The Tasty Travels of the Swanky Budgeteer.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

My Friend's Wedding, #WIW: The Iolanda Dress Eva Mendes for New York & Company

How Gabrielle Union’s dazzling smile led me to find the perfect wedding guest dress!




This past Saturday was unforgettable, as my long-time gal pal, Sunita tied the knot! Sunita, the outrageously gorgeous bride evoked tears from the eyes of nearly everyone in the room as she waltzed down the aisle. I am forced to assume that Sunita was the designer’s muse, as the enchanting  Pronovias mermaid-style wedding dress fit her flawlessly! Every bride dreams of one day finding that perfect dress, and I believe Sunita’s dress was absolutely perfect for her modelesque physique.

The wedding invitation called for semiformal attire, which is usually considered somewhere in between formal (not quite black tie formal) and “dressy casual”-think cocktail dress. I started my search for the ideal wedding guest dress a month in advance, because Sunita’s wedding date happened to fall on the day before Easter. That meant that if I waited until the last minute to find a dress, I’d be rummaging through this season’s Easter Dress rejects. I initially envisioned a long, flowing, elegant maxi, which prompted me to order this ASOS Cold Shoulder Long Sleeve Ruffle Maxi Dress. While the dress was long, flowing and on-trend, I did not like it. In short, I didn’t care for the fabric or the fit, and the color did not move me in person the same as it did online.


On Good Friday, I dragged Calvin along to help me find a dress. My only requirement at that point was the dress I chose needed to be pastel in color.
After arriving at the mall at precisely 10:00 a.m., and searching for hours, I noticed a store that I (admittedly) only visit when shopping for my mother. The large, in-store marketing signage plastered on the store’s outer windows featured a familiar face; a brilliant beauty, sporting a new line: Gabrielle Union for New York & Company!  The allure of the Being Mary Jane star’s megawatt smile-(a dazzling contrast against her beautiful, coca-bronze skin) somehow assured me that I would find my dress in this store. As I previously stated, in the past, I’ve only shopped at New York & Company for my mother, as this is her favorite store and as a teacher of 18 years, she loves the fact that they offer a discount to educators. I searched frantically through every piece in Gabrielle Union’s new line, yet I wasn’t able to find anything in my size. As I continued to browse, unwilling to give up on my search, I was drawn to a rack full of pretty pastel dresses.

Gabrielle Union for New York and Company

I excitedly grabbed a dress from the rack and looked at tag, suddenly noticing that the dress is featured in an exclusive line with another gorgeous actress- Eva Mendes! I had officially chosen, and fallen in love with the Iolanda Dress-a curve-hugging, super-feminine tea length dress from the Eva Mendes Collection. I was instantly smitten by the form-fitting fit of the dress, and totally impressed with the ‘wrap pleat overlay’ detail on the bodice. I’d say the dress runs a little on the large side, as I typically wear a medium, but I had to size all the way down to an extra small (New York and Company obviously knows the way to my heart!)

The Iolanda Dress

The Iolanda was originally priced at $79.95, which is a great price, but as I was paying, the manager informed me that the entire store was half-off for the day-lucky me! I grabbed a pair of gold, chandelier earrings and a hammered halcyon cuff bracelet. The grand total for the dress, earrings and bracelet was ONLY $58.76! That’s a steal! I also received several coupons for $15.00 off and an additional coupon for 50% off any two items for donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Needless to say, I’ve added
New York & Company to my list of must-visit stores. I’m already eyeing a few more dresses to add to my closet. Kudos to Gabrielle Union for alluring me into the store with her amazing smile and chic collection, and a round of applause to Eva Mendes for the stylish dress!

Syretta wearing the Iolanda Dress, by Eva Mendes for New York & Company
#WIW


Wait, there’s more! Two days after I wore the Iolanda Dress, my mother spotted it featured in the May edition of O, The Oprah Magazine as a great buy under $100.  

FashionCrazedFoodie
The Iolanda spotted in O Magazine!



The Good Vibe Tribe! 







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5 comments

  1. That dress is a great cut and color for the spring season. Cheers to the happy couple as well!

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  2. I haven't thought about New York and Co in so long but I might need to check them out. I love the dress and it's a great deal for the price, but even better that you got it at discount. You look fab ma'am. :)

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  3. This dress is gorgeous on you and that price is a steal. I'm also loving your friend's off the shoulder jewelry. She looked beautiful!

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  4. What a great deal for such a beautiful dress...the color is gorgeous! Perfect for a spring wedding!

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  5. Love all the fashions from this line! Can't wait to check out the new stuff! That color is stunning on you!

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