like a novice at it all, but it is fun to brainstorm for others and search out fun things. 

I got an email from a friend looking for a black dress for a black tie optional wedding. She prefers something that has a waist in classic lines and under $500. These are some options I pulled and figured many of you might be looking for the same thing since we are in the thick of wedding season. 

From Left: 1. Parker (All it needs is statement jewelry) 2. BCBG (Totally obsessed with this) 3. Jenny Yoo (For a little drama) 

4. ONE by (has an amazing open back) 5. ONE by (love the leather) 6. Tadashi (flattering and fun with the mesh)

I am also helping a friend redecorate her condo in the city. She wants help picking paint colors and furniture, which is so fun. She has very classic style and travels a lot for work, so she wants a chic but comfortable space to come home to. Here is where we are at with the design...

Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Lazy Gray

Pillows: Lulu & Georgia

Chevron Chair: West Elm

Brass Floor Lamp: Shades of Light

Coffee Table: Z Gallerie

Rug: PB Teen

Sofa: Restoration Hardware

Side Table: Crate & Barrel

Art: Art.com

Table Lamp: Lulu & Georgia 

How cool is that photo above the sofa? She was quite the tap dancer and this gives her something fun, but sophisticated to give a nod to her dance background. 

It was fun working on both of these little side projects this week. I have been cooking a lot lately too, so I am feeling pretty productive considering that I also just want to nap at all times of day. The nursery is still coming along, but will probably be a couple of weeks before I get the dresser. Hopefully it gets here before the baby! 

Have the best weekend. 

xo

Erin 

Feel the Breeze

How was your holiday weekend? I think I ate my weight in cheeseburgers (no joke, had one every day) and am still getting over the sugar rush from all the cookies and desserts. It was pretty damn fun. We were blessed with nice weather, but holy summer it got hot and sticky fast. Being eight months pregnant makes that super fun and all I want to wear is the tiniest little dress I can find, but alas a giant bra and lots of coverage is probably more my speed right now. 

How great would one of these open back dresses be for a date night or cocktails with your girlfriends on a hot summer night?

1. A little pink dress screaming for a fun wedding by Tibi

2. A little ladylike and sexy combined in this Alice + Olivia (on sale)

3. I worship this slinky Parker dress with its contrasting striped skirt. 

4. The sweet tie in the back of this Parker romper is perfection. 

Though my bump cannot fit in any of these, I want to live vicariously through anyone who gets to sport one of these beauties. 

xo

Erin 

Rifle Paper Co.

Why do girls have such a soft spot for paper? Pretty calling cards, loopy monogrammed stationary, letterpress greeting cards, we love it. Guys could care less and usually rely on office supplies and gifts from Mom. Too bad for them that would not get as excited as us for this ridiculously sweet paper shop, Rifle Paper Co. I am totally obsessed with their illustrations and the ability to customize it. The style is vintage with a bit of kitsch, in a good way, and pretty. I came across them when I saw this adorable family portrait on Pinterest. 

It is their stationary that was framed for their house. How sweet is that? 

The floral prints slay me. I worship these calling cards, thinking about getting them as my new business cards. 

A bright citrus print would be cute in the kitchen. 

Love this cowboy invitation for a little boy's birthday party. Doesn't it remind you of Wes Anderson movies a bit? 

The different ways you can monogram stationary is lovely. The little portrait ones are amazing. The floral monogram would be perfect for a wedding gift to the bride. 

The wedding invitations are so pretty. I would have died to have any of them as mine. 

How perfect would this be for a shower invitation? 

Maybe the most perfect valentine cards ever. 

Might be doing some damage on this site today. I can't help it, just like how you might not resist either. 

xo

Erin 

Destination: Santa Barbara

Last Thursday I hopped on a plane with my man for a weekend in Santa Barbara. You know you leave early when you see the sunrise over the city, but it was worth it. 

Landing in LA at nine in the morning gives you lots of time to enjoy your day. We rented a car and drove up the PCH towards Santa Barbara. The only downside of getting in so early was that my plans to stop in Malibu for lunch were not possible since we were there before the place opened. The views from the car made up for it and and after a few stops and this glorious meal at In N Out...

We made it to Santa Barbara. 

I have been here before and even almost went to school here, but it always seems almost fantasy like when I come back. What lucky people get to live in this dream land year round? The weather is perfect, the beaches gorgeous, and there is plenty to eat and see in this coastal haven. 

We stayed at the Four Seasons Biltmore which is located where Santa Barbara meets Montecito. The resort feels more like one of the sprawling Spanish style compounds that surround it. And a larger version of one of my favorite hotels, the Arizona Inn. There was plenty we could have done, but after checking in and finding a spot on the beach, why leave? 

Especially when we were introduced to the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. We sat here for drinks on arrival, ate a delicious dinner at sunset, and even was able to celebrate with the bride we had traveled to celebrate for lunch the next day. It is a members only club, but guests of the hotel can enjoy it. The room rate is worth every penny so you can spend time here. 

One morning we walked into the town of Montecito and had breakfast at Jeannine's (several locations in Santa Barbara) for breakfast. Let's just say I fell in love with their cinnamon roll that was made from croissant dough. Miss it so much. 

I highly recommend a trip into this adorable little town. A farmer's market was being set up as we ate with families of farmer's displaying some insane produce and flowers. We also walked around the neighborhoods and saw some houses that made me swoon. 

We headed into downtown Santa Barbara the rest of the weekend for the wedding of one gorgeous bride. There is plenty to see, do, and eat in town. Playa Azul Cafe has a charming patio and authentic Mexican. For a good old fashioned breakfast, Joe's was perfect with shredded hash browns and fluffy pancakes. The late night pizza from Uncle Rocco's was probably the best slice I have had in awhile. We all met for drinks at Blush's outdoor patio one night, generous wine pours and tons of outdoor seating made it a great gathering spot. 

Santa Barbara does feel like a fantasy of sorts. And one of my favorite girls in the world, who grew up there, made it feel even more so at her dream wedding. Saying she was stunning is an understatement. All her dreams came true and she got to come full circle and see it realized at her childhood home. 

Her vision was Great Gatsby meets Havana Nights, and if you know her that statement makes perfect sense. So under crystals and chandeliers we danced all night under a crazy full moon. 

Cheers B&B. xo