More to Life than the LBD

The LBD (Little Black Dress) had always been a wardrobe staple for us ladies. Though an essential piece to have in your collection...there are so many other options out there! While gearing up for your Holiday events, cocktail parties, and offices parties...keep in mind some of your other fun choices!

Sequins are something that I personally can't get enough of this season! Once considered only for the brave, it is now everywhere! Step out in a sequined on shoulder top and pair with black pants or even winter white pants! If one shoulder isn't personally for you, try a gold or silver sequined tank under your favorite cardigan!

For those dames daring enough...opt for the colored sequined dress! Show off your confident side (and be the center of attention) by pairing with a great pair of black pumps, your most preferred color of lipstick and a smile!

As mentioned earlier, one shoulder is all the rage! The great thing about the one shoulder look, is that you can decide on your favorite color, then pair with solid black tights to tone down your colorful ensemble. I own the blue "sex and the city" one shoulder frock sold at Dress and have been more than pleased with my purchase! Its flowyness and color are perfect for any outing! For an extra "pop", pair with a long necklace. Not every girl loves a dress.

The trouser jean or wide legged pant is currently a celebrity favorite. Pair with a sexy tighter fitting top, or the Rachel Zoe inspired shirt and fur vest! No flats allowed with this pant. The shape of the pant requires heels. (Especially those of us under 5' 5")

For this year's Holiday festivities, leave that LBD in your closet and show off your fashion sense! Dress has all of your favorites and the jewelry and accessories to match! Come see us today and play a little dress up!

pam@dressraleigh.com
www.dressraleigh.com
919.669.6505
peaceandlove

Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Glam

Your party season style rotation wouldn't be complete without a few words from Mr. Michael Kors, would it? Below is his advice on Holiday Essentials!

Embrace the little red and as an LBD alternative. DO experiment with different shades of red like orangey hues. There's one that works for every skin tone. DON'T pair a red dress with red shoes, a red bag, or other red accessorites. All that together? It simiply says "Santa's helper!"

Try burnished metallics. DO try off shades like deeper gunmetal gray or subtle bronze. The shiniest golds and silvers are only for the seriously brave. DON'T be afraid to mix in neutral accessories and non-metallic pieces too. That's chic!

Wear sequins the new casual way. DO try pieces like long sleeve tees, tanks, and shorts, which feel glamorous and relaxed. DON'T forget to balance the look with matte fabrics so you don't blind people.

Bust out those super short hemlines. DO counterbalance the bare legs with a covered on to look. DON'T bare everywhere...you get the point.

Slip into ankle booties as a new take on evening shoes. DO choose a stiletto-heeled style. It gives a tougher edge to romantic holiday dresses and is a nice departure from your usual pumps or party sandals. DON'T layer on colored tights with these. One statement accessory is enough.

Ok ladies....now go get your party on!

www.dressraleigh.com
pam@dressraleigh.com
919.669.6505

Tis the Season to be Sparkly

One of the best things about the holiday season is that it’s also the holiday party season. But each cocktail party comes with a dilemma: what to wear? The answer is simple, my friends! If you’re going to a cocktail party, then the simple answer is a cocktail dress! I’m partial to the classic Little Black Dress (LBD).

They're simple, easy and indisputably chic, and they'll take you through the holiday season and beyond.

Wear the LBD with a blazer and a pair of sleek booties and head to the office in style.

After-work cocktails? No problem. Park that blazer and layer on a few oversized baubles.

It's no wonder that eight decades after fashion icon Coco Chanel turned the once-funereal garment into a fashion statement, the LBD endures.

In fact, fashion-savvy Cristell Basmaji, spokeswoman for Jacob, says this fall she spotted the LBD more than ever on runways.

"It's just one of those really easy pieces that you can find in any style," she says. "There's a little black dress for everybody."

The fact that it is so versatile makes good financial sense too, Basmaji says, "given the economic situation, and that people are really looking for those investment pieces."

"Make sure the dress is not too busy," Basmaji says, of the criteria for finding the right LBD. "It has to be of a solid fabric. It's got to be a relatively simple cut."

Don't get swept away by a flashy print or detail, she says.

"Keeping it simple and classic keeps it to what it was when it was first created in the 1920s," Basmaji says, adding there are plenty of inexpensive options to choose from.

"You don't have to necessarily break the bank to buy the little black dress."

www.dressraleigh.com

pam@dressraleigh.com

919.669.6505