Fashion Blog

This Nicole Miller Charmeuse Dress reminds me of a dress Carrie on  Sex & the City wore on the episode “The Big Time”  where she is stranded on a yacht with Big & Charlotte & Trey were just beginning to date.  Sorry, I couldn’t find a picture.  She wore it with some fancy gold jewelry & a super cute clutch.  I really love the blue color & it’s at such a great price right now.

Nicole Miller Charmeuse Dress: $300.99 (Was: $430)

I have a slew of weddings, baptisms, birthday celebrations & other special occasions to attend this season & not a thing to wear!  SaksFifthAvenue.com always seems to please when I’m in a hurry for a fashionable dress.  Here are some spring dresses from their spring collection that are my faves: 

Valentino Red Satin Cap Sleeve Dress: $595.00        Twenty8Twelve Ivy Silk Dress: $455.00

Teri Jon Country Club Sundress: $395  Badgley Mischika Tullie Babydoll Dress: $650

Badgley Mischika Fitten Twill Dress: $ 350         Theory Pavia Strapless Dress: $315

Shoshanna Strapless Chiffon Dress: $330      Notte By Machesa Faille Mini Dress: $675

Nicole Miller Strapless Satin Tuck Dress: $345      M Missoni Pique Strapless Belt: $695

Joie Continumm Mini Dress: $268                   BCBG Max Azria Centurian Satin Dress: $300

For more dresses click here.

The Nordstom Half Yearly Sale is on, and there’s lots of good stuff to gush over, as usual. If I have one money-saving tip as we approach the holiday season, it’s to take advantage of this event and others like it to outfit yourself for all those festive parties you’ll be attending.

Here are my top 5 chic little black dress picks from the sale:

If your fancy yourself a sophisticated party-goer, might I suggest the Diane von Furstenberg ‘Manca’ dress, $ 254.90 (old price= $425). The bell sleeves and that high neckline are delish when offset by a short hem. I’d pair it with some metallic shoes, opaque tights, and a flashy cocktail ring.

If you’re daring, this one-shoulder “Trudie” dress $238 (old price=$598) might be your thing. I love the delicately pleated skirt and all that texture on the bodice. I would play this look straight–it’s got enough embellishment, so there’s no need to add a bunch wow-worthy accessories.

If you’re too creative for all black, then shake things up with this Chetta B by Sherry Bloom and Peter Noviello sweater dress $115 (old price= $290). Maybe I’m a little too obsessed with brightly colored legwear, but wouldn’t this look so cute with a pair of purple tights? Do it!

If super-feminine frocks are your taste, this Maggy London Halter à la Marilyn Monroe $87 (old price=$148) might be to your liking. I like the gold hoops the folks at Nordstrom paired it with, but i believe a bracelet is in order too.

If you want to keep it simple and sexy, this Nicole Miller Bateau Neck Dress $212 (old price=$355) might be just the thing. I love the dreamy silhouette–a slim skirt offset by a blouson top. This is great for adding curves athletic body types. And it has pockets!

Fashion Week is on, and day one is over. What I love so far is the emphasis on the waist mainly because that’s my best feature, and women like me deserve a little reprieve after the hip-focused multi-year fashion phase we’ve had to endure. Sheesh. I also love the sleeves-with-interest trend that’s happening, which we saw a little of last year–now it’s really booming.

There’s more to come, but here is a bit of what’s gone on so far:

Erin Featherson

Erin Says: “I think the ultimate luxury in fashion is to be yourself, to celebrate your personality.”

Celebs Who Showed: Anna Wintour, Britney Snow

Trends: cinched waist, double-breasted tops, high-waisted shorts, white on white, interesting sleeves, floatyness, turbans, shirt dresses and long jackets:

L. A. M. B.

Gwen Says: “I decided to go back to my roots, to when I discovered the ska bands from England—like Madness and the Specials—that made me what I am today.”

Celebs Who Showed: Eve, Carrie Underwood (weird)

Trends: As Nicole Phelps put it, the collection “looked like the sixties as seen by someone who grew up in the eighties” Damn, I wish I had said that! Anyway, Rude Girl style and 80’s Mod revival were in full effect: blazers, sweater vest, braces, ties, skinny pants, plaid, pleated skirts, trouser shorts, double-breasted jackets, high-waisted shorts, black and white, and knee socks:

Nicole Miller

Nicole Says: “After all those big dresses, it’s time to bring things in.”

Trends: color blocking, rompers, lime, big prints, high-waisted shorts, military (admiral) jackets, interesting sleeves, sailor pants, strong shoulders, black and white, double-breasted tops, high-waisted shorts, cropped jackets, Grecian dresses and gold: