Red Hot

I don't have any events in the near future, and I don't really need a new dress, but this one is on its way to me as you read this post. I can't wait to see what it is like in person and on my body! I'll be sure to share!

ASOS Premium Cutwork Full Midi Scuba Skater Dress $153.00

Work Appropriate LBD

We've got a gala coming up at the beginning of the year for work and female staff attending have to wear black (colleague appropriate) cocktail dresses. A few of the ladies at work mentioned they were in the need of a LBD (little black dress) and you know I'm always up of for a challenge. And, for the rest of you, a good black cocktail dress is a staple for any wardrobe…so if you don't have one or need an update, this post's for you.

Eliza J Dot Mesh Fit & Flare Dress - $158

Illusion Crepe Midi Sheath Dress - $148

Lace & Faille Dress - $148

Fit and Flare Dress - $64

BCBG Kristan Short-Sleeve Sheath - $438

ASOS Midi Dress in Bonded Satin - $123.18

ASOS Pencil Dress with Peplum and High Neck - $85.28

Ralph Lauren Pleated Cocktail Dress - $198

Black Tie Optional

I've got a work trip coming up and one of the events is a black tie optional dinner. Did I mention the trip is to Paris? I know, I know. It's tough being me. Especially since I got to go on the same trip last year (remember those posts?) This year I'll be going sans Dr. B, but know it will still be a nice jaunt across the pond. I digress.

If this was a work event at home, black-tie optional (which really means cocktail these days) would mean take a nice work dress, add a statement necklace with some sparkle, and voila! But Paris…it's the majors. And while I wish this amazing gold Dolce and Gabanna dress that I have was an option, it doesn't fit (we'll save that for a "Keeping it Real" post one of these days) and Rent the Runway doesn't make sense because it's an overseas trip. Nordstrom to the rescue. 

This Maggy London dress is a steal at $150 ($148 to be exact), is the ideal length for my taste, and is perfectly chic. I've learned that this style is my go-to if I want something figure flattering, and I know this will become an "old reliable" in my closet. For reference, I ordered a size up since it's a close, body-conscious fit - I didn't want to look too bootylicious around my colleagues. Of course I'll be sharing photos from the trip in early October, so stay tuned. 

Anyone have any must-dos, must-eats in Paris that I may not know about? 

All Dressed

I had a collection of dresses earmarked in various magazines, so I thought I would share. 

Spiegel Colorblock Dress $69 (on sale for $34)

French  Connection Shelby Stripe Pleat Dress $198

Colorado Springs Magenta Print Dress $38

Zara Striped Dress $59.90

The Color Orange

Orange is not a color I wear very often. In fact, I can only think of one thing in my closet that is orange. When perusing the ASOS website, I came upon a fantastic selection of dresses in various shades of orange. Here are a few of my favorites.

Whistles Folded Neckline Dress $197.23

ASOS Halter Drapey Dress $68.13

ASOS Tailored Cowl Neck Pencil Dress $32.27

ASOS Sleeveless Knot Waist Shift Dress $62.76

ASOS Bell Sleeve Shift Dress $53.79

Double Sided

I'm not in the market for a new dress, but if I was this Porter Grey Bow Back Dress would be at the top of my list. It shows the perfect amount of skin without being too revealing!

Porter Grey Bow Back Dress $287 (on sale)

Sweetheart Style

The BHLDN Sweetheart Dress....perfect for Valentine's Day!

$240

Beautiful Blue

Jules Reid designs beautiful, bright and vibrant clothes that mix bohemian fabrics with classic silhouettes. Love this dress!

Dress Me

eDress Me is offering 40% off the entire site until May 27th. Designers include Tibi, Tracy Reese, French Connection, Shoshana and BZBG Max Azria. Enter ivillage10 at checkout to receive your discount! Happy Shopping! Here are a few of the dresses I have my eyes on!

Big and Bubbly

I love bubble dresess, but I am on the fence on whether or not these Haute Hippie dresses are too bubbly...

I Need A Little Pick Me Up

And this would do just the trick...

J Crew Organza Poulette Party Dress

Bring in the New Year

Dakota Collective has a small selection of cute cocktail dresses that are perfect for a New Year's Eve party. Each dress is $100 or less, so you will have some money left for a new pair of shoes and a cute clutch.

And This Is A Dress

image via

Shoshanna Fall 2009

Shoshanna was first made famous at the age of 17 when she dated Jerry Seinfeld. But the reason I know and love her is for her fabulous fashion line which she launched in 1998.
Her Fall 2009 collection is to die for. Here are a few of my favorite looks, but really I love them all.

I Couldn't Resist

The news of a sale at Covet was too enticing to not make a quick visit. I scored on this adorable, navy Susana Monaco dress for $129 (orginally $405). It's light and fun and perfect for any summer event.

Au Natural

It's a challenge for those of us without ample assets up top to find figure flattering dresses. There's always the "chicken cutlets" or a padded bra to fill in, but sometimes it's just easier to go au natural! Debra Messing knows how to do this as well as anyone.

In Style

I saw this Marc Jacobs dress featured in my most recent issue of In Style! I love the color and cut of the dress, and it's on sale for $201.60 down from $360.