alice + olivia Ombre Sequin Dress & Wedding at Crane Estate

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Dress c/o Alice & Olivia (40% off), Louboutin cap toes, J.Crew Edie Bag, thrift store pearls

On Nick: Theory suit and shirt, Cole Haan shoes, J.Crew tie, DIY pocket square

This past weekend, I had an incredible time at Khatu‘s wedding. I met her through blogging early last year, and we soon became pretty close. She is thoughtful, creative, and a wonderful friend – and I couldn’t have been happier for her on this beautiful day.

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I chose this dress for a campaign with alice + olivia, and was eager to break it out again. The blush silk and intricate ombre sequins were love at first sight, and the body-grazing cut is comfy and easy to wear (see bottom of post for a tiny modification made).craneestate2
For accessories, I opted for neutral, girly heels and a cheery red satchel. This bag is slightly large for a fancy event, but on the plus side, was rather useful for storing a change of “dancing flats.”

The wedding was an hour north of Boston at Crane Estate, which sits atop a large hill overlooking acres and acres of land and the ocean. The house itself was very grand and lavishly decorated.
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Left: I absolutely loved Khatu’s mother’s dress. It was demure yet age-appropriate, and very flattering.
Right: Rolling green hills that fade into the ocean create the perfect backdrop for walking down the aisle.

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Left: grins from ear to ear – love this photo!    Right: The back of Khatu’s ethereal dress

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Below: There were a lot of DIY touches at the wedding (I expected nothing less). Guests of all ages enjoyed the wide assortment of handmade props for the photo booth:

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For anyone who is interested in this dress…the natural silhouette is a straight shift style. alice + olivia is actually cut pretty narrow (several items I’ve tried are fitted on me), but designed for taller ladies. This dress in sz 0 fit me fine width-wise, but was too long for a cocktail dress:
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I had a tough time figuring out how to approach the alterations. Taking up the straps would make it only marginally shorter, and I didn’t want to touch the ombre sequins at the bottom. While playing around with a skinny belt, I accidentally discovered this fold-over look and loved it.

The only small problem was the structured back zipper, which stuck out when bent under by the belt. I fixed this by taking needle and thread and making a tiny stitch right where my fingers are pinching:
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The final modified look, now acceptable from all angles:

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Our nearest Theory outlet started carrying men’s merchandise (real store quality…not made for outlets), which Nick was pleased about. Their suiting and dress shirts are nicely tailored and cut slim, perfect for guys who like a more fitted look. I just realized Nick is sporting a full outlet look: Theory suit and shirt (for a total of $365 down from $900), shoes from the Cole Haan outlet, and “pocket square” which was a scrap chopped off a thrifted skirt I was working on : )craneestate3

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101 Comments

  1. The Little Dust Princess wrote:

    Beautiful photos, Jean. I love what everybody is wearing! This dress is stunning on you and you two seem to make a lovely couple. : )

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  2. fashion clothing wrote:

    Beautiful photos. I love the props; they are so fun!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  3. Petite and Hungry wrote:

    the wedding looked absolutely beautiful! and your dress is perfect on you! i love how you fix and tweek things!

    http://www.petiteandhungry.blogspot.com

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  4. Lloyd Lim wrote:

    Beautiful photos. I love the props; they are so fun!

    – Lloyd

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  5. queenpolitico wrote:

    beautiful pictures of two of my favorite bloggers 🙂

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  6. Erin wrote:

    That dress is so pretty. I love the simple shift shape. And as always, I'm impressed by your ingenuity in getting it to fit you just perfectly!

    -Erin-
    http://onetwosummer.blogspot.com/

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  7. Patricia Flores wrote:

    Both of you look awesome. Your husband is quite the looker! 🙂

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  8. Always Maylee wrote:

    Wow, this dress is just stunning on you. You look so gorgeous. The wedding seemed beautiful, congrats to your friend!

    xo, Yi-chia

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  9. Jackie wrote:

    I love the first pic! You guys look so modern-retro…like you from the 20s and Nick from the 30/40s *___* Beautiful! Glad you guys had a good time!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  10. Fabulous Petite wrote:

    Nice post Jean. The wedding was beautiful and so are you ladies. Nice looking couple by the way.

    Sam
    http://fabulouspetite.blogspot.com

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  11. Anonymous wrote:

    You two looked absolutely dressed!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  12. Joanna Le wrote:

    You guys look absolutely stunning, individually and together! I love that you didn't go for that couples 'matchy-matchy' look.

    http://www.xjole.com

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  13. simplybeccablog wrote:

    The dress looks much more flattering as a drop waist dress! You and Nick both have impeccable style 🙂

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  14. jade wrote:

    What a good lookin' couple!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  15. lizette vigo wrote:
    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  16. Basically B wrote:

    you did that dress a huge favor! I love how it looks as a drop waist!
    also. hello hot couple.

    http://frenchpresstights.blogspot.com/

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  17. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, you are gorgeous as always!!! Both you and Nick make one HOT couple!!! Thanks for sharing Khatu's Wedding photos. She's gorgeous as well!!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  18. Cee wrote:

    Such a magical wedding! It's like out of a fairytale. The setting couldn't have been more perfect.

    Everyone looked absolutely beautiful, Khatu and her husband, you and Nick, the other guests. I love that you chose to wear this A+O dress for this special occasion. Glamorous and accessorized perfectly. Thanks for sharing, Jean!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  19. BC wrote:

    You both look so gorgeous. That first picture is total perfection. Maybe you can write some hair and makeup posts- your hair and makeup always looks perfect!!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  20. Anonymous wrote:

    I love the alterations you did: simple but makes such a huge difference! You and Nick are a gorgeous couple…When are you guys going to make the trip down the aisle? Haha 🙂 I bet you're going to be a stunning bride!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  21. My Dressy Ways wrote:

    I love your dress Jean – love it even more folded over. Looks like it was a beautiful wedding!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  22. Elle wrote:

    Khatu's wedding was just beautiful – the location is storybook perfect!

    And you and Nick make for such a gorgeous couple; the A+O dress fits so well after your minor DIY. 🙂

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  23. Suzie Q wrote:

    What a beautiful wedding that Khatu had! Love the sequin dress and the creative alteration that you did to make it more fitting for your frame.

    xoxo,
    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  24. Van wrote:

    Everyone looks beautiful and happy.

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  25. Beautyctive wrote:

    This dress is absolutely gorgeous and you are stunning in it 🙂

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  26. Kimberly wrote:

    What a beautiful setting for a wedding – your dress is gorgeous!

    http://www.pennypincherfashion.com

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  27. Tiffany wrote:

    Beautiful, classic look! I love Crane's, both the grounds and the beach. I'm a North Shore native, so it has a special place in my heart. It's the perfect place for a late summer wedding.

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  28. gigiofca wrote:

    You & Nick are a gorgeous couple. Khatu's wedding looks fun & full of love. What a phenomenal dress! Venue, everything!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  29. m wrote:

    the dress looks so amazing on you! you and khatu both look so beautiful! you're so creative with the little touches you do to make the garments work for you.

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  30. Anonymous wrote:

    You and your boyfriend are such a sweet couple!!!! 🙂

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  31. Chococcuro wrote:

    omg love your dress!

    http://www.closetvoyage.com

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  32. Carla Krae wrote:

    You two look great.

    Khatu's wedding dress is gorgeous.

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  33. Lien wrote:

    Absolutely lovely photos! You + Nick = POWER COUPLE!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  34. Katherine wrote:

    Khatu looks gorgeous and you two are such a beautiful couple! I love the pocket square and how you made it with that scrap of fabric. I always think that men's pocket squares are so expensive for what they are (but isn't everything?). The fix with the A&O; dress is genius.

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  35. Chloe wrote:

    You look so pretty, Jean! And Khatu, wow. Her wedding dress makes me want to get married all over again. Great post! ♥

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  36. With Each Passing Day wrote:

    Gorgeous pictures. You and Nick are such a stunning couple. Khatu was one beautiful bride. I adore the photos from the photo booth.

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  37. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean , what size are those pearl stud earrings? Thanks

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  38. Mary Ann wrote:

    Gorgeous post, Jean! I love all the pics, everyone looks so dapper, especially Nick! I'm totally digging his gingham shirt combo! 😉

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  39. Abby wrote:

    Love that dress! You two are sooo good lookin'.

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  40. Angie | Pandaphilia.com wrote:

    you guys look like such a rich posh celeb couple against the backdrop haha. khatu's wedding looked so unique and her dress and smile were equally gorgeous. thanks for sharing !

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  41. Jen wrote:

    You two are a very good looking couple!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  42. HappyFaceKat wrote:

    Hi Jean! I absolutely LOVE this post! I wear alice + olivia "goes to work" collection… to work. I love how it's still conservative, stylish, work appropriate, and YOUNG. I really like the dress on you. The belt really transformed your dress very well!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  43. trang wrote:

    omg that dress is absolutely stunning on all levels. you + nick are just adorable. how'd he get so lucky?? 😉

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  44. newpetite wrote:

    Lovely pictures! beautiful dress and Khatu looks gorgeous as a bride!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  45. Wytane wrote:

    Everything's just perfect with your look 🙂

    wytane.blogspot.com xx

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  46. Pamela wrote:

    Gah, could you two please tone down the hotness level? Gag. (j/k j/k)

    LOVE the mother-of-the-bride's dress. Very appropriate, classy, and gorgeous. Not an oft-found combo!

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  47. Wichi Fashion Blog wrote:

    Cool, I like the altered version a lot. It's funny you have been busy with the wedding…last week I witnessed for the first time a real live proposal. The photos are at wichifashionblog.blogspot.com

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  48. Justine wrote:

    The very first picture looks like it could be an ad for some high end clothing line! The bride's dress is so beautiful! And I love how you altered the dress, Awesome post 🙂

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  49. Anonymous wrote:

    What a wonderful occasion. The bride is so beautiful in her gown. Much happiness to the lovely couple! I really like how you makes the dress more snappy and fun and yet classy to wear. You and Nick look so happy and cute so it's only natural that you guys should be the next couple…
    thank you for sharing.

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply
  50. Berty Morales wrote:

    You look stunning and I love how you adjusted the dress! Great post and beautiful wedding. The Bride look stunning.

    Posted 9.13.12 Reply

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