Category: ‘dresses’

Please Make This Happen: Carolina Herrera Wants To Do A Target Line

carolina herrera would do a target line

The Cut caught up with Carolina Herrera last night, and when asked whether she’d ever do a diffusion line for Target, responded very much in the affirmative – if Target asked her, of course.  So get cracking on that engraved invitation, Target, mmkay?  The gracious designer also noted that Isaac Mizrahi is perfect for a diffusion QVC line because he’s a “natural actor.”

Carolina Herrera graphic print dresswalter paisley dress

Herrera is known for beautiful, well-tailored dresses done in interesting prints and lovely fabrics.  Until the Target pipe dream comes to fruition, we’ll lust after her gorgeous graphic-print dress and sub in this pretty, printed Walter dress instead.

Need more frocks?  Get dressed up with our guides to the best wrap dresses, sheath dresses, and cocktail dresses.

Project Runway: Designs Imitate Art

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In the last challenge before Bryant Park, the remaining five designers took a trip to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles where they had to find inspiration for their final designs.

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Irina used a painting of Rubeneque goddesses to create her flowing Grecian-style dress. The back detail was pretty, but Nina thought the length and accessories were dowdy. Still, she’s headed to the show.

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Carol Hannah’s 17th-century French bed-inspired gown was a hit for its impeccable construction, but judges didn’t see the connection. However, her consistency was enough to get her down the runway.

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Judges uniformly agreed that Althea’s architectural design was more than she could handle. Heidi called it a mess. However, her willingness to take risks got Althea a ticket to BP.

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Christopher was inspired by a rock fountain covered with algae. He stood behind his choices, but judges couldn’t get over his gap in design knowledge, and sent him packing.

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Monet’s Rouen cathedral brought Gordana to tears, and she turned it into her own masterpiece: a beautiful strapless silk organza gown. Cindy Crawford said she’d wear it, but judges thought it was too safe.

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Gordana’s gown drew raves (even though she won’t show at Bryant Park).  We liked the similarly pretty Adrianna Papell Strapless Ombre Silk Gown, which also uses a graduated color scheme. In addition, the waist and bust rhinestone details add some definition to the flowy silhouette. And while she didn’t get the same reviews, Irina’s cold shoulder sleeves are hot for fall. This INC Drop Waist Cold Shoulder top has elbow-length cutout flutter sleeves and a belt that gives shape without being tight.

Deal Of The Day: Take Up To 60% Off Colorful Dresses At Bloomingdale’s

We’ve been waiting a while for a blowout Bloomingdale’s sale, and as usual, the chic department store does not disappoint. Take a look at these deals; after all, slipping into a festive frock is twice as fun when the price makes you feel smart and savvy.

black halo ruffle dress

This may very well be the dream dress: it’s got careful, stylish ruffling, shows off a little bit of skin (but not too much), and features a flattering belted waist and a-line skirt. Shucks Black Halo, you’ve done it again ($112 from $262).

leifsdottir silk dress

We’re equally in love with this printed silk dress ($179 from $398) from Leifsdottir, and we’d wear it exactly like this blonde, with super opaque black tights and some matching suede pumps.

marc jacobs sia stripe dress

This girly halter dress ($107 from $298) from Marc Jacobs is ideal for any family get together, and with a trendy bow detail and slight cut out at the back, you can certainly take it out on the town after.

We know the season to dress to impress is just around the corner, so get a head start and check out our guides to the best in festive attire and cocktail dresses.

More Sales and Deals:

Express: 30% off handbags and 20% off womens apparel with the promo code 4287

Guess: Take an extra 40% off sale prices

Steve Madden: Save up to 20% on select styles

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Target’s On A Holiday Roll

Target’s taking front and center stage today.  It’s time to dress up that new Carlos Falchi for Target bag with a dress from the megachain’s just-unveiled holiday collection.  They’ve got an option for every sort of holiday dinner, party, or event you might have to attend, so get ready to get dressy on the cheap.

target limited edition houndstooth belted lady dress

1. As we learned this morning, nothing says powerful quite like houndstooth.  Wear this sheath to the company party or to your new boyfriend’s house for dinner.

Target limited edition strapless velvet dress

2. Make it a slightly sexier holiday with this pretty strapless number.  Luckily, paired with a cardigan, it’ll look perfectly appropriate at your family’s annual gathering.

Target limited edition vicky dress

3. Nothing says “notice me!” quite like feather trim.  Don this otherwise completely demure LBD in case you have to compete for attention every time holiday season rolls around.

Now that you’ve got all your inexpensive holiday dress needs in the bag, it’s time to gussy up the looks.  We’ve got party shoes, brooches, and evening bags to tie up any outfit.

Forget Caviar, Sequins (Sewn By Naeem Khan For HSN) Are The Newest Delicacy

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Would you buy a $500 sequin dress on HSN? Because we certainly wouldn’t. Even if it is by on-the-rise designer, Naeem Khan, the price point on this navy v-neck frock, which is part of his new TIMELESS by Naeem Khan collection, seems a little steep for a so-called “discount” shopping site. Khan, an innovative Indian designer, is the latest big name to team up with HSN and create an affordable line, which launched today. Although we like his festive tops and glitzy dresses, we’ll spring for less costly sparkles.

aqua sequin dressoversized sequin tee

Be a disco queen for Halloween or get a piece of Khan’s dazzling look with Aqua’s style or Eight Sixty’s oversized tee. Once you figure out how to wear a sequin dress right, you’ll be the shiniest person (in a good a way) at any cocktail party.

Keep the standout look going and get dolled up in a new cocktail dress and some party shoes.

The Michelle Obama Action Figure Probably Won’t End Up In Sasha And Malia’s Playroom

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I guess that’s what you get these days for reaching fashion icon status – a debatably useful, moderately unattractive doll that’s supposed to be YOU even though it doesn’t, in fact, really look like you.  Congratulations, Michelle.  After all that hubbub surrounding the time you wore shorts, we have faith that you have the good humor to overlook this kind of thing.

However, we suppose it was only fair that this “action figure” be created (it debuts November 15th) since the same company, Jailbreak Toys, already made a Barack Obama figurine.   And we do appreciate the Michelle Obama doll’s sartorially accurate outfits.  She comes in three versions:

1.  The black and red Narciso Rodriguez Election Day dress
2.  The purple Maria Pinto “fist bump” dress
3.  The black and white Donna Ricco dress worn on The View

J. Crew purple metro 120s dresskay unger sleeveless printed sheath

We’d recommend dressing like Michelle Obama rather than keeping a doll around that’s dressed like Michelle Obama.  We’re happy to cop the First Lady’s style in this purple dress from White House favorite J. Crew or in a Kay Unger black and white sleeveless sheath.

For more of the look, another sheath dress or two can’t hurt, particularly when paired with a cardigan and a classic brooch.

Our Photogenic First Family Poses For Their Portrait

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On Mrs. O overload? For us, there’s no such thing. Annie Leibovitz’s Obama family portrait was just released today and we must say, what a picture perfect group. Dad looks sexy, Mom looks fashionably fit (as usual), and the girls are scrumptiously cute. New York Magazine revealed that the First Lady wore this gorgeous navy frock in public once before (at a ceremony honoring the late Senator Kennedy) for which we applaud Michelle Obama’s real-world ways.

michelle navy dressoc by oleg cassini dress

Like Michelle, we can agree that navy is mature, sophisticated, and looks good on mostly everyone. Take cues from Mrs. O and try this sleeveless knit dress by Oleg Cassini, and don’t forget to catch up with the First Lady (and her clothing) tonight on Jay Leno.

Need more White House-worthy style? Our picks for the best in sweater dresses, pencil skirts, and flat shoes have what you need.

Taste Test: Which Sequin Dress Won’t Blind You With Its Price Tag?

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Test your fashion skills with more of our taste tests.  Then get glam with the best cocktail dresses and little black dresses this season.

Cozy Up In A Stylish Sweater Dress This Fall

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The season for sweater dresses is definitely upon us, so slip on a pair of opaque tights and embrace these knit frocks – they’ll surely keep you warm and toasty underneath your fall blazer. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, sexy style or a chunky weave to hide that extra layer of winter insulation, we’ve certainly got the design for you. We’ve compiled everything from cowlnecks to slinky sleeveless numbers, to basic blacks and more, in our guide to the best sweater dresses. It’s not getting any warmer out there, so we suggest you start shopping.

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For more top picks you’ll love, peruse our guides to the best in black jeans, tees for your shape, and v-neck sweaters.

Deal Of The Day: Take Up To 50% Off Party Dresses From Armani Exchange

Armani Exchange is our choice for sexy, versatile party dresses that will make you excited to go out right upon purchase. Just plug in the code EXTRA10 at checkout for these lovely, discounted prices.

strappy black dress

A black sheath you can’t get enough of will make dressing up for special occasions a cinch – we suggest trying this playful design ($53 from $120) with a fun crisscross back.

animal print dress

Racy animal prints are in, but animal cruelty is definitely out. So go with a very faux pattern, like this blue and purple blousy t-shirt dress ($44 from $98) with a gathered waist.

open stitch sweater dress

The open stitched neckline on this sweater dress ($72 from $120) adds a bit of modern edge to classic shape. Try it with dark tights and boots this season or make the black version your new LBD.

For more options, peruse our guides to the best in black dresses, wraps, and sweater dresses.

More Sales and Deals:

Singer22: 20% off apparel by Mike & Chris with the code MIKECHRIS20

Shopbop: Get 15% off full priced merchandise with the code INTHEFAMILY15

Lord and Taylor: Take 25% off almost everything and 30% off ladies’ coats with the code FRIENDS

Even The Ladies Of Mad Men Are Into Sequins This Fall

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Of course we love when the ladies and gents of Mad Men gather for some sort of gala – it guarantees plenty of 1960s era frocks for us to ooh and aah over (not to mention 1960s suits to get your man into). Betty looked ravishing in a strapless gown, but for a look that’s more adaptable for those of us who don’t regularly attend events at the Waldorf Astoria, we liked Trudy Campbell’s fitted sequin combo dress.

nanette lepore sequin topcarolee pearl clusters

In the midst of this season’s sequin craze, it’s the perfect time to get Trudy’s splashy look. We suggest this sophisticated top from Nanette Lepore paired with some vintage style in your lobes, like Carolee’s pretty pearl clusters.

Need some tips on how to sport sequins in non-disco queen way? We’ve got you covered, and don’t forget to peruse our guides to the best in designer handbags, booties, and cheap jewelry for some useful extras.

Runway’s Designers Take a Shine to Working With Sparkle

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This week’s episode saw the designers blinging out over-the-top stage costumes for pop star and guest judge Christina Aguilera. We had legendary costumer Bob Mackie extolling the virtues of the diamond-encrusted crotch and we got to hear the words “super sexy slut” come out of Tim Gunn’s mouth.

Nicholas, the self-named Feather Prince, was all in a tizzy for this challenge. His top-three look—a white feathered ultra-minidress— was perfect for on-stage hip shaking. Get the same effect with Sue Wong’s ostrich feather party dress.

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Althea ramped up the glamor with a long-trained sequined gown. Her chevron pattern was praised for being super flattering; you can get similar waist and booty accentuation with Alexia Admor’s sequined dress.

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This week’s winner, Carol Hannah, played with texture, layering sequins, feathers, and varying panels of shiny and matte fabric on an elegant black gown. Choose depth and dimension over wow-factor color with a textured sequin and tulle gown from Badgley Mischka.

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Shirin’s stuffy, ruffly “upscale witch costume” earned her a “boring” critique and got her a one-way ticket home. Christopher, who’s on a surprising losing streak, redid Christina’s Moulin Rouge look, complete with a sorry-looking bustier and sparkle panties. If you haven’t had your Lady Marmalade moment yet and have been longing for shinier knickers, try out American Retro’s sequin shorts.

For more dressy looks, shop for a cocktail dress, and then top it off with a swipe of the best mascara and eyeliner.