ChickSpeak

The little black dress (ubiquitous with the acronym LBD) became famous circa the 1920’s thanks to Ms. Coco Chanel herself.  Versatile as it is flattering, it is a Fashion DO for women everywhere.   From casual to formal, the LBD is the gift that keeps on giving.

Time check, T-minus 2 weeks.  Back in April, I founded this event called Charity Date Auction.  Charity Date Auction is an annual fundraiser committed to raising support and awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Washington metropolitan area.  Did you know?   That Washington, DC has the highest incidence of AIDS in the nation, five times the national average, and more than most Sub-Saharan African countries?  The 2007 beneficiary of the event is Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care, a non-profit organization centered on preserving, assisting, and strengthening children (ages 5 through 18) living with HIV/AIDS in the metropolitan Washington, DC area so that they can achieve their fullest potential.   Shameless self-plug! 

Mission impossible? So with the date auction happening in less than two-weeks I was hard pressed to find me a cute black dress.  Just so y’all know, everyone on my steering committee is required to wear all black the night of the event.  :-)  I think most savvy shoppers know that when you are in dire need to find an item, it is almost next to impossible to find one that you actually like.   “But it’s sooo simple!” we moan, “Surely, ALL the stores will have them in stock! “  Wrong. 

Armed with my trusted fashion-loving friend Erica, I was a woman on a mission.   First, I conducted some research online to narrow down the options.  Also, to give my feet a break so I wouldn’t have to wander aimlessly through a million stores.   I successfully picked out 3-4 dresses from major department stores and boutiques.  I was ready.   My first stop was Saks Fifth Avenue.   All I found was the tight, revealing, and way too fancy dresses.  Nothing.  Then, I was meandered down to Neiman Marcus.  Now, I must mention that Neiman Marcus is one of my date auction sponsors, donating some GORGEOUS marquis drop earrings designed by the luxury jewelry designer Shaesby.   Check them out here.  Maybe I would get lucky?   Maybe not.  Neiman’s is usually always a sure thing with their vast selection but all I found was glitter, sequins, and jewel tones.  Nothing.   After 3 more stores and countless trying on of dresses I was exhausted!!!  That’s when I arrived at BCBG/Max Azria.  

THE dress was hanging on the mannequin in front of me.   Black. Lace. Mini.  I tried it on immediately and knew this was the one.  Eureka!!!  I was looking for something stylish and classy yet comfortable b/c I will be running around all evening “working” during the event.   We wouldn’t want any embarrassing moments in front of the photogs!  To top it off, it was on sale.  Ladies, get thee to BCBG/Max Azria because their dresses are bountiful and their sales are abundant.   I will report back later with a picture of me in my LBD after our event on September 12th. 

With love,

Donna