Little Black Dresses for the Holidays

Oh, yes ladies ... it's that time of year again. What are we going to wear to our holiday parties? This year may be particularly challenging if we're being frugal (and isn't that the new rage?).

Whatever is black, sexy, alluring and sensual will more than make up for what is new. If it feels good to wear it, then you're going to look great while you do.

Here's some ideas on how we can come up with a new festive and feminine look -- right from our own closets.


Hello Little Black Dress

Hollywood style sequined lace evening dress, 1930. Fashioned from black Chantilly lace, the dress is embellished with clusters of sparkling black sequins. The neckline, shoulder straps, and peplum hem are bordered with bands of black sequins. While this dress fetched $1,150 at Vintage Textile, you can have it free from your closet.

Here's the look: Start with a black camisole (we all have at least one), pair it with your best fitting, form hugging long black skirt. The creativity comes with accessorizing with black high heels (or black boots), a bolero for the sholders, or long black gloves. Divine!

Sweet Black Sleek

It's very sexy to wear a tight knit sweater top. Take one of your smallish cardigan sweaters and glam it up with something shiny, furry, or colorfully contrasting to whatever color your sweater is. Match the top with a black knit skirt and voila! A sultry diva on the prowl.

Here's two looks to get your imagination going.

Dress To Kill

The dress to kill? It comes in many versions. Pick the one most likely to already be in your closet -- it's the black, shoulder less dress:

These two are available at one of our new favorite stores, White House Black Market. The chemise on the top is going for $168, while the more demure one at bottom is retailing for $148 .

Don't forget to accessorize!

Shopping Your Closet

I felt like doing a little shopping today, so off I went to my closet. First, I reorganized all my clothes, shoes and accessories as if my closet and drawers were in a tony boutique in a bohemian neighborhood with brick streets. I thought of myself as a shop owner, hoping to attract feminine, chic and creative women -- just like me!

It was quite a bit of work, I must admit. But the results were surprising. I saw my "old" clothes with a fresh eye. Pairing accessories with skirts and blouses that I would not have otherwise thought to put together. It's amazing how easy it had been to get in a rut (that skirt goes with that blouse -- period!).

I discovered some interesting combinations. My favorite purple silk blouse was put together with my dark jeans accessorized with a leather, studded red belt -- and it worked! I discovered my chocolate brown riding boots had some nice trimmed tops that used be hidden underneath every long pair of pants I wore. So, I cuffed my straight leg jeans and - ta da - a whole new look.

What interesting things will you find if you shop in your closet?