Recently in Dresses Category

Was "Going the Distance" the most stylish red carpet movie premiere in years or what? I've already waxed poetic on Drew Barrymore and Kate Beckinsale; now it's Christina Applegate's turn. This, ladies, is how to dress to impress while pregnant. Plucked straight from MaxMara's fall "Elegante" collection, this beautifully cut raspberry cap sleeve dress hugs all of Christina's baby curves in a very flattering way. Falling right to the knee, the body skimming dress has deceiving cap sleeves and an elongated key hole at the chest that draws the eyes up and down--but away from the bigger mid-section. Christina is the epitome of the modern pregnant woman in this dress. More women could take a lesson from her example and I don't know about you, but I look forward to seeing her wardrobe choices as she nears delivery.

$1,080, available at select Max Mara stores 1.866.MAX.MARA

The temperature may have been soaring, but the actresses attending the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles Sunday night didn't let the strong sun from ruining their walk down the red carpet. Indeed, many of them wore black and shades of navy with plenty of aplomb. Inevitably, however, there was plenty of comedy on the red carpet--Rita Wilson, what were you thinking in that Prada runway chandelier ensemble?--as stars swanned about in classic goddess gowns, mermaid dresses and predictable princess ball gowns.

Oscar de la Renta, to no one's surprise, had a double homerun with "30 Rock" star Tina Fey and Lea Michele of "Glee." Both brunette, both petite--the former took a fashion risk in a black silk organza embroidered gown with white satin underlay (and won) while the latter easily added inches to her frame via a navy silk taffeta sweetheart neckline gown with organza flamenco ruffles (both from the Resort 2011 collection). It just goes to show: Oscar de la Renta can do no wrong. Indeed, aside from Emily Blunt's pretty Dior silk chiffon bustier gown with flower embroidery, it was a big night for American designers.

Beautiful, and slim looking, in custom Donna Karan Collection, Elisabeth Moss dressed both appropriately for her age and her curves. Marchesa scored a nice coup dressing both tabloid faves Heidi Klum, in a barely there black strapless tulle dress with rose embroidered sculpted bands (this woman has given birth?), and Kim Kardashian, who hid her busty curves nicely via a white silk chiffon halter column with draped bodice. Juliana Margulies also stunned in a navy L'Wren Scott dress with metallic pieces that looked poured onto her body and Julia Louis-Dreyfus gets two thumbs up for relying on her go-to designer friend, Narciso Rodriguez. Christina Hendricks was a bit more controversial with her Zac Posen gown choice--a lilac number with feather accents from resort.

There were plenty of European designers represented on the red carpet, but they were more misses than hits. Claire Danes looked like an Oscar statue in her crystal beaded Giorgio Armani Privé number--but how many times have we seen this look? Anna Paquin went high fashion (and became a matador in the process) with her Alexander McQueen column topped with gold sequined shoulders. And lest we forget January Jones? Personally, I liked her structured electric blue Atelier Versace gown. It was a daring choice--certainly not mainstream--but I think ultimately it belongs more on the steps of the Met Gala.

For an actress who oft prefers long, billowy gowns, it was surprising, but in a great way, to see her arrive at the premiere of "Going the Distance" in L.A. in a terrific and smart Versace shift. Yes, you read right: Versace. The white leather (LEATHER!) dress with charming black dotted pocket-flat details is from the resort collection (out in November) and I think it gave Kate a very "sexy secretary a la 'Mad Men'" vibe. The dress fit her like a glove and the super high black satin pumps she paired with it gave her legs for miles. You wouldn't think this dress was leather at first; but knowing it is only increases its fashion-forward appeal. Leave it to Donatella to take it up a notch by using an expected fabric. The polka dots also work nicely here--especially when paired with the high, pulled-back ponytail. It's nifty, old school sleek and I give it two thumbs up.

Drew Barrymore proves that one doesn't necessarily need to rush to Chanel, Lanvin and Oscar de la Renta for a fabulous red carpet dress. Don't get me wrong: there's nothing wrong with any of the aforementioned designers; I just think it's nice to stir the pot sometimes. And who better than Drew? At this week's premiere of her new film, "Going the Distance," Drew donned a stunning gold brocade strapless gown and hoop earrings with citrine and pyrite stones from Malandrino, Catherine Malandrino's upscale line (her on again/off again beau Justin Long, meanwhile, looked as cute as a button in Dolce & Gabbana). I love how Drew never veers too far from her boho spirit; check out the loose, windswept locks and the just overall approachable attitude she exudes. The dress hugs her nicely and accents her curves while not being skintight. P.S.: in case you were wondering, Drew's belt--which smartly cinched her slim waist--was by Balmain. When in doubt, belt it!

$2,350 and it is Holiday/Resort 11.

Yesterday I wrote about my wonderful experience at MAC scooping up Jil Sander pieces, but that wasn't all I got. Among my other purchases was a teal dress from designer Sara Shepherd. I wasn't familiar with this designer and I was excited to buy something in San Fran that I would actually NOT be able to get in NYC! The British designer is a Central St. Martin graduate (the famed school where Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano all studied), and worked with a number of designers, including Jeremy Scott, before branching out on her own.

The dress I bought isn't on her website, but Livia Firth wore it to the premier of A Single Man and if you check-out the video here, you can see her wearing it :-) As of yet Sara Shepherd is only available in California, but if you're interested in anything from the line contact info@sarashepherd.com - ask about the teal dress! It was originally $488, but I got it half off.

Maybe it's because I live in New York City, but I like it when my girl friends wear stylish dresses seemingly inspired by artistic smocks. The whole art-cum-fashion trend was a huge hit several seasons ago--Thakoon, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior--but I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Cacharel is a brand I haven't heard mentioned in quite some time--and that is just one of many reasons why I endorse this short sleeve crewneck dress with its chic folded front panels. The brushed pattern of the fully-lined dress creates sheen to the fabric with its crinkled appearance. And for the finishing touch? A red zipper at the top shoulders will match the soles of your Louboutins!

$825, available at www.lagarconne.com

Michael told me that he can't find old Michael Kors clothes at vintage stores because the shop owners said that people actually wear his clothes.  In fact, they wear them and wear them until they are threadbare but yet they still can't part with them!  That's kind of how I feel about all my MK dresses, not only does Michael design fabulously chic clothes, they're super comfortable, too!  Like this Grecian inspired draped jersey dress, I feel sexy just looking at it.  If you fear draping because it might render you shapeless, Michael solves the problem with a waist cinching belt.  Come to think of it, most of his dresses come with belts cuz Michael wants you to look gorgeous without thinking too much about it.
Michael Kors Crepe-Jersey Draped Dress for $1,795

Juicy Couture failed miserably when they attempted to capture the high end ready-to-wear market with Couture Couture.  My opinion is that they strayed too far from their core sweatsuit wearing fans.  But with Bird, they hit the mark with urban pieces at affordable prices.  Dying for this simple draped neck sweater dress, it has just the right amount of draping on top with a fitted skirt hem so you don't look like you're wearing a blanket.  I'd wear it with a bad ass Bottega Veneta studded belt and a pair of knee high boots, come on winter-- I'm ready for ya!
Bird by Juicy Couture Draped Neck Sweater Dress for $398

Ladies, meet your one fall must-have--that's good to wear all-year! Doo.Ri, known for her chic use of jersey and draping, has created a sleek and sophisticated side-draped dress for all your cocktail occasions. I'm a big fan of one-shoulder draped dresses and the slim fit of this dress, coupled with the self-banding at opening and hem that drapes up the front right side, is not only versatile but flattering as well. I love the pleating that begins at the underarm that comes across the lower front of the dress--elongating the front over the back hem--that requires only a statement necklace or minimal earrings for a dramatic effect. This dress looks good on almost all body shapes because the fabric is forgiving while not making you feel like a whale. The one-sleeve look is also terribly sexy--as a guy, I can attest to that.

$295, available at www.lagarconne.com

I was totally thinking M Missoni when I first saw this picture of Kristin Chenoweth, but she's actually in Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent's Santa Fe Racerback Dress ($310 at Intermix and Blue & Cream). I like the brightness of the dress, the hint of tribal, and that there's cinching at the waist to highlight her amazing shape (while still maintaining a comfy/casual feel). The length is also perfect for wearing with both flats and heels. If anything I would just add a long pendant necklace to Chenoweth's look. She looks gorgeous!