Around the holidays there are a lot of reasons to dress up, and I’m not talking about putting on anything but sweats (which in college might feel like dressing up). I’m talking up getting all dolled up for a special occasion. Whether you have a sorority formal, a fancy party to go to with the family, or need something special for New Years Eve, now is a good time to start scoping out looks. Though people are starting to get their Christmas shopping in, it’s not quite the rush yet, meaning there will be a slightly shorter line for the changing room than a few weeks from now.

Any girl who’s been to the mall in the past 2 years knows that there are a ton of dresses to choose from out there. That means it’s easy to find one appropriate for every occasion possible, but also hard to choose the very best one. (I’ve never been good with options.) Just remember these 3 key things:

1. Choose what works best for your body, not whatever cut is trendiest. We can’t all wear sparkly shift dress, you know.
2. What you’re wearing to impress your high school crush on New Years Eve may not be the same thing you want to wear to a Christmas party with your parents’ friends. Choose a slightly longer length (you should be able to sit down comfortably in it, without covering your lap with a napkin) and more chest coverage for events you’re going to for work or with your family.
3. Go all out. Ruffles, sparkles, cut-outs – all’s fair in love, war and party dresses. Read More »

This week’s craving may be the most “wish list” inspired post I have ever written. Sure, some of the JCrew necklace tees and delicate Etsy accessories I’ve gushed over were a little on the pricey side, but purchasing them (which happened on more than one occasion) came with the sacrifice of a couple of happy hours….not my rent for the month.

So sadly, this week, I am drooling in front of my computer screen, imagining all of the swanky cocktail parties I could mingle in, while I sit in my sweats on my parents’ couch (after indulging a little too much in a home cooked Easter meal).

But hey, we all know us girls can dream. And I’m sure more than one of us will be a-dreamin’ of Jasmine Di Milo’s Strapless Knot Cocktail Dress.

It’s red-carpet dramatic, but in such an effortless way. The asymmetrical draping gives a casual naturalness to a dress that oozes sophisticated chic.

My favorite part has to be the drizzled caramel effect, with the copper-toned satin gathering for a side-knot at the ribcage and draping down the body. Read More »

Last night’s episode of Project Runway really made Lauren happy. Lauren is all about saving the environment, so Lauren was super excited when she found out the challenge was to use Green fabrics to create cocktail dresses. Lauren wants a Green cocktail dress!

Other things Lauren wants: the BlueFly accessories wall in her bedroom, a lunch date with Heidi Klum and for Suede to stop freaking speaking in third person.

But let’s get back to the show (and first person).

This week’s challenge was twofold. Not only would the designers be using eco friendly fabrics, but the models would be purchasing them. Oooooo. I am sure that threw a little wrench in everyone’s plans, but didn’t really become an issue for anyone except Stella. Not because the model came back with some hideous fabric, but because the model came back without leather.

Stella LOVES leather. She would make anything in leather! She would make pants in leather, hats in leather, dresses in leather. If only leather wasn’t the WORST THING FOR THE PLANET, Stella. I mean, seriously. Leather is not only a major fashion mistake (unless you are going to a Bon Jovi concert), it just totally goes against everything this challenge is about.

So, anyhoo….the designers start doing their thang with the stuff and some random shite goes down. Some people almost can’t finish their garments, some people are still making up words (enough with the ‘icious…seriously), some people think others are copying them and Tim Gunn thinks one designers dress has the potential to be a HOT MESS. Yes, he actually said that. He totes misses Christian! Read More »