Occasion Appropriate Dark Dresses

{ Via: Tiffany LaBelle }

This post is personal. Unfortunately I have a memorial service and dinner in NYC this Saturday. As you know, death is never timely. This one found me, a personal shopper, without anything I want to wear. It's tricky. I want to be respectful by dressing up. But one also must pay attention to style ~ nothing sexy, or too fun. So I am going for simple sophistication. If you find yourself in the same situation, here are 8 looks to consider.

Black Tie Bow Maxi

Though I like all of these pretty picks, this is my favorite. It's all cotton and super chic. $248

Tuckernuck

Military Blazer Knit Dress

The gold buttons elevate the look. On sale for $192

Karen Millen

Rib Knit Midi

Black and white is usually right. Love the full-ish skirt and white trim. Also pretty in ivory. $223

Karen Millen

Adriana Ruched Midi

Lots of style while still being demure. $495

L'Agence

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Iro Gaiana DresssI

Where couldn't you wear this jersey dress?

$280

Shopbop

Rococo Maxi

I don't think one needs to be dark and gloomy. This style has excellent lines for a flattering fit.  $348

Farm Rio

Tory Burch Cotton Flared Dress

Even though it is cotton, this dress can be worn with a jacket, preferably a shorter one. I included this because it does have a personality at the hem. It's daytime elegant. $495

Tory Burch

Double Faced Wool Crepe Dress

A beautifully made designer dress that's been majorly marked fown from $2190 to $657.

 Michael Kors

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Seeking Sun: Resort Ready

You Need A White Dress This Spring & Summer

{ Via Anthropologie }

Vogue tells us that the White Dress is the one dress you need for Spring and Summer. They were all over the runways this season. So, since I don't own a white dress, this post is personal for me. I think I found a favorite. What's yours?

Cotton Cheesecloth Shirred Maxi Dress

This maxi is iron free and naturally textured. It's the base layer that is cotton cheese cloth. That means it is not see-thru! Under $300.

ME+EM

Andria Dress

Two trends in one. Everything is also sheer this spring. In this case it dresses this look up. A very pretty dress. The slip is included. Under $300

Reformation

Collarless Cotton Maxi Dress 

Love the slits and shirt style sleeves. This dress would look fab worn open over pants, too. Under $200.

COS

Iro Seona Dress

Cocktail party perfect if you can rock a mini. This style features a certain sophistication. Under $500.

Farfetch and Shopbop

Palermo Perfection Collared Midi

Peek-a-boo done well, in a stretchy cotton blend. Under $80

Lulus

Ethel Dress

From one of my new favorites - Ulla Johnson. The details are many, and the dress is as pretty in the back as it is in front. 70% cotton and 30% silk. Under $800

Ulla Johnson

Bungalow Popover Dress
Made from easy breezy linen, this will be your go to dress from the beach to the bistro. It comes with it's own slip lining. Also available in blue and black. Under $150

J. Crew

ZW Collection Embroidered Dress

At this price point (Under $130) this is one of the best in the edit. The embroidery is really lovely.

Zara

Louisa Shift
With an elegant high neckline and intricate broderie angalaise throughout, this style is just the prettiest. Where couldn't you wear it? Under $400

POSSE

Pomander Place Swiss Dot Kenzo

I have two tops by this brand, and I really love them. It gets 5 stars from many. But if white is not your jam, it comes in 13 other colors and patterns. On sale for $118.

Tuckernuck

Silvia Tcherassi

Margie Strapless Maxi 

Oh how wonderful is this cotton lace dress? The price tag is not for the faint of heart, but its' beauty is beyond compare. Imagine yourself on a green lawn wearing this white dress, for a fabulous cocktail party.

Saks    and  Moda Operandi

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What To Wear On The 4th Of July

I love a good color theme for any event. Red, white, and/or blue is a natural for this All American holiday. There are no rules, however that state we need to look like Betsy Ross. This roundup doesn't have a flag in sight, but there is a star or two. Wear one of these chic choices and you'll sparkle from day to night.

HERE: 17 Ways To Celebrate

Halter Gingham Dress

A classic check gets an alluring update. Such a fun dress for the Fourth of July and beyond.

Boston Proper

Lizzie Fortunato Fringe Earrings

Accented with a freshwater cultured pearl, these fringed finds will dress up any look.

Shopbop

Gertrude Top

How much fun is this top? I am crazy about every detail, especially that red lined sleeve!

Sachin and Babi

 Structured Wash Blazer

Americana with full on military details. This cotton and Spandex jacket has all the feels of the fourth.

Free People

Sandy Liang Denim Skort

Such a fun look and a bit retro, too.

Kirna Zabete

Karpenter Loafers

Comfy chic and less than $100. Loving the metallic leather and golden bit detail 

Nordstrom

Dot Wrap Tank & Avery Print

Two pieces that worn together create a festive fourth look. Separately each fill in your Summer wardrobe quite nicely!

Banana Republic

Sam Edelman Embellished Pump

You'll be the star this holiday and after in these fab fabric shoes.

Nordstrom 

Luxe Layer Ready Separates

If your traveling for the holiday, layering is the way to go. Th coldest Summer day I ever had was in San Francisco. Be prepared for anything in Iro's Leather Moto and Victoria Beckham's Striped Jeans.

Intermix

Misa Los Angeles Natalie Dress

What a versatile piece! Wear it as a dress, as a tunic over leggings or skinny pants, or it makes the best swim coverup! Wherever you are going this holiday, be sure to pack this.

Available at Amazon or Revolve

Sophie Anderson Circle Bag

A statement bag that makes any outfit instantly cooler, either dressed up or down.

Goop

Looking for more Sophie Anderson? There are some styles on sale now at Gilt

Tie-Dye Top

You'll be the fireworks in this festive feminine top. It's off the shoulder sensational style.

Boston Proper

Frooti Jumpsuit & Silk Top

Layered over a feminine top or worn alone with a sunhat, this is a wardrobe statement piece.

Club Monaco

Perverse Ace Sunnies

It's hip to be square in these statement sunnies! Now on sale at 

Lulu's

Star Joggers

Perfect for wearing around the campfire!

Anthropologie

Champagne & Fries Baseball Tee

May I put my order in now, please? Champagne and fries may not be as American as apple pie, but they are on my wish list for the holiday!

Shoptiques

Eze Bangle Set

18 piece set that is so much fun to wear together or a few on each wrist. Other color choices available.

Amrita Singh

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