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Monday, April 18, 2016

Hello Monday: The prettiest dress

Nha Khanh Karla dress, rent the runway
Earrings: Forever 21 | Necklace: Kendra Scott | Bag: Christian Louboutin (non-studded version here) | Dress (rented): Nha Khanh "Karla" | Bracelet: Express | Hand Bracelet: Kendra ScottShoes: Valentino


This weekend, one of our work besties got married, so it was a pretty big deal and I was ready to get dolled up. Exactly one weekend ago, I still had no idea what I was going to wear and I hadn't even shopped around yet. The husband's cousin rents pretty regularly through Rent the Runway, so I decided to give it a try. Normally cocktail type dresses don't fit me well off the hanger without alterations, so I went into this pretty pessimistic that I would find something that would work for me. Clearly, I was wrong.



Nha Khanh Karla dress, rent the runway

Nha Khanh Karla dress, rent the runway


The reviews are very helpful, though I wish they would have people put in their physical measurements vs. just their bust, dress size, height, and weight. Two people the same weight, the same dress size, and the same height could carry their weight completely differently! I finally decided to order this in a size 4 with a size 6 as my backup. The 6 ended up working out so perfectly that I didn't bother trying on the 4. I only ordered the 4 because the reviews convinced me that's what I would wear, though had I not been influenced by the reviews, I would have ordered the 6 to begin with. Perhaps next time I will just go with my gut! It was very convenient that they send you two different sizes!


Nha Khanh Karla dress, rent the runway

I also ended up ordering this Milly dress as an extra backup. While it was pretty, it didn't feel as special as this one. Plus, the torso ran long so the straps were a little big. When I got both dresses, I sent try-on photos to the husband. He texted back immediately after the first one and said, "Wow!" I couldn't tell if it was a good "wow" or a bad "wow" since after all, the tulle is a bit big and obnoxious. It turned out to be a good "wow!" and he agreed that the Milly dress was definitely not as good.

Nha Khanh Karla dress, rent the runway

I am so glad I made the husband snap some photos of me before we left because the lighting at the banquet hall was not the best and it was too busy and breezy outside for me to have felt comfortable taking any photos in the parking lot. But here are a few inside, and yes, that is a real life parrot in the cage behind me, which I thought was random!

I cannot express how much I loved wearing this dress! I think it is even prettier than my own wedding dress was! Ha! Granted, we got married on a beach, but still! I felt really pretty and everyone was so sweet with their compliments, even strangers not associated with the wedding! And you better believe that I rocked the Cupid Shuffle wearing this! The tulle was so fun to dance in!!

irresistible me silky natural black 20 inches 200g hair extensions

Remember my Irresistible Me hair extensions? Last weekend I had a hair appointment, but I didn't want anything other than a bang trim because I knew I had the wedding this weekend and I wanted my hair as long as possible! I also asked my stylist to trim my extensions so they blended better with my real hair. Let's face it, my hair is long. I don't need more length, I just wear the extensions for extra volume. I wish I had the husband take a back view of my hair. I loved the extensions even more now after the trim. They lasted all night, and even as I was curling my hair, I couldn't tell if I was curling my own hair or the extensions! I brought my teasing brush with me in case any clips started to show through, but they stayed concealed, even with all the dancing.


Nha Khanh Karla dress, rent the runway

For my accessories-- I wasn't going to bother with a necklace since the lace is so prominent, but I felt like it needed just one little pop of bling, and this simple drusy fulfilled that need quite nicely. And since I was renting a dress, I figured I should at least go big with my own bag and shoes. This Louboutin clutch is fierce and I don't carry it enough. Truthfully, it doesn't hold much - just my phone, a compact, lip gloss, and my ID and debit card. I managed to fit my teasing brush in there, too, but it was a tight fit. It's just a beautiful piece; I definitely use it for its looks more than its function.

I feel like I wear these Rockstuds all. The. Time. But I guess that just brings down the price per wear! I was hesitant to wear them once again, but the husband thought I was crazy if I didn't! I was on my feet all night dancing and mingling, and my feet never hurt! I do have ball of foot pads in these shoes, which certainly help with the comfort factor, though they're pretty comfortable anyway. As comfy as high heels can be...

I told the husband that I don't want to give the dress back! He said it's too recognizable and I wouldn't be able to wear it to another event anyway. While that's true I guess, I would happily wear this to the grocery store or Target! It's hands down the prettiest dress I've ever worn.

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47 comments :

  1. You look gorgeous!!!

    www.mystyledna.blogspot.com

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  2. You look beautiful. Loved your outfit on snap and your hair is fab!
    xo,
    Jewel
    www.styleoptimist.com

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  3. What a beautiful dress, you look lovely!

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  4. That is a really pretty dress! I'm glad you managed to find something so nice to wear to the wedding, and that you had a great time wearing it :)

    Thank you for the link up!

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  5. This dress is beautiful and you look stunning!! Love the neutral accessories and shoes to match!

    xo Sheree
    http://poshclassymom.com
    IG: @poshclassymom

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  6. you look absolutely stunning in that dress and I may have to rent it too or something for a wedding I have this year. Perfect!

    xo
    PinkSole

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  7. That dress is STUNNING! You look gorg, girl.

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  8. This dress is gorgeous on you, and your hair looks amazing!

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  9. The prettiest dress indeed! Gorgeous details and I love the delicate fabric!
    Http://redreticule.com

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  10. This dress is truly stunning on you! Every detail of this look is perfection Carylee!

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  11. This dress is gorgeous! I'm going to try Rent the Runway out this fall when I have a black tie event.
    XO
    Stacy
    CS Gems

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  12. beautiful! I wish I could rock dresses like this, but they blend in with my skin too much :(
    elle
    Southern Elle Style

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  13. So pretty!!
    Jaymie
    www.jaymieashcraft.com

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  14. That Dress is beyond stunning and you look gorgeous in it Caryl. One of your best, softest, most feminine looks ever!

    Thanks for the linkup and Happy Monday!

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  15. How feminine and beautiful Carylee. I love the pairing of lace and tulle! Thank you for hosting.

    Cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com
    STYLE NUDGE

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  16. It really is the prettiest dress I've seen lately! Come check out my latest collab with Express and let me know what you think – Happy Monday!

    Rebecca
    http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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  17. This dress is just perfect for you Carylee! Can't wait to have some reason to try rent the runway eventually.

    Shelly||The Queen in Between


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  18. This dress is just perfect for you Carylee! Can't wait to have some reason to try rent the runway eventually.

    Shelly||The Queen in Between


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  19. LOVE this, you look absolutely gorgeous!xx

    Kirsten

    www.thelifbissue.com

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  20. Oh wow! That dress is amazing and you look absolutely gorgeous!

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  21. You look stunning!! I love your dress!

    Brittany,
    www.lawyerlookbook.com

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  22. This dress looks amazing on you!!! I love RTR. I was cracking up at your snaps about the morning after closet. ;)

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  23. You look absolutely gorgeous!! I love the mix of light and dark shades - it looks beautiful with your dark hair! I've never tried RTR but I've heard great things about it!!

    xoxo, Kacie
    RegallySoled.com

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  24. So beautiful! You look like a princess!!

    xx Leah / www.eatpraywearlove.com

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  25. OBSESSED! This dress was made for you!

    xo, Jasmin
    www.jasmindaily.com

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  26. Holy buckets, that really IS the prettiest dress! I wouldn't want to give it back, either!

    Jess | Fashion By Committee

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  27. You are looking like a princess, what a lovely dress. Reviews are so tricky but luckily I haven't gotten anything disappointing yet.
    Rachel xo
    http://garaytreasures.com

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  28. Oh my goodness! That dress is soooooo gorgeous! I would want to keep it too and wear it everyday!!! You look so beautiful!!!

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  29. The title of this post is perfect. That really is THE PRETTIEST dress! Great pick! Rent the runway is so great for pieces that you can't wear again because they are so fabulous that you can't wear them twice, haha. I love your hair, too! The extensions look amazing!
    --Roxanne
    http://glassofglam.com

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  30. You look amazing in this dress, the lacy and tulle detailing work perfectly together. Very elegant, yet sexy and glam!

    www.dressed2dnines.com

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  31. I LOVE that they let you do two sizes! Also, lady you are looking SLIM!


    The Adored Life

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  32. First of all, that dress is just so amazing. I need someone to invite me to an event where I can wear it myself!! Second, I am just dying at Matt's very astute comment about "it's too recognizable to wear again!" You must have taught him well because I can't imagine very many men would come up with that reasoning!!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

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  33. This dress is so gorgeous! I've been meaning to try online rentals especially when wedding season rolls around, I think I'll take the plunge this year!

    xo, alice / T Y P E N U

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  34. You look outrageously fabulous!The dress, the shoes, your hairstyle and makeup, gorgeous! Thank you for hosting dear! I'm linking back to you HERE And... you are welcome any time to add your links on my blog
    Monthly FASHION LINKUP

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  35. This dress is ridiculously whimsical and cute!

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com/2016/04/18/chevron-pencil-skirt-outfit-for-work/

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  36. Look at you! What a doll! I love that dress, it's right up my alley. You styled it perfectly :)

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  37. Such a cute look!!

    Adi xx
    www.fancycorrectitude.com

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  38. The title of this post could not be more perfect! so pretty!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  39. The title of this post could not be more perfect! so pretty!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  40. This dress is seriously WOW! Perfect for any special occasion!
    xx
    An Unblurred Lady

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  41. This is a gorgeous dress! I love the tulle skirt and the black lace over top!
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup

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  42. Everything is so perfect from heat to toe!

    Thank you for hosting and hope you are having a fab week!

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.

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  43. This is a gorgeous dress, Caryl, and you look amazing in it! <3

    http://www.avecamber.blogspot.com
    http://www.bloglovin.com/avecamber

    Check out my current giveaway: $500 Nordstrom Giveaway

    I hope you are having a great week so far!

    Amber

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  44. This really is the prettiest dress. You look absolutely gorgeous in these pictures!!

    Erica
    www.pumpsandpushups.com

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  45. Love this dress on you. You look like a princess! If I was the bride I would have been super jealous of YOUR dress!

    Xoxo,
    Amanda
    trulyyoursa.com

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