I was invited to Style’s 10th anniversary party here in Singapore and I felt that I finally had the chance to wear my silk red dress that I bought in the sales at Calvin Klein last June. It had first been intended for my birthday, but since this was not the most suitable dress to shop in Amsterdam for a whole day (which is what I did before my birthday party), I ended up wearing another Calvin Klein dress then. I did not really know what to expect of this particular party, but since the dress code was ‘stylish’, I thought this dress would fit the bill.
My friend Anne
I was very lucky to be accompanied by my friend Anne this time. Anne is one of my friends from my time in Bologna, Italy which is more than 20 years ago. We went to Spanish classes together. What a different life we had back then, still without kids, without hand phones (at the time we were making fun of the few Italians who had them then) no internet (still writing lots of letters!) and not too many obligations. Now we both have hand phones, kids (she has 4!) many bills to pay and I basically live on the Internet. Still, it does not feel like my time in Italy was so long ago and deep inside I’m still that young woman.
It was only recently that I reconnected with Anne. We had gone our different ways with Anne living in France and then moving on to Mexico while we were all the way in Australia, then China and now Singapore. So it came as a total surprise when on an evening walk my husband and I got stopped in the middle of the street by screams of our 2 long-lost friends (her husband was there with her). You certainly don’t expect 2 people that you met in Italy, haven’t seen for more than 15 years, who you think are living in France, to suddenly show up in Singapore.
Magical things happen and I’m so glad that our paths have crossed again.
Although we did not talk at all about what we were going to wear for this evening, Anne had picked a fabulous red dress as well. Although Anne is Danish, she is a married to a frenchman and has a very chic Parisian style. Anne truly knows her style which hasn’t changed much from the time I knew her from Italy and she is still as stylish as ever.
Back to the party
The party itself was a bit of a disappointment to be honest. The room was very dark and extremely noisy. And other than listen to the band, there was not much else you could do. I guess I had expected a few good presentations, perhaps even a fashion show, or an exhibition of the best of Style Magazine. Perhaps the party was aimed at a much younger crowd, but even they were all just standing there. Nobody danced. In the end, the best place to be for us was just outside the main hall where we could talk and just watch what everyone was wearing. I even managed to take a few pictures.
The after party
We soon decided to leave and in the end ended up at one of my favorite places in Singapore. The wine company at Dempsey Hill. They have a lovely spacious outdoor terrace where you can sip wines or in my case a wonderful Strawberry Daiquiry. (should have taken a photograph of that as well!). We ended up having a fabulous night and a wonderful chat in our colourful red dresses!
The dress
Here are a few shots I took before the party (and before makeup), as I did not know if I would get any good shots in the evening. As you see I’m practising my leg over leg pose, which seems to be THE pose for all the movie stars. (wondering if I should put my left leg over the right leg or vice versa). I’m sure you will recognise that this dress has a lot of my favorite elements: draping, asymmetry, colour and knee length. I’m sure this is a dress I will have a lot of pleasure of for a long time to come.
Dress: Calvin Klein
Shoes: Hester van Eeghen
Necklace: Herman van Berkel
Just wondering, do you own a red dress too?
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Stunning from head to toe!
Thanks Sue!
What a gorgeous dress, Sylvia!
I love love red, a color we don’t see enough though it suits and enhances blondes and brunettes.
The drapé gives this dress a special flair. Just one thing though… if you really want to look like a model, it’s not only about feet but also about smiling, or rather NOT smiling. LOL. You know how models on runways look today: sulking seems the rule! So, if you don’t smile (which would be sad) you’ll be a perfect model!
xo,
Anne
I was just kidding Anne. I have no desire to look like a model really. And I would look seriously miserable if I did not smile!
What a special story. As you said, magical.
That dress is extraordinary! (No, I don’t own a red dress. I’ve had a few over the years but I never felt very “me” in red, for some reason. I like seeing it worn by others, especially when it’s a great design like your Klein dress.)
Well, I always said red was your color and this dress is so perfect! So feminine and classy!
I love your story of meeting your friend after all these years….it’s a small world sometimes.
I know! And I always think of you when I wear red (as in Jeannie would approve), isn’t that funny.
I love the red dress and you wear it with perfection! You’ve got the leg over leg pose down and the shoes are as special as the dress.
Thanks Judith but the pose doesn’t seem to be popular with a lot of ladies….
You look amazing Sylvia. This is definitely a stunning dress and one that suits your style so well. Everyone above on the blog has said it all already and I completely agree with them. But I don’t like crossed legs, in either direction. It’s been said above, that it looks like you’re about to visit the ladies room! I try to avoid crossing my legs for that reason.
Thanks Aileen. May have to think of another flattering pose then….
Yes, all the readers are right… your dress is fabulous and it suits you so well. You look beautiful. With make-up or without make-up. As Suzanne says: nice combination with the jewellery and the shoes. And your friend looks very classy too (fun belt as well).
I hope your husband gets his next job in Italy again. I was thinking just that the other day. You, fashion, blog and Italy… I cannot think of a nicer combination. But if not, no worry, you are doing fine in Singapore. Just don’t you ever go and sit in the middle of nowhere.
I do own a red dress (from ladress.com) and might have even shown it on your Forum as one of my first uploads (bad photo).
I know wouldn’t that be perfect! My husband and I would love to live in Italy again. We had such a great time there and we love the country. Unfortunately, I don’t see it happening any time soon….
What a beautiful dress and you look fab in it!
Thanks so much!
Beautiful dress and it looks fabulous on you. The only red dress I own is my maxi with the chevron print. But, it makes me feel very visible!
Thanks Debbi. Red dresses surely make you feel visible!
You were certainly the most beautiful Ladies in Red. You know the song. I like your dress, it is chique, femenine, a dress you never get bored with., an eyecatcher. For me you are the winner of the party.
Thanks Marianne. I certainly do. I have another story for that as well. Will save it for another day…
Interesting that the gwai por (foreign woman) wore red, the colour Chinese have traditionally seen as good luck and perfect for a celebration.
And in your photo someone wears white, their traditional colour of mourning while another has a little black dress.
I looove your red dress and its lovely draping appearance. And the shoes are just perfect.
You are very right, but the traditions are not so strong here. There was certainly not a whole lot of colour with a lot of black being worn but I also saw quite a bit of cobalt blue! Thanks for your first comment at 40+ Style Irene and thank you also for your kind feedback on my dress!
Wonderful dress, Silvia
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thank you!
You are such a stunner in rich colors, S! I LOVE this dress on you- Calvin and Jil Sander really are your peeps- clean lines with luxury fabrics. Calvin is your man- and this dress is such a stand out.
Thanks Bella. Yes, I’m wearing more and more brights and colours which I’m really happy with.
Very pretty, young and elegant look, Sylvia!
Thanks Anja!
Beautiful dress, Sylvia! And I love the length of your hair. I keep inching mine shorter. A couple more inches to go….if I get brave enough.
Thanks Lisa! I’m sure you will be. It’s only hair anyway and will always grow back if you don’t like it!
That is a goddess-worthy dress! Your leg-over-leg poses are very professional – I must try that. And your shoes and pedicure are noteworthy. Clearly you followed all your self-portrait tips to perfection.
How cool about bumping into your friend!! Things happen and it makes the world so small yet so bright. She is absolutely stylish in her own red number. I’m glad you had fun, more so after the party it sounds like.
Thanks Melanie. Yes I made a bit of an effort. I normally don’t paint my nails in bright colours but I thought wearing a bright red dress would be a very nice opportunity for it and I’m actually very happy with my red nails!
Very pretty dress…and you look great without make-up, too! Red is a color I don’t look good in at all, though burgundy works well for me. I thought burgundy was going to be an “in” color this fall, but I’ve seen very little of it (darn!)
I’ve noticed the “leg-over-leg” stance recently and have been puzzled by its popularity. I was always taught (including in a public speaking class) not to do that since it looks like one has to use the bathroom. Same with the “hands clasped in front” pose (otherwise known as the “fig leaf” pose). I actually try hard never to get my photo taken, but when unavoidable, I use sort of a modified ballet fouth position…one foot behind and turned out, and the one in front pointed roughly forward. anyway, you look fab no matter how you stand! 🙂
haha that’s funny. I guess it’s so popular because it gives you a nice silhouette and is very slimming. I should try your ballet position some time!
Wow, TWO gorgeous red dresses. Fabulous shoes too. Sorry the party wasn’t a big smash, but you do look wonderful. Thanks for linking up to Visible Monday!
Thanks Patti!
My heart skip when I see your dress. Love the color and the style too. ^_^
Kim,USA
Thanks Kim!
That laser cut red leather Valentino dress sells for $9,800! :0! I will have to admire that from afar.
Ay, that is expensive! Sometimes it’s great just to admire something from afar as you say….
You look SO pretty! The dress is gorgeous – and very you! You accessorized it perfectly – the touch of make-up, the red shoes, and just enough silver jewelry. This looks like a “red carpet” moment. Could not be better!
What a cool story about running into your friends on the street like that! Amazing! And I am glad that Anne was able to attend the Style party with you – though the “after party” sounds more fun! Did your drink match your dress? LOL!
I do have a new long sleeved red dress (more berry actually) but it is rather simple. I have fallen in love with the red lace dresses from Michael Kors and Valentino (and I know I saw a Valentino cut out leather dress but can not find it anywhere now!) so if I found a knock 0ff of those (that I could afford) I would be tempted to add that to my wardrobe too. There is something about a red dress. 🙂
Thanks Suzanne. Funnily enough there was a ‘red carpet’ at the entrance! It was nice to wear colour. Most people were wearing darker colours, so we definitely stood out. Your berry dress sounds good too!
Sylvia, this dress gives ME a lot of pleasure! Wow!
You look great without makeup, too, a true natural beauty.
Thanks!