Autumn Wedding Wear: Jewel-tone floral & necklace as a belt

H&M dress from Khatu (semi similar), Louboutin Simple 85 pumps, Chanel WOC, Talbots jewelry

Last weekend, I had so much fun in Dallas for a close friend's wedding. The forecast showed sunny skies and a high of 85, but my mind was in full-on autumn mode. The night before my flight, I was still at work with no dress, and texted Khatu in a panic. She was a lifesaver and swung by my office with the perfect solution.

I absolutely loved the rich, dark hues on this dress combined with the floaty chiffon layering. Ruby red pumps and hunter green stones were an easy choice for accentuating the colors in the print. On a whim, I held my necklace up against my waist and rather liked the look of a jeweled belt. Despite all the opinions received from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram friends...I couldn't make up my mind, and ended up doing belt for the ceremony and necklace for the reception.

The necklace only reached partly around my waist, so I rummaged around for a connector of sorts. A navy, full-bodied chiffon sash would've been ideal, but in my last-minute searching fury, I couldn't find sash, ribbon, or neck ties of any color. I ended up taking a pair of old black stockings and cut out two strips with angled ends to sew together. After temporarily removing the clasp on the necklace with small pliers, I simply strung the stocking sash through the two chain link ends of the necklace, and finished with a festive bow.

My date in a Theory suit and shirt, with yet another pocket square made out of thrift store project scraps.

My gorgeous friend Vy on her special day:

Below left: Got to meet two sweet readers Julie and Jennifer - we had a wonderful time chatting about chasing our dreams, as well as lighter topics like our mutual favorite bloggers. Below right: dress twins! Below Center: Can't resist photobooth fun.

One of the best part about borrowing items from a crafty, like-sized friend is that they are already pre-altered to perfection. This dress was from H&M "trend" and was designed for a taller figure. Khatu took up both shoulder straps, and used the excess fabric to make a connector across the back so that a bra band can be concealed (my dress twin at the wedding had to wear pasties). The resulting neckline/back was perfect for wearing a light push-up bra for extra oomph, but of course I forgot to pack mine.

Also switched to darker lip color (Rimmel Bordeaux) for the evening reception:

Just wanted to show a close-up of this pocket square fabric, which was left over from a thrifted skirt hem. I balk at the price tags of squares in stores, and thankfully Nick doesn't mind my DIY ones. Ever since realizing how easy they are to make (see last wedding), I'm always keeping one eye open for scrap fabric with character - especially ones that can coordinate with my outfits too : ) Readers - Will you be trying the necklace as a belt?