The art of DRESS-ing

It's hard to believe that almost 10 months have passed and that November is literally around the corner.  With the shops already setting out their Christmas decorations - and it's not even Halloween yet - people are already talking about their office/family/friend Christmas parties.  In the spirit of the upcoming season I thought it would be best to talk about the art of dress-ing for this occasion - in terms of cocktail dresses to wear for these events.  With the summer well behind us, now is the time to bring out the rich and deeply hued colours to mimic the changing of the season.  Deep reds, blues and greens in addition to the standard black and brown should be on the top of your colour list for the fall/winter and should be taken into consideration when shopping for that cocktail dress to wear to your upcoming Christmas parties.  But let us not forget that a shot of colour can also be an added treat to the eye during this time of the year.  

When you look outside your window (if you happen to be located in the northern hemisphere where the leaves change colour in the fall) there are bright yellows, oranges and reds and these too can make a foray into your colour choices for upcoming functions.  The key to dress-ing for these occasions is all about proportion, accessorizing, appropriateness and style.  Everyone knows that the LBD (Little Black Dress) goes a long way and that this is a staple in most women's wardrobes but doesn't necessarily have to be your "go-to" dress for these events.  Adding colour to your body brightens the face, makes a statement and pleases/catches the eye.  Not all of us have the courage to be the "lady in red", so why not opt for the lady in blue or green?  If you are daring enough to be that lady, try thinking about orange or yellow as well.

I've selected a number of dresses which vary in shape, length, style, colour and pattern.  Any of these would be a wonderful addition to your wardrobe and something to consider when you're out there in the shops searching for that event dress.

Blue & Green Dresses - Anthropologie

Black Dresses - Banana Republic

Black Dresses - Le Chateau

Brown, Gray & Red Dresses - Le Chateau

Blue, Teal & Purple Dresses - Le Chateau

Black Dresses - Anthropologie

Pink, Orange & Red Dresses - Anthropologie

Beige, Gold, Purple & Red Dresses - Banana Republic

White, Gold & Yellow Dresses - Anthropologie

As you can see from those dresses above that there are a multitude of options available in terms of selecting a dress to work for your upcoming events.  The key to making these dresses work is in selecting the right accessories, shoes, bags and even hosiery.

Here are some examples based on your personal style:

Fun, Funky & Eclectic
Pink Layered Taffeta Dress from Anthropologie:  The girl in the photo is adorned with a blue & gold belt and blue shoes.  You can easily incorporate blue coloured hosiery if you want to kick it up a knotch.  If you want to add in another colour you can try teal or purple.  A clutch in a contrasting colour would also make a bold colour statement.

Little-Bit Daring
Black Lace Dresses from Anthropologie: The girl in the photo is adorned with black tights and black & white shoes.  You can incorporate bold statement jewelry such as chandelier earrings, necklace, cocktail ring, etc.  If you're up to it, try adding a pair of coloured pumps, open-toe platforms or satin sandals in fuchsia or electric blue.  The hosiery can be kept black or nude. 

Classically Refined
Red Sheath from Banana Republic: The girl in the photo is adorned with silver pumps and a three strand necklace.  You can opt instead for a bold statement necklace in gold, stud gold-tone earrings and a cocktail ring.  Instead of the silver pumps, opt for black/nude patent leather pumps or red satin open-toe pumps.  A clutch or channel-inspired quilted chain bag in black or nude would accentuate the entire look.  Keep the hosiery nude in this case.

No matter what you opt for as long as you make the look fit the occasion you can't go wrong.  So get out there, scour the shops, try those dresses on and make an entrance at those parties!

Happy Shopping!

Courtesy of:
Anthropologie
Banana Republic
Le Chateau

Ottoman Empire

A nice and functional addition to your living space is an ottoman.  These are great options if you choose to forgo a traditional coffee table and replace with one large ottoman or three smaller cube ottomans.  They can be multi-functional with storage options either under the lid of the ottoman or with a shelf built in for holding baskets.  You can add one to your entrance way to allow for storage of hats and mitts and to let your guests or little ones have a space to sit while they put on their shoes/boots.  An ottoman at the end of your bed is another great way to utilize this piece of furniture, you can use it to store pillows or extra blankets, or to have a place to sit when putting your socks on.

Ottoman's add a touch of warmth to your space with their soft lines, textures and fabrics. They can be plush or refined, and should be utilized in your home.  There are many different types, styles, colour and fabric options available so I am positive that there is definitely one (or more) for your space.  Here are some options that I selected to show you the many different sides of ottomans:

As you can see from those above that the options are endless!  Ottomans come in various shapes and sizes, colours and patterns, textures and fabrics - there is absolutely something for everyone.  Pick up one for every location in your home and have these fun and functional additions rule your rooms!

Happy Shopping!

Courtesy of:

Anthropologie

Crate and Barrel

Structube

EQ3

Restoration Hardware

IKEA