VIONNET RESORT 2012

I just love Resort Collections.  Most of them can go from Spring to Fall, and they always come in luscious colors with the promise of beautiful vacations and memories.

As I pack for a trip to NYC tomorrow, I think about some things I wish I had in the suitcase too.  These are just a few items I liked from the Vionnet Collection!

all photos from style.com

Vionnet Resort 2012
summer night cocktail outfit

Vionnet Resort 2012
great for a sudden cold snap

Vionnet Resort 2012
I love this modern take on Grecian Goddess

I hope your summer is going well!

DARK NIGHTS

I discovered a new designer while looking through a boutique in San Francisco.  (The boutique also has a sister shop in New York.)   It seems I am a little late in discovering Jasmine de Milo as several celebrities have already worn her designs.  Her aesthetic is simple and very sophisticated with an artistic twist.  Now that's a credo one can live by!

(All photos from the boutique, Elizabeth Charles)

Waist cut-outs plus a twist

This is a T-back dress, really cute from behind

Asymmetrical neckline
Very flattering, high waist trousers

These are some great looks for the after-6 pm holiday parties.  The last 2 looks can even go from office to office party on the same day.   The dark palette carries gravitas to the looks that guarantee you won't be ashamed in front of your boss, even if you've had an eggnog too many.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS REDUX

There is nothing more iconic in fashion history than the Little Black Dress, otherwise known as the LBD.  Every closet should have at least one.   Here's a look at the many incarnations the LBD might take and where you can don them.

L-R: Valentino, Lanvin, Bottega Veneta (style.com)

TRENDY DINNER WITH FRIENDS

If you are going out bar-hopping or trying out a trendy restaurant, an LBD with cascading ruffles down the bib lends the spirit of fun.  You can cinch it with a wide belt for a modern look, or leave it as is.

Moschino

GALLERY HOPPING OR FILM PREMIERE

 This Moschino LBD is wonderfully arty and edgy.  It begs for boots to go with them.  The height of the boots depend on the state of your legs:

• Long, sexy legs look great with ankle boots or gladiator heels
• Others might need the balancing effect of calf-high or even over-the-knee boots
• Architectural jewelry in sharp silver top it off smartly

Narciso Rodriguez

OFF TO THE SYMPHONY

The cowl neck softens the classic sheath shape of this Narciso Rodriguez dress.  It is serious enough for seats to the Symphony and will look great for years.  You can modernize with platform pumps or strappy ankle shooties.

Because of its simple shape, it can do double duty at work, with a structured bag and even a leather belt.  Throw a tailored jacket on top, and you're all business.

VACATION LBD


When I need a packable, simply glamorous evening dress,  I reach for this stretchy halter dress with keyhole decolletage.  Lida Baday makes lots of dresses in stretch, black jersey which defies wrinkles in the suitcase.

This LBD works just as well on a beach vacation for a fancy dinner, yet is sophisticated enough for the big city.

Where are you taking your LBD out to?

CLASSIC STRAPLESS DRESS

Bottega Veneta Spring 2010

This continues a series of blogs on Fancy Dress Events

Why do so many brides and debutantes wear the classic strapless gown?  Because they are so naturally flattering!

The average woman - whatever the state of her tummy or derriere - has presentable collarbones and shoulders.  The fitted bodice of the classic strapless dress, particularly if stiff with corset boning, can seem to make any tummy flab disappear.

(Also see the  Oscar de la Renta strapless dresses from the last blog entry.)

Jason Wu Spring 2010

Interestingly, I find this shape flatters those with a bit of flesh rather than the very skinny.  Ladies with very bony shoulders and collarbones can look like the Social X-Rays of "Bonfire of the Vanities"!  In the Jason Wu dress above, the skinny model is given a little bit of volume by the intricately pinched fabric in the bodice and bulbous skirt.

Spring strapless day dress

After I gave birth to my daughter, I couldn't fit into any of my wispy evening dresses.  I gained 65 pounds during pregnancy and retained about 15 pounds after!  I had to reach for the classic strapless dresses for dressy events.

• Choose stiffer fabrics that retain their shape and "hold you in"
• Taffeta, Silk faille, shantung silks are some examples
• Make sure the top fits so you are not constantly tugging all evening.
• Time to bring out your best jewelry to accessorize: chokers or bare necks with dangly earrings look good
• A silk organza wrap or other cover is an elegant finish

Stiff pink satin accent

      

COCKTAIL DRESSING

It seems to be that time of year when people receive invitations to weddings, Spring Galas or other dressy affairs.   If the dress code allows, a cocktail dress is a good choice.

Oscar de la Renta silk faille

Oscar de la Renta silk faille

For most people in reasonable shape (and don't worry - everyone has a figure flaw!), this means lighter fabrics like silks and chiffons for spring and summer.  If you want to contain a more rotund figure, or are advanced in age, a stiffer taffeta or silk faille might be more appropriate.

Whichever material you choose, think of playing up your assets both in terms of shape and color.



Here are a few thoughts on the softer fabrics and styles.

Fuschia Dress

beading on Fuschia dress

The Fuschia Dress:

•  has beaded straps to emphasize the shoulders.  
• This can balance out curvy hips.
• The skirt bottom flares out from a tulip shape and has deconstructed ribbon accents on diagonals.

The Lavender Dress:

•  Empire waist works for short-waisted ladies.
• A-Line shape disguises broad hips.
• Beading in bust area keeps attention at the face.
• The dress has a delicate, fairy-like feel.

Lavender Dress

Beading at chest area

Halter Dress

The Halter Dress:

• This is full of visual tricks for someone who wants to look longer and leaner
• The deep V-neck and vertical stripes elongate the torso
• The skirt is cut on the bias giving a swing to the skirt
• The diagonal lines of the skirt trick viewers into thinking your silhouette is lean and dynamic

For those who can enviably wear any wispy creation they want, I just love Alberta Ferretti's inspirational spring collection:

Alberta Ferretti Spring 2010

Biggest thanks to Lily Dong, my talented photographer friend, for shooting my dresses beautifully in this blog.