Sparkles & Bubbly!!

Now that Christmaukkah is in the past, it's on to one of our favorite times to celebrate...New Year's Eve!  What's better than putting on a bit of sparkle, sipping a little (or a lot of) bubbly and toasting to the fabulous year ahead?!  Whether you're hitting/having a house party, burnin' down the town or celebrating somewhere warm this year (for us, the later two) look glam while doing so & score a midnight kiss from the hottie you love (or love for the moment).

Pop in on the 31st to find your perfect frock for whatever you plans & whatever your budget (dresses starting at $50!!) and complete your look with our special deal...Pick out a free le Dress accessory when you spend $150 or more.  We're open until 4pm on NYE!

We're not big on resolutions (as most last a week max), but let's all resolve to make this year OUR year!!  'Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you've imagined' (Thoreau).

Cheers to a glamorous NYE and even better 2012;)

 xoxo, le Dress 

Mark + James, perfect for a night on the town

Shoshanna, glam with a tan in warm weather or black tights in the city

Lucca Couture, great for a flirty dinner

Red Haute, sexy & chic for a house party

The Countdown Begins!!

Ok wow, do the holidays come faster every year?!  If you're like us, and I'm assuming many of you are, there are still a few friends/family/coworkers you need to check off your gifting list.  While it is the thought that counts, let's face it...people like to open things!

This week at le Dress we're doing 'Countdown to Christmas' daily deals...each day, cash in on these hot deals (now through Dec. 24th) to score major points with your giftees or yourself:)

Walk it out Wednesday: 30% off all shoes & handbags

Thrifty Thursday: 15% off all dresses

Funday Friday: spend $200 get any $20 pair of earrings free

Super Sale Saturday: Take an extra 30% off sale items

Plus, some of our favorite last minute gift ideas that are sure to be at the top of anyones list this year...ALL UNDER $100!! 

La Vie Parisienne jewelry, everyone loves a touch of sparkle

Luxurious Italca wraps straight from Italy, in tons of colors

Let them find something fabulous, buy a $100 gc & get a $25 gc for you!!

Festive clutches add a bit of fun to any outfit

 

She Got It From Her Momma...Dressing for Your Body Type!

So today I'd like to discuss the number one rule in fashion....dressing for your body type and the holidays are no exception!  Women come in all shapes and sizes, which we should be proud of because it makes each of us unique:)  When it comes to shopping, be careful not to just follow trends...it needs to work for you (your body type, your life, etc) Don't be afraid to ask for help, our le Dress stylists are well versed in what works for what body type and are happy to help.  So many things look better on you than on the hanger and vice versa, so before getting frustrated in the fitting room...ask for help!!  That's what we're there for!  Last Sunday we did an ABC segment on this matter...I've highlighted a few body types with dresses that work and why.

And remember, le Dress has styles for every body and every budget...so stop in and work what your momma gave you ladies!!!

 Full Bust- Dress by Young: The draping of this v-neckline really helps to minimize a large bust & elongate the torso, while the snake print belt draws the eye in and cinches the waist.  We love the ¾ dolman sleeve, which adds a very chic 70’s vibe to the look.

 Tall- Dress by Jay Godfrey: The color-blocking on this dress really helps to define the proportions of the body, which then breaks up the long line from head to toe.  We also love the ruffle detailing at the neckline to add another element of interest.  

  Pear- Dress by Max & Cleo: A classic A-line is a great way to go if you’re fuller on the bottom, but this dress has a great update with the accordion pleating which works because of the graduated width of the pleating, being wider at the bottom half of skirt.  The black ribbon detail really cinches the waist while the v-neckline elongates & draws the eye upward.  

 Petite- Dress by Bianca Nero:  With the tulip hem line and all-over ruching, this dress really adds dimension to a petite body while still showing it off.  We always love a bright pop of color, it screams ‘fun’ and she's ready for a night on the town!

 Ladies of le Dress, PR & models looking fabulous...mind you we had a 5:30am call time!

Mr. Valentino

This week we'd like to pay tribute to a fashion genius who brought the world fabulous frocks for 45 years...Mr. Valentino Garavani!!  In our eyes, the world lost a bit of magic with his retirement in 2007.  If you weren't able to make it to his anniversary exhibition that year in Rome (darn those pesky responsibilities and finances, but at least we saw the movie), weep no more...Mr. Valentino has launched an online virtual museum valentino-garavani-archives.org.  You can peruse all of the designer's work and get the scoop on each piece from press shots to runway video and 360 degree views of many of the garments.

While it is amazing to view his masterpieces, it only makes us yearn to have one hanging in our closet more...and since our bank accounts aren't tripling any time soon (that we know of), we'll use this online archive as a source of inspiration for now.  Vogue.com selected ten defining moments of Valentino's career (http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/hamishsphere-the-top-ten-dresses-from-the-valentino-archives/)...we used that to then select a few inspired frocks below...come find your inspiration at le Dress!

Inspired by Fall 1967 tiger pattern suit

Inspired by Fall 1992 black and white evening gown

Inspired by Spring 1968 wool evening suit

Inspired by Spring 1973 chiffon evening dress

Inspired by Spring 2006 satin chiffon evening gown

Holiday party attire...Naughty or Nice?!

Now that the madness called Black Friday is over, not to mention all that family time can cause anyone to need a glass of champagne, it's onto one of our favorite seasons to eat, drink and be merry...and that means Holiday Parties!!!  So get dolled up and show your holiday spirit...just remember to ask yourself "does my attire fit the party?"...naughty or nice, that is the question!

Throw on a classic lace shift or preppy silk two-tone to be the talk of the water cooler (in a good way) or to win over the soon to be in-laws...think classic & chic, but still fun & flirty (read: not uptight, not trampy).

Whether you're out on the prowl or just feeling extra vavavoom, naughty is a great option as well:)  Try a curve hugging silhouette in a sassy material to have all eyes on you (or to remind your man just how lucky he is) at your best friends party or maybe even throw your own and invite that hottie neighbor you've been eyeing! (read: sexy & sultry, not slutty).

We also understand that sometimes you need your ensemble to pull double duty, like when you're double-booked for work/friend holiday parties the same night.  Easy, just throw on a blazer/cardi & swap a few accessories to take your look from naughty to nice or back again.  If it were us, we'd hit the office party first, nobody likes a lush at work, just saying;)  Cheers!!

Nice: Milly, silk two-tone dress

Nice: Beth Bowley, lace shift dress w/ 3/4 sleeve

Naughty: Faith, studded shoulder detail draped dress

Naughty: Rieley, gold dot dress

Naughty: Shoshanna, silk croc embossed dress

Nice: Shoshanna & blazer with satin lapel

Naughty: Minuet, strapless ruched dress

Nice: Minuet dress w/ blazer

Insane Black Friday

Come one, come all...It's that time of the year again!!!  But this time around, we're not only giving you our INSANE Black Friday deals but also two extra days to snag that frock you've been eyeing (just in case you have a 4am wake up call on Friday for that new TV).

YEP, YOU HEARD IT...3 DAYS TO SAVE!!!

*Wednesday, Nov 23rd

Take 15% OFF your purchase

*Black Friday 

10am-12pm  Take 40% OFF your purchase

12pm-2pm    Take 30% OFF your purchase

2pm-7pm    Take 20% OFF your purchase

Saturday, Nov 26th

Take 15% OFF your purchase

And remember people, the discount is not on just one item, it's off your ENTIRE purchase!!

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Minuet $88, 40% off= $52.80

Max&Cleo $158, 40% off= $94.80

Jay Godfrey $440, 40% off= $264

Turkey Day In Style

Just because you're planning on 'eating your face off' over the holidays (um, or is that just me), doesn't mean you have to look frumpy while doing it!  And yes, Thanksgiving is about family, friends & being thankful...but let's not forget, being thankful to the fashion gods hurts no one!!

Now, not that we're condoning any Black Wednesday shenanigans, but if you're going to partake in them (possibly with peeps you haven't seen in awhile) then why not throw on an effortless chic sweater dress or shirt dress?!

Look all the part of "girl that's got it together" without turning into "girl that's trying to hard"...just don't forget your stretchy pants for dinner;)

Happy Thanksgiving & stay fabulous!!!

Or add a pop-of-color clutch!

Susana Monaco wool sheath dress, keep it classic...

Alice & Trixie bell-sleeve, belted sweater dress

Bianca Coletti peacock print silk shirt dress

Bon Jour!

Woohoo we've decided to start le blog, connecting to fellow fashionistas everywhere!  We'll be posting weekly on Wednesdays to make your hump day a bit more fabulous...follow us for upcoming events, sales & of course the best of FASHION!

But enough about us...we just can't keep Fall fashion off our minds (and why should we).  We are LOVING trends that are easy to incorporate into any wardrobe...

Luxe Layering is a must & needs to be second nature for any Chicagoan...think tights, boots, fab dress, chic fur (faux if you must) vest, cross-body bag...I say "Good Day dropping temps, even you can't stop me from looking fierce!"

Chic Neutrals are easy to incorporate into any woman's closet, are oh so hot and easily transition from season to season.  Just find the right tone that compliments your skin (read: so you don't end up looking more scary than chic) and pair with your favorite pieces...simple right?!  We love a pop of color to keep it fun, add a bright bag, furry jacket to keep you cozy or just a saturated lip to keep all eyes on you!

See some our fav in-store examples below...stop in to see what works for you;)

Beth Bowley dress, Inge Christopher studded bag

Faith maxi dress, le Dress zipper clutch

Tulle shadow print dress, Sanctuary faux fur jacket

Corey Lynn Calter dress, Sanctuary faux fur vest

Red Haute stripe dress, Hyde gold studded belt

Catwalk faux leather bomber, le Dress chevron print scarf