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

One Shoulder Wonderful

My latest fashion passion has been the one shoulder look. The one shoulder draped look can bring sophistication and modern glamor to any outfit. You can achieve your look in so many ways! One shoulder dresses can either be printed or can have polka dots over it. It all depends on you which design you want to choose. As already mentioned there is no need of usage of accessories along with this dress. The asymmetrical dress is highly in demand these days because it is considered as a fashion item and we find numerous women wearing this dress may they be a celebrity or a common woman. Whenever we go out for shopping we always look for clothing that is fashionable and at the same time affordable.

Pair a one shoulder dress with tights and heels for a night out. For a more casual approach, do a slinky one shoulder and a pair of dark wash jeans. I think that the one shoulder dress is the perfect answer which is a very good combination of fashion, style and money. Spending on an asymmetrical dress will make you realize that the money you spent was worth it because you can wear this dress for any kind of party may it be formal or casual. To compliment the dress you can have a pair of matching stilettos and danglers who will make you look tall and slim.

It’s true that the type of clothing you wear reflects a lot about your personality and wearing a classy and beautiful dress like the asymmetrical dress will definitely add to your personality and give you stunning looks. With the dress becoming so common designers are trying to manufacture something new so that we witness a change. Therefore the asymmetrical dress will make you look really wonderful and you will always feel flattered when you wear this dress.

www.dressraleigh.com
919.669.6505
pam@dressraleigh.com

peaceandlove

Embellishment is Essential

The hottest accents are sparkling their way down runways and red carpets this season! Embellished clothing is the Fall 2010 must have! Sequins, studs, feathers and crystals are all permitted!

There are many ways to achieve the embellished look. Sequins are a glitzy way to glam up any outfit. Whether it's an entire dress of them or just a gold sequined tank to add a little flare to your ensemble. For best results, stick to wearing one embellishment at a time. Make sure the embellishment is used on or near a body part that you would like to accentuate or call attention to, since it's where the eye will be drawn. For maximum impact, wear one embellishment at a time.

If sequins aren't your thing...opt for anything studded. Originally thought of as more of a "punk" look, is now trendy and an amazing way to add pizazz to your outfit! Look for tops with a studded neckline or a set of earrings or a cuff with subtle smaller studs.

Feathers are a tricky embellishment. These are usually saved for special occasions and are thought to be more dressy. You have to be cautious! Don't over-do this trend! Feathers tracing the bottom of a skirt or dress can be cute. A dress made of feathers can make you look like something that has just fallen out of the sky.

Go out all this Fall and add some glitz and glam! Stop into dress to see our many items that can embellish anyone's figure!
www.dressraleigh.com
pam@dressraleigh.com
919.523.6021

peaceandlove

The Furry Stuff

Faux fur is invading store this fall and these days, even the fakes look lovely and luxe! It's no longer about just furry vests and the fur coat...new to the scene, we are seeing fur bags, fur boots, and fur lined sleeves. Fur adds an element of drama and unexpected into your wardrobe style. The texture has the ability to highlight the face and angles of the body in a way unparalleled to other fabrics. A great thing about a fur vest is that it can be worn with snow boots and jeans and then transform your outfit for the evening when paired with tights and heels!

This is a fashion trend that will take you well into our Winter season! Stop into Dress today to check out our fur-lined vests, fur coats, and mink scarves! New pieces arriving daily!

pam@dressraleigh.com
919.523.6021
www.dressraleigh.com

peaceandlove

Go Passionately Pink

How many of us know someone who has had or survived breast cancer? Breast Cancer knows no boundaries and is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers today. October is breast cancer awareness month. Here are a few facts you might not have known.

• Breast cancer is the leading cancer among American women and second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths. • More than two million women currently living in the U.S. have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.

• All women are at risk for breast cancer. The two most important risk factors for breast cancer are being female and getting older. The risk of getting breast cancer increases as you age. Most breast cancers and breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 50 and older. Until more is known about preventing breast cancer, early detection and effective treatment offer the best defense against breast cancer mortality.

• Although rare, younger women can also get breast cancer. Just five percent of all breast cancers occur in women under age 40.

• About 85 percent of all women diagnosed with breast cancer DO NOT have a family history.

All data from Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the American Cancer Society Rev January 19, 2010

Show your support for all those ta ta's out there and wear your pink! All month long! There's not time like the present!

www.dressraleigh.com
919.523.6021
pam@dressraleigh.com