My sister recommended that I check out Nanette Lepore when I started this blog, and it was a very good recommendation, indeed! Not only does Lepore create gorgeous, whimsical pieces that would make any girl feel gorgeous, but she comes from humble roots and I just love her story. Born in Ohio, she began her career by dressing up a friend in her front yard, complete with a sign that read, simply, “Lepore.” She followed these dreams all the way to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, from which she graduated with flying colors. She worked underling jobs until 1992, when, on a $5,000 loan from her dad, she started up her own line with her husband, who is now the president of her company.

Here are my three favorites of Nanette Lepore’s dresses for fall 2007. They can be worn anywhere, but I like to think that they’d be saved for first dates – or thousandth dates that feel like first dates.