Currently Coveting: The Perfect LBD

We all know that the number one must have for every woman is the LBD (little black dress).  However, I think it is safe to say that many of us have been unable to find that perfect dress.  We all know how crazed we can get when we feel like we have nothing to wear, hence the need for the LBD to throw on in a moment's notice.

As we start to prep for the annual fall transition, it is time to purchase the most important piece of your wardrobe.  And, I have just the one for you... Diane Von Furstenberg's Gabi Dress.  I don't think there is a more perfect dress to take you from day to night. It will look fabulous on many different body types as well as a variety of ages.  It is not too revealing, not too tight, there is ruching to help camouflage the tummy, the neckline is perfect to display a necklace, showcase some statement earrings or an armful of bracelets.  Wear it with pointy toe pumps, sexy sandals or a pair of chic bootie/shoeties.

If there were ever a dress worthy of an investment, I believe that this is the one.

                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                     - Allison

*Photos courtesy of dvf.com.

Get Your Shift On!

The Spring is upon us.  We technically have two more months, and a lot of winter to get through, but that doesn't stop retail.  We are nearing the end of Resort and ushering in the Spring trends, yet I can't really see myself wearing flats until at least March.  So, instead of telling me what to pack on my vacation, I would really appreciate ideas on how to wear all of these colorful pieces now!  Let's face it, we all would like to add something new to our wardrobes, but there is no need to buy something that we can't wear for at least two months.  It will be on sale by then!

As we are bombarded by the latest trends, I have tried to sort them out... color is in, but so are pastels.  Mod is back and so is the Flapper.  The Seventies are still around and we can't forget the Eighties... hello, neon!  Sequins, lace, fringe, and ruffles are popular as well as clean lines.  However, one of the biggest and most undisputed themes is a nod to femininity.  Ladylike dressing is very important this season as it was in the Fall.  A good piece of advice - when in doubt, dress like a lady.

Keeping femininity as our focus, I would like to introduce The Shift.  The shift is known for it's simple styling, higher neckline and straight or A-line shape.  In other words, it is a dress that will always have a place in your closet, and can be worn all year.  There are short shifts and longer ones for the more mature, crazy patterns, demure prints - most importantly there is something for everyone.  This season the shift is back in full force and is the perfect pick to wear now and later.  It does depend on the style, but the shift can be worn with tights and boots (or booties), a sweater, a blazer, a tee or turtleneck underneath.  It is a perfect way to add some color on a dreary day without looking like you stepped out of a spring catalog.

Some shifts that I have my eye on right now...

This Animal Print Shift is one of many available at Topshop.  I liked the animal print because it is a little more exciting.  It is the perfect wear to work with a blazer or out at night with some sexy heels and a great belt.  The definition of an easy shift that is very versatile.

I can't help it, but this Sachin + Babi dress makes me think of Working Girl.  I keep thinking of the Eighties and power suits... Anywho, I love the dress!  I think this is fab for all ages.  It would look great with a pop of color layered underneath or some fun shoes.  Add a belt for a different look.  So many options with this dress.

You can never go wrong with DVF, and this is a great example.  The Diane Hanky Shift Dress makes a statement on it's own, but would look great with color too.  I don't think I would belt it, but is the perfect canvas for fun jewelry and shoes.

I love Tibi!  I can't really afford Tibi, but I like to dream.  With a nod to mod, this Tibi Shift Dress is a great wear now wear later piece.  Enough said.

What would a post be without a little J.Crew?  This J.Crew shift is fun, colorful and would look great on everyone.  I think it would look just as cute with snow boots as it would with wedges.

And now for the dress that I will definitely never own, but love... Derek Lam's Colorblock Shift.  I love how the colorblocking is used to give a flapper feel to the dress. If I owned this, I would have to wear it once a week.  I am totally serious.  And, I believe that I could go at least six weeks without wearing the same way twice.  It is amazing how versatile the shift can be!

Make sure a shift is one of your new purchases this season.  You won't regret it!

                                          - Allison

*Photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com, shopbop.com, topshop.com.

"When in doubt, wear red." - Bill Blass

Red is a vibrant and stimulating color.  It screams energy and immediately draws your eye (therefore, only wear it where you want to accentuate your assets).  Red is supposed to increase enthusiasm, encourage action and confidence, while giving us a sense of protection from our fears and anxieties.  I also found out that it is the color of the root chakra.  The base or root chakra is located at the base of the spine. Supposedly, focusing on the color red allows us to ground our "energetic body".  In other words, it helps us to regroup when we find ourselves "spacing out".  And, red represents beauty in many languages.

With all of the praise and good vibes that red brings, why do we always shy away from this color?  Well, it is a bold color. You will draw attention if you wear a brilliant red dress, skirt or blouse, but is this such a bad thing?  Not at all!  So, now is your chance.  Red is back and bigger than ever this fall.  Not just as an accent, but as the main attraction.  This brings me to the point of this post... a perfect way to transition your wardrobe is to bring a little red into your life.

There are so many options that you will most definitely find the piece that is right for you.  It could be a dress, skirt, blouse, pants or shorts... whatever it is that you makes you feel the most comfortable.  Just remember (as I said before), only wear red where you feel it is befitting to draw attention.  For example, if you are a bit bottom heavy, a red pair of pants or pencil skirt, may not be the most flattering option.  Rather,  focus on a red blouse, a-line dress or fuller skirt.  

Let's get on with it, shall we...

Cacharel

Asos

DVF

MARC by Marc Jacobs

Joie

Elie Tahari

Sexy chic courtesy of Victoria's Secret

To make the transition to red even easier, Harper's Bazaar gave some great advice this month... wear red with python print accessories and gold jewelry.  This is the perfect way to wear red now and into the chillier weather.  Happy shopping!

                           - Allison

*Photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com, asos.com, dvf.com, shopbop.com, victoriassecret.com

This isn't Your Mother's Suit!

I had a baptism a few weeks ago for my irresistibly adorable neice.  My usual "go to" in these situations is a dress.  This is due to the fact that after racing around the house to get everyone ready, I usually only have a matter of minutes to get myself dressed.  At least with a dress, I know that I will look somewhat put together (as long as my shoes match!).  So, what do I do when the weather is scheduled to be cold and rainy?

So, I stressed and stressed because this in-between weather always confounds me.  I try to plan outfits with layers as well as a cold and warm weather option for shoes, but there always seems to be a catch... such as rain!  Then the suede shoes are out as well as the open toe... hmmm.  Plus, who really wants to wear a dress on a cold and rainy day, especially when you are chasing around your kids.

At this point I am mentally flipping through my clothing.  Trying to figure out what isn't too wintry but will still be okay for the weather... then, I had it.  I will wear a suit... sort of...  Now, I am not a suit person.  I owned one once (a really cute bouclé pencil skirt and jacket reminiscent of the 50's) when I first started working.  And that is it.  So, let's just say my suit isn't what you are expecting.  But, after I wore this, I realized that anyone could wear some version of this suit and it would be perfect for work or for special events.  It is also a great way to have some fun in a more conservative environment.

I started with this DVF blouse that I had gotten a few months ago (it is on sale at dvf.com).  This was a fabulous purchase for me... I absolutely love it and have been able to wear it many different ways!  Oh, and I ordered it one size larger for a more dramatic effect.

Then I added the best pair of black pants that I have ever owned, and no they are not too expensive.  They are from Club Monaco.  I bought them a couple of years ago because they were perfect, and they still are!  They have a higher waist (but not extreme) and are perfectly fitted through the hips and bum.  Then they fall into a classic trouser leg... they look good with anything (and everyone must own a pair of black pants like this!).  This is a pair from Zara that are similar... but have a bit more narrow leg.

Okay, so then I needed a jacket.  Now, I am working on my jackets.  I was never a very big jacket person, but as of late, have favored a cool blazer in place of the cardi's that used to wear day all of the time.  Thanks, to my sister (stylist extraordinaire at Jack Threads), I ended up with a very cute cropped black jacket on sale at Urban for about $20!  And, it was perfect for this occasion!  This is a blazer from Zara that is similar...

I wish that I had a picture of myself.  Just to let you know, I was very happy and comfortable with the outcome!  I will definitely start to seek out more interesting jackets and tops to create more suit-like looks because they do take you so far... daytime, out at night, special events, etc.  Something to think about when you are in a rut, or want to take advantage of something that you already own!

                                          - Allison

*Photos courtesy of needleinahaystack.blogspot.com, 1954 McCall's & Vogue, myvintagevogue.com, matchesfashion.com, zara.com.

DVF Rocks!

I have a very serious crush on Diane Von Furstenberg.  I love the way that she believes women should embrace their femininity and "wear a dress" while kicking ass.  I also love her prints and the way her clothes fit just right.  Oh, and I love her use of silk jersey... it is a perfect fabric.   Like I said, I heart DVF (especially the dresses)... sigh.

As you can imagine, I was extremely excited to find out that she was re-releasing some of her vintage prints this past month!  And, let me tell you, they are fabulous!  Let's just say, slip on one of these dresses and you will be effortlessly chic for any event this summer... shopping in the Hamptons, sipping a cocktail at the Chatham Bars Inn (a personal favorite!), hosting a party, lounging by the pool or even going to work... these pieces are simply irresistible!

These above looks (and plenty more) are available at dvf.com.

                                   - Allison

*photos courtesy of the huffingtonpost.com, Tim Boxer/Hulton Archive/Getty, dvf.com