One Dress: Day to Night

It’s the time of year when there are holiday parties, family dinners, drinks with friends, etc etc basically every day until New Year’s Day.  If I were to buy a new look for all of these festive occasions, everyone would get coal under the tree only because it’s cheap and I’m sure they were bad at some point this year.  The remedy for this holiday party conundrum?  Finding a dress you can tweak to wear in many different scenarios (this is when a NOT boring LBD comes in handy).  This dress from House of Eleven is a perfect blend of sexy and conservative.  It hugs your curves while allowing a long enough hem line that your boss won’t freak.  Here’s how I’d wear this dress to the office then out for the night with my friends.

DAY LOOK:  Wearing the dress with a white blouse underneath makes it much more work appropriate.  I kept accessories simple with just a big ring, simple necklace, and sparkly studs.

DAY LOOK RUNDOWN  Dress: House of Eleven c/o, Blouse: Equipment, Ring: Samantha Wills, Necklace: Nadri, Earrings: Gift, Heels: Michael Kors

NIGHT LOOK:  A fun night look is all about accessorizing a great dress with statement pieces.  I took two chunky necklaces and layered them.  I mean, they’re great on their own so isn’t it even more fantastic to wear them together?!  Add a fun clutch and some booties and you’re ready for that holiday party!

NIGHT LOOK RUNDOWN  Dress: House of Eleven c/o,  Multistone Necklace: Sole Society c/o, Gold Chain: Vintage, Ring: Samantha Wills, Clutch: Hype,  Booties: Steve Madden

For more on House of Eleven, check them out here:

TheHouseOfEleven.com

Instagram:  House_of_Eleven

www.facebook.com/thehouseofeleven

A NOT Boring Little Black Dress

I’m of the fashion philosophy that nobody remembers the girl in the little black dress.  Now I’m not telling you to get rid of all your LBDs or that every woman shouldn’t have one.  There are occasions that blending in is important (i.e. – your boyfriend’s conservative office party) but even then you can still up your game.  Mixing textures is the best way to up the ante of the standard LBD.  Think a panel of leather, mesh cutout, or suede piping.

And as always, fit is key.  Find one that makes your body look fantastic.  If it’s not perfect, pass on it or have it professionally tailored.  With the laundry list of occasions you will need this dress for, it’s worth it to splurge a little for the perfect dress.  Don’t be that that girl in the ill-fitting boring little black dress that you’ll never wear again because you don’t feel hot in it!  Here are some suggestions for NOT boring LBDs.

1)  House of Eleven HEIDI Leather & Sequins Dress – $284 – A classic shape with fun panels of leather and sequins.  The panel on the midsection will also add a slimming effect.  BONUS!

2) Lumier Wealthy and Wise Black Dress – $91 – The mesh stripes add an unexpected sexiness to the classic shift dress.

3) Halston Heritage Rose Applique Crepe Dress – $495 – The unique neckline and rose appliques add a little flair to this LBD.

4)  GoJane Key-2-The-Kingdom Dress – $36.10 – Velvet adds a bit more dimension than the traditional matte black while the keyhole cutout is just plain sexy.

5)  B44 Dressed by Bailey 44 Popcorn Knit Lace Body-Con Dress – $208 – Lace is so feminine and beautiful.  This all over  textured lace is a perfect update to a Body-Con dress.

6)  Adrianna Papell Lace Inset Sheath Dress – $138 –  The slimming placement of the lace inset is pure genius!  And the fun tiny sleeves add a modern edge.

7)  Milly Embellished Tulle & Satin Dress – $385 – This is the epitome of what I’m talking about here.  Look at all that texture!  Satin, and tulle, and sheer mesh… oh my!

8) Dolce Vita Wallis Laser Cut Faux Leather Dress – $220 – A laser cut faux leather dress is anything but boring.

Heels2Heal Miracle Babies Luncheon

There’s nothing I love more than combining fashion and charity.  So it was a no-brainer to attend the Heels2Heal Fashion Show & Luncheon.  Heels2Heal is a great charitable organization that hosts fashion related events throughout Orange County and San Diego in order to raise donations for Miracle Babies.  Miracle Babies helps to support those families with critically ill newborns in the Intensive Care Unit.  This event was held at the Sea & Smoke Restaurant in Del Mar, CA.  We sat outside and enjoyed the fashion show of Flower Hill Promenade retailers in 80 degree November weather.  Only in San Diego!  

I was really impressed with the styling for the fashion show.  I didn’t realize how many great retailers there are in that location!  All the beautiful models were decked out in some amazing fall fashion looks.  Here are some shots of my favorite outfits.

My Look Dress: White House Black Market, Necklace: Vintage, Shoes: Calvin Klein, Bag: Bottega Veneta (via shop-hers.com)