Thursday, March 25, 2010

Savvy Shopping - Gearing Up For The Gala

One of the most beautiful events that I attend every spring is the Patron Gala for the Friends of Virginia Robinson Gardens. Every year this organization honors a special person who has had a history of contributions to the community. This year is particularly special because they are honoring the Michael Kazanjian and his family's philanthropic organization, the Kazanjian Foundation and the Jewels for Charity program.
So now the party isn't going to be until the first week of May, I don't want to wait until two days before and make a rushed decision and end up spending too much. Like I wrote about earlier this week, I hate making shopping decisions with a time constraint. So if I start thinking about it now, I have a month or so to find the right thing.
I'd love an Andrew Gn or a Jenny Packham gown but I'd also like to just order something less expensive over the internet and be done with it
like this gown from Bergdorf Goodman
Diane Von Furstenberg gown at Bergdorf Goodman $825

the price is right, the color is gorgeous and it has such pretty detail on the back
I love this color. DVF calls it Indian Jade but since I've never seen actual jade in that color it looks more like teal to me
or better yet the color one of my favorite gemstones
Mozambique or Paraiba tourmaline
here is a Mozambique tourmaline, I love that teal blue hue
and here is a mother of all tourmalines, the Paraiba tourmaline with that magnificent electric blue color.
These stones are so rare and expensive in large sizes that it's difficult to find jewelry made with them...but if I could get my hands on a suite or a demi-parure in Mozambique or Paraiba, or even just one statement ring I would definitely buy the DVF dress.


Another option, sans tourmalines, would be a few Art Deco diamond bracelets and these earrings, which just scream Spring to me.
Well that's one option and luckily, I have plenty of time to consider other outfits.
Digg this

14 comments:

La Belette Rouge said...

That dress! The Tourmaline! And, le sigh, the sapphire and diamond butterfly earring. You will be the bell of the ball. The colours are dazzling and those earrings are like a Midsummer Night's Dream---MAGIC!

Mardel said...

Oh those earrings seem to cry out for a garden party. With the fabulous dress they are like something out of a fairy tale.

As for the Tourmaline -- ah I dream of things like that; the color is fabulous.

Susan B said...

Gorgeous dress! It would look fabulous with those earrings. Would love to see you in this!

LPC said...

Those EEEAAAAARRRRRINNNGGGSSSSSS! Iyeeeeee! Sorry. Just so beautiful.

Belle de Ville said...

Belette, trust me, If I wear that dress I will be way underdressed compared to the other women at that soiree.
Mardel, I'm dreaming of that gem too. I've only seen a couple of of them in over 25 carats. Hey...I'd be happy with a 5 carat paraiba.
Pseu, I'm really tempted with this dress...unless I can find something just as nice for less.
LPC, yes I feel the same way about those earrings as you do

The Townhouselady said...

The dress is incredible.

The Paraiba Tourmaline will probably be forever on the list of gems missing from my collection. I pray I win the lottery so I can get my dirty little paws on a good one someday.

Unknown said...

You know you already have my vote on that color ;D

Anonymous said...

Belle, I've got your dress, it's by Alberto Makali, I just ordered THREE amazing gowns for a client. They are silk chiffon, much less in price than that you show....The colors are stunning and if you want prints, Makali's got those in gowns too.

Seriously, you must look. I ordered through a boutique in Redondo; she had a lookbook that I chose from and Makali sent the gowns in two weeks. Absolutely stunning and beautiful quality for around $500. Do you have a local boutique that can order for you?

Belle de Ville said...

Lady,you've got something much better than a lousy tourmaline, you've got a new baby!!! Jealousy oozing out on my part.
Sher, oh yeah baby, what a color!
Karen, I'm going to look into the Makali. Sound awesome for the money.

Christa Weil said...

Belle, slightly off topic but have you ever read Kunz's books on gems? This post reminded me of him . . .

Laguna Beach Fogey said...

Beautiful gardens.

Jill said...

With your coloring...that dress would be stunning!
I'm so incredibly jealous of your access to amazing jewels!!

stilettolover91 said...

That gown is stunning!!! LOVE IT!!

http://www.hottheels.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Oh please look at the Makali line! I know you would look great. Their bodices are so perfectly formed, but you have to go up a size, or TWO to get it right, so don't be alarmed!

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