Formal Affair

Sometimes the invitation says black tie and a gown is necessary. While I am advocate for the formal short dress, there is something about wearing an elegant long dress that makes an event extra special. With the holiday party season and winter weddings creeping up on the calendar, all of the options can be overwhelming. Here are my favorites that would work for anyone, really...

1. So gorgeous. My fave Anthropologie $348 / 2. A sophisticated way to do sparkle Parker $572 / 3. Fun take on a strapless peplum BCBG $239 / 4. The draping and color are gorgeous BCBG $498

5. A classic column in front, open in back Alice + Olivia $396 / 6. The beading and draping is beautiful BCBG $448 / 7. Love a graphic black and white BCBG $368 / 8. Channeling Princess Kate BHLDN $260 (other colors)

9. The red and gold is a great combo Asos $521 / 10. Gorgeous draping Zimmerman $350 (other colors) / 11. I love a long sleeve and the 70s vibe Halston $495 / 12. Totally obsessed with this. Satin detail on crepe. Asos $295

13. This actually looks comfortable Zimmerman $332 (other colors) / 14. If you are going for bling, this has a great deco feel Aiden Mattox $420 / 15. Stunning emerald color Halston $237 / 16. Cobalt is so pretty and love it with pleats and a draped sleeve Asos $161

xo

Erin  

The Brighter Side of Things

I looked in my closet last week and realized that almost everything in it was a shade of gray. Sweaters, tees, tops, hoodies, bags, shoes and scarfs. All gray. That can really start to depress a girl. I worship gray and find myself always gravitating towards it in every store. Since it is not black and not white, I guess I have been fooling myself into thinking gray is actually a color. Well, it's not. And it is time for something other than a neutral to throw on. I saw this fantastic orange dress in one of my favorite Chicago boutiques Sofia Vintage over the weekend. I contemplated the insane color for a second, then decided to just try it on. It was like a breath of fresh air. The simple shift shape, three-quarter length sleeve, and scoop neck are perfect. the simplicity of the design allows for the color to speak for itself. I took it up one more notch with this Alice & Olivia belt, but paired it with a simple gold bracelet and nude heels to tame it down just a bit. The dress is by Myne and I could not find it online. I did find a few other bright pieces that I think could shed some light on your wardrobe, though.

Long Blue Shirt Dress by Anthropologie, Skinny Leg Trouser from Zara,  Yellow Clutch by Balenciaga,  Red Pleated Short Skirt from Top Shop, Two Tone Reversible Belt by Jil Sander, Cobalt Drape Front Dress by Diane von Furstenberg

xo

Erin