Wear Now, Wear Later: Black Tie Dresses, Budget Friendly

I got a comment from a sweet reader about finding a black tie wedding guest outfit, without breaking the bank nor getting something never able to be worn again.  I have found a few options and have a few suggestions.  Thought I'd create a post about this with the holidays and new year's eve coming up...

Tip 1: A black-tie event dress can be almost anything.  What sets this type of dress apart from other dresses, sometimes isn't even the dress at all - but the whole look!  The accessories, hair, shoes and make up can all dress up an outfit or look.

Tip 2: So, getting a black-tie appropriate dress that you can wear again shouldn't be too hard, right?  By keeping it short (knee-length), you have more opportunity to wear it again.  People tend to think black tie = ball gown/floor length, but that isn't the case (back to tip 1).

Tip 3: Finding a short dress to wear to this type of an event still may not allow you to wear it everywhere, but by getting something classic, that you can wear to multiple events and parties on different fancy scales is easy to do, when you get the right dress.

Tip 4: With the right fabric (silk, satin, taffeta, beaded, sequined, etc) and cut (and fits properly), choosing a black dress can be perfectly acceptable for a black-tie event.  A black dress is classic and can easily be dressed up or down and worn for many events throughout the year.  Take this black satin dress from White House, Black Market (on sale):

This dress is perfectly styled with high (and embellished) heels and an eye catching necklace for a black tie event.  You could even swap out black heels for a pop of color, or embellished with jewels or sparkly (like I'm wearing here, or these).

To extend this dress beyond the fanciest of events, swap out the accessories/heels first, add a belt, jacket and/or layer a tee underneath (depending on where you are going, of course)!

Examples of additions - belt from Gap, wedge ankle boots from Piperlime and stripe knit top from J.Crew

Other black dress options (for under $100):

Rushing and rhinestone straps leave this dress jewelry optional

Simple and easy for dressing up and down in this strapless dress

Perfectly sweet taffeta dress

Dressing up the LBD for the Holidays, part 3

I've styled a simple classic look, a bit more colorful, and now I'd like to take this LBD and layer it for a more casual and fun look...


I love layered looks! LOVE 'em! Here's how I'd wear this dress:

For the top, it would be fun and fancier to add some ruffles and frills, like with this Twelve by Twelve top:
Then, I would wear teal tights. Yes, teal. I love green and teal. JCrew turned me on to that color combination (here and here).


With this look, I would wear black pumps and toned down jewelry - like simple gold and a champagne clutch.

Another layering look, with a bit less color could be pairing this tuxedo-like cardigan over the black dress:


I love crisp black and white mixes, but this also means you can add some fun bright shoes! A timely shoe would be this red sandal:
or any other color of shoe or pump you'd like! You can either go bare legged here, or add some textured black tights. For a clutch, you can coordinate with your shoes. In this situation, a red clutch would be fabulous, or a simple black would do too.

Hope you enjoyed the LBD style options! If you didn't see a style you liked, let me know and I would be happy to do more.

Dressing up the LBD for the Holidays, part 2

In the last post, I styled the LBD simply, yet it was classic and sophisticated. If you want a bit more flair in your Holiday outfit...?

The second way, add some color to your LBD.

Take this great fitting LBD or one you own and add bright tights, such as these Jeweled Pink Tights:
Or you could even add some Holiday sparkle to your outfit with sparkling tights:
Now add accessories in different, yet coordinating colors. If you wear the jeweled tone/berry tights, try adding a hot pink bag:
If you were more interested in a teal tight, try royal blue bag. Red tights? Add an orange bag. Something that pulls the outfit together, but adds depth and interest.

For jewelry, I'd stick to something black, and bedazzled for extra perk, to add to the dress, like this great statement necklace:
If going with a statement necklace, keep the earrings simple. In this case, try some black studs (or you could throw in some diamond or cubic studs):
With this outfit, you can wear black pumps, similar to the last look. Let the Pinks do the talking!

Another LBD look to come...Stay Tuned!

Dressing up the LBD for the Holidays

Holiday parties and gathering call for wearing something a little extra special. But, not wanting to break the bank and stick with an old favorite - the Little Black Dress (LBD) is a fabulous staple and easy to jazz up.

A friend asked for help in this specific area. She go this adorable black dress from Gap earlier this season (it's no longer available online) and wants to jazz it up for New Year's Eve and Holiday Parties.


Here are some styling options for this LBD, and any others.

First, keeping it elegant and sophisticated - maybe for a fancier/formal event?

Keep the tights the same color - black, but add some spunk by playing with the texture. Wear something like these adorable Luxe Dotted Tights for $20 from Anthropologie:
Add some black pumps, that you already have (every girl must have a pair of black pumps). A pair as simple as these Nine West Rocha Pumps:Or something with a bit of embellishment like these Madden Girl Sabelle Pumps:

For jewelry, opt for something classic...like pearls, but updated in this fun way:

Forever21 Pearl Collar Necklace

With this necklace, a statement necklace - just pair simple pearl posts:

And there you have it...a simple, elegant, classic LBD look. Want more? Stay tuned for more LBD Holiday/Party looks!

Shoe(s) of the Day: These Boots Were Made for Walking...

And that's just what they'll do...

A friend and faithful reader asked me to help find her some cute, semi-affordable brown walking* boots. These are my favorite things to wear on my feet in the winter - they can be stylish, comfortable and warm. Everyone needs a pair, or two... Here are some fabulous options:

Madden Girl Ivorry Wedge Boot in brown (cognac) from DSW, $60; London Fog Wales Waterproof Suede Boot in dark tan (nude) from DSW, $100; Tint Cess Boot in brown from Aerosole, $135

STEVEN by Steve Madden Women's Intyce Riding Boot in brown (cognac), $130 & Free Shipping; BCBGeneration Women's Petler Boot in tobacco, $130 & Free Shipping; Lollipop Diamond Brown Double Zipper Riding Boot Vegan Leather, $55


Madden Girl Women's Elviraa Midshaft Boot in brown (cognac), $70 & Free Shipping; Clark's Cami Boots in brown, $150; Skechers Mini-wedge boot in brown, $90

*Walking boots - a boot that is either flat or small wedge or heel for comfortable walking. :)

I personally love the mini-wedge. And feel I need a pair.

Belt Accessorizing 101

I recently received this note:

ChasingDavies,

Can you please give a 101 on wearing belts around the tummy (vs waist)? Do all body shapes look good with this accessory? I'm 6' tall and wonder if it would look goofy.

Other questions: does the belt stay up if the top doesn't have the mini belt loops? Is there a rule that says if you wear a belt around the tummy that you shouldn't wear one around the waist? I know these are silly questions, but I want to try it but don't know how best to do it.

Thanks!

"anonymous"

Thanks for the questions and thoughts! Anyone at any height can wear belts at the wait. I don't like to think anyone should be restricted from accessorizing. What can change, depending on the height of one, is the thickness of the belt. Petite or short women should probably stick to thinner belts rather than thick (2" and wider) belts, so it doesn't eat up all their mid section. Taller women can really get away with any size belt, but wider belts are optimal for your height!

Take a look at some of these tall, yet fashionable women sporting belts around their waists...

Michelle Obama loves belts - she is 5'11" and wears belts over dresses, jackets, cardigans, etc...and always looks great!

Other height rich ladies that accessorize in a variety of ways with chic belts.

To your other questions. A belt placed on your tummy (around your natural waist - think where your belly button is) will stay up without belt loops, because no matter how straight your midsection is ("ruler"), you flare out a little bit into your hips. So the belt will sit right above that if tightened to the correct hole. You can also try elastic belts if you are concerned about it stay up. The elastic will cling to your body better.

There are many ways to wear a belt around your tummy:
1. Casually, over a button down shirt or to dress up a simple shirt, over slacks or jeans.
2. Over a dress, adding a punch of color with a belt to a solid colored dress or a neutral belt with a vibrant or patterned dress
3. To cinch together a cardigan, blazer or jacket
4. Atop a high waisted skirt
5. Over a flowy dress or shirt can help bring in the waist to not look like you're wearing a tent
and many more...

If you are new to wearing the midsection belt, try a neutral colored belt, like black, over a button down shirt (see Taylor Swift in above photo collage - bottom 2nd in from the right) with fitted jeans. You can start playing with dressier options and different punches of color as your start to get comfortable with the fit.

Let me know how it goes!

High School Reunion - Accessory Help!

The Request:

So my BFF from high school needs help. She wants to wear this dress to the reunion, but needs accessories and shoes to dress it up a bit. She's on a tight budget and doesn't like high heels (I think she would deal with lower heels, wedges or flats). Can you help?
I know that she would be forever in debt to you. I've tried to help, but you have a much better eye for this than I do.

The Dress:

Solid Rayon Pin Tuck Dress in blue

The Answer(s):

Well, no debt needed - I love this stuff! Accessorizing this cute blue dress will really dress it up. Because of the detail on the neck, no necklace is recommended. I also think (depending on the haircut), the hair off the face and shoulders, like model #2, is a good idea to keep the neckline less busy and overall look dressier. This way you can show off your ears...which I think should be adorned with bigger, fun earrings.

Here are some accessory options by themes...

Silver Theme:Forever 21 Pretzel Knotted Bracelet ($6.80) - I think this kind of contrasts with the girly details of the dress for an all around chic mixture.

Forever 21 Eclectic Sequin Earrings ($8.80)

daisy fuentes® Flap-Lock Clutch in ivory from Kohl's ($18) - a white clutch with keep the accessories neutral, yet fun and break-up the silver. This will keep the dress the pop of color.

east5th® 'Carlie' Peep-toe Wedge from JC Penny's ($21.99) - a classic shoe will compliment the statement jewelry.

Add fun nail color - like a light or bright blue, like Essie's Barbados Blue.

This look will be very cool and classy. Silvers, whites and blues go very nicely together and it's easy to find accessories in these hues.

Gold Theme:Urban Outfitter Kimchi Blue Long Croco Clutch in Gold ($19.99)

Charlotte Russe Filigree Circle Earrings ($4) - I bet these will catch the light really well too!

Forever 21 Jinny Floral Ring ($7.80) - Instead of a bracelet, a big cocktail ring would be fun!

DV by Dolce Vita Women's Dedra Sandal ($36.36) through Endless.com - Free Shipping, even Overnight! A nice sandal with a little wedge lift.

Add a bit of color on your nails - try a warm pink, like Essie's cut as a button.

This theme will really warm up the dress and add a touch of brightness to it without too much color. Also, using gold will dress up the look really easily.

Burst of Color Theme:Forever21 Fancy Rhinestone Hinge Bracelet ($8.80)

daisy fuentes® Turn-Lock Clutch in green from Kohl's ($18) - I love this color and it will really pop against the blue dress!

Forever21 Faceted Tear Drop Earrings ($2.80) - this pretty blue looks great next to the darker blue of the dress, and is also in the bracelet.

Madden Girl Women's Motif Strappy Sandal ($36.64) through Endless.com (same free shipping as above) in Gold (or the blue if you aren't afraid of color).

Polish your nails with a subtle color - like a nude, or light pink since you'll have on bright accessories here, like Essie's Delicacy.

I love the mixture of colors. That bracelet is my favorite. If you find a bright multi-colored jewelry piece, you can pull colors out of it for other pieces - like the ears and shoes. A purse is always a great area to add a great pop of color.

I think option #3 - the Burst of Color Theme might be my fav... What about everyone else? What's your favorite theme for this lovely blue dress?

A Staple, A Must, A Black Cardigan.

Dearest Alli has lost her beloved black cardi. That is a staple must-have, right? So...here is what she wants:

Hey Meg! I was wondering if you wanted to help me out!! I lost my black cardigan this weekend and need a cheaper one that i can wear open, closed, with a belt, etc. either short sleeved or 3/4 length sleeve. Thanks :)

Here's what I've found.

1. V-Neck, 3/4 sleeve from Alloy ($9.99!)
2. Mossimo® Black: Puff Sleeve Cardigan - Black (17.48)
3. Women's Tie-Front Pointelle Cardigans from Old Navy ($19)
4. BILLABONG CLASH CARDIGAN from Swell.com ($49.50)
5. Mac and Jac Shawl Cardigan from Macy's ($39.50)
6. Cotton pointelle cardigan sweater by VS ($29)