Exclusive with Tess Dress

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet up with some wonderful bloggers for happy hour and a tour of the Tess headquarters located in the gorgeous Scarbrough building downtown.  This historic building was built in 1910 and then later remodeled in the Art Deco style.  I cannot think of a more perfect place to house Tess designs!

Theresa is the designer of Tess and truly exemplifies the Tess woman--gracious, thoughtful, creative, and articulate along with the smarts and courage to face anything.  Her dresses are inspired by the 50s and 60s and the ladylike women of that era.

Here's a peek into Theresa's linen inspiration closet and her gorgeous mid century office full of party frocks

I adore the visual mood board (her fall collection!) and the luminous silk shantung fabrics

Theresa takes us through the fit process - there is a more detailed explanation here - it is well worth the read.  I truly admire her attention to detail and sense of responsibility in creating a quality product.

Here, Theresa shows us the Sabrina and points out special details including the silk lining and specially stitched hems - remarkable attention to details that result in a dress that fits and flatters the figure and will wear well through the years!  Theresa takes special pride that her dresses are all made in the US--and in Texas no less!  That certainly is a rarity in the fashion world today.

Tess dress collection in feminine prints along with her separates collection

 

Other fashionistas in attendance: Andrea, Theresa, Cathy, Joyce and D'Andra

Theresa with Joyce and Grechen with Andrea.  Huge thank you to Grechen for coordinating this event!

Enjoying the yummy snacks and each others company

 We were all itching to try on some of Theresa's creations.  Here the lovely Andrea is wearing a top and skirt from the separates collection, I'm in the Margaret dress (love), and D'Andra looks stunning in the Margot.  The blue was so fabulous with her coloring and can you tell she just looked so radiant in that dress?  It's true -- a good dress can transform your mood!

Here we all are all decked out in Tess: Andrea in the Marlene, Theresa in a maternity dress she just happened to whip up the night before (seriously is she amazing or what?), Joyce in the Eloise skirt and I'm in the Audrey in the sweetest poppy print.

If you've read this blog, you know that I'm crazy for 50s and 60s dresses already.  What I love most about Theresa's line Tess is that not only is she recreating these silhouettes (she's bringing ladylike back) but she is also focused on an attention to details, like the fit and measurement for the modern woman, fine (and local) craftsmanship as evidenced in the silk linings and hand stitched hems, and overall ease of wear-ability found in the soft and luxurious fabrics in vintage prints and bold saturated colors that are easy to wear and wash. In a world of fast fashion, it's definitely worth the time to slow down and enjoy a classic and quality piece that can be worn for many occasions both simple and elegant and be treasured by the next generation as well.  I wish Theresa and all at Tess the best and can't wait to see what great things are waiting in store for them around the corner!