Dress For Brunch

Patiently waiting for my nails to dry yesterday, I gingerly leafed through the pages of Lucky Magazine. As Lucky might as well be the mother ship of great wardrobe inspiration, it was no surprise when a picture caught my attention, featuring a gorgeous--and totally unusual--dress.

The dress in question was the Lorick Bird Dress, one of many available from Sunday Brunch Dress Shop. Thanks to Lucky, I am quickly becoming acquainted with this New York based dress shop, which features the brilliantly elegant work of up-and-coming designers. Seeming to articulate precisely why I feel the need to purchase new dresses for special occasions or to take home gowns that make my heart sing, their attitude and mission is refreshingly pure: Dresses aren’t just for swooning over dark, brooding men or inheriting spooky mansions on windswept moors. They’re also for brunch on Sunday morning, going out with friends, or even going to work. They’re for slowing down and dressing up. They’re for elegance every day, for showing that the moment is special. Because every moment is part of our story.

Of their current collection, one dress in particular is calling to me: the Heidi Merrick Kate Dress. This dress gives the allusion of a classically tailored jumper/billowy blouse combo, though it is happily one. Made of fitted cotton pique and silk cotton voile, it is elegantly versatile. In fact, I would venture to say that even HRH Coco Chanel would smile upon this piece.

If you're like me, than you sometimes have qualms about shopping for certain items online--like fitted dresses. You think, but how will it translate to my off-runway body? Fear not, Sunday Brunch has you covered. Each dress comes with a fit tip, an indication of size and fit, in relation Chuck--a virtual representation of Sunday Brunch owner, Judy, and her own measurements. Still doubtful? You can email your measurements, and the experts will decide. Problem solved.

Are you convinced yet? Well then, allow me to sway you with what I consider the best thing about Sunday Brunch Dress Shop: each piece is truly unique, wearable art in dress form. Though the prices are higher than, say, Anthropologie, you can make your purchase with confidence, knowing that you will not show up wearing the same dress as the girl sitting two tables away. Sort of makes you want to dress for brunch, doesn't it?

Dresses and images courtesy of Sunday Brunch Dress Shop, online at www.sundaybrunchdress.com: (1) Heidi Merrick Aunt Judy Dress $530; (2) Heidi Merrick Kate Dress $560.