What To Wear: To Meet Your Idols

[ASOS dress; Natalia sandals c/o Sole Society; Custom necklace c/o Ayana Designs]

My dears, as you know I was so excited to attend VERANDA magazine’s House of Windsor press preview breakfast recently. However, when the invite popped into my inbox, I instantly pondered: What am I going to wear?! I knew I would be amongst design legends: VERANDA editor-in-chief  Dara Caponigro (of former Domino fame – my favorite magazine ever), the illustrious designer Windsor Smith, Million Dollar Decorator Martyn Lawrence-Bullard and Kathryn Ireland. I wanted to appear chic and put-together without trying too hard (um, that’s kind of always the goal, I know), so an LBD was a no-brainer (and I’m smitten with this one from ASOS). How to accessorize it was the question…

Oh so fortunately, a custom necklace by Ayana Designs had just arrived.  Pearls felt so right for the occasion, but the added use of vintage materials made it feel much more me. And maybe it’s because I’m rarely awake and dressed in the morning, but heels before breakfast never feel right (on me anyway) so I opted for my new flat sandals from Sole Society. The  bright pink hue and flirty ruffle detail make them feel just as fancy as a heel, minus the pain.

I think it’s really important to feel like yourself  — the best version of yourself — when meeting your idols (or any one really). This was the best version of my pre-noon self (hey, mornings are a struggle – I’m sure I’m not alone!). It was an added joy to feel comfortable and relaxed when meeting the dapper and darling Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, who graciously styled this shot (he’s my favorite Million Dollar Decorator — who is yours?). My only regret is not taking off my jacket, as its boxy shape adds about 20 pounds in pictures. Oh well, I learned…

When I met New Orleans-based interior designer Tara Shaw I ditched my jacket faster than you can saw shrump. Isn’t her bright coral Alexander McQueen dress the best? (More pics to come in a Style Crush feature soon!)

Of course the piece de resistance was meeting Windsor Smith herself, who spearheaded the House of Windsor. She is a doll and a half.

If you are in LA, this is the last weekend to visit the House of Windsor in Brentwood. Info here. The House of Windsor will be featured in the October issue of Veranda magazine, so be sure to pick up a copy (I’ll be able to show more photos after the issue is published, but for now it’s just these sneak peeks!).