Recently in Dresses Category

It's quite sad that no one wants to pay full retail anymore-- especially for trendy stuff but until the market starts rebounding, those with cash are going to make out like bandits! The latest sale to hit the net is Couture Candy with 50% off selected Ingwa Melero Spring/Summer goodies. I've sworn off buying contemporary/trendy clothes at full price as it all ads up but for 50% off more than a few pieces are worth consideration! Ingwa Melero tops are great to run around in with jeans/skinny capri pants in the summer. It's a great alternative to a plain ol' t shirt. Its sexy little dresses will also be a hit beachside-- go here to check out all the sale selections.

Photo from People.com

There were so many beautiful dresses the night of the Costume Institute Gala that it's hard to pick just one favorite. I've been going through the looks over and over again -- so refreshing to see so many nice looks for once (I was completely disappointed by the Oscars and all the other recent award ceremony fashions). It was a close call between Jessica Biel in Versace, Kate Moss in Marc Jacobs -- obsessed with her gold turban --I have a sneaking suspicion that we'll soon be seeing a turban trend and Kate Beckinsale in Marchesa. In the end I've settled on Beckinsale's Marchesa as my favorite. The embroidered midnight blue gown is absolutely dreamy and I love all the ruffles. Growing-up I always imagined myself getting married in an opulent Vera Wang gown (how original I know...), but since Marchesa came along I hope that whenever I do get married it will be in one of their dresses -- perhaps even an off-white version of this number!? What was your favorite Met Ball look?

Cut out dresses are very hard to pull off; you need to make sure there aren't any body parts or protruding bulges hanging out which means you have to be very fit (see Kate Hudson above left).  Kate is perfect for this super hot Rachel Roy cut out dress (Martine gown from Fall 2009).  She looks sexy and confident with her lean silhouette and small bustline-- this would not work on anyone with large cup size or ample middle!  If you are curvy and fabulous, try this dress from Cynthia Rowley on Parker Posey (upper right), the cut out is done on the shoulder straps so you don't have to worry about anything falling out.  The waxed linen dress, from the Cynthia Rowley's Spring 09 collection, gives the illusion of leather without the weight. It is available for purchase at Cynthia Rowley stores and at www.CynthiaRowley.com.  Originally $400, currently on sale for $289. 

I think both dresses are winners-- what do you think?

I have this dress in fuschia from Vivienne Westwood and it's the easiest dress in my closet right now!  I find myself grabbing it constantly; it's at once sexy, edgy and stylish and doesn't require much thought!  I have a new rule of not repeating the same item of clothing in different colors but I love this dress so much I am seriously considering buying this gorgeous shade of blue. It looks so different from the pink one and will be more versatile in the long run. I am imagining it with a sleek clutch and a pair of metallic gladiator sandals. The only jewelry needed is an oversized cuff and a pair of large hoops-- so chic! I love everything about this dress-- the ruching on one side of the hips (ultra slimming!), the asymmetric shoulder (subtle sexy), the draping at the waist ( to hide any bulges or overindulgence of pasta) and the asymmetric hem-- it just has that effortless appeal! I even belt mine with the Hermes CDC belt sometimes which makes it into a nightclub worthy mini dress.

But what do you think? Should I repeat with the navy? (I should also disclose that I received a $100 credit when my RM dress broke so the dress would only be $360 for me!)
Vivienne Westwood New Drape Jersey Dress $460 at Net-a-porter.com

Who is Kendra Wilson again? I can't remember anything these days... I am thinking she was one of the girls that lived in the Playboy mansion with Hughie, but let me know if I'm wrong. Anyhoo, this is a really adorable dress, I'm just not fans of either girls wearing them. If I really have to choose, I'm going with the blondie. Simply because she doesn't look like she's falling out of it but somehow both of them make the dress look cheap. These draped dresses are difficult to carry off if too tight!

What do you think? Who looks better? Foley + Corinna Zigzag Jersey Asymmetrical Dress at Shopbop.com

I am obsessed with Michael Kors, you just can't beat his modern chic classics! I have a packed weekend coming up; a ballet recital, champagne brunch and a dinner party. I'm all set for everything except the champagne brunch-- I like to be casually chic in the mornings for brunch (no skintight dress for me that early in the day!)-- this ruffle sheath is just about perfect for a morning with the family! I love the abstract pattern and the cascading ruffles on each side really soften the look of the dress. I'm going to pair this with a pair of strappy flats for brunch but it will be super hot with platforms at night. I may play around and wear it with the black patent belt from my other MK sheath dress . This is the genius of Michael, no matter if you buy his castle collection or bridge line, you'll look like million bucks and can mix and match his accessories from both. Ready to find out how much this fab frock is? $159.50-- full price, not on sale. It's 100% silk, too. And the best part is you know Michael designed it and that it's not part of some licensing deal with Wal Mart. At Michael Kors.com, get free shipping with MKMOM!

I love Alexander Wang and like the rest of the world am obsessed with the 'Coco' Duffel, but I just don't get some of his dresses! The silk-satin jersey meets t-shirt picture above ($575), makes absolutely no sense to me -- especially when for $20 more you can get the sexy Silk Jersey Dress pictured below! What do you think of the combo dress -- snob or slob?

You really can't beat a comfortable dress that is flattering and sexy. I love Rachel Pally for summers, they are super easy and although it is of synthetic fabric modal, it breathes and is so soft and stretchy you might as well be wearing PJs. It is machine washable so go ahead and wear this to a bbq (don't worry, its not super fitted) and romp on the grass with whoever you like. This particular dress is more structured than the kimono sleeve with empire waist that they're known for. The ruching makes your chest big and waist small. Hello! Everything I wear should be doing that!! I am also a die hard for purple so this pretty much is the perfect dress for me. At Fashion Chateau for $220, get 15% with code chateau15.

Rebecca Taylor will be hosting a Spring Makeover Event at their Nolita Boutique on Thursday, April 23rd from 6:00-8:00 PM. Shop the new summer collection while you sip on sparkling wine, get pampered, and enjoy amazing shopping rewards! For one night only, Rebecca Taylor will offer a fabulous gift with purchase of $250 or more. Update your look and choose a mini manicure, hair styling, or make-up touch up with any purchase.

Take 40% off the spring line and enter to win beauty services and products from Bath Junkie, Maria Bonita, and Cutler as well as a $300 gift certificate for the Rebecca Taylor boutique. The Rebecca Taylor Boutique is located at 260 Mott Street between Prince and Houston. 

Rebecca Taylor also at Net-a-Porter.com

A chic little cocktail dress is no longer limited to evenings-- you can wear them anytime!  This dress from Derek Lam has been hanging in my closet for weeks waiting for the right occasion but yesterday I thought, why does anyone need an occasion to wear a fabulous frock? So I pulled it out and wore it during the day to run errands. I paired it with black Alaia ballet flats and a tiny cardigan which made it totally daytime appropriate.  Even mundane events like my doctor office visit and the grocery store felt like an occasion.  This dress is 100% cotton which makes it very versatile.  So I got a couple of strange looks at the grocery store but I prefer to think it was because they liked my dress :)

Derek Lam Bow Knot Bustier Dress is at Shopbop.com for $1,495.  Think about it, the more you wear it, the less it will cost per wear.  So don't keep your dresses in the closet, beautiful clothes are meant to be worn, often!  A cropped motorcycle jacket would be amazing with this as well and in the winter, add boots and tights!

What about you?  Where is the strangest place you've worn a cocktail dress to?