LITTLE BLACK DRESS
Tis the season for the Little Black Dress. The LBD is great for those holiday parties since it hides the chips and salsa you just ate and the cocktails you are about to consume. No one should start a new party season without at least one new Little Black Dress. Here are some great LBDs for every budget.
Not even a feverish cold could keep me away from “A Sip of Wine... a Taste of Heaven,” the Seventh Annual celebration in the Miramar Town Center, this last Saturday. The courtyard filled with over 20 different restaurants, vendors and wines from Premier Beverage was just what the doctor ordered after a long day of fasting and cough medicine. The event sponsored by Tropical Financial Credit Union offered guests a feast for only $45 per ticket, which explains the amazing turn out with over 1,700 attendees.
Intimidated by the options, my sister and I grab the event map and decide to strategize our plan of attack. After a few minutes we decide to move from left to right, making sure we have a taste of everything. I eagerly grab my complimentary plate with wine glass and hurry over to the first food station, La Famiglia Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, and inhale a plate of Penne Pink Sauce. Immediately after I was side tracked and ended up at the wine bar where I enjoyed a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon from Little Black Dress wines. My sister then drags me back to our next stop: Tastebuds Catering, which was, hands down, one of my favorites, with Mascarpone cheese on a wheat thin cracker, a simple but completely addictive treat; Coconut Shrimp; Spanakopita, a Greek savory pastry more commonly known as a spinach pie; and deliciously seasoned Filet Tidbit with Mashed Potatoes Béarnaise, a perfect complement of flavors. I mark an “X” next to their name on The People’s Choice Award, a ballot given to me earlier where guests are allowed to judge each vendor based on three components: palate appeal, presentation and hospitality. The Culinary Award presented at the end of the evening was also judged by former NFL All American & UM Sports Hall of Famer Greg Mark and A.C. Tellison, former UM and NFL player.
Once upon a time, Coco Chanel made the little black dress an eternal staple in every woman’s closet by introducing the fashion world to her “Ford” dress. However, this spring, the LBD takes the back seat to the little white dress. The LWD embodies femininity and virtue; it instantly translates elegance to any look. Bystanders will gaze at you in awe.
From the runway:
The LWD dominated the spring 2011 ready-to-wear runway shows, most notably Dolce & Gabbana's. Jill Stuart’s take on the LWD included structured silhouettes mixed with ruffles and frills. Azzaro’s show-stopping LWD encompassed a crystal bodice and a tired white silk skirt both united by a large black bow. Monique Lhuillier’s LWD designs were just angelic. Some other LWD designers included Derek Lam, Chanel, and Alexander McQueen (which is in the hands of the deserving Sarah Burton who took over for the late McQueen).
If you do not have a disposable income, shopping for the trends can burn a hole through your wallet. Luckily, here are some tips to help you stay fashionable through any season without breaking your bank.
1. Leggings: From sand to snow, leggings can be the foundation to any look. They can take the place of a snug pair of jeans or even be worn under a sun dress. You can never have enough pairs of black leggings, stock up with Forever 21's Stretchy Ankle Leggings.
Follow Salma Hayek's lead by trading out your little black dress for a little white one this summer. The actress looked cool and fresh in a white YSL dress at the NYC premiere of Grown Ups Wednesday night. She even added a pop of color by wearing cherry red accessories and matching red lipstick. A white dress shows off a tan and is much cooler than wearing black. White House/Black Market has a perfect LWD on sale for $79.99 (if you're ready to make the switch!).
Named for the classic "little black dress," Dress on Newbury Street has been a force of good taste for Bostonians since 2005. The shop offers a streamlined, sophisticated collection of... well dresses but also tops, bottoms, shoes and accessories. As you step into Dress you'll notice a cheery, yet restrained staff waiting to greet and welcome you to the store. Martha, the manager, dons billowy pants with a cinched waist and a classic tucked-in top. She looks effortlessly chic, much like the store itself.
Danielle DuBois, 21
Arizona (in Manhattan for the semester) - Student, Editorial Intern
What’s your favorite song on your pre-game playlist?
Maneater by Nelly Furtato
What never goes out of style?
The little black dress.
Who’s your style icon?
Eric Damon
What accessory/ piece of clothing maxed out your credit card?
Stella McCartney wool sweater dress & a swing coat from her fall collection.
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