Posts with tag cocktail dress

It's no surprise to us that Christine Rhee has a degree in architecture (from Princeton, no less.) The designer, who launched her line Crhee just one season ago, applies sharp, utilitarian cuts and colors to feminine and wearable classics.

We're enjoying all of the Wall Street Journal coverage about Michelle Obama and her sartorial choices. Last week it was about what she wore on The View. This week's Michelle missive reveals the name of the designer behind the purple "fist bump" sheath dress, and so many of Michelle's great looks: Chicago-based designer Maria Pinto.

Just a few more days, kitten, until you step out of your limo, sashay up the red carpet, and make your grand entrance as the belle of the New Year's Eve Ball.

Or maybe you're driving yourself.

And maybe the only red carpet is the wine-stained one at your friend's apartment.

Whatever the case, you will be the belle of the ball in your own world in Cynthia Steffe's Embroidered Bustier Dress. The strapless dress with a pleated empire waist means you will be comfortable, not having to suck it in all night. The bustier features soft ruching over a bodice that has boning for support and shaping. The highlight, of course, is the embroidered lace skirt, which falls a modest 19" to the knees.

Spray your exposed skin with some Sally Hansen AirBrush for legs (use it on your bare shoulders, too), slip into a pair of skyhigh stiletto pumps (sandals are too cold for January), and grab your black silk clutch.

Cynthis Steffe's Embroidered Bustier Dress is $305 at Saks. It is on sale for $180.

It's Saturday morning. Do you know what you're wearing tonight?

Let's hope so, but just in case you still don't have a thing, not a single thing (!) to wear to that cocktail party tonight, head over to Neiman Marcus and pick up Chetta B.'s Shutter-Pleated Dress in Champagne. I have never heard the term "shutter-pleated," but it sounds far more interesting than what it actually appears to be, layers upon layers of flat ruffles. The Shutter-Pleated dress is made from 100% silk crepe, and aside from the flirty shutter pleats, features an illusion V neckline -- very flattering. Very sexy. Since the dress is a Champagne color, make sure you exfoliate all over so that your winter-white skin sparkles against the light color. I'd go with sassy gold sandals, and a teeny tiny gold box clutch.

The Chetta B. Shutter-Pleat Dress is $390 at Neiman Marcus.

Inevitably, we all want to look amazing for our co-workers at least once a year, and there's no better occasion to "wow" our friends than the annual office holiday bash. But what is appropriate to wear? So many women have asked me this exact question in the past couple of years, and believe it or not, there is a fairly simple answer. So when in doubt, follow these few rules for easy holiday gorgeousness.

1) Buy a dress! I have nothing against skirt and top combos, but seriously, you have two separate pieces to deal with, and then once you add shoes, jewelry, and a jacket -- too many decisions! Stick with a dress, and you'll cut your stress in half.

2) Unless your invitation says "black-tie formal", a knee-length or just below knee-length dress is always appropriate. Look for richer fabrics such as velvet, silk, or stretch satin. Chiffon and lighter fabrics can work as long as they are in season-appropriate colors (think dark, saturated hues).

3) Sleeve length is totally up to you. You can go as bare as strapless, or as covered as full-length sleeves. As long as you like the dress and feel comfortable, you are going to look fabulous in any type of sleeve.

4) Bring a long coat, preferably in a black or in a print that picks up on the color of your dress. If you don't have a coat or would rather wear an item you don't have to check at the door, try a wrap. Wraps come in cashmere, silk, fur (real and faux), velvet, and just about any other fabric combo you could imagine. The best thing about wraps is that they can be twisted and pinned (with a pretty brooch) in limitless combinations. You can disguise almost all "lumps and bumps" with a cleverly placed wrap.

5) Sheer black or nude hose (Hanes' "Barely Black" are foolproof) work with almost any type of dress. If you want to be a little more daring, or are wearing a shorter dress, opaque tights can be a trendy look, but beware, as any opaque stocking tends to dress down a cocktail look.

6) You can wear open or closed-toed shoes with your cocktail dress. If you go with an open-toed option, make sure that your hosiery are made without the telling toe seam.

7) Try to match your necklace to the neckline of your dress. For example, if you are wearing a deep-v neckline, try a necklace with a simple drop. This ensures that you flatter (but don't take away from) your dress.

8) Have fun! Confidence is universally beautiful. Have fun and know you look great, because you do!

I am a 25-year-old woman with a job, a home and a 401K. Having said all of that, I still can't keep my greedy hands out of the Juniors department at Target. The stuff is really cute, really cheap, and it fits me. Why should I deny myself?

For obvious reasons, I feel guilty about this habit. When I buy Juniors, something inside tells me that there's a nice 15-year-old girl out there who will have to go without that plucky little dress because I'm older, faster and have more disposable income.

But that's just your tough luck, sweetie, because I've got my eye on the Fire Satin-Pleated Bodice Dress($29.99). Put this satin-pleated dress on a real body (not some stick-figure model with no boobs) and it would be -- to quote Tyra Banks -- totally fierce.

Didn't someone once say that being savvy with money is a sign of maturity?