So I gave in and bought one of the many fancy dresses I’ve seen everywhere and posted some photos of. It needs to be shortened and adjusted a bit, but that can’t be done for a while so thought I’d just post a picture of it now.

I haven’t a clue where I’ll wear it, and as I’ve said before, I don’t understand where Saudi women wear these things, either, but they must somewhere because malls and shops are full of them. Maybe just for home entertaining.

I bought this at Wahat Aljalabiya, a very upscale shop at Riyadh Gallery that I photographed in the past -- another dress I just loved (but even more impractical so didn’t buy it). It’s interesting to see the kind of clothing they have on their site: http://www.aljalabiya.com

A close-up of the work on the bodice: