In my family, a vampy red dress is synonymous with “grandma style.” You see, my dad’s mother was a Very Vampy Lady (shall we make this a thing and say VVL?) and when I tried this dress on, I couldn’t help but think of her. Big hair, stilettos always, at least until she couldn’t anymore, jokes that were subversively dirty enough to be funny, stopping traffic well into her 70s – that was our grandma.
And she would have loved this dress.
This is a Cushnie number, and true to form, the fit was ah-maz-ing. The brand, led by Carly Cushnie, has a reputation for sculptural, impeccably-tailored, luxurious pieces that could make a milk carton look like a Coke bottle. I had been drooling over her designs for years (even back when the brand was Cushnie et Ochs), but didn’t know that Rent the Runway carried it until my friend Nykol clued me in.
The clouds parted, the angels sang, and when I finally got my order and zipped this baby up, I nearly came to the throne of Jesus. I was certainly dressed for it.
So Why a Vampy Red Dress in Quarantine?
If you’re new to the blog, welcome, and to fill you in: since quarantine started, in order to balance my week, have some fun, and learn about culture, each week I’ve committed to watching the San Francisco Opera’s streaming program. Every weekend, the Opera makes one show available to watch on demand, for free! I dress myself up as if going to the opera house, grab a glass of wine, eat a quesadilla from the taco truck, and watch some serious art. It started out as a goof, but now it’s become a bright spot in a week filled with working from home and days that run into each other.
You can see last week’s opera look here!
This was my pick this week: this gloriously vampy red dress. This thing created the most beautiful silhouette on the body, and honestly, if I could spill the cash, I’d go ahead and buy it from RTR. It’s one of those staple pieces, right?
I have a feeling my grandmother would agree. Here’s to you, toots.
love,
Stig.
Just a note: You probably already know this, but: these photos have been edited to be sure they’re the best they can be! This means enhancing lighting, getting rid of facial shadows, highlighting details and textures – you know the drill. A reminder never hurts! – Stig
