Finding the Basics: Cocktail Dress Ed., Vol. 1

"Why not be one's self?  That is the whole secret of a successful appearance.  If one is a greyhound, why try to look like a Pekinese?" - Edith Sitwell (as pilfered from Tim Gunn's book, just because)

Back to our "splurge vs. save" list we recently worked on, let's work through those basic wardrobe items we each should have in our closet.  First up in this Pretty series is the go-to cocktail dress, which I argue is worth buying in the best quality that you can actually afford.  This is too weighty a subject to cover in one mere post - or was my ambition to write such a post derailed by the arrival of my "Mad Men" season 2 DVDs last night??? - so I'm going to touch on the basic dress today & move along to some other greats and accessorizing the next.

Ideally, the go-to cocktail dress can take you from work (in a professional environment, that is, as covered by a cardigan and daytime accessorized as appropriate), to an after-work party, to a dressier date, or to a semi-formal wedding.  For those of us residing in the more traditional bit of the US (read:  Texas or the South), I'll argue that this dress should neither be in black nor white for purposes of attending a wedding, where that is Just Not Done in certain circles, but I'll include my current LBD faves below.

For purposes of a go-to dress that will last you beyond the season - oh-so-important particularly now in These Difficult Times - I'm a fan of buying something in a very basic cut and pattern (or lack thereof).  If you get a classic enough silhouette, in a color unlikely to go out the next season (ie, not chartreuse), you can make it current or dress it up or down with your accessories (again, more on the accessorizing bit the next time).

Just to get the conversation started - again, my breaking this up into parts has nothing whatsoever with my writing life being derailed by a certain DVD set - here are some examples (all images credit to Chickdowntown unless otherwise noted):

Black Halo "Keyhole Ruffle Sheath":  In a color & lightweight blend material that would work for most seasons, this is a dress that could easily be dressed up or down; picture it with a blazer and conservative chemise underneath for work, for example.  More from this designer in a minute; as SLynnRo recently noted, this line has been everywhere lately and rightly so.

And on a related, recessionista note, look at what I found over at - I know, I know - Forever 21:

Forever 21 "Evangeline Dress":  Awfully similar for a literal fraction of the price - if you can bear to walk into the store, that is (as I always recommend you do, vs. ordering online, to assess the quality of this type of budget find).  This au courant grey both works for this fall, but isn't so trendy that you would have to replace it soon thereafter.

My two, Santa-please-bring-these-early LBD favorites, which I will try to bargain hunt for you once I get through these Season 2 DVDs again:

Black Halo "Maureen" Dress, probably the most classic, likely to last cut of all of these, and:

Black Halo "Jackie O." Dress (also available in to-die-for scarlet).

What do you think so far - any requests for Volume 2?   

The Pretty Style Bookshelf

Pets, I'm all out of substance after yesterday's post - let's return to the State of Superficial, shall we?

We talked about coming up with a clothing "splurge vs. save list" recently, which got me thinking more about how to build a wardrobe based on what is both flattering & largely designed to last beyond one season.  That sounds a bit obvious, but again, given These Difficult Times blah blah blah, I'm trying to focus even more on my Grandmother's mantra "Buy less, but better" instead of just purchasing what is merely on sale or en vogue.

To that end, I've consulted my bookshelf to consult those who actually know something about the matter, unlike this boring lawyer.  By a book's very nature, it won't be able to cover the fleeting fashions like a magazine or the 'net can, but the right one can be invaluable in creating a lasting style.  Here are a few nuts-and-bolts reads I've found both useful and just fun to look at over the years (all images credit to Amazon):

"What You Wear Can Change Your Life" by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine. Don't be put off by the grandiose title - one, because I assume you wouldn't be reading this blog if you were a stranger to hyperbole; and two, because these two are spot-on with their advice on how to dress for your figure & complexion.  The latter is something that is frequently overlooked by the glossies, which irritates me to no end; obviously part of building a lasting wardrobe is finding the cuts and colors that actually work on you, and not just throwing on the latest trend.

Also, Trinny & Susannah's hysterical BBC show "What Not to Wear" is far superior to the American version, if you're a fan of style TV.

"InStyle Secrets of Style": I like this one for seeing outfits in action on celebrities, as well as their wardrobe basics approach. Some styles are dated, but the underlying content is good.

"Style" by Kate Spade: I'm not the KS aficionado like I once was, but on my more preptastic days, I love the retro illustrations, quotes, and traditional style advice.

"A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style" by Tim Gunn:  I'm going to confess something shocking to you . . . this book is winging its way to me just now, so I can't vouch for it yet.   Forgive me, Fantasy GBFF Tim Gunn, for I can't comprehend how I've survived without your sage advice until this point.  Two penalty shifts at "Mood" for me, at a minimum.

Per my International Woman of Mystery duties, I have a few long plane rides in my near future - any other style reads you would recommend?

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Darlings, I'd love your input on something - I'm considering moving my more personal posts elsewhere;  I enjoy writing those just as much as I do these Pretty posts, but I'm uncertain whether the two belong in the same space.  Do you like reading a bit of each here?

Please don't worry about hurting my feelings - I drowned those in a vat of Veuve long ago.  (I mean that) (sort of) (so long as you're polite) (because I'm like the Chinese government when it comes to comments, except with better accessories) (parentheses).  Thanks for your thoughts!

Edited to add: On a second read-through, it looks like I'm trolling for compliments here.  I'm not, truly. I will let you know, decisively, flagrantly, and none too subtly when I'm in search of flattery.  Which is the vast majority of the time, but not now.  

Let's Get Judgmental: The Headband Trend

(In my head, this post title is to be read to the tune of that 80s Olivia Newton-John classic, "Let's get JUDG-men-tal, JUDG-men-tal . . ."  If that tremendous ditty is now stuck in your head, uh,  you're welcome!)

At my senior age of thirty-one, I'm generally more likely to attempt a youthful appearance via Botox my bubbly personality than by bows.  However, while I rifled through the Target accessories department on my usual (daily) trek for low-priced trendy items, I happened upon an item I hadn't much considered since my penny loafer days past*:  the headband. 

*Yes, I had such a past, and yes, a friend has put on a Fashion Fatwah on me if I get within 50 feet of a pair again.

The more preptastic amongst you may be shaking your heads in dismay at this, but even at my mistress du Alex P. Keaton peak, the traditional headband look was simply never my thing.  And yet, this modern version, as ushered by Blair Waldorf and her faux UES crew, has caught my attention.

I'm starting to second-guess myself - a rare occurrence here at the Pretty, as longtime readers know - and find myself in need of a vote.  What do we think, darlings - can this incarnation of the headband** be adult-appropriate, or am I teetering perilously close to romper territory?

(Credit all photos:  Target)

**And not this twee over-the-forehead one, which, mostly to its association with She Who Shall Not Be Named, I won't acknowledge here.

"Feather Headband" ($7.99):  Too much flair for me, but I think this look could be darling on the right woman.  Problem is, as "Project Runway" fans will recall, a similar look was sported by favorite-contestant-turned-whiny hussy Kenley who mocked Fantasy GBFF Tim Gunn.  I'm sure you can understand why I'm struggling here.

I'm also sure the crafty types amongst you could fashion something like this yourselves.  For those like me, where the presence of a glue gun is likely indicative of criminal, not crafty, activity, I'll always feature the store-bought version.

Flower Double Headband ($7.99):  Like the oragami style of this flower & the color, but is it too bow- (as opposed to Bo-) like?

Double Headband ($7.99):  Now this, this I might be able to work.  The double-strap is a new take on things, and this is simple & clean enough to please this Southern California girl.

Jurors, it's time for your verdict - am I guilty of watching too much CW?  Or is this trend worthy of consideration by this thirty-one year old?

******BORING HOUSEKEEPING ANNOUNCEMENT******

It appears that the recent Blogspot forwarding issues have been resolved, but this might be a good time anyways for you clever readers to update my address in your Readers to www.ipickpretty.com.  After all, you wouldn't want to endure any more days of not reading my brilliance, would you? Right? 

Prettier Than Everyone Else: Summer Shift Ed.

Enough with the giveaway swag, let's get back to the original point of the Pretty - being better looking than everyone else.  That is, everyone other than me.  This being my blog and all, I'm sure you understand.

Now that we've cleared that up - no item of clothing speaks summer to me more than the shift.  In a lightweight cotton or linen, detailed with just the right amount of embroidery, accessorized only with (1) flip flops or very basic sandals; (2) beachy, wavy hair (pssst - which I achieve with this drugstore product); and (3)  sunglasses the size of Neptune*, a well-made shift mentally whisks me away to faraway beaches while keeping me cool in this deathHelljawsofHecubus Texas heat.

*I will allow you (4) a few pieces of chunky gold or silver jewelry, with the following caveat:  the closer you get to the sea, the less jewelry you should be wearing.  The beach is for natural, not bejeweled, beauty.

In increasing order of "stimulating the economy" potential, here is the best of what's around:

Old Navy "Embroidered Voile Dress", $15-22.50 (depending on color).  

Note the detail around the neckline & the perfect not too long, not scandalous hemline. ON online also has a Pretty selection of swimsuit cover-ups here and a good plus-size collection.

Banana Republic "Cotton Embroidered Shift Dress",  $98.  

Difficult to see with the white, but this is beautifully detailed in person - and it's mine, but only after I verified I wasn't risking another see-through Lilly situation.  Perfect with some bright sandals & (faux) tan.

Anthropologie "Azulejo Shift", $128.  

This is doing absolutely nothing to assuage my desire to run away to Spain and loll around in the sunshine and a vat of Rioja.  Please, someone who looks good in off-white, buy this shift for me.  And take me to Spain.  Not necessarily in that order.

Finally, I'm loving these next two, which are more a kaftan-y look than a shift per se (all photo credit Saks):

Nanette Leopore "Coaxing Dress", $395.  

Class, please raise your hand if you thought "Golden Girls" when you saw the word "kaftan".  As this & particularly the dress below show, merely because we're talking sleeves & an A-line fit, a muu-muu and retirement in South Florida it does not make (although if Bea Arthur is somehow involved, God rest her soul, I'm in).

Nanette Lepore "Holding Court Kaftan" $275.

OK, OK - as the fab Project Rungay boys might say, I can feel you giving me those concerned Tim Gunn, "That's a lot of look" eyes right now in relation to this second one.  Work with me here - I might lose the sleeves to make this less busy, but otherwise, I adore the vibrant color & embroidery.  

Virtual Viewing Party: The Oscars

There will be champagne, complete with the Pink Bendy Straw of Celebration . . .

There will be Girl Scout Cookies . . .

And there will be Fantasy GBF Tim Gunn*  . . .

*Unfortunately this one is just on the pre-show red carpet, and not in my personal residence.  I'm fabulous, but not quite that fabulous.  Yet.

Some refer to the Oscars telecast as the "Super Bowl for women".  The feminist in me** bristles at this description, since there are some women for whom the football-related Super Bowl is in fact the, um, Super Bowl.  Happily, I am not one of those women, so I've spent this week doing my mental happy dance about the Oscars telecast tomorrow and all of the spectacular outfit judging and champagne swilling to come.  

**Yes, there definitely is one, although she does get manicures & read "US Weekly" on planes. 

For those of you following me on Twitter - and if you aren't, dolls, why aren't you? - I will be over there talking nonsense about whatever deliciously berserk ensemble Tilda Swinton graces us with and the like.  For the rest of you who would, say, prefer an internship over at Lindsay Lohan's new self-tanner line*** to talking Oscar, apologies & promises to behave myself again on Monday. In the meantime, I've got some cookies to catch up on & movies to see.

***The jokes just write themselves sometimes, no?  Is there something we could possibly add to this felicitous news?

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A very overdue thanks to Kwana, authoress extroardinaire, and wonderful new blogette Prepster for the kind blog awards.  Thank you both!

Et Tu, J Crew?

We hereby hurl ourselves from the shopping wagon and dust off the royal "we" to bring you this potentially upsetting fashion alert. So as we did our daily usual stroll through the J Crew website, we happened upon this:

(credit: J Crew)

- and -

(credit: J Crew)

While we object to this style of jean far less than we do the skinny jean - we may have even cuffed a pair or two of wide-legged jeans back in early 90s day - we do take issue with J Crew so obviously cribbing from a certain Xenu-inspired celeb:

(credit: People)

As we often do when adrift in the throes of a fashion mystery, we asked ourselves - what would Fantasy GBF Tim Gunn ("WWFGBFTGF") do? Turns out Tim says this look of hers is a big ol' no, and we therefore feel even more justified in saying it - Katie, ergo J Crew, must be stopped.

Katie looked soooo adorably chic just weeks ago, back when she was playing Society Lady Dress-Up and stealing Birkins out of Posh Spice's closet. Therefore, Katie, we urge you to go back into the closet - insert obvious Tom Cruise joke here - and please take our usually reliable J Crew with you.

What do you all think? Have I missed something here, or is this as Britney-at-the-VMAs-level tragic as I suspect it is?

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Important, Secret Note to Readers: We hope you weren't put off by the Snark Factor and subject matter of last night's posting . . . we promise that we're the very picture of dainty feminine delicacy. Uh, well, most of the time. You definitely don't want to see us dancing, for example, but fortunately we're able to avoid that most of the time thanks to that kind feature of post-high-school dances known as the "bar."