Tea for Three

While Jessica Simpson has more or less dropped off the celebrity radar, I do remember hearing she had branched out to fashion design. Being a celebrity designed collection, I had low expectations and generally didn't pay much attention to her pieces. I happened to come across her spring dresses and I can't help but admire the sweet creations.

 

My current orange kick is rather well documented here, but how gorgeous is this geometric poppy print? The buttons on the skirt give the otherwise girly dress a bit of quirk. (Jessica Simpson, $148)

This is my favorite of the collection. I love the demure tea-dress length, and the graduated print is sweet. Not to mention the smocking at the waist gives it a super flattering shape. (Jessica Simpson, $128)

I really like the colors of this dress. I'm not crazy about the ruffle at the waist, but the applique detail at the hem is divine! (Jessica Simpson, $148)

I'd love to wear any (or all?) of these to high tea or a garden party. Perfect for spring.

ASOS Shift Dresses

Dear ASOS,

I would be perfectly happy to live in your shift dresses all summer long.

Seriously... before I finish penning a gushing love letter, take a gander at these beautiful examples.

 

I'd start off with simple neutral pieces... ($50.20 and $50.20)

 

... before transitioning into punchy brights ($43.03 and $53.79).

Just throw on some colorful sandals or ballet flats, fun bangles or a chunky necklace, and you're set to enjoy warmer temps! Now where was I?...

Lace, Revisted

Earlier, I posted about a black lace Lilly Pulitzer dress. Since then, I've seen black lace dresses everywhere. I'm currently coveting a long sleeved version (though the one shouldered versions are beautifully elegant, I don't know if I could pull it off).

I think the key to this trend is balancing a good fit with just enough skin. I'd suggest a shorter hemline to prevent the lace from becoming overwhelming and to maintain a youthful vibe. An ankle long or too formal dress would look more appropriate for a funeral. Do remember the lace portions are sheer and avoid too much skin. For modesty's sake, dresses with built in slips are key. While I think cutouts can be worked in moderation, I think wearing a version like this, and looking classy, would be extremely difficult.

This version by Adrianna Papell beautifully balances long sleeves with a short hemline. The neckline is sweet with a touch of seduction. I also like the texture of the lace. It's more substantial than you'd expect.

This MM Couture by Miss Me dress is a bit more trendy than the first piece, but I think the shoulders are fun and the tiers on the skirt ground the piece. The sweetheart neckline on the slip would also be extremely flattering.

Yes, I realize this Winter Kate dress doesn't have long sleeves. Notice how the same balancing effect is achieved by the high turtleneck? The edging on the cap sleeves also directs the eye towards the waist and creates a flattering illusion.

Again, not long sleeves, but I love the draping on this MM Couture by Miss Me dress. The use of lace as both an under and overlay is also gorgeous. Definitely a good option if you only want a hint of lace.

Now I'm back to the long sleeves vs. short sleeves debate. To be eventually settled...

Lilly and Lace

I wouldn't consider my personal style overtly preppy. Sure, I own a few cardigans and occasionally wear a polo shirt, but I'm just as likely to don a large boho bag and loose tunic.

One of my friends emailed me about this gorgeous Lilly Pulitzer dress and if only it wasn't outrageously expensive, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

It's definitely chic, in a Jackie-O way. I love the flirty hemline and demure sleeve-length, accented by the sheer quality of the lace. It's a perfect example of how a black dress is elevated by texture.

Now if only it would go on sale...

Dressing for Date Night

I finally got around to seeing Date Night, the romantic comedy meets action adventure, starring Tina Fey and Steve Carell. Through out the fast paced, constantly changing plot, I found myself drawn to Fey's dress. In a word, she looked absolutely stunning, despite running all over Manhattan in heels (how do women do that?).

I've been on a bit of a v-neck trip lately; they're so flattering! Once I got home, I went to work trying to track down the dress from the film. Turns out, it was custom made for the film. A quick online search turned up a fairly similar version from Target, which is likely more budget friendly than anything in Hollywood.

As I continue the search for my own version of the LND (little navy dress), I have a new appreciation for costume designer Marlene Stewart. She did a great job with the film proving fashion really does make everything better!