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

This dress is so hot, I’m literally ready to kill anyone who comes between me and it. Of course, no one is, just my wallet. But, price be damned, I am loving Ms. McCartney’s ultra modern take on a remembrance of things past. Stretch lace never looked this elegant. The shape is classic 40’s, with the cap sleeves and tailored cut, but the lace cutouts make it terrificly daring. Available for $1,995 from Net-A-Porter.

Photo Credit: Net-A-Porter

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Lace Paneled Dress by Stella McCartney

The highlight of this gown is definitely the cascading ruffles down the front. They are flirty, feminine and fun. The ruffled back leads to a short train.

This gown is perfect if you really want to make a grand entrance. Much more bold than black, and quite different from red, you will certainly turn a lot of heads in this dress.

You can order this Zac Posen gown right now from Neiman Marcus for $4,900. With a gown like this, you don’t need much jewelry. Just a pair of dangling earrings and you’ll be all set.

Photo credit: Neiman Marcus

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Zac Posen Long Siren Gown

This is one of the colorful gowns that I really like right now. This Marc Bouwer Glamit! beaded ombré gown features purple and pink shades that are dazzling.

The neckline features unique asymmetrical straps and the empire waist is highlighted by beaded detailing. You can get this silk gown right now at Neiman Marcus for just $795. You will definitely turn some heads in this dress!

Photo credit: Neiman Marcus

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Marc Bouwer Glamit! Beaded Ombré Gown

Available at Barrie Pace which ships to the United States.  See their women’s clothing sale section, too.

Photo Courtesy of Barrie Pace

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• Not sure how the sizes listed convert to the sizes used in your country? Follow this link to an online women’s clothing size converter.
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Look Stunning in This Chic Silky Dress with Black Foral Print

1. The Gladiator:  This look features any kind of shoe reminiscent of ancient rome.  Shoes come in all heights, from heels to flat sandals.  It’s all in the straps.  This L.A.M.B. stiletto heel is made of metallic leather.

Explore more of the Gladiator Look. 

2. Primitive Prints: Animal prints, batik, and geo-ethnic designs define this style.  A good example is the pattern on this Diane von Furstenberg dress, made of silk.

Explore more of the Primitive Prints Look. 

3. Organic Stones and 9. Exotic Rings:  For Organic Stones, look for natural materials (as opposed to precious stones) like crystal, agate, and quartz.  For Exotic Rings, go for big and over-the-top.  This Argento Vivo white cat’s eye pendant dangles from not 1, but 3 gold chains.  The white cat’s eye ring is big, bold, and attention-getting.

Explore more of the Organic Stones Look.

Explore more of the Exotic Rings Look. 

4. Ornamentation: Metal, beads, jewels, sequins – this season’s look features clothes that are decorated and adorned.  Like this cute swing coat from L.A.M.B. with metallic beading.  Pair it with the L.A.M.B. pencil skirt, called Bombshell, pictured below.

Explore more of the Ornamentation Look. 

5. Natural Materials: Look to accessorize with earthy materials like wood, cork, wicker, and bamboo.  This slingback Jessica Simpson pump features blue leather atop a wooden heel.

Explore more of the Natural Materials Look. 

6. Mixed Stack of Bangles:  When it comes to bangle bracelets, choose from a variety of different materials from wood and stone to metal and enamel.  Just make sure that no matter what type of bangle you’re wearing, you have lots of them.  For a glamorous touch, try these Swarovski crystal bangles.

Explore more of the Mixed Stack of Bangles Look. 

7. The Caftan:  The sixties are back in full force, including the caftan.  Try this Tory Burch tunic caftan in a yellow print.

Explore more of the Caftan Look. 

8. Safari Style:  Cargo pockets, khaki, and more animal prints define this look.  These Via Spiga wedge sandals sport a giraffe-print heel.

Explore more of the Safari Style Look.

9. (see #3)

10. Handmade Details: Attention to detail is the name of the game, whether it be embroidery, cut-outs, applique, ruffles, or something else.  Look for clothes with that extra touch.  This Phillip Lim dress features incredibly detailed embroidery and teeny tiny ruffles along the collar and sleeves.

Explore more of the Handmade Details Look.

Nordstrom ships to the United States.

If you liked this post, you might also like my previous post: Designer Dress Has Fresh Look in Gray, White, and Beige.

Photos Courtesy of Nordstrom

• Does this company not ship to your area? No problem! Learn about mail forwarding.
• Not sure how the sizes listed convert to the sizes used in your country? Follow this link to an online women’s clothing size converter.
• Not sure how much the price translates to in your currency? Follow this link to an online currency converter.
• Confused about website subscriptions, RSS, and/or feed readers? Read my article What’s a Feed Reader and Why Should I Care?.

If you got to this article by some other means than the official website, please visit justaformality.com to view the homepage (and more articles like this one).

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What’s In Style for Spring 2008? Ask Nordstrom

Available in other colors, as well; get it at Lauren Conrad which ships worldwide.

If you liked this post, you might also like my previous post about another dress with a draped effect:  Mini Dress — Pale Blue and Just Right for You.

Photo Courtesy of Lauren Conrad

• Does this company not ship to your area? No problem! Learn about mail forwarding.
• Not sure how the sizes listed convert to the sizes used in your country? Follow this link to an online women’s clothing size converter.
• Not sure how much the price translates to in your currency? Follow this link to an online currency converter.
• Confused about website subscriptions, RSS, and/or feed readers? Read my article What’s a Feed Reader and Why Should I Care?.

If you got to this article by some other means than the official website, please visit justaformality.com to view the homepage (and more articles like this one).

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Greek Inspired, Short, Formal Dress Fit for a Goddess

Notice the ruching on the entire dress and the little upturn at the side seam hem, which show off the figure.  This dress is sexy while still being elegant.  It’s currently on sale.  Complete the look, and pair it with these silver T-strap high heels:

You can get both at Carabella, which ships worldwide (non-U.S. shipments go through a third part; see their shipping page for more information).  They have a lot of clothes on sale right now, so be sure to visit their women’s clothing sale page, too.

Photo Courtesy of Carabella

• Does this company not ship to your area? No problem! Learn about mail forwarding.
• Not sure how the sizes listed convert to the sizes used in your country? Follow this link to an online women’s clothing size converter.
• Not sure how much the price translates to in your currency? Follow this link to an online currency converter.
• Confused about website subscriptions, RSS, and/or feed readers? Read my article What’s a Feed Reader and Why Should I Care?.

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On Sale — Sophisticated Black Cocktail Dress

A prom dress can take weeks to be made and more time to ship to you.  It’s never too early to start looking for that perfect dress.  Following are 5 online stores where you can find formal and prom dresses.

• Christina’s (ships to the U.S.)

• Tiza (ships worldwide)

• New York Prom (ships worldwide)

• Find My Prom Dress (ships worldwide)

• Sophisticated Lady (ships worldwide)

If you’re last-minute shopping, many prom dress stores also have web pages that contain pre-made, in-stock dresses which they can ship out quickly.  The bad news is that you’ll have to search through them for your size, but the good news is that the pre-made dresses are often offered at a discount.

If you liked this post, you might also want to browse through my long dress category for lots of beautiful formal dresses.

Photo Courtesy of Jan Sundstedt

• Do any of these companies not ship to your area? No problem! Learn about mail forwarding.
• Not sure how the sizes listed convert to the sizes used in your country? Follow this link to an online women’s clothing size converter.
• Not sure how much the price translates to in your currency? Follow this link to an online currency converter.
• Confused about website subscriptions, RSS, and/or feed readers? Read my article What’s a Feed Reader and Why Should I Care?.

If you got to this article by some other means than the official website, please visit justaformality.com to view the homepage (and more articles like this one).

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5 Places to Buy a Prom Dress Online

Here’s a closer look.  Notice the subtle metallic sparkle in the fabric.

Get it at JustSweet.com for less than $100.  They ship worldwide.  She has a lot of cute footwear you can buy, too.  For some super low prices, check out the sale page.

If you liked this post, you might also like the previous post: Trendy Pink Silk Floral Dress.

Photos Courtesy of JustSweet.com

• Does this company not ship to your area? No problem! Learn about mail forwarding.
• Not sure how the sizes listed convert to the sizes used in your country? Follow this link to an online women’s clothing size converter.
• Not sure how much the price translates to in your currency? Follow this link to an online currency converter.
• Confused about website subscriptions, RSS, and/or feed readers? Read my article What’s a Feed Reader and Why Should I Care?.

If you got to this article by some other means than the official website, please visit justaformality.com to view the homepage (and more articles like this one).

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Trendy Girls Let JLo Pick Out Their Clothes