Splendicity » black dresses

Sylvie Fishtail Dress by With Hearts in my Eyes

Tracey Duncan — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:27:35 +0000

I am so down with dresses that are painfully sexy without being painfully slutty. Not that I have anything against slutty, mind you, but I also like a little mystery in my life. And this fishtail dress is nothing if not a little mystery.

Seriously? Skin tight and low-backed and lycra and black and oh my, I think I’m getting a little overheated here. Plus the sleeves are super extra long, which I love, as is the skirt. The combination of fit and flow on this dress is seriously masterful. And it’s made to order for a custom fit. Amaazing. Available for $180 from Bona Drag.

Photo Credit: Bona Drag

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Sylvie Fishtail Dress by With Hearts in my Eyes

Golden Ticket Slash Dress

Tracey Duncan — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:16:00 +0000

I’ve got a golden ticket for you, folks, and it comes in the form of a totally badass slashed silk dress by Rory Beca. I am loving basically every aspect of this dress. The silhouette pinches in at the waist and comes to a hip-forgiving tulip-shaped skirt. Check it:

So, it’s sexy, but will obscure any problem areas with ease. The slashed top is sexy and edgy without looking cheap or slutty, a major feat in my book. I would rock it with skinny-toed stilettos and sheer black hose. Available for $321 from Revolve Clothing.

Photo Credit: Revolve Clothing

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Golden Ticket Slash Dress

Cosmic Shoulder Dress by TopShop

Tracey Duncan — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:16:49 +0000

I’m completely nuts for this season’s strong shoulders. I’m not looking for that overly padded, footbally look that was so in vogue in the 80’s, but most of the new shoulder pads are smaller, more delicate, and a little pointy. Point in case:

How freaking space age-tacular is this dress? Body con dresses should always be topped with strong shoulders. Why? Because it balances out your hips, should you need such a slimming device. I’m thinking sheer hose, delicate t-straps and pearls for this baby, but I know a lot of girls are gonna take it totally rocker with black booties and heavy chains. Either way, it’s gonna work. Available for $80 from TopShop.

Photo Credit: TopShop

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Cosmic Shoulder Dress by TopShop

Garden Lace Racerback Gown by Behnaz Serafpour

Tracey Duncan — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:52:38 +0000

Here we are, between seasons, and what are you going to wear to your next event? It’s not time to break out the long-sleeved wool, yet, but it might be time to put away the mini dress (at least without stockings). Check out this amazing seasonless gown by Behnaz Serafpour.

This one is a real showstopper. Oh snap, now I’m gonna have that song stuck in my head for the rest of the day! Anyways, I’m basically bonkers for this anything but basic dress. I love the way the silk lining ends at the knee for a very flirty lace swish at the bottom. I would wear this baby with the longest strand of perals I could find and a fur shrug, faux if you’re PETA. Available for $798 from Gilt.

You need an invitation to shop at Gilt, and if you click here, you’ll get one.

Photo Credit: Gilt

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Garden Lace Racerback Gown by Behnaz Serafpour

3 Ways to Wear Only One Shoulder

Tracey Duncan — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:19:08 +0000

One-shouldered gowns are the look of the moment. Well, one of them, anyways. But, how do you wear this one shouldered look without coming off like a disco princess wannabe? Here’s three ways, courtesy of Badgley Mischka.

This silk chiffon one-shouldered gown really makes a statement, and it isn’t “take me to the roller rink”. This drapey, dead sexy take on the one-shouldered look makes it black tie or red carpet ready. One way to keep a one-shouldered look current is by making sure it’s composed of a nice, sophisticated fabric, and not a shiny poly blend. Available for $459 (from $995).

This short, red one-shouldered dress has a caftan/kimono look. It’s not at the same level of chic as the gown above, but it would definitely start some fires on a night on the town. This look is going to take a good shoe choice to keep it from the nightgown arena, so I’d go with a closed toe to avoid the come-hither look of a mule. Flats would work, too. Available for $199 (from $440).

This sweet, short, one-shouldered dress walks the line between the other two. It’s dressy enough for an event, but too casual for black tie. As one the other dresses, the soft, gathered look of the fabric keeps the asymmetry from looking too severe. I love this dress with sparkly stilettos and a patent clutch. Available for $319 (from $695).

All dressed available from Ideeli. You need an invitation to shop at Ideeli, and if you click here, you’ll get one.

Photo Credit: Ideeli

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3 Ways to Wear Only One Shoulder

Emmy Awards: Best Dark Gowns

Lisa Fogarty — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:54:21 +0000

Between Drew Barrymore’s bubblegum-pink soufflé of a gown and Jennifer Love Hewitt’s California babe look – not to mention the endless parade of white, dusky rose and nude dresses – the Emmy Awards were the picture of sweet fashion innocence (save Blake Lively’s oh-so-lively plunging red dress).

Perhaps because of this, the darkest of dark hues stood out far more, in my opinion.

Taking a page out of fall’s goth-glam looks, these women were stunning in deep, dark and glam shades:

“Mad Men’s” Christina Hendricks looked every inch the 1950s starlet in a blue-black L’wren Scott:

Zuma Press

Heidi Klum, seven months pregnant and gorgeous, in a strapless Marchesa:

Zuma Press

The front of Tina Fey’s Gucci dress didn’t do it for me, but I loved the length and back:

Zuma Press

Nevermind the fact that “Buffy” and “How I Met Your Mother” star Alyson Hannigan just had a baby SIX months ago, her Vera Wang dress (and shiny locks) were a hit:

Zuma Press

Could the Office’s Jenna Fischer chosen more wisely than this Reem Acra gown, with its chunky hemline? Probably..but the color — and that bracelet and nail polish color– are just breathtaking.

Zuma Press

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Emmy Awards: Best Dark Gowns

Satin Bubble Dress by Prospect 44

Tracey Duncan — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:11:39 +0000

My super hot friend Paulita just turned me on to this new line, Prospect 44, a Los Angeles-based line designed by Marlene Salcido. Salcido says she designs for women who treat the “pavement as catwalk” which basically makes her my new best friend. Also, every piece in the line is well-thought out and flattering. Check this amazing dress:

I love this totally modern take on class fit and flare design. The poufy bandeau top, skinny minny waist, and bubble skirt are gonna give you an hourglass whether you’ve got one or not! I’m also really digging the choice of materials here: a lightly dotted satin mixed with jersey accents means that this piece is comfy and totally glam at the same time. I would rock it with super high heels (definitely toe cleavage for this baby) and some major bling. Available for $150 from Stars and Infinite Darkness.

Photo Credit: Stars and Infinite Darkness

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Satin Bubble Dress by Prospect 44

Chiffon Crinkle Gown by Alexander McQueen

Tracey Duncan — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:32:09 +0000

Fall is party season. It’s the time when urban centers have the most cultural activity. There’s art openings, opera openings, and now, more than ever, people are opting for crisp fall weddings. Why? Well, things get a little less expensive when you veer away from the May/June wedding path. All these fall events deserve dresses, and as well all know, fall is a great time for fashion. It’s THE season we all look forward to, when dresses getter darker, more dramatic, and more elegant. Check out this gorgeous number by Alexander McQueen:

The gathered silk chiffon bandeau top is the perfect balance for the scattered, tattered skirt. I love this look, because it’s a little bit witchy woman, but elegant all the way. Imagine the way all those chiffon pieces will swing and sway on the dancefloor of your next big event. Yes, please. Available for $1,198 from Gilt.

You need an invitation to shop on Gilt, and if you click here, you’ll get one.

Photo Credit: Gilt

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Chiffon Crinkle Gown by Alexander McQueen

Satin Bridesmaid’s Dress by Donna Ricco

Tracey Duncan — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:00:32 +0000

Fall is coming. Darker colors are coming in to play in wedding schemes, and dresses are getting a little longer and adding sleeves. If you’re planning a fall or winter wedding, or even if you’re just looking for a more modest option for your bridesmaids, this stretch satin dress by Donna Ricco is a great option.

The wide v-neck and mock wrap bodice is almost universally flattering, and the elbow length sleeves are a great choice for women who want to keep their upper arms in check. The ruched detail brings in the waist, and enhances the look of an hourglass figure. I love the clean a-line skirt that is concealing and slimming, as the volume increases at the smaller parts of your body. This is a sleek and elegant bridesmaids dress for any season, but especially for these upcoming cooler months. Available for $158 from Nordstrom.

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

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Satin Bridesmaid’s Dress by Donna Ricco

Diesel Sample Sale!

Tracey Duncan — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:40:33 +0000

Diesel, while not exactly “indie” by definition, has influenced indie style for at least a decade. Their minimal, experimental approach to denim design cornered the hipster market ages ago, and its popularity shows no signs of abating. Their sportswear is urban, modern, and as far as I’m concerned, usually overpriced. But their off-kilter take on the basics is interesting, so I’ll always take a gander at their wares if they happen to be on sale. Which they are. Check it.

This LINGUS-N dress is perfect for fall. The short sleeves have a wide cut batwing shape that balances out the slim skirt, and I love the metallic geometric print. Marked down to $129 from $350.

The QUIQUI dress features a wide neckline with zipper accents. This slinky sweater number also has a practical side by way of hidden pockets, which are a major bonus in my book. Marked down to $99 from $280.

Available at Ideeli. You need an invitation to shop on Ideeli, and if you click here, you’ll get one.

Photo Credit: Ideeli

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Diesel Sample Sale!