Splendicity » summer dresses

Matter of Decision Dress by I Heart Fink

Tracey Duncan — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:30:22 +0000

Geometry was one of those things I always wanted to be good at, but wasn’t. The aesthetics of simple shapes always appealed to me, but the particulars never made since. Thankfully, I have now fully embraced my right brained-ness, and save my love of shapes and patterns for fabric and style.

I am super loving the ultra-mod, neo-geo print on this I Heart Fink dress. It’s perfectly short and sweet, with a few tailored details that really hit the bullseye. I always love the lengthening effect of a v-neck, and the ever so slightly turned up sleeves are cute, but not too cute. Available for $75 from I Heart Fink.

Photo Credit: I Heart Fink

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Matter of Decision Dress by I Heart Fink

White Party Dresses for Her

Star Stevenson — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:46:01 +0000

White dresses are not just for brides! Give someone you love a beautiful white or the ever classic, black and white dress, to wear to all those summer parties and BBQs. White dresses will always be in style because you can dress it up with metallic heels or dress it down with cute flats or sandals. Add bright and bold accessories to give it that extra oomph!

(Images: Nordstrom)

This Free People Sweet & Sassy Dress ($148) is definitely sweet and sassy. If you want something that will show off her legs, this dress will do the trick. The subtle stripes and polka dots are complemented by the black lace detail, so cute!

The Suzi Chin Maggy Boutinque Sleeveless Rosette Hem Dress ($118) can double as a summertime beach wedding dress! But just because it’s white doesn’t mean she has to be a bride to wear it. Pair this dress with gold accessories or a fun bright coloured clutch in yellow and she’ll be ready for a fun summer cocktail party!

(Images: Nordstrom)

The Donna Morgan Printed Ponte Shift Dress ($118) is a dress that will go from the office to drinks with friends. It’s simple, sleek and oh so stylish. She can wear this dress with red heels for a pop of colour or keep things monochromatic with silver or black accessories.

This Trixxi Flocked Chiffon Dress (juniors sizing; $64) is a dress made to be worn to a fun party! The floral pattern is sweet without being tacky and the defined waist is figure flattering.

Depending on the material and style, a white dress can be work during fall and winter as well. All it would take is the right accessories. All of the dresses above can be purchase through Nordstrom.

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White Party Dresses for Her

Silk Paneled Cowl Back Dress by Zac Posen

Tracey Duncan — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:12:03 +0000

Oh, Zac Posen, how do you know women so well? Seriously, I swoon for this man’s attention to the finer details of women’s dressing. His classic, feminine styles are so well-tailored and well-crafted, it isn’t hard to see how he became such a sensation. This gorgeous fuchsia dress has a versatility that a lot of women will appreciate, not to mention eye-popping color and a totally standout silhoette.

This dress will be beautiful with bare legs for the next few weeks (or months, if you live in the warmer climes, as I do). And, come fall, it will be mind-bendingly chic with black tights and heels. This is the perfect dress to buy for that special someone’s evening wedding, because you won’t just throw it in the back of your closet when the day is through. Available for $548 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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Silk Paneled Cowl Back Dress by Zac Posen

Tufi Duek Black Foliage Halter Dress

Ashley Shute — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:46:34 +0000

Just because the Summer season is almost over doesn’t mean you need to put away all your summer gear! Summer dresses are still super trendy and always very cute. So, why not hop on over to Bluefly.com and pick up some great Summer dresses while they are still available? You know their sales are fast and furious! At the moment some of their summer stylings are up to 75% off.

Case and point, this Tufi Duek Foliage Printed Black Halter Dress is currently an additional 20% off, priced at $332.79 from the original $770.

Bluefly

I love the pink and black. The dress is orange and black with a tie halter neck and a pleated neckline. The pleated detail at the neckline make this even more luxurious. You can absolutely find an adorable halter dress at stores like Forever 21, H&M, and Old Navy, but with the pleating the dress pops and you’ll definitely be the only one wearing it..well unless you have even more fashionable friends then you!

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Tufi Duek Black Foliage Halter Dress

Strapless Floral Appliqué Dress by BCBG

Tracey Duncan — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:32:59 +0000

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s still summer. If you are planning a summer wedding and still haven’t found the perfect dress, you better get on it. And, given the economy and the temperature, you might want to consider something short and simple. But, just because it’s short, simple, and inexpensive doesn’t mean it has to look totally plain Jane. Check out this adorable dress by BCBG Max Azria.

Besides the general loveliness of this dress, it has a number of perks. First, that black ribbon around the waist means that you can wear black shoes with it, which is a major plus if you want to buy shoes that you’ll wear again. Also, the cut is very flattering, especially for shorter brides. The short length of the skirt will elongate your frame and show off your legs. Plus, I love the floral appliqué at the bust, it adds just the right amount of sweet. Last, but not least, this dress is a mere $288, a wonder in the wedding kingdom! Sure, it’s not technically a “wedding” dress, but a) who cares and b) once you slap the word wedding on a dress the price goes up at least 100%. Available at Nordstrom.

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

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Strapless Floral Appliqué Dress by BCBG

Chiffon Dream Dust Dress by Devani Weaver

Tracey Duncan — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:09:42 +0000

On the subject of special occasions, what’s an fashionista to do when the formal wear market is dominated by corporate labels and totally shoddy workmanship? Duh, shop indie, obviously. Only it can be a little daunting, as the indie market seems to be dominated by cotton jersey separates and dresses that are cute and quirky, but maybe not formal enough for an event. Here’s a lovely summer time frock to get you started.

I love the classic shape of this dress, the details around the neckline, and the short chiffon skirt. Truth be told, I think it could use a belt. And I don’t love the way it fits on the model. This is not a dress for larger breasted girls with tiny waist, I’m afraid, as the fabric will pull up around the waist and give that uneven look that you see here. But I think that there would be no problem on a stick straight girl, or even a pear shape.

Otherwise, I’m totally taken with the vintage inspired silhouette and details of this dress, and I think it could be dressed down with boots and a leather jacket for more versatility. Available for $125 from Devani Weaver.

Photo Credit: Devani Weaver

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Chiffon Dream Dust Dress by Devani Weaver

Richard Chai Silk Cowlneck Dress

Ashley Shute — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:55:41 +0000

This Richard Chai Silk Cowlneck Dress reminds me of something I would find in a photo of my mother taken during the late 1970s and early 1980s and I don’t disapprove! The small purple flower pint and silk is to die for and the cowlneck gives pushes it right in to the late 2000s.

Sak's Fifth Avenue

What do you all think? Is this worth the splurge of $518.19 at Sak’s to get that retro feel that you could find at in a photo album? I don’t know. It just might well be because it is 100% silk, has a side zipper and of course is designer made. It’s your call though!

And if you’re a fan of the purple flower print you’ll also like the Richard Chai Silk Cowlneck Top in the same pattern for $358.11. Both are on sale right now.

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Richard Chai Silk Cowlneck Dress

An Indie Take on the Classic Wrap Dress

Tracey Duncan — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:38:48 +0000

Like rompers and convertible clothing, wrap dresses are one of the seven wonders of the world. Lose ten pounds? Still fits. Gain ten? Your handy dandy wrap dress will protect the blow to your ego. Because you customize the fit every time you put the dress on, it always looks right.

And not just right, either, it looks great. It’s a classic that you can dress up, down or sideways. And Ureshii will make one just for you in any color you like. I like all of them, so if I had my way, I’d just stock up. Plus the price is way below designer department store prices (did I just steal that line from a commercial?). At $76, made to measure, this is a bargain. Available from Ureshii.

Photo Credit: Ureshii

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An Indie Take on the Classic Wrap Dress

Ruffle Pocket Dress by Emily Ryan

Tracey Duncan — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:45:17 +0000

When I wrote a few weeks ago about my deep seated love of ruffles, I forgot to mention that my favorite ruffles are those on garments that walk the line between cutie-patootie and avant garde. These kind of ruffles are rare on anything except very expensive Japanese couture, but every now and again, you’ll catch one on some wayward Etsy channel.

This little ruffled jumper by Emily Ryan is way more cutie-patootie than it is couture, but the high neck gives it a little edge that makes it weird but wearable. I love the ruffled min-sleeves and ruffle pocket detail, and the sweet pintucks over the bust. This is one summer lover that you’ll bring into your fall favorites. Available for $154 from Emily Ryan.

Photo Credit: Emily Ryan

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Ruffle Pocket Dress by Emily Ryan

When It’s Okay to Wear White to a Wedding

Tracey Duncan — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:33:18 +0000

If you looked at this headline and said to yourself, “But, but, it’s never okay to wear white to a wedding,” then congratulations. I’ve trained you well. But here’s the thing. Every rule was meant to be broken, friends, and this one is no exception. The exception to the rule about white is that you can only wear white when it’s not really white, as in a print, or this dress with so many black details that it isn’t really a white dress anymore.

In fact, I think that this canvas shift dress by Narciso Rodriguez is a) ridiculously chic and 2) the perfect thing to wear to a wedding. It isn’t really black tie affair fare, but I bet you could dress it up. The real point is that if you are the kind of woman that eschews frilly sundresses for more streamlined styles, this is a great daytime wedding look for you. And it barely looks white at all. Available for $2,375 from Net-A-Porter.

Photo Credit: Net-A-Porter

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When It’s Okay to Wear White to a Wedding