Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Pretty, Witty, Girly, Worldly....

...One who likes to party, but comes home early.

Greetings Gentle Readers,


As the holiday season approaches, and with it, annual parties, gatherings, fetes, shindigs, and balls; "What to wear??" is often in the foremost thoughts of even the most well heeled woman. So, we decided to take this opportunity for a little preemptive measure...


The party dress is as substantial as suiting in a well dressed woman's wardrobe, especially this time of year. Now we're not talking about just some ole' frock that you throw on, or a simple and chic black number you wear to the annual office Christmas party, we're talking about a knock-down, drag-out, head-turning, neck-craning "Who is THAT?!?" number. The one you have in your closet when you want to, as Beyonce' said, "Pull out the big guns." That being said, obviously, this isn't the piece you wear to every single shindig you venture to this season... But for that epic occasion, the one you started planning for as soon as you found out about it? We've got you covered... So, ladies, sit back, relax and let's get it poppin'... Shall we? Looking great knows no shape, size, or skin tone. So, just because you're not runway thin (or even if you are) it doesn't mean you can't be the best dressed belle at the ball. That being said, finding the perfect party dress can be a bit of a daunting task... So, we've decided to equip you with 3 sure-fire tips to finding something that you'll absolutely love, and everyone will love on you (some might love it so much, they try to get it off you... but that's another topic for another time)
3 Points for Picking the Perfect Party Dress

1. Dress YOUR body: Dress the body you have, not the one you want, but the one you are currently in possession of. Actually, this is a tip for everyday... But it's particularly poignant here because trying to dress the body you wish you had, or the one you used to have, is counter productive. That woman doesn't exist. She left when you lost that 20 lbs you had been trying to lose since junior year. So, let's address... edit, let's dress the woman standing before us, and ensure she's as breathtakingly beautiful as possible. Of course, all of this correlates directly back to our favorite topic, fit, as we always say, "If it doesn't fit, it doesn't work." So, once the hurdle of dressing the body you currently have, and not the one you used to have or the one you wish you had, focus on finding the perfect fit.

Accent Your Assets: Once again, you should be doing this whenever you get dressed, but, it takes on a different meaning here... As often times if you have luscious legs, or killer cleavage or a beautiful back, you can't really show them off in the office... now's when you can. Plus, playing to strengths de-emphasizes any areas that you might not be so secure about. The dress pictured to the right is a perfect example of playing to your strengths... The lovely Miss Butler has the decolletage for sweetheart necklines, and this is what we chose as a focal point for the fete she was attending. The ruching on the dress helps camouflage problem areas and adds elegant details to this saucy number and the champagne color pops perfectly off her mocha skin tone. Now, perhaps cleavage isn't your most powerful weapon... Maybe you're a more leggy lady, go with that! Hike those hemlines up (as long as you can keep all necessary elements covered, you're good) Kia's legendarily long legs were walking through our mind when we pulled the dress to the left for her. If legs are going to be your focal point, keep it short on bottom and fairly conservative elsewhere. Keep in mind that the focus is on the legs. Not on the legs, the arms, the cleavage, the back, and so forth.

3. Go Bold or Go Home: These are annual occasions that we're talking about dressing for. The people in attendance might be people you only see a few times a year, and honestly, even if you see them everyday, this is a special occasion. So play to win. Go for drama. Be bold, be daring and step outside your comfort zone (even if it's only one step, it counts.) Hike up the hemline, or hike down the neckline (notice that *or* there... pick one), try bold color combinations and different silhouettes. Remember the old adage: no risk, no reward. The drama created by the movement of the dress to the left is one of our favorite things about the look that we pulled for the lovely De'Ven. What would otherwise be a simple navy tank dress is transformed to a statement piece that pulls in the eye. Use drama to take your look up a notch. Be bold with unexpected, asymmetrical necklines, draping and cutouts. To the right is one of our favorite looks from the S/S 2011 Gucci show. The intricacy of the knotting on the bodice creates drama and coupled with the luscious saturation of the burnt orange color in in the skirt makes for a showstopping number; definitely big gun worthy. Another one of our favorite aspects of this look is that nothing about it is particularly "scandalous," yet, it's still very sexy. This means that you don't have to show an inordinate amount of skin to be sexy and bold.
Accessorizing
If you've noticed on most of these looks, the accessories are kept to a minimum, something about that makes them all the more chic to us... a bracelet here, necklace there, small earrings... that's all you need. The stories here are the dresses. To tell an accessory story, you'd need to simplify the dress you chose. The goal here is a cohesive, well put together ensemble with the focus being on the dress. Keep "complimentary" in mind when choosing shoes and accessories. That about does it for this go 'round. We're sure you, our dear, gentle, well dressed reader will knock 'em dead this holiday season, as you do every day. Until next time, we remain...

Stylishly yours,
Sartorially Savvy
"Fashion fades, but style is eternal." ~Yves Saint Laurent

P.S. For your up to the minute tips on staying classically stylish, timelessly chic and always Sartorially Savvy follow us on Twitter (@SartoriallySvvy or click here)









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