Black to Basic

Summer is full of colorful hues that you can finally wear after a chilly Winter. Sometimes our Summer brights cause us to neglect a staple to our wardrobe...your black basics! Your black pieces are designed to be a girl's best friend and an essential part of your decor for every season! Summer swirls, prints and polka dots are a perfect combination with your basic bottom. Using black when planning an outfit can open a door of fashion possibilities.

Black Bottom - A black skirt can go far beyond just officewear. Think outside the box, like putting a neon silk top with your skirt or try a bright pattern or print on top. When having black as your base, you are able to break up any busy pattern. It also allows you to go a little more daring with color. The color can be in your top or even your shoes. This is the chance to wear the yellow pumps you've been apprehensive about!

Black Top - Black is a slimming color, so if you're top heavy, this can be a simple solution. It is also a solution if you have some unwanted excess skin in your belly area. The black is able to hide what might not be your best asset. You can think of this in the reverse way of when you wear black on the bottom. Tuck your black blouse into a pair of shiny gold shorts or a solid colorful high waisted skirt. The basic on the bottom also creates an opportunity to play and go crazy with your accessories! Try peacock feather earrings as a hot trend!

Black Pump - Many offices require some sort of black shoe for women at work. Opt for the sexy peep toe or a slight pop of color on the heel. Black heels also work well for the less than casual dinner party you may be attending. Slip on your classics when wearing neutral shades and tones. A pair of black heels can keep your summer look classy, crisp, and pulled together!

The LBD or LBR - Possibly the simplest of the summer looks to pull of is your ever faithful little black dress. The most recent and updated version of the LBD has become the LBR. Little Black Romper! Either of these can be paired with bright jewelry such as emerald tones. Another way to slightly add color is by wrapping a skinny bright belt around either the LBD or the LBR.

A few tips: 1. When wearing black, stay away from bright makeup. Choose tones that match your skin tone and don't go overboard. A pastel shade of lipstick or gloss will work well. 2. Another way to bring in color when wearing black is to accessorize with nail polish! Try neon yellow or blue to show your bold side!

www.dressraleigh.com
pam@dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505

peace&love

Such a Sweetie Pie

Dress is proud to announce that we now carry Sweetie Pie Jewelry! We're completely smittin with this contemporary line of amazing jewelry. Featuring every day pieces, colorful stones, and jeweled pieces. There is something for everyone and every outfit! All pieces are handmade with vintage components.

You can find celebrities everywhere flocking to these amazing statement pieces. As seen in Gossip Girl and on celebrities such as Kelly Ripa and Rachel Zoe; as well as featured in many trendy magazines such as Glamour and In Style! The collection is very versatile and has a peice to satisfy every personality. From gun metal to glass, this a something that makes Sweetie Pie jewelry wearable for ever occasion. Whether you're glammed up for the evening or meeting your girlfriends for lunch...it works! This trendy and affordable jewelry line makes for the ultimate combination. Enjoy!

pam@dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505
www.dressraleigh.com

peaceandlove

Oh What A White

It has officially arrived...SUMMER! This means school is out, sun tans are in and white is a must have color! Primarily more of a summer color, it brings connotations of breezy days, and warm summer nights! There are so many options when it comes to the color. Here are a few ways you can turn up the heat and sizzle in white!

White tops - These are great if you are a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl or a ruffle blouse kind of girl. If you are pairing a plain white tee with jeans or jean shorts, pair it with an oversized necklace that has pops of color! OR opt for a long chain necklace with a single large charm at the end. If something a little fancier is more your style, pair your white embellished top with a colorful skirt or printed pair of shorts. Give your black pencil skirt a break and be bold in a bright canary yellow tulip skirt! Choose the patterned short with gladiator sandals and a silk white or cream top.

White pants - Using white pants as a base is a great way to show off the pastels, gold and neons that have been hiding in your closet for the past 8 months. If you have fair skin, try pairing your white pants with a pastel or bright primary color such as a kelly green. For the tan or darker skin tone, dare to wear the neon colors! These have made a come back from the 80's but are a great way to look fresh and funky in our warm summer months. White skinnys can be paired with a shear tunic for a chic look! (I adore designers such as Milly and Tibi because of their prints and mod design aspects) White trouser pants can be worn in an office environment and paired with almost any blouse. If you are going for a more every - day look, roll the bottom of your jeans, throw on your Tory Burch flats and an off the shoulder cotton top. To achieve a "Summer in the Hamptons" look, don't hesitate to put your pants AND white top together!

White scarves - If you are someone who shies away from this neutral color, use white as an accent color with a linen scarf. For embellishment, choose a white scarf with gold threading in it so the sun can catch the slight shimmer. The scarf can be paired with any solid or printed top. Consider adding it as an accessory to a solid color dress as well. Substitute this trendy piece for a necklace and make a statement. Try coral or emerald earrings with the white for a slight POP in your outfit.

We've got your love for white covered!

pam@dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505
www.dressraleigh.com

peace&love

Sizzlin Summer Locks

It's hot out there! Let's talk sultry Summer hairstyles. Some of the best looks for Summer may be easier than you think!

The pony tail and bob continue to be hot looks , with last year's precision cuts giving way to bold 80's style pixie cuts and spiky fringes coming to the forefront this year as Summer 2011 heats up...

Opt for a Perky Pony Tail as the humidity sets in. Tease your roots for a sexy bed head look and to add volume. This can be great for short or long hair. If you hair is longer, opt for the higher ponytail. This pulled back look is great when wearing a large or high collar.

The Bob is back! Give this classic look a slight tweak by going asymmetrical. Make one side slightly longer than the other. Add volume with layers or stick to one length. This is a great cut that can be tailored to your lifestyle and style. Punky with skinny jeans and an off-the-shoulder top or sophisticated in a printed wrap dress!

If you prefer longer locks, throw some layers in! This will add definition to your hair. Layers make for a great looking ponytail! When you pull back layers, it makes a piecy, textured look. The layers also look great for pulling your hair half up and out of your face. If you have longer hair, avoid high necklines. A v-neck crew or ruffle blouse can make for the perfect summer chic look!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend. Stay Cool!

pam@dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505
www.dressraleigh.com

Your Nail Color Palette

We've come a long way since Apple Red as the basic nail polish color. Now, we have everything from shimmer to animal print nails to choose from. Changing your nail polish is a great way to accessorize and add some oomph to your outfit. So, what does your nail color say about you?

Fire-Engine Red: You're sassy, self-assured, and not afraid to be dramatic. Bright red is a bold, look-at-me color that is a symbol for passion, fire, and confidence. You love the spotlight, and you take charge of situations.

Hot Pink: You're spunky and energetic. Pink is a color that is associated specifically with women, and hot pink lets you show your spunk and spice.

Pale Pink: Painting your nails pale pink is a subtle expression. You are likely quiet, or at least you don't want to stand out, and youthful. Pale pink is not significantly different from the color of your nails (if you're caucasian), but you still want to show your soft side.

Black: Painting your nails black is a classic symbol of anti-establishment. It doesn't mean you are depressed or going goth, but it's a way of rebelling against the norm and showing some of the darkness in your personality.

Navy Blue: This is a color of sophistication and authority. Wearing this color on your nails tells people to listen up, because you're in charge.

Magenta: A combination of the reds, pinks, and purples, magenta is feminine but not flashy. You are vibrant and youthful, but you don't need to be the center of attention at all times

Green: This color invokes images of vigor and the environment. Going "green" in your nail polish exudes earthiness and spunk.

Lavender: You are graceful and collected. A combination of pink and purple, lavender is feminine and confident without the youthfulness of pure pink.

Choose your colors wisely ladies!

pam@dressraleigh.com
www.dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505
peace&love

Beat that Southern Heat

Warm weather and sunshine are two of my favorite things! Even so, dressing for the heat can be tricky. The warmer it gets down South, the more the humidity increases, makes you re-think your wardrobe options. Many places it is too hot to throw on the standard jeans and a t-shirt. Here are some tips I use when I pick out clothes to stay cool and try not to get too sweaty during the summer months.

Wear shorts or Capri pants instead of long pants.

It seems like a no-brainer, less fabric equals less heat, but sometimes its hard to remember until after you’ve already left the house

Wear summer dresses.
Sundresses are my favorite things to wear in the summer. I think they are cooler than anything else because there is no waste-band.Choose light fabrics and loose fits.

In tops choose shirts made of light fabrics like cotton to fight the heat. Looser fitting clothes will also help you stay cool.

When its really hot, wear a tank top.

Tank tops are great because they don’t shoe sweat stains as much as regular shirts. Although when it’s hot it is normal to sweat and it is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Wear a sun hat and sunglasses.

These will also protect you from the sun and make you feel cool while you look cool.

pam@dressraleigh.com
www.dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505

peaceandlove

Sky High Fashion

Let's face it, shoes can make or break an outfit! You can take a casual ensemble and turn it into something sexy in an instant with a great pair of heels. Heels can be a woman's secret weapon to the illusion of mile long legs. The question I find myself asking is, 'the higher, the better?' I think the blisters on my feet at the end of the day answer for themselves. Personally, I adore a sky high heel. I also think there is a time and a place for them. The work place isn't always appropriate. Not to mention a shorter heel can actually accentuate your calves just as well than your 4"ers! Wearing lower heels in the work place is a classy way to keep things professional.

Before you begin your day, asses your terrain. If you are walking on cobblestone or walking all over town...don't torture yourself. If you are at a desk all day or in an office, a higher heel can be appropriate. Being on the shorter side, I always find myself want to put on something with height. You can find me in the produce isle of the grocery store in a pair of wedges. There is also a time to realize that some outfits just need flats!

Heels can even put insecurities to rest! If you are slightly insecure about your thighs, it's best to stick to a 2"-3" heel, which will compel you to keep your thighs tensed. Higher heels put more pressure on your calves, but a lower heel will keep your thighs look fit and trim! If you consider your foot size larger than average, a tall heel can make your feet look smaller. This is not to be taken to extremes, but a taller heel with a platform can work for you!

Dress has everything from your basic flat, to the sequin heels you've been longing for! Check out our selection today!

www.dressraleigh.com
pam@dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505

peaceandlove