Hot Mama Daily » little black dress

What to Wear to an Office Party

Tracy Hopkins — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:20 +0000

Office parties are tricky. You want to let loose with your coworkers, yet you must be careful not to dance on the bar top or reveal your feelings to that office crush after a few rounds of liquid courage. Choosing the right outfit for an office soiree is also a head-scratcher. You want to look festive, but not overdressed. Feminine, but not too sexy. And trendy, but not like you’re going to the club.

Here are 5 options selected from Banana Republic that will keep you dressed for success at your next office party:

Banana Republic Origami Sheath, $142

1) You can’t go wrong in a little black dress like this origami sheath with flirty sleeves.

Banana Republic Silk Paisley Tunic, $70

2) A pretty blouse like this silk tunic paired with wide legged trousers or your best pair of jeans.

Banana Republic Classic Pencil Skirt, $60

3) A classic pencil skirt can easily be dressed up or down.

Banana Republic Facetted Collar Necklace, $80

4) A bold collar necklace will jazz up a crisp, white shirt.

Banana Republic Drawstring Cuff Bootie, $198

5) Slip into these hip suede booties and get footloose at your office party.

Image credit: Banana Republic

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4 Reasons You Need a Little Black Dress

Tracy Hopkins — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:00:15 +0000

Much to my chagrin I’ve spent many a frantic moment tearing through my closet looking for a dress to wear to a wedding, fashion show, or some other dressy engagement requiring me to look like a grown-up. To avoid those fashion panic attacks, I recently purchased several basic black frocks that can be dressed up or down. The little black dress (LBD) never goes out of style and it’s perfect for any occasion.

Banana Republic faux-wrap dress, $98

But don’t just take my word for it. Read fashion stylist Colin Megaro’s four reasons why every Hot Mama needs a LBD:

1. Black is flattering for all sizes, shapes and skin tones. No matter who you are there is a LBD out there for you! Take the time to find one that makes you feel great and fits you properly.

2. You can wear black any time, during any season and to most events. The LBD is chic, classic and sexy all rolled into one. It’s the perfect dress to be worn for a night out on the town or as a cover up at the beach.

3. You can wear this dress a dozen different ways. Jazz it up for evening with a beautiful beaded bolero or tone it down with flats and a wrist full of bangles. If you would like to wear it to work layer a cardigan sweater or blazer for a more refined look.

4. Last but not least: one of these dresses is never enough. Have a few versions on hand that can work with the rest of your wardrobe.

Colin Megaro is a stylist and fashion expert and the founder of Planet Style Concierge, a personal styling service based out of NY and LA. But lucky for all of us, he travels!

Image credit: Banana Republic

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Bali Bamboo Dress: 5 Dresses in 1

Tracy Hopkins — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:00:49 +0000

Me to We Style’s Bali Bamboo Dress adds a twist to the little black (and red) dress, since it’s actually 5 dresses in 1! The Canadian clothier was nice enough to send me a dress to try out. When I opened the package I thought, “Cool, a black skirt,” and immediately wrapped it around my waist.

Bali Bamboo Dress, $79.99

I was pleased it gave me adequate coverage, because there are few things less comfortable than a wrap skirt that unwraps or flies open when you’re walking.

Then I remembered that the skirt, made with 100 percent organic cotton and bamboo, can be worn four other ways: as a criss-cross halter dress; a one-shoulder baring dress; a tube dress wrapped across the bustline and cinched at the waist; and as a stylish shawl/shrug.

What a practical and stylish addition to my wardrobe! This versatile dress is as good as packed for my next summer weekend getaway. Get yours here.

Image credit: Me to We Style

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Hot or Not? Rashida Jones’ Cute Black Dress

Tracy Hopkins — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:52:03 +0000

Actress Rashida Jones is on a roll. She co-starred on the hit NBC comedy, The Office, and now she’s starring opposite funny man Paul Rudd in the bromantic comedy I Love You Man. The movie opens in theaters today and Rashida wore a cute and strategically sheer dress to the Los Angeles premiere.

Rashida Jones at the "I Love You Man" premiere

Rashida’s little black dress is both demure and daring. And her strappy sandals are to die for. But I wouldn’t wear the dress without a slip for fear of revealing anything...er... private.

What do you think of Ms. Jones’ dress? Is it hot or not?

Image credit: Newscom

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Beyonce and Gabrielle Union Transform “The Little Black Dress”

Tracy Hopkins — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:54:54 +0000

At the red carpet premiere of the movie “Cadillac Records,” superstar Beyonce Knowles (she plays blues singer Etta James in the film based on the legendary Chess Records story) and actress Gabrielle Union give new meaning to the expression, “Black is beautiful.”

Each gorgeous gal is wearing a sophisticated, sexy, and modern take on the little black dress. I love the puffy sleeves on Beyonce’s knee-length cocktail dress (it fits her perfectly) and Gabrielle’s Grecian-inspired, flowing gown is a dramatic head turner.

I can’t decide, so what do you Hot Mamas think? Which black dress do you prefer?

Photo credits: Bauer Griffin

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Same Look for Less: Steal Nicole Sherzinger’s Little Black Dress

Tracy Hopkins — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:54:23 +0000

Nicole Sherzinger is one foxy Pussycat Doll. With the way she’s filling out this strapless little black dress, Beyonce may have to watch her back, literally. I could never wear them, but the stiletto heels are super sexy and the ensemble is accented by just a touch of bling on the finger and the wrist.

Here’s how you can copy Nicole’s hot look for less.

Tia strapless satin dress, Forever 21, $22.80

Sable Jeweled Satin Dress, Forever 21, $22.80

Rhinestone bracelet, Claire’s, $14.50

Large Rhinestone ring, Forever 21, $5.80

Fringe Platform Stilettos, Forever 21, $28.80

Or for a more colorful twist…Vero Nero Platform, Forever 21, $22.80

Photo credits: Newscom, Forever 21, Claire’s

Post from: Hot Mama Daily