I consider every single item in my closet a friend. (Remember when I told you I had a shopping problem? Well, I wasn't lying.) 

Yes, as you can see, I have lots and lots of stuff, but most of it is black, grey or navy. Or striped. And sometimes you just want something NEW, especially when you've been invited to a party at the OceanHouse and the invite says 'Dress To Impress'. 

Thankfully, I made a new friend - the Nicole Miller V-Neck Dress in Electric Blue in the pic below. It was exactly what I needed for last Saturday night's Dress To Impress Extravaganza at the OH ballroom. 

Sorry RI'ers, but true confession: I had to make the pilgrimage (the day before the party no less, a real rookie mistake) to Neiman Marcus in Natick, MA to find this beauty.

My advice - Next time you come across a stunning cocktail dress, snap it up, even if you think you don't need it because someday soon, you will! And that's exactly when you won't be able to find a dress anywhere. Come on, admit it. It's happened to you. 

Nothing makes a party like getting to wear a fab cocktail dress. And a Photo Booth. Those are pretty cool too. And a make-up artist. Gotta look your best for that photo booth and the photographer ya know. Beaucoup thanks btw to Robin McAloon for the faux lashes and makeup I'm also wearing (in addition to the dress) in these pictures. Did I mention how much of a difference false eyelashes make? My advice? Learn how to apply them or (if you're uncoordinated like me) hire someone to do it. They are #LifeChanging.

*Be sure to watch for a profile of Robin very soon on PattyJ.com.