Little Black Dress - Reinvented

A Little Black Dress, LBD, never goes out of fashion and is a must-have for every wardrobe.

In its new reincarnation, the Little Black Dress is everything but not so simple. The range of hot new little black dresses is made from luxe fabrics, but using more modern cuts and detailing.

Lace detailing, jewelled embellishments, layered fabrics, one-shoulder, puffed sleeves, plunging neckline, halter style, drop waists, military lines and sexy detailing make these dresses contemporary and give them a fashionable twist. In many cases they can be worn a number of ways making them true investment pieces.
.

To make the most of your little black dresses, team them up with a variety of accessories suitable for different occasions. Wear the right shoes, handbags and jewelry to go with your dress.


Get some cue from the celebrity styles below......
.

Natalie Zea at the DIC and Instyle Magazine 8th Annual Diamond Fashion Show

.
Natalie Zea looks chic in her puffed sleeves LBD that is cinched with a blue belt and paired with gladiator heels. Like her hair pulled up in a pony, which shows her face. You can wear a cinch-belt in colour and matching shoes with your LBD.

.

Left - Lindsay Lohan at Grand Opening of Atlantis, The Palm Resort Dubai

Right - Celina Jaitley at EMI Music Launch

.
For a sexy avatar, a halter LBD would be perfect.
.

.

Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Preity Zinta (right)

LBD looks fab with a jacket!!!!!!
Pair your LBD with a jacket like Gwyneth and Preity above or a shrug. A tuxedo jacket will suit well for the red-carpet or evening party. For a more casual look team your LBD with a plaid or denim jacket and over-the-knee boots (image on right).
.
Make your LBD work over-time - a simpler LBD can be worn at the office and the same with a formal jacket can be carried to an evening party. For the office wear it with a tweed jacket and then take that jacket off and put fishnets on and wear it to dinner

.
Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP) in three different styles of Little Black Dress

.

.

SJP shows her fashion credentials in different, yet each applauding, styles of Little Black Dress. The twisted versions of the classic LBD she is wearing is perfectly styled with the right accessories and hair-dos.


The new avatar of LBD from Balmain's Spring 2009 collection

Anne Hathaway takes the LBD to the next level of sizzling hotness in this Balmain corset dress while Sarah Jessica Parker's Balmain LBD is a fabulous choice to which she adds a rock-chic element.

.

Left - SJP at New York City Ballet's Opening Night Gala

Right - Anne Hathaway at 20th Anniversary of the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala

Image Source

SJP is wearing Balenciaga point sliver shiny booties and opaque tights with the dress and to finish the whole look, she opted for a very simple ballerina hair by pulling all her hair back. Anne choose black Christian Louboutin platform pumps, casual wavy hairdo, classic red lips and accessorised with Cartier jewellery. Both women looked amazing. Like their complete ensemble.

Update: 7th Feb 2009

UPDATE: Diane Lane at 2009's Critics Choice Awards

Diane Lane shimmered in her sequin LBD at 2009 Critics Choice Awards. The satin detailing on the neckline and the waist added sophistication and glam to the dress. For accessories, Diane chose diamond-crusted earrings and a black patent clutch and black sandals. Sophisticated yet sassy, like her style.


How to wear your perfect Little Black Dress (LBD):

- Black always looks good and suits every girl provided you wear the right cut and fit. Choose a style that fits you perfectly, you don't want super mini-dress that doesn't fit right.

- If you don't have a LBD, choose a dress that can be worn both day and night by changing accessories like shoes, jewellery and fashion belts. However if you already have one basic pair, then definitely a new avatar of LBD would be a smart buy.

- Choose a classic style that will not fade out as fashion trends change.

- Choose the perfect length. I'd say a knee-length dress is best because it serves for multi-occasions.

- For the day add dash of color and for the night a hint of sparkle with jewelry are all that you need to get going. The simpler the dress the more accessorising you will require, while for a dress that speaks for itself opt for simplicity in accessories and keep it minimal.

- For a modern twist wear your LBD with opaque black or patterned leggings or tights (see SJP above).

- Choice of hairstyle is very important with the LBD. If your LBD is short and sexy, contrast with a simple ponytail or a chignon. If your dress is more conservative, go for a soft, sexy haircut such as a loose bun with strands pulled out. A black head-band to match your LBD can look chic and smart, especially with a few strands of hair pulled loose at the front.


Beautify Picks:
.

1. BCBG Max Azaria Satin Halter Tiered Dress (left) - for $200, Buy
2. ASOS Lace Insert Long Sleeve Backless Dress (center) - for £35, Buy
3. Warehouse Frill Front Dress (right) - for £59, Buy


Perfect Accessory with LBD - PEARL STRING
A picture of Hepburn standing elegantly on the corner of Fifth Avenue, New York wearing a chunky pearl necklace, but a slim little black dress and holding on a coffee-to-go cup, is probably one of the most memorable images and an epitome of style.

String of pearls look gorgeous with a LBD and it is one accessory and style that would never go out of fashion.

Tip - trick is to layer pearl string with multiple strands while pairing with your little classic black dress.
.

left to right - Ashlee Simpson, Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow

Image Source

.
If you don't already own one, it's time to add a little black dress to your wardrobe.


Related Posts and Articles:
Wardrobe Must-haves

Trend Watch - Oversized Clutches

SCARVES - fashion item to pep you up INSTANTLY!!!
.

Little Black Dress - Reinvented

A Little Black Dress, LBD, never goes out of fashion and is a must-have for every wardrobe.

In its new reincarnation, the Little Black Dress is everything but not so simple. The range of hot new little black dresses is made from luxe fabrics, but using more modern cuts and detailing.

Lace detailing, jewelled embellishments, layered fabrics, one-shoulder, puffed sleeves, plunging neckline, halter style, drop waists, military lines and sexy detailing make these dresses contemporary and give them a fashionable twist. In many cases they can be worn a number of ways making them true investment pieces.
.

To make the most of your little black dresses, team them up with a variety of accessories suitable for different occasions. Wear the right shoes, handbags and jewelry to go with your dress.


Get some cue from the celebrity styles below......
.

Natalie Zea at the DIC and Instyle Magazine 8th Annual Diamond Fashion Show

.
Natalie Zea looks chic in her puffed sleeves LBD that is cinched with a blue belt and paired with gladiator heels. Like her hair pulled up in a pony, which shows her face. You can wear a cinch-belt in colour and matching shoes with your LBD.

.

Left - Lindsay Lohan at Grand Opening of Atlantis, The Palm Resort Dubai

Right - Celina Jaitley at EMI Music Launch

.
For a sexy avatar, a halter LBD would be perfect.
.

.

Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Preity Zinta (right)

LBD looks fab with a jacket!!!!!!
Pair your LBD with a jacket like Gwyneth and Preity above or a shrug. A tuxedo jacket will suit well for the red-carpet or evening party. For a more casual look team your LBD with a plaid or denim jacket and over-the-knee boots (image on right).
.
Make your LBD work over-time - a simpler LBD can be worn at the office and the same with a formal jacket can be carried to an evening party. For the office wear it with a tweed jacket and then take that jacket off and put fishnets on and wear it to dinner

.
Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP) in three different styles of Little Black Dress

.

.

SJP shows her fashion credentials in different, yet each applauding, styles of Little Black Dress. The twisted versions of the classic LBD she is wearing is perfectly styled with the right accessories and hair-dos.


The new avatar of LBD from Balmain's Spring 2009 collection

Anne Hathaway takes the LBD to the next level of sizzling hotness in this Balmain corset dress while Sarah Jessica Parker's Balmain LBD is a fabulous choice to which she adds a rock-chic element.

.

Left - SJP at New York City Ballet's Opening Night Gala

Right - Anne Hathaway at 20th Anniversary of the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala

Image Source

SJP is wearing Balenciaga point sliver shiny booties and opaque tights with the dress and to finish the whole look, she opted for a very simple ballerina hair by pulling all her hair back. Anne choose black Christian Louboutin platform pumps, casual wavy hairdo, classic red lips and accessorised with Cartier jewellery. Both women looked amazing. Like their complete ensemble.

Update: 7th Feb 2009

UPDATE: Diane Lane at 2009's Critics Choice Awards

Diane Lane shimmered in her sequin LBD at 2009 Critics Choice Awards. The satin detailing on the neckline and the waist added sophistication and glam to the dress. For accessories, Diane chose diamond-crusted earrings and a black patent clutch and black sandals. Sophisticated yet sassy, like her style.


How to wear your perfect Little Black Dress (LBD):

- Black always looks good and suits every girl provided you wear the right cut and fit. Choose a style that fits you perfectly, you don't want super mini-dress that doesn't fit right.

- If you don't have a LBD, choose a dress that can be worn both day and night by changing accessories like shoes, jewellery and fashion belts. However if you already have one basic pair, then definitely a new avatar of LBD would be a smart buy.

- Choose a classic style that will not fade out as fashion trends change.

- Choose the perfect length. I'd say a knee-length dress is best because it serves for multi-occasions.

- For the day add dash of color and for the night a hint of sparkle with jewelry are all that you need to get going. The simpler the dress the more accessorising you will require, while for a dress that speaks for itself opt for simplicity in accessories and keep it minimal.

- For a modern twist wear your LBD with opaque black or patterned leggings or tights (see SJP above).

- Choice of hairstyle is very important with the LBD. If your LBD is short and sexy, contrast with a simple ponytail or a chignon. If your dress is more conservative, go for a soft, sexy haircut such as a loose bun with strands pulled out. A black head-band to match your LBD can look chic and smart, especially with a few strands of hair pulled loose at the front.


Beautify Picks:
.

1. BCBG Max Azaria Satin Halter Tiered Dress (left) - for $200, Buy
2. ASOS Lace Insert Long Sleeve Backless Dress (center) - for £35, Buy
3. Warehouse Frill Front Dress (right) - for £59, Buy


Perfect Accessory with LBD - PEARL STRING
A picture of Hepburn standing elegantly on the corner of Fifth Avenue, New York wearing a chunky pearl necklace, but a slim little black dress and holding on a coffee-to-go cup, is probably one of the most memorable images and an epitome of style.

String of pearls look gorgeous with a LBD and it is one accessory and style that would never go out of fashion.

Tip - trick is to layer pearl string with multiple strands while pairing with your little classic black dress.
.

left to right - Ashlee Simpson, Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow

Image Source

.
If you don't already own one, it's time to add a little black dress to your wardrobe.


Related Posts and Articles:
Wardrobe Must-haves

Trend Watch - Oversized Clutches

SCARVES - fashion item to pep you up INSTANTLY!!!
.

Nike Dunk High Premium Sneakers for Women - Spring/Summer 2009 Shoes

It would be a colourful Spring for Nike. They have launched their multicolour Dunk Hi Premium Sneakers for women with metallic finish. They've gone for metallic colours again though they were never so outrageous. But they're Just FAB.
.
These bright and beautiful multi-colored sneakers are just lovely. The upper is composed of colors including deep red, bronze, lime green, turquoise, rave pink and shiny orange. A smooth white Swoosh, white toebox and laces as well as white heel tag were just enough to tone down the colors a bit and tie everything together.
.
I give these shoes a complete thumbs up!!!!
.
The Nike Dunk High Premiums are available in stores now for $108. Click here to buy them online (couldn't find it on UK Online store Mar'09).

So ladies what are you waiting for? Grab your delicious pair.
.

Image Source

.

Related Articles and Posts:

Fierce Shoes

Nike Dunk other versions
.

Nike Dunk High Premium Sneakers for Women - Spring/Summer 2009 Shoes

It would be a colourful Spring for Nike. They have launched their multicolour Dunk Hi Premium Sneakers for women with metallic finish. They've gone for metallic colours again though they were never so outrageous. But they're Just FAB.
.
These bright and beautiful multi-colored sneakers are just lovely. The upper is composed of colors including deep red, bronze, lime green, turquoise, rave pink and shiny orange. A smooth white Swoosh, white toebox and laces as well as white heel tag were just enough to tone down the colors a bit and tie everything together.
.
I give these shoes a complete thumbs up!!!!
.
The Nike Dunk High Premiums are available in stores now for $108. Click here to buy them online (couldn't find it on UK Online store Mar'09).

So ladies what are you waiting for? Grab your delicious pair.
.

Image Source

.

Related Articles and Posts:

Fierce Shoes

Nike Dunk other versions
.

A Designer's List - 2009 Resolutions & Revelations

Aahh...a new year and a fresh start. This year I'm making a list. I've never been one to have a resolution per say, but I'm definitely a list maker. Not everything on my list is a challenge or a goal for the next year, but some are simply revelations in my world of fashion. The head of a designer needs order, or at least I do!

~Dress up! It's my new mantra. Especially when times are tough, you need to NOT look the part and put on a happy face and an optimistic wardrobe. Ditch the sweats and Uggs and pull on some sleek trousers or a pencil skirt, or if you insist on jeans (like I do), dress 'em up with some high-heeled booties or metallic flats. And I can proudly say, I've never owned a Juicy Couture tracksuit.

~Speaking of Jeans, thank God for diversity! Finally, all jeans are equal. Pretty much, wide leg, high-waisted, low-rise, boyfriend, pegged, or skinny is in. Which is great, because I love all of them! I'm happy to sport boyfriend jeans, skinny jeans, wide-leg trouser jeans, and bootleg all this year and not feel out of fashion one bit.

~Going Luxe for Less. Anything that's $400 plus (unless it's a fine leather handbag) will not be on my radar. There's no reason to pay $1500 for a Missoni sweater, when you can wear an equally luxurious space-dye creation by Stacia for under $200. And mine's in 100% sustainable bamboo that's friendly to the earth and feels like butter against the skin.

~Go Vintage. Accessories are a surefire way to upgrade your look and a vintage store or flea market is a great way to add some flash and save your cash. It's especially easy to find a specific jewelry trend at second-hand. Whether it's loading on the gold chains à la Givenchy, a Michelle Obama-style brooch, or a statement ring, the local vintage store will be your best bet. I will be scouring mine!

~Embrace the 80's. I've been avoiding it left and right, but I can't escape it. The fashion establishment has been shoving it down my throat for some time now and I'm finally coming around. The 80's are all too familiar, but the good news about the cycle of fashion is that the second time around, it's usually not as literal and usually an improvement on the original. So as I see it, I can take the 80's in small doses and be selective with my trends. I've gotten the must-have leggings already, but instead of wearing with Keds and an oversized Benetton sweater, I'll be updating it with some Sigerson Morisson leather booties and an eco-friendly bamboo tunic. Now that's an improvement!

~Long live the Scarf. I'm not letting go of this trend for 2009. It's actually a practical one I think. In a time of uncertainty, don't we all want to feel comforted? Snuggling up in my silky bamboo knitted scarf is my comfort of choice. And when you travel, it's the perfect throw to keep you warm, especially when all the airlines are skimping out on the blankets. I've got lots of Stacia bamboo scarves coming your way in 2009!

~Pamper thyself. I vow to not neglect myself this year. No matter how hard I work and how stressed out I get, I WILL take time for myself and indulge. At least one massage a quarter and a facial twice a year. I know that's probably modest, but here's someone who only does a spa day on a special occasion. I've already set the tone this year by purchasing a 75 minute Kate Somerville signature facial which came with a 2nd-one-free gift card, so yes, there's deals to be had even in beauty. And $9 community yoga classes at Santa Monica Yoga here I come! And maybe Lasik in the Spring if I'm brave!

~Keeping Green. The Eco trend is still in high gear and I'm sticking to my guns again this year. I've banned plastic bags for good in my household (although, I'm still training my husband!) and both kids are using reusable lunch boxes. No disposable water bottles either. I will continue to support The Surfrider Foundation and Heal the Bay. And keeping with the green theme, Stacia is going full force in 2009 with a complete Stacia Ecoknit Collection of washable bamboo and soybean knits that will put cashmere to shame.

The List may keep growing, but at least I've gotten started. There's nothing more pleasurable than crossing something off the List. Things to Do and things Done. 2009 is shaping up to be a good year!

A Designer's List - 2009 Resolutions & Revelations

Aahh...a new year and a fresh start. This year I'm making a list. I've never been one to have a resolution per say, but I'm definitely a list maker. Not everything on my list is a challenge or a goal for the next year, but some are simply revelations in my world of fashion. The head of a designer needs order, or at least I do!

~Dress up! It's my new mantra. Especially when times are tough, you need to NOT look the part and put on a happy face and an optimistic wardrobe. Ditch the sweats and Uggs and pull on some sleek trousers or a pencil skirt, or if you insist on jeans (like I do), dress 'em up with some high-heeled booties or metallic flats. And I can proudly say, I've never owned a Juicy Couture tracksuit.

~Speaking of Jeans, thank God for diversity! Finally, all jeans are equal. Pretty much, wide leg, high-waisted, low-rise, boyfriend, pegged, or skinny is in. Which is great, because I love all of them! I'm happy to sport boyfriend jeans, skinny jeans, wide-leg trouser jeans, and bootleg all this year and not feel out of fashion one bit.

~Going Luxe for Less. Anything that's $400 plus (unless it's a fine leather handbag) will not be on my radar. There's no reason to pay $1500 for a Missoni sweater, when you can wear an equally luxurious space-dye creation by Stacia for under $200. And mine's in 100% sustainable bamboo that's friendly to the earth and feels like butter against the skin.

~Go Vintage. Accessories are a surefire way to upgrade your look and a vintage store or flea market is a great way to add some flash and save your cash. It's especially easy to find a specific jewelry trend at second-hand. Whether it's loading on the gold chains à la Givenchy, a Michelle Obama-style brooch, or a statement ring, the local vintage store will be your best bet. I will be scouring mine!

~Embrace the 80's. I've been avoiding it left and right, but I can't escape it. The fashion establishment has been shoving it down my throat for some time now and I'm finally coming around. The 80's are all too familiar, but the good news about the cycle of fashion is that the second time around, it's usually not as literal and usually an improvement on the original. So as I see it, I can take the 80's in small doses and be selective with my trends. I've gotten the must-have leggings already, but instead of wearing with Keds and an oversized Benetton sweater, I'll be updating it with some Sigerson Morisson leather booties and an eco-friendly bamboo tunic. Now that's an improvement!

~Long live the Scarf. I'm not letting go of this trend for 2009. It's actually a practical one I think. In a time of uncertainty, don't we all want to feel comforted? Snuggling up in my silky bamboo knitted scarf is my comfort of choice. And when you travel, it's the perfect throw to keep you warm, especially when all the airlines are skimping out on the blankets. I've got lots of Stacia bamboo scarves coming your way in 2009!

~Pamper thyself. I vow to not neglect myself this year. No matter how hard I work and how stressed out I get, I WILL take time for myself and indulge. At least one massage a quarter and a facial twice a year. I know that's probably modest, but here's someone who only does a spa day on a special occasion. I've already set the tone this year by purchasing a 75 minute Kate Somerville signature facial which came with a 2nd-one-free gift card, so yes, there's deals to be had even in beauty. And $9 community yoga classes at Santa Monica Yoga here I come! And maybe Lasik in the Spring if I'm brave!

~Keeping Green. The Eco trend is still in high gear and I'm sticking to my guns again this year. I've banned plastic bags for good in my household (although, I'm still training my husband!) and both kids are using reusable lunch boxes. No disposable water bottles either. I will continue to support The Surfrider Foundation and Heal the Bay. And keeping with the green theme, Stacia is going full force in 2009 with a complete Stacia Ecoknit Collection of washable bamboo and soybean knits that will put cashmere to shame.

The List may keep growing, but at least I've gotten started. There's nothing more pleasurable than crossing something off the List. Things to Do and things Done. 2009 is shaping up to be a good year!

Another One Bites the Dust

Boy, times are really tough when everyday you read about another store closing. Most recently, Russian celebutante Kira Plastinina announced the closing of her doors. Not exactly a tragic loss. Poor Daddy had to sink $80 million into his 16 year old daughter's passion for fashion. Money can't buy business sense and trying to compete with H&M and Forever 21 for cheap fast fashion is no easy task. I've always been a little annoyed with celebrities and socialites who try to become fashion designers overnight, thinking all they need is a fat checkbook and high profile BFFs. In my book, unless a designer has paid their dues organizing Donna Karan's trim closet or have done their time at Parsons, St. Martins, or FIT, than he or she is NO designer.

I wasn't exactly crushed with the bankruptcy of Kira Plastinina's empire, but today reading about Tracey Ross shuttering her eponymous boutique on Sunset was a sure blow. Not that I'm heartbroken that Lindsey Lohan or Samantha Ronson don't have a safe haven to shop in, but Tracey Ross has certainly been a landmark retailer in LA for 18 years and her closing is an end of an era. I remember back in 2000 when I was running my stacia new york shop in Brooklyn and came out to L.A. to check out the retail. Ms. Ross was kind enough to take the time to meet with me and give me some feedback on my line and let me pick her brain about opening a shop in LA. Although, now when I think back at my meeting with her in her swanky, dark loungy boutique, she was rather condescending. She basically told me to forget about LA retail and stay in NY. Thanks! At the time, I had no intentions or even the slightest inclination that I'd end up in LA, but sure enough 9 years later, I'm here! And I'm glad I didn't take her advice. Yes, I'm happy to have passed on an LA store for Stacia, but sure glad I didn't take her advice about not pursuing wholesale in LA. She basically said unless I'm an established NY brand, a t-shirt or jeans maker, or a celebrity chasing designer, forget about it. Boy, was she wrong!

I'm getting ready to ship out the first Spring collection for Stacia next week and I'm dreading the phone calls to my accounts, hoping they are still in business! I'm extremely loyal to my small boutique buyers and I'm rooting for their success, not just because they buy from me, but because I used to be a small retailer myself. I know how hard it can be and competing with 70% off sales at larger retailers is nearly impossible. Fashion is surely dead if small boutiques die. The small boutiques I sell to are innovative, provide an intimate shopping experience, and make fashion what it is - fun, exciting, and new. But, I have a horrible feeling a lot of these stores will not survive this latest economic blow. I'm praying they can hang in there and get through this bump in the road. So if you're a real fashionista out there, please try to support these small boutiques. Yes, everybody wants a deal, but I hate to break it to you, when a department store sells a designer's line at 70% off, it's the designer who eats it. The big department stores just take whatever loss they make off the designer's invoice or take "mark down money" off future invoices, which is basically not paying for the goods. And that can lead to less designers churning out innovative, exciting, new fashion for you in the future.