Froth is usually associated with bubbles or foam. So, if there were to be a frothy frock it would be a dress that is bubbling with fabulousness. Be it structured tiers (Anne in Gianfranco Ferre), organza silk melded with lace (Keira in Balenciaga), or couture detailing (Dita in Marchesa), these dresses provide some real drama. When deciding on your Holiday party frock, consider going above and beyond. I always say I'd rather be overdressed than under.
Come to think of it, these dresses have way too much drama for your mama. Well, that is unless your mama is anything like the always avant-garde Cate Blanchett, here in Alexander McQueen. Those who display Cate's experimental nature should bust it out and show it off. Dramatic shoulders, crazy asymmetry, heavy draping, feathers, folds, leather, bold silhouettes — let them be your best friends.
Warning: Dramatic dresses require confidence. Let Cate, and other red-carpet queens of 2008, be your guides.
Those who took my advice to embrace lace for Fall are on the chic track. Another girl who's on trend is actress Emma Roberts, who laced up in Chanel at the premiere of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button in LA. Karl's designs may be out of your reach but there are plenty affordable and stylish options out there. Since the fabric can be a matronly, be sure to sexy it up with a flirty silhouette a la Emma. Bottom line, buckle down and lace yourself.
Cleavage, midriff, legs — body parts known for their sexiness. But shoulders, those are a woman’s subtly sensual weapons. There was lots of shoulder love this year, as exemplified by Dita Von Teese in Vivienne Westwood. When picking the perfect party frock this season, show those shoulders. Whether it’s one-shoulder, off-shoulder, cutout, or puff sleeve dresses, allow the sculptured part of your body be the focus.
  |
I recently accompanied my friend on her hunt for the perfect party dress. Not too long after our search we discovered this Banana Republic Silk Maxi Dress in Peacock ($175). It looked good on the hanger but came to life when she slipped it on. Maxis tend to have that breath-taking effect. They make you look long and lean, especially if you wear your tallest heels. If you're in the mood for a long dress this year, take it to the maxi. Shorter gals, don't overlook the maxi; my friend is 5'2" and it made her look heads taller.
 |
It's obvious from our Best of 2008: Designer of the Year poll that most of you love frilly designs. So far, queen of ruffles, Marchesa, is in the lead.
What better way to begin our Frock Me Baby dress series than with ruffles, tiers, and frills? So much fun. Throw on a fantastically frilly frock, like this Express Silk Chiffon Rose Dress ($128), and dance the New Year away in major style.
