Recently in Dresses Category

Since I was on the topic of Alexander Wang dresses already this week... look at this beautiful Alexander Wang dress at Saks Fifth Avenue: Pique Goddess Dress, $595.

Love it!  But again, a bit pricey!  $595 for a dress and my budget do not work together!


Here's an Andrew Marc dress with similar styling: Grecian Style Tee Shirt Dress, $188.


And, even better, if you're a Rue La La member it's in a private sale today for only $79!

I ran across this Alexander Wang dress at shopbop.  I love the zipper and that it has an interesting back.  It's made of a stretch jersey of viscose, polyamide and elastane.  It's on sale for $416.50, 30% off the regular price of $595!




I love this, but even on sale it's a bit expensive... for me anyway, since I hardly ever wear cocktail dresses.  I don't mind spending a good amount of $ on things I know I will get tons of use out of...

Since I was on the topic of SATC this week, I will continue.  If anyone wanted to channel an SJP look, there is a very yellow dress by Halston available right now at theOutnet.com at a substantial discount.

Halston Draped Silk Blend Dress, Regular Price $1995, Outnet Price $698.25.



Both Carrie and SJP love Halston and SJP just wore this color (but Valentino) to the NY premiere of the movie.

Envy! Look at this super gorgeous dress Gwyneth wore the other day to the Iron Man II Photocall. It's from Victoria Beckham's Spring 2010 collection.




I think it's the back that is most spectacular with the exposed zipper!

Here is the dress as shown on the Victoria Beckham Collection website.

This Zoe Tees dress just came in at the outnet.com. No doubt, it's a great deal, down to just $88.75 from $355. It looks good on the mannequin, I'm just not sure how it would look in reality. It's available in gray and dark purple and black and off white.  I'm sure the fabric is wonderful as it's a blend of 70% lyocell (so soft) and 30% wool.


What do you think?

Whites and nudes are very chic for Spring. I'm loving this Nanette Lepore dress, and I'd pair it with some simple nude pumps.

Nanette Lepore Vivacious Dress, $348


I love the gathering and the exposed side zipper.

Some basic Christian Louboutins in nude would work, or these Valentino Slingbacks, $675.

 
Stuart Weitzman Peep-Toe Platform Pumps, $345.

Lace has been popular with the designers over the last couple of years.  Remember Prada's gorgeous lace for Fall '08?

Here's Charlize wearing one of Prada's lace dresses, Aug. '08.

Well, it's still going strong.  Kelly Ripa just wore Stella McCartney's beautiful lace dress to a Letterman appearance.  (Stella herself wore the jumpsuit version ($4,815) in black to the Met's Costume Institute Ball last year)

Here's the beautiful dress similar to Kelly's at Net-a-porter. ($1,825)

 

Here's a Philip Lim take on the same idea. ($750)

 

Okay, so it's not nearly as detailed or quite as beautiful as the other examples, but Zara has a little lace dress for only $59.50! 

I saw this dress at Anthropologie over the weekend... sadly I didn't have time to try it on, but I loved it - it looks vintage and one can totally imagine Audrey Hepburn wearing it.  Very classic...

Cosgrove Dress, $128

 

It also comes in a medium blue and black.  I like the red though, on rare occasions when I stray from black and gray into the land of color I really like red.  I think red looks really good with blonde hair and fair skin.

The reviews on this dress are very mixed though.  Many say it is unflattering on (easy to believe because of the full skirt), that the waist is too short, the hem is too short, and the arm holes are cut too big!   Hhhmmm.  What to do?

I was out and about over the weekend, running errands, shopping etc. I stopped in at Banana and tried on this dress that I had seen before but not had time to try on.

Wool Blend Textured Sheath Dress, $152

When I looked at it on the hanger, it looked very narrow, which was a good sign. I've found over the years that Banana tends to run their sizes large and cut hips into many of their designs that I just don't have - so I knew this was going to be good. I tried on the 0 and it was perfect, no gaping at the sides of the skirt and a nice length, not too long, not too short. The reviews on BR all say that the dress runs small, and yes I'd agree that for BR it runs small, but in truth it probably just runs true to size.

I like the detailing at the neck and the fabric is nice, textured but still soft.

I didn't buy it though because I have one of their 40% off coupons that is only good on Wednesdays... so hopefully they'll still have my size on Wednesday.  $91.20 is a great deal for this dress!

I've totally had a dress renaissance over the last couple of years.  It is so great to just be able to throw on one piece and go. Perfect for mornings when you're running late and don't have time to put together an "outfit"...

As anyone who reads Flairvoyant knows, I am a huge fan of J. Crew.  I am pretty sure I love almost everything they make.  Rarely do I hate something.  Well, I'm afraid to say....

this is quite hideous... even more so considering the price tag of $995!

I'd say it's great if you wanted to look like you're wearing a bristly kitchen sponge.

Item Description: "The life of the party, in sumptous silk organza embellished with a flurry of hand-cut, hand-pressed and hand-applied silk organza petals. Finished with a picot-edged silk charmeuse sash at the waist, it makes any occasion special. Strapless. Fitted bodice, straight skirt. Removable silk charmeuse sash. Back zip. Fully lined in silk."

I don't know about "life of the party", perhaps laugh...

At least they had the sense to only make this dress up to a size 8.  They normally make dresses up to size 12.  Although a size 8 person would look truly massive in this dress. I would have made it in 00, 0 and 2 and even then.... ugghhh.  Okay, I've said enough.

Net-a-porter has this beautiful Chloe dress in plum that I love!  I would never spend this much on a dress though...

Chloe Strapless Pleated Silk-Blend Dress, $3,015

That is just a ton to spend on a dress!  For that, you do get some nice tailoring - the all-over pleats, built-in corset and bubble hem.  Also, for this price, I suspect that the belt it comes with is of the super-nice quality of all Chloe leather items. 

I love how they tempered the fanciness of the dress with the brown leather belt. It's like a dash of equestrian English country on a classic dress ...

Here's an interesting way to wear leather: take a very classic dress design and make it leather.  This is exactly what Rag & Bone has done with their Raw Edge Leather Dress ($995 - eek!).

It's great for going out worn as above with cool boots... but the great thing about the design is that it's classic enough that you could throw on a long cardigan and some tights and wear it to the office too.  With a piece this expensive you'd want to get a lot of wear out of it...

Blake was out Tuesday night in New York wearing Kate Moss for Topshop.

I'm usually not a huge fan of Kate Moss' collection for Topshop, but this dress is nice and it looks great on Blake.

The dress, All-Over Beaded Shift Dress, was selling for $560, but is on sale now for $160!  I wonder if she got it on sale?

Gwyneth's line for the French brand ZOEtees (known for their chic jersey basics) goes on sale Monday.  It will be sold exclusively online at the UK site matchesfashion.com.

The collection inlcudes jersey dresses, vests, slouchy jumpsuits, leggings, blazers etc. Prices begin at about $165.  The bummer though is that shipping to the US from the UK site is 30£. Yikes, that's about $50!

I love this dress though. It's chic but also looks SO comfortable.

Proceeds from sales will go to the charity, Kids Company, a London based organization that helps inner city children.

Nicky Hilton was out in LA wearing the khaki zip dress by Vena Cava for the Gap Design Editions.  The khaki series of limited editions are designed by finalists of the 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.  Here's what's left on the website:

I think Nicky's dress is the best piece of the collection.  I like the way they updated a classic cut with the zipper detail and print. It's $88 and right now is still in stock online in all sizes.

The CFDA awards were last night at Lincoln Center.  Apparently the vibe wasn't quite as festive as usual thanks to the recession.  The New York Times wrote it up, here (Hard to Name Real Winners at Fashion Awards by Eric Wilson).

Of course, there were actual winners... they were as follows:

Womenswear Designer of the Year
Rodarte's Laura and Kate Mulleavy

Menswear Designer of the Year (tie)
Calvin Klein's Italo Zucchelli
Band of Outsiders' Scott Sternberg

Accessory Designer of the Year
Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez

Swarovski Award for Womenswear
Alexander Wang

Swarovski Award for Menswear
Tim Hamilton

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design
Justin Giunta for Subversive Jewelry

International Award
Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
Anna Sui

Eugenia Sheppard Award
Women's Wear Daily editor in chief Ed Nardoza

Eleanor Lambert Award
GQ's Jim Moore

Board of Directors' Special Tribute
First Lady Michelle Obama

Among the fashionable present, I thought Blake Lively looked great in a bright pink Michael Kors Fall 2009 RTW strapless dress with pockets and nude shoes.

The color is a bit shocking, but she manages to pull it off.  This dress doesn't seem to be available anywhere online, but Neirman's has some of his collection including some other pieces in this crazy bright pink. (swing coat $2,795 and cashmere sleeveless turtleneck $595)

 

I'd personally just love Blake's Kors dress in black or charcoal or something like this chic tweed dress ($1,795).

 

So, of course last night was the big Costume Institute Gala.  Too bad it was a rainy bleak night here in the city.  But I'm sure it was fabulous anyway...it better be for a min. $7,500/plate dinner.  The New York Times Style section has a write-up about it today, here.

New York Times slide show.

People slide show.

PopSugar, tons of photos.

I think Kate Bosworth looked amazing in this elegant Stella McCartney dress.

And I'd have to say that Victoria Beckham was a miss in this Marc Jacobs and quite ugly Vuitton heels.  The dress looks like she took a satin version of Dwell Pin Dot sheets and wrapped them around herself.

There were certainly some stand-outs in the ugly department. 

Leighton Meester in Vuitton.

Madonna also in Vuitton. The dress is fine, but the rest?

Anyway, I think today is one of the best days for fashion of the year.  Well, I mean today for those of us who didn't actually go to the Gala, we have to wait until the day after to see all the fashion...

I have to admit that this is a very clever design.  (sorry, but somehow I have a bias against anything from the Olsen sisters)

This single piece can be a classic trench coat; or, unbutton the sleeves and wear it as a dress; or, wear the sleeves piece alone as a cute jacket.  Wow, talk about versatile!

Elizabeth and James Trench Coat Dress, $595 at Net-a-Porter.

Coat:

Dress:

(ooh, loving that bag - it's Mui Mui)

Jacket:

I said this before, last season, that I thought Banana was having much better stuff of late... and it continues. 

I lvoe this Twist Back Dress, $98 in a gorgeous shade of blue. It's 100% acetate, but looks and feels like silk. If you have green or blue eyes this color really highlights them.

Jersey T-shirt Dress, $69. It's a rayon/spandex blend that has a nice drape. Dresses like this are great to bring when you're traveling. They don't wrinkle and you can dress it up or down.

(wow, that model has huge feet)

Either of these 2 dresses you could belt for a different look.

Helmut Lang is now available at Bloomingdale's. The collection available has a very unified, pared down cool minimalistic look.

Oversized White Dress Shirt and "Paper" Leather Skirt, $265 and $620.

Black Silk Jumpsuit, $460.

Black Boxy Dress, $450.

Spider Silk Printed Dress, $520.

I love the aesthetic. Somehow it's retro and modern at the same time.

This looks like a great work dress, the Ayana dress in cactus flower.($365)  Diane wore this dress in Feburary's Town & Country issue, it was also look #31 from the DVF Spring Runway Show. The fabric is 85% viscose, 15% polyamide for excellent drape.

I'm still totally into dresses. In the past I wasn't, but the last 2 years or so definitely.  It's so great to just throw on a dress when you're running late - and then accessorize with jewelry and maybe a scarf.  You don't have to worry about creating an outfit. How wonderfully simple!

One of the dresses Kate Hudson wore for her photo shoot for February Elle (page 155) caught my eye. 

It was listed just as "Knit dress, Banana Republic, $130".  I went to check it out last week but it wasn't online yet.

But it is now: Drop-waist Sweater Dress in Gray Heather, $130. 100% extra fine merino wool. It has a boat neck and elbow length ruched sleeves.

Net-a-porter has these two amazing D&G dresses on sale right now.

Ruched Corset dress, regular $695, sale $486.50.  This is a classic D&G look.  Love it.

D&G Color Block dress, regular $1,150, sale $805. Didn't Scarlett wear something like this a few months ago to some party?

In NON-sale, check out these two beautiful dresses:

D&G Lace Shift dress, $725. I love the exposed zipper and keyhole back.  This dress is elegant and sexy at the same time.

 

 

D&G Cotton Pencil dress, $445.  This one is almost even practical because one could dress it up or down for day to night wear.

I think it's SO obvious who had the best dress (and overall look) at the Golden Globes this year.  A pretty dress is not good enough, it has to be unique and stand out.

Eva Mendes in her white Dior looked amazing!  The color looks great with her skin, and the fit and cut and of the dress are very flattering. The brilliant finishing touch was the turquoise jewelry!  Really, diamonds are great but so awards-ceremony-predictable.

 

What happened here?  Renee usually has great red carpet style!  This Carolina Herrera dress looks more like something Bridget Jones would wear; it looks frumpy.  And the hair doesn't help either.

Most improved look I would have to say goes to Evan Rachel Wood.  She went through that scary goth phase when she was dating Marilyn Manson.  Thank goodness that's over. She looks quite elegant in this Elie Saab dress and softer make-up.

Here's a tie for worst hair of the night.  Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore.  Yikes, why does Cameron's hair look like it's two different colors?  Not good.  And Drew's looks like a Mariyln Monroe redux, just she can't pull that off.  It looks bad-silly.

 

Diane Von Furstenburg introduced her knit jersey wrap dresses in 1973... and now 35 years later they're a fashion icon.  So much so there is even one in the collection of the Costume Institute of the Met.  Her collections are much more broad now, but the wrap dresses and other variations of the jersey knit dress are always an important part.

Here's a totally classic wrap dress, in a fun retro print, $385. 100% silk jersey.

 

 

Here's another wrap style, "Hampton Wrap Dress", $365. This one sleeveless, but still easy enough to wear all year by pairing with a cardigan. 88% nylon, 12% elastane stretch fabric.

 

I love this tuxedo dress, $365 available at Net-a-porter. It has a tuxedo pleated front and black buttons and belt. Contrast lining at sleeves and front placket.

All three of these look like they'll be in style for another 35 years for sure.  I always tend to love stuff that stands up to the test of time.  I mean really, who would ever need acid washed jeans again?  Classics like these dresses, when well kept, can be passed down to daughters and nieces and be enjoyed for many years to come.

I've found two more options for menswear inspired dresses that are thankfully much more affordable than the gorgeous D&G version that I wrote about earlier this Fall. 

This one by Nanette Lepore ($350) in a wool blend plaid, can be dressed up or down.  Layer it with a thin turtleneck for a day look or wear it alone with super-high black heels and a chic clutch for evening.  Here in this picture from Bloomingdales they've layered it with a cap sleeve top, I'm not very fond of that look personally. This dress actually looks much better in person!  They have it in the window at the Precision boutique on 3rd Ave betw. 74th and 75th Streets right now, it's a really beautiful dress.

This one from BR Monogram Collection ($224) is a cotton/poly blend in a classic glenplaid. It has a twisted neckline similar to the D&G dress. Straight skirt and narrow belted waist. It's a more dressy look than the Nanette Lepore but you could layer it with a sweater for work to make it a day into night option.

This black and white J. Crew Collection dress has a very classic Chanel-esque look. Chanel always shows a lot of black and white and especially did in their latest show, Spring-Summer 2009.  Someone probably could have snuck this dress into the show and no one would have noticed!

J. Crew Collection "Shimmy Dress", $250, ivory silk organza with tiny cotton voile ruffles black charmeuse sash.

   

Wouldn't it look great with some Chanel costume jewelry like this: But I guess that would cancel out the "look for less" part.

Check out this fabulous dress in the sale section of Net-a-Porter.  Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Stud Trim Dress, Regular Price $495, Sale $247.50!

I love the sleeves and the overall design. You can also wear it belted. The studs are very much like the Carrie belt in the SATC movie.  (although I would  not recommend wearing them together, that would be overkill!) It's a cotton/polyester blend with metal studs. For $250 it's pretty tempting!!!

These Black Halo dresses look great for Fall.  They're very classic and ladylike (ladies who lunch and wear giant pearl drop earrings).  I'm getting a very Victoria Beckham (on a good day) vibe.

Grey and Black Bustier dress, $325

Jackie O Dress in Wine, $345.  Also comes in black, $325.

Bouquet Cami Dress in Charcoal Herringbone, $370

I think if I had to pick one, I'd go with the first one because it's the most unique. I think it would look great with classic 4" Louboutin pumps and an interesting clutch like this crystal one by Jimmy Choo. The clutch is on sale right now at Net-a-porter for $997.50 (regular $1,995).

 

T-Bags is an LA based brand favored by many Hollywood girls.  Here's Kate Hudson in their long maxidress with bead detailing.

They've got several great designs out right now inlcuding some on sale at net-a-porter.

I love this tie sleeve dress.  It comes in apple (green), bright blue and navy. It's 100% rayon so it will have a beautiful drape. $180 at Revolve Clothing (also at Net-a-porter).

This twisted strap dress is among the sale items at net-a-porter. It's a gorgeous teal green color in a rayon/lycra blend.  Normally $190, on sale for $133!

I'm going to Bermuda later this Summer so I was thinking about cute things to wear when I've had enough of the beach and want to go over to Hamilton to do some shopping and have lunch...

This dress from Milly looks great even just to toss on over a bathing suit.  I'm not usually so colorful, but for Summer I think it's appropriate... and especially when you are away, somewhere festive.

$340 at Net-a-porter.

I'd wear it with some cute brown leather flip flops, like these that I have from a couple seasons ago from J. Crew.

They have a more simple version this year for $49.50. They're nice too, made in Italy with leather soles and footbed.

I'd bring along my trusty floppy hat from Eric Javits.

They usually have these at Neiman Marcus, but their selection is somewhat limited right now. I found it online at bagshop.com for $190.  It's such a great hat because it looks like straw but it's not, you can fold it in half and then roll it for packing.

Then of course everyone needs the requisite pair of ridiculously large sunglasses.  I don't have any of these yet, I always feel like I look silly when I try them on because they overwhelm my face (but that doesn't seem to stop anyone else).  These from Gucci might be a good compromise because they don't seem to be that big, but it's hard to tell from the picture.

These are $275 at gucci.com.

Last of all, a shopping tote... Ballard Designs has an amazing value on a jute tote with leather handles and a free monogram.  The large one is just $25.95 and is big enough to also serve as a beach bag for a big towel etc.

And there are tons of monogram style options.

I've discovered the brand Bobi, who shows at LA Fashion Week.  They make some superb breezy and drapey jersey items in a thin, very soft 100% cotton jersey; and their prices are very reasonable.  I think this brand is carried mostly at small boutiques, but you can find it online at Revolve Clothing.

Jersey Deep V-Neck Dress $52

Stripe Flutter Sleeve Dress (not jersey) $52

These two dresses are both at Revolve Clothing. Bobi also makes this keyhole shirt that I LOVE, but Revolve doesn't carry it. I found it online at Moorea Boutique who sells it for $60. I got mine in Old City Philadelphia at Lost & Found (133 N. 3rd Street) for only $44! In fact I got two, one in black in one in moss.

It's only the second week of June, not even officially summer, but it's grotesquely hot.  99 degrees today in New York, horrible!  Well for those of us that cannot decamp to the beach the answer is a lightweight, loose, drapey dress!  I've found just the thing: Saint Grace's Gina dress.  It's made in a super soft 100% cotton jersey. Ultra lightweight and very cool.  Just throw it on with some strappy sandals and go!

I found it at a boutique in a differnt color green, more of a kelly green; but this teal version is available online. I wasn't very familiar with this brand, but it's billed as " a collection of luxuriously soft modern basics" and this dress seems to fit the bill. "A true Southern California brand, Saint Grace's modern basics that translate seamlessly from day to night in wrinkle free, lightweight fabrics, can be found nation wide at upscale boutiques like Lisa Kline and Fred Segal in Los Angeles and Barneys and Big Drop in New York City. Saint Grace is also sold internationally in Switzerland, London, Japan, Dubai, and Canada."  I love finding these new little labels that make great things at great prices. 

As the weather gets warmer I find that there's nothing better than a sleeveless jersey knit cotton long dress.  In the summer they're casual and cool and in the spring you can wear with a sweater.

The LA brand Gypsy05 makes one in 100% organic cotton, available in 10 solid colors for $100 and with an ombre effect available in 5 colors for $119. Kate Hudson has the gray one. The cut has a deep V neck and twisted straps.

The deep V neck is a great style, but not the best for everyone (those who need a little support up top), so the same style dress with a halter top is better.  Victoria's Secret has some like this.  I don't really like Victoria's Secret clothes in general, but for a casual beach dress I think it's okay.  This one (below) comes in 4 colors and is only $59.

This one looks great too... it's $98 and comes in 2 colors the great teal color shown below and black. It's a cotton/modal/spandex blend, so the modal will give it really nice drape. And that's (the modal content) probably why it's more expensive.

In the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day, here are some festive green things to wear/carry. 

Bezel set emeralds and diamonds on a 14k chain @ Ross Simons on sale $1,015.75

Theory rayon tank dress in shamrock green @ Bloomingdale's $285

D&G Woven Straw Tote @ zappos.com couture $949

Bluefly. com has this super cute Abaete silk dress on sale for $246.00, regular retail $410. I love the contrast of the black collar and pocket trim against the ivory silk.

I wasn't that familiar with this label so I looked it up. Abaete is designed by Laura Poretzky. She studied fashion at RISD and worked for Ralph Lauren before starting her own label. The aesthetic is intended to "capture French femininity, Brazilian sensuality and American simplicity"... this makes sense because Laura was born in France, her mother is part Brazilian and she lives in the US (New York, of course).  She has shown during fashion week at the Bryant Park tents and been featured in Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, etc. It's so great how small designers can be so successful these days.

For Winter this year I got a couple of day dresses that I've been loving. I guess I'm having a dress renaissance, because I usually don't wear them. I'd like to get a couple more for Spring. Dresses are so comfortable, but you look nice and put together since you are, after all, wearing a dress. I like Juicy Couture, Ella Moss and Velvet for day dresses, you can also find small labels at boutiques that you may have never heard of, but have great designs. Shopping at small, non-chain boutiques is fun too because you know that the entire world will not have the same thing. Whereas with a Juicy Couture item, anyone could (and does) have the exact same thing. Knit dresses made of modal or rayon blended with cotton are amazingly comfortable and drape nicely.I tend to like solids more, but some prints can be great. J Crew has some interesting ones this season - they are so bold, I think they are love or hate. Black is great, I think ALWAYS, yes even in Spring and Summer. It's my favorite color and transitions well from day into evening in case you don't have time to change before you go out.

Velvet Basila Jersey Dress w. bubble hem $114 

Ella Moss Crochet Dress $162  

Juicy Couture Linen Dress $198 

Rachel Pally Keyhole Dress w. open back $211 

Velvet Etna Shanghai Dress $215 

LinQ by Carole Little Ruffle Sleeve Dress $138

JCrew Ischia Silk Print Dress $335

You can find some great dresses online at www.revolveclothing.com, sometimes you can get lucky and find something good at www.bluefly.com.  Or if you're out shopping - Bloomingdale's, Scoop, Intermix and Searle are always good bets or little boutiques in SoHo... or whatever town you're in, give the little boutiques a try - you can find some great and unique pieces!

As I was doing my Gucci update yesterday I was thinking about the color yellow since they're featuring that color in their spring/summer line.  We've been seeing yellow a lot more in the last year or so.  Yellow on the red carpets was huge in 2007.  Reece Witherspoon in Nina Ricci, Angelina Jolie in Emanuel Ungaro, Kate Hudson in Dior, Thandie Newton in Fendi, Kerry Washington in Oscar de la Renta, etc. etc.

For us mere mortals, yellow is popping up a lot this Spring. Take a look at J. Crew's spring preview catalog that they shot in Rome (don't get me started Rome... that's an entry of its own), it's full of yellow.  Like the really cute Fontana dress, see below.

Net-a-porter is featuring yellow as the "Y" in their 2008 A to Z of Spring Fashion.

I have to admit as a person who pretty much lives in black, charcoal and denim; I tend to be slow in adopting color.  But I think I'm going to get some yellow this Spring!