Invest in the Dress
A few days ago, a good friend of mine asked me over a plate of portobello mushroom fries and a glass of overpriced sparkling water, “When you go shopping for clothes, what do you look for?”
After a moment's thought, I told her, “Quality. I like to keep my closet lean and invest in beautiful pieces that I know will last a few solid years.”
Rewind to my college days when I gravitated towards trendy, flimsy pieces that broke down after 3 nights out (ahem, Forever21). Granted, at that time it was all I could afford but as soon as I started earning a decent paycheck, I found myself becoming more critical of the things I bought.
I wanted clothing that lasted and reflected my newfound sophisticated taste. Now, the more I learn about the manufacturing process, the more I make it a point to never consume mindlessly.
Quality over quantity became my tried and true, albeit cliché, shopping motto. So beautiful fabrics, impeccable stitching and carefully thought out silhouettes became must-have qualities.
A year ago, I discovered PIOL -- makers of custom-made dresses -- a company that makes all kinds of LBDs (Little Black Dresses) with an attention to detail that would make even Miss Hepburn proud.
I spy with my little eye... the perfect LBD!
Of course, it’s an investment and each tailored dress will cost you a pretty penny: $550 to $650. But when you can tailor a dress to your exact measurement and tastes -- from the neckline to the pattern -- and unique shape -- from your bust to your height, it’s an investment that pays itself off in the years to come.
Plus, it's versatile enough to look killer at work and play.
Style Notes
PIOL black sheath LBD
Nina Ricci black cat eye sunglasses similar here
Christian Louboutin black patent leather pumps similar here
Opera length pearls similar here
Helen Kaminski straw clutch similar here
Beauty Notes
Giorgio Armani red lippie
Photos by The Amazing Sabrina Hill of Party With No Cake
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You’re lookin’ mighty fine and beautiful even with just a simple black dress! You’re really lovely, dear!
Who’s that fine young man beside you Heidi? As usual, you look amazing! Black looks great on you!
I agree with you, we should invest in clothes that are of high quality instead of the ones that aren’t expensive but could easily get torn in just a few weeks. Invest in tailored and high-quality clothes and you’ll see yourself wearing it for years to come and still love it.
Same here, when I go shopping for clothes or even just the usual stuffs for the house, I make sure that the items are buy are quality and worth the price. I don’t want to go back to the store and complain about it being broke in just a short period of time, that sucks.
Oh Heidi, you look divine! I like your little black dress, too, very classic like Hepburn.
lovely article! i am slowly transitioning into more “quality” pieces than quantity, my closet is so full of clothes but I am missing some staple quality pieces! once I have more money saved i will have to invest in more versatile pieces! xo
Andrea
http://www.phdfashionista.com
you look so lovely, Heidi, you’re a vision in black!
Heidi, you look amazing in black, it brings out your glow. I love your shoes and bag, too, overall, you look effortlessly sophisticated 🙂
Quality over quantity, that should always be our priority, not only on clothes but on most household items as well. I’d rather put my money on something expensive than to splurge on something cheap but always breaks.
By the way, you look lovely, as always, in black!
You look absolutely gorgeous with your LBD, and that young man seems to agree with me 🙂 Love your smiles!
I also opt for quality dresses over quantity. A well-tailored dress is better than having an inexpensive and stylish one but gets torn after two washes.
When I go shopping, I also make sure I go for quality clothes and shoes. If the price is a bit lower, why not? But if I see that the other one has better garment/fabric, I’d settle for the better quality of course, that’s what I tell my kids, too!
You own the coolest, prettiest and most marvelous LBDs I could find. You’re rockin’ that black dress with sunglasses, Heidi, keep it up 🙂
Thanks for this wonderful piece and for sharing your beauty notes. I always see to it, too that I wear comfy yet quality clothes to avoid tearing and buying a new one again.
Quality is always the best policy when it comes to consumer goods and accessories – that’s what I always say to my friends and clients 🙂
I love what you’re wearing from head to toe, you look gorgeous Heidi!
I agree with everyone, you are stunning with your little black dress. A quality dress like that is worth every cent.
Yes, definitely, I also go for quality when I shop for clothes and shoes and other accessories. I don’t care if these are quite expensive, I think I’ve saved enough for me to be able to buy those items that really matters to me and those that are valuable and are with me in the long run.
It shows that you really go for quality clothes and bags, that’s why I always come upon your blog, because you epitomize classic and beautiful woman of the 21st century. I really admire your taste 🙂
I swear, you look great in everything you wear, whether it’s black and blue or white and gold. You are definitely stylish, I can see you do invest in your clothes. That’s awesome!
Usually when I shop for clothes, I make sure the fabric is right and strong. I don’t want experiencing tear-ups while on a meeting of just partying with friends. Also, I make sure I try the garment myself, test it if its sturdy or comfortable.
My, you look really stunning in a little black dress. You’re right, it is important to make sure that you get the most of what you’re paying for so better go for quality instead of quantity. It never fails me!
Well, I go for quality garments/fabrics because I usually do my own dresses. I’ve taken lessons in sewing and tailoring, so I make sure I use the best fabric for my clothes. I also do proper adjustments to my clothings so I can still wear them when I get a little heavier or thinner.
Whoa! I love your black outfit, so chic and classy! I’ll definitely go for that style.. Quality over quantity is always the best, that’s what I always say too, ya’know!
I love your choice of clothes, Heidi, you really look beautiful, may it be in black or white.
I actually like your pearl necklace. It perfectly accentuates your black dress. Lovely 🙂
The classic black dress with pearls, you look like Audrey Hepburn here, Heidi. Love that you’re smiling too!
Classic beauty… that’s what you are Heidi 🙂
Indeed it’s best to make sure that the clothes and items we’re wearing are of top quality and are not easily damaged. We would never get our money’s worth if what we use and wear always have tear and breaks.
My husband bought me a little black dress for our date last Valentine’s day and it was everything I have dreamed of. Quality fabric, soft and silky and comfortable to the skin. I can say that he must have saved a fortune to buy that dress for me. Maybe because he had realized I’ve been buying clothes every now and then, not because I’m vain, but because most of the clothes I used to buy were not really of high quality.
I love this dress, so beautiful and elegant on you Heidi!
You’re really a pretty woman! I wish I could dress something like that with my big figure.
I don’t know if I could afford more than $500 dress, but I agree with you that we should definitely make sure that the dress we are getting for ourselves are durable and really worth every penny.
Unfortunately, I don’t have that many big bucks to buy quite pricey clothes and accessories, but sometimes, when the money is good, I allow myself to indulge and purchase those that I know would last a long time.
Investing in a high-quality dress is really recommended. For the long run, you won’t have to worry about constantly buying a new one just because the old one keeps on getting damaged.
I love this classic look on you. A Little Black Dress can surely bring out the beauty and elegance on a lady.
Simply elegant, that’s all I can say about you while on your beautiful black dress.
Yep, that’s the best piece of advice I can give to my little budding fashion designers. Always go for quality – clothes, fabrics, shoes, accessories, because these can turn into investments. Quality is always equal to longevity.
A great investment like that will surely go a long way.
The pearls adorning your neck say a lot to your LBD. It exudes elegance and grace, my mom had a necklace like that but she never let me borrow them. She says pearls are priceless like diamonds..
You look really classy and sophisticated here. I love your LBD, it’s perfect!
Us ladies should always make sure that we use or wear clothes that we can rely on for a long time. Like a long term investment. LBDs are great finds, especially when the one you have bought is dependable and have nice fabric that doesn’t easily wear off.
Red lipstick, check! Sexy LBD check!
Gorgeous pearls, check! Classic hair, check!
Cute boy by your side, definitely a big check!
Many think investments can only be made on house and lot, cars and accessories. Good thing you mentioned investing on a dress, specifically LBD. I always mention this to my sister but she always contradicts me and says there’s nothing worth investing in clothes. Ha! If she only knew how mistaken she is! I’m going to forward this post to her, hope you don’t mind.
The little black dress is definitely the best and safest option when you’re not fully prepared to go to an event. Investing on a perfect and high-quality LBD is a must!
Those piercing eyes, look lovely with the elegant LBD. I love your whole look, girl!
I think you look stunning in that black number of yours. I specifically love the black leather pumps, so cute!
I agree, I wouldn’t mind spending some money for a dress that I know will last for quite some time and would be very beneficial to events and social gatherings without me having to worry about tears and wears.
Lovely and elegant, that’s what you are, Heidi! LBDs are girls’ real bestfriends!
My, my… if looks could kill, I’d be dead by now. You look amazing in black!
I just remembered, I have this same little black dress which I wore last V-Day. It’s absolutely gorgeous! You look lovely in it Heidi!
Investing in LBDs is a great idea. I’d love to wear those quality ones because they fit comfortably and can last years!
Oh, I thought I saw Audrey Hepburn! You look stunning with this little black dress with pearl necklace, Heidi!
Oh, you’re so lovely! I wish I could dress just like you!
Wow, Audrey Hepburn Hollywood style, you look phenomenal!
Good thing I’ve stashed at least 3 LBDs in my trunk. In my opinion, these little black dresses are a woman’s best friend, next to diamonds!
Wow, you have amazing eyes! And you look really beautiful in that black dress of yours. I gotta buy one for myself. (I’m not really into black, but there’s a first time for everything, right?)
I had one of my little black dresses customized by PIOL too, they’re really great in their craft and the clothes are of high quality. It’s always a perfect choice when you decide to invest on a dress that you will be able to wear even through generations.
Oh, the little black dress, this never goes out of style. It is imperative that all girls should invest in an elegant black dress, it’s always a girl’s bestfriend, more than diamonds, I think.
You might be right there!!!! (Though diamonds are irresistible too 🙂 )
I have no more words for you except… simply stunning!
Ahh the little black dress is really something we ladies should invest in. Especially to me who’s always going to events and cocktails and parties. Lucky I stumbled upon your post, thanks!
You really cannot compete with a classic, can you??
They say black is the safest color. I think it is the most elegant choice for a dress.
I have always made sure the dresses and shoes I buy are of high quality and tip-top condition.Quality over quantity had been my shopping mantra ever since I learned about fashion and style.
That’s the perfect mantra. Quality should beat quantity every time!!
Based on my experience who has always been called for emergency parties, a little black dress is always a must in every lady’s wardrobe.
You are breathtakingly beautiful!
I love your LBD choices, Heidi!
I most definitely agree.. Every lady, every woman, should have at least two LBDs.. Nothing beats this outfit ever..
Us girls an always count on our LBD.. Truly a great investment outfit!