I always swoon for his ready-to-wear line, but it is seldom within my financial reach. Lucky for all of us, Gilt is having an Oscar de la Renta RTW sample sale until Friday at noon. I love this Hammered Silk Halter dress. It is perfect for your next wedding or black tie affair. The elegant draping and couture quality details are enough to make a grown girl cry. The high neckline with the huge bow is modest, and will flatter many women. And the cut of the dress, slim at the waist and softly draped over the hips will really accentuate your curves. Marked down to $928 from $3,150 on 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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Silk Halter Dress by Oscar de la Renta

You can buy this knee-length dressy black dress at Esprit.  They only ship to the United States, but they have stores all around the world, and you can probably find a shop near you by using their store finder.  If you are in the United States or you are using a mail forwarding service (see bottom of this post for details), be sure to stop by their online women’s clothing outlet store.

If you liked this post, you might also like my previous post:  Black Cocktail Dress with Gold Bow.

Photo Courtesy of Espritshop.com

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Black Dress is Sheer at Hem — So Pretty!

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

Photo Courtesy of Barrie Pace

• 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.
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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.
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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?.

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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.
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5 Places to Buy a Prom Dress Online

I like the pink gloves with it, too.  This dress is called Satin Doll, and the bodice is bejeweled.

Pair it with this cute little prim and proper clutch:

All of the above items can be ordered from lorelie.com, which ships worldwide (customers outside the continental U.S. should visit their shipping page for more info).  Visit the sale rack for more beautiful dresses at bargain prices.

If you liked this post, you might also like my previous post featuring a long pink dress called Versatile Evening Gown Can be Worn 3 Different Ways.

Photos Courtesy of lorelie.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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It’s Posh, It’s Pink, It’s the Perfect Formal Dress

It’s available in gold and a variety of other colors (including white, which isn’t shown).

Get it at Prom Girl, which ships worldwide.  They have a great Prom Tips section on their site, too, and much of the advice could apply to other formal events or nice outings, as well.  If you’re looking for a bargain, see their sale page.  If you’re looking for formalwear for men, visit Prom Guy.

Photos Courtesy of Prom Girl

• 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.
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Sexy Dress Combines the Best of a Long Evening Gown and a Short Cocktail Dress

Trains seem to be a red carpet favorite recently, and I can see why.  They add an extra touch of elegance to an already special dress.   Get this dress at Elegant Mart, which appears to ship worldwide.  See their pre-made dresses in the clearance section, too.

If you liked this post, you might also like my previous post featuring a floor-length purple gown with a slight train.

Photos Courtesy of Elegant Mart

• 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.
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Look Amazing in this Unique Evening Gown