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Artvoice Weekly Edition » Issue v6n50 (12/13/2007) » Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

All Dressed Up With Places To Go

Looking for the perfect dress for your holiday party? Fashion-lovers, listen up! Here’s the lowdown on the latest trends in dresses and the fabulous accessories to wear with them.

Bubble dresses:

The bubble dress is still in style this season and making its statement all over the Buffalo area. The look is youthful, clean and feminine, with a little bit of a fashion edge. I suggest wearing a bubble dress with high, high heels in order to elongate your body. Women afraid that the bulkiness of the dress might give the illusion of added weight should consider buying a dress with a slighter, subtler “poof” in a lightweight fabric. The fashionistas out there that are looking to turn some heads could consider a layered bubble dress in metallic silvers and golds or in bright solid colors. Your dress will be the talk of the part-ay!

Jersey dresses:

These dresses are the trend of the season. What I absolutely love about these dresses is that anyone can pull them off. Teenage girls are wearing them with a funky belt, tights and ankle boots, while women in their forties and fifties are pulling off this look with classic jewelry and a pair of high heels. This dress is perfect for an “on the go” woman, and the jersey material hangs so perfectly that it is truly comfortable to wear. And guess what else? If I haven’t sold you already, get a swing of this: It hides your imperfections from your chest on down—especially the belly, the hips and the booty. Like the bubble dress, I prefer to wear jersey dresses with a pair of super high heels to give the illusion of long legs. That way my outfit looks perfectly proportioned.

Baby doll dresses:

Don’t forget about the baby doll dresses this season. I know they were the hit trend this past summer, but they are still kicking butt in the fashion universe this winter. Baby doll dresses are basically a shorter, funkier version of empire waist dresses. I know what you’re thinking: “Am I going to look like a five-year-old in a baby doll dress?” The answer is absolutely not. The key is to choose these dresses in neutral tones and streamlined, tailored cuts that look chic and sophisticated. I’ve also spotted some baby doll dresses with bubble sleeves and others in very eclectic colors. Fashionistas, those dresses are calling out for you.

Little black dress:

Oh, the little black dress, does she ever go out of style? Of course not. The little black dress has really become the epitome of timeless fashion. The concept remains the same and the effect it has had on women all over the world is astounding. Women feel that they are at their peak of sexiness in their little black dress. Whether it’s an empire-waisted, spaghetti-strapped dress or a sleeveless sheath, this classic piece has no boundaries. As long as it’s black and little, it is simply beautiful. If you want to spice up the little black dress just a tad, splurge on some red heels or pumps and match them with a clutch and some fiery-red lipstick. If you’re looking for more of an understated look, throw on a colorful shawl to add some pizzazz to your outfit, but keep the accessories black. Now you’re ready to strut your stuff at that holiday work party or that highly anticipated New Year’s Eve bash.

Jewelry:

I will be the first to admit that pairing the right accessories with your outfit is sometimes hard to do. For this holiday season, let’s keep the jewelry simple, classic and sophisticated. The first piece of jewelry to come to mind is a strand of pearls. Your holiday dress will look perfect with some layered pearls around your neck and some pearl studs in your ears. Pearls go with anything. You can dress them up with a dress or gown and you can dress them down with a pair of jeans and a blouse. And diamonds? ’Tis the season to show off your bling. Holiday parties give women the perfect opportunity to show off their flashy jewelry—just remember to do it in style. If you’re wearing really flashy diamond earrings, skip the necklace and wear a bracelet. If you’re wearing a lavish diamond necklace, wear very subtle earrings and no bracelet. Remember—proportion is key!