The Party Dress

The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends, to enjoy each others company with decadent food, inspiring music, and all of the traditions and customs of the season. It's also a time to join in a little revelry as the year is put to bed and the prospects of a new year are dancing in front of us.

And, well, speaking of revelry and dancing, this time of year often ushers in many a party -- whether it be the office shindig, the friend's fabulous holiday soiree, your family's traditional gathering, or that fancy New Year's Eve fete. All of these festivities mean an opportunity to shop for some chic party dresses. While some of these get-togethers might not require such fancy attire, it certainly doesn't hurt to look as wonderful as you feel or, at least, to wear a pretty dress to make you feel wonderful.

So, here are some spectacular party dresses that would most definitely make me feel wonderful and sexy and ready to ring in the new year!

And whether or not you attend any fancy parties this holiday season, may your final weeks of the year bring you happiness in whatever you wear and in whatever way you celebrate.

Cheers!

 Diane von Furstenberg, Achava Embellished Dress, $698 (Wow! I suppose if you a party where you need to dress to impress); ModCloth, Premier and Dear Dress, $157.99; Anthropologie, Effervescence Dress, $188; Zara, Lace Dress, $99.99.

NY Fashion Week: Part 3

So, while looking through the hundreds of pictures of different fashion shows, I noticed quite a few attempts at bringing back the MC Hammer pants of the early 90s. Okay, so they aren't really calling them MC Hammer pants -- rather harem pants -- but to me, whenever I see them, all I hear in my head is the song "U Can't Touch This."

Despite the prevalence of MC...ahem...harem pants on the runways, I did come across a few pant looks that I would feel comfortable wearing out in public, without the sudden urge to do the crab dance.  Here are just a couple of the looks I found the most enticing -- slim cropped pants, high-waisted pants, both satiny in bright, bold colors.  Enjoy!

Diane von Furstenberg, Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

 Monique Lhuillier, Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

To Cover or Not To Cover? That is the Question.

You have a fabulous swimsuit now, but you don't want to cover it up nor do you want to walk around flaunting your fabulousness everywhere and making everyone jealous. So, some decorum may be required -- that is, only if you really, really want it. Here are some great option, one cover-up a little more revealing than the second, plus some hats for those who want to protect their beautiful & ageless skin! Of course, I could never justify paying the designer price, but if you have the dough, I say go for it!

Designer Look

Gail Hat, $235, Helen Kaminski


Cap Sleeve Crochet Dress, $271, Milly


Linen Tie Caftan, $220, Diane VonFurstenberg


Halter Sandal, $325, Michael Kors


Bargain Look

Crushable Straw Hat, $28, Talbots


Portocruz Knot-Front Dress, $21.43, Kohls


Sweater Tunic, $39.50, Gap


Women's Knotted Cork Wedges, $19.50, Old Navy