Recently in Skirts Category

I'm the first to admit that I absolutely love Herve Leger bandage dresses, but these days it seems that everyone and their mother owns one (and I have to say I don't think these dresses are appropriate if you're 40-plus no matter how hot your bod is -- am I right!??). I'm one of those people that hates seeing someone else in a similar dress when I'm out and while there are about a million variations on the bandage dress -- as evidenced by the three above: Classic bandage dress ($790), Bow bandage dress ($950), and Rainbow bandage dress ($2,250) respectively --I've seen so many of them that I never wear my classic one out anymore (thankfully I bought it on sale at Intermix so I don't feel too guilty:)). That said I'm absolutely loving the Herve Leger High-waisted bandage skirts ($550). You get the sexiness of the bandage dress, but it's not something that you'll feel like every other person owns. Plus fitted skirts and simple t-shirts are such an easy and sexy look to pull-off (see Jess Simpson and Amanda Bynes below). What do you think about Heve Leger's Bandage Dresses?

Photo from People.com

This is one of the most beautiful outfits I have ever laid eyes on.  Say what you will about Tomas Maier but the man knows how to wrap a piece of fabric on the body.  Bottega Veneta has long been known for subtle elegance.  From its iconic woven bags to draped dresses-- it's not a brand the Britneys and the Pam Andersons seek; it's more for the Reeses and Jen Anistons.  The neckline of the top makes the entire outfit.  Without it you just have a top with a skirt (albeit an interesting skirt with side pleats that will hide a generous belly.  I am really in love with this top-- it's almost sheer perfection.  The open collar dips just so in to the decollatage and the small cap sleeves will hide any flaws on the upper back arms.  Even if you are not a lady who lunches, you need this for champagne brunches!   I'd rock this with a pair of leggings for casual dates or wide legged pants if you're not into the skirt length.  Bottega Veneta Shantung silk top at Net a Porter.  Bottega skirt also at Net a Porter.

OK, I am totally behind on my movie watching but on my flight back from NY I finally saw Quantum of Solace. I didn't even care that the movie made no sense because I was sucked in by the clothes worn by Olga Kurylenko. In the opening scene, she has on the perfect bubble skirt with a tank top and I knew I had to track it down. I found 2 options, one by Opening Ceremony which is actually a skort, at Saks Fifth Avenue for $290 but the one I actually bought was the Pretty Party Skirt from Twelfth St. by Cinthia Vincent, on sale on Shopbop for only $64.80. T-shirt, tank, flouncy top, whatever you got this summer, just throw it over this skirt for the perfect easy and chic summer outfit.

Another lust must from the movie is the Tom Ford aviator sunglasses worn by Daniel Craig. He outfitted him for the entire movie but of course the sunglasses are the only things that I lust for. Silver James Bond Quantum Of Solace Sunglasses are $313.50. These unfortunately are not so frugal!

As much as I love my cocktail dresses and ball gowns, I can't very well run around in them daily with a toddler (though I wish I could-- one day!). One of the designers I wear often is Rebecca Taylor. Not only are her designs easy to throw on, they are always feminine and stylish so you know you'll be fabulous without giving it much though!

I've appeared on television in her designs and worn them to the park with my son-- that's how versatile she is! I'm currently obsessed with florals and frills for resort; and though I love the wholesome look of the model above, I plan to wear these dresses with my hooker platform heels and fishnet tights (it's a weird phase I'm in). Rebecca Taylor at Net-a-Porter.com
Prices average $200-$400. (My favorite is the Blue Silk Chiffon Ruffle Dress- $390!)

 

Guest Blog by Jackie Bolen

The dress has had its moment. Right now at V.O.D. it's all about a fabulous "bottom" - skirt, pant, etc. - paired with a simple tank or tee. One of our favorite looks for the holiday season exemplifies this philosophy perfectly.

Jenni Kayne's floor length leopard print mermaid skirt is so refreshing and fun! Though the shape is quite formal, it looks as good with gloves and stilettos as it does with boots and a shrunken leather jacket.

Body conscious but easy, the ultra-lightweight wool skirt is lined in silk and puddles perfectly on the floor. You'll definitely turn heads swaggering into your next event in this skirt. And while we're hardly animal print lovers, we're a bit obsessed with this leopard print (Heidi Klum wore the top version on Project Runway sparking sellouts nationwide). Demure and rock-n-roll all at once. $1,355 at V.O.D call 214-754-0644 to order.

Guest Blog by Julia Dinardo

Prada set it off on the fall 2008 runways, and most designers followed suit into spring 2009 with the look of lace. There's no subtly in the look - large, pattern-worked pieces, reminiscent of an Italian grandmother's head covering is all the rage! Instead of pulling a granny and wearing it on your head, all over lace is what we're looking for. As mentioned before, we totally became obsessed with Miuccia Prada's amazing lace dresses and bags, but also found the doiley-like lace circular creations and piecey-lace layers at Alexander McQueen to be quite intriguing! Andrew Gn gave a lace jacket some upscale, couture appeal, while Givenchy took an eclectic boho approach and Alessandro Dell'Aqua brought lace into the future via angular cuts, rows of ruffles, and '90s inspired mesh sleeves. Love the lace, but need some commercially viable options? We've got you covered, don't worry! Regardless of it being a little or a lotta lace, we've found several items that will fulfill your lace fantasy (in a good way, not in a "Fredericks of Hollywood" manner of speaking).  (More after the jump!)

Reese Witherspoon in a Vanessa Bruno dress

I'm leaving for Paris next week and I cannot wait to stock-up on Vanessa Bruno and Sonia Rykiel. Of course both designers are available in NYC and online, but nothing compares to the selection in Paris. I love Vanessa Bruno in the same way that so many people love Alexander Wang -- the designs are perfect for day-to-day casual, but put together looks. How adorable does Reese Witherspoon look? And all she had to do was add a long necklace for a little pop and pair her outfit with flats, a handbag and voila!

Unfortunately while I love Vanessa Bruno clothing, I'm not a fan of the line's handbags and shoes -- odd especially since most people know Bruno as a handbag designer. I just never felt that her casual, playful aesthetic translated well into her accessories. That said, I'm more than content with just picking-up some of her clothing pieces.

Check-out some of my great find after the jump!

I was really against animal print clothes, bags, accessories, etc, as a young girl.  It just seemed so,,, well,,, old to me.  But now that I am old, my inner Leo is coming out and I am yearning for a piece or two of leopard to add to my wardrobe.  My three year old son wholeheartedly agrees.  I was looking at a vintage YSL leopard coat from Decades today and he was hanging on my arm as he likes to do and he looked over and said "oh, a cheetah dress mommy?  You gonna be a cheetah?  How 'bout giraffe?  I like giraffes.  Maybe you can dress like monkey?  Monkey is my favorite."  How cute is he!?!?!?  So I am still looking for that perfect little piece (hopefully one that won't make my little one think I am dressing up for Halloween), maybe a belt or a vintage short swing coat like the one Kate is sporting in this photo.  But it's tricky because you can go from stylish to tawdry in a minute with too much leopard.   Like this ocelot skirt for example, it's just a bit too much.  But the belt, that works for me and would look fab on a black dress or skirt.  What do you think of animal prints?  Snob or Slob?

Skirts are the next best thing to dresses, you get to look feminine but professional if necessary, plus they show off your shoes so well!  If you have legs for days, why not show them off in a short sleek mini?  But if you are height challenged like me, a mini also works or a knee length but never, ever a mid calf length!  Here are some of my favorites this Fall to wear with what else?  Tights and platform heels/boots!  Jump for details and how to wear each look!