Backless Dresses

I recently saw pictures from the CFDA Awards and was blown away. Photographer Jamie Beck did an amazing job capturing the glamour of the evening while allowing the fashion to take center stage. The two looks that I fell in love with were both backless:

There is something about an outfit that reveals a bit (or more than a bit) of the back that is incredibly provocative. More importantly, the back speaks to personal strength and power.

With that in mind, I went on a little hunt for backless dresses. Here is what I found.

Daughters of the Revolution Rope Dress

$297.00

Planet Blue

Elizabeth and James Long Camara Dress

$495.00

Planet Blue

Motel Lesley Dress

$88.00

Urban Outfitters

Black Backless Full Length Gown

$175.00

A La Femme (Etsy Designer)

Susan Chic Lace Body

Around $224.00

Kriss Soonik

Zig Zag Cross Back

$48.00

Need Supply Co.

Stone Cold Fox Spine Dress

$308.00

Planet Blue

Have you ever worn anything backless?

These ModCloth Shoes Look Like 80′s Cartoon Characters

Oooh, I love ModCloth so much. I especially love their fantastic dresses.

This weekend I was cruising the site and found myself laughing out loud at the shoe section. I started noticing that the heels looked a lot like cartoon characters I loved from the 80′s. So, here are some brilliantly quirky ModCloth shoes and their cartoon doppelgangers.

The Spectacular Spectrum Wedge is

Rainbow Bright! (My personal favorite.)

The Cascade Parade Wedge is

My Little Pony!

The Freed from Amber Wedge

Is She-Ra.

The Crystal Bouquet Heel

is Holly Hobbie.

The Shoe Don’t Know Me Wedge in Canvas

As Gonzo.

From the Heartland Heel

As Olive Oil (which I know isn’t technically an 80′s cartoon character, but go with me).

And finally

The Rachel Antonoff for Bass Gamine Gait Flat

As Pee-wee Herman.

5 Amazing Prom Dresses

Prom season is upon us and this year I’m paying close attention to the dresses that are on the market. Call it the Hailee Steinfeld effect. Steinfeld, who is 14, showed up at the Oscars in an amazing gown. Although she didn’t come away with the Oscar that night, she did land on numerous Best Dressed lists. The phrase that was repeated over and over was, “age appropriate,” as in she looked beautiful, fresh, and age appropriate.

I’ve been thinking about age appropriate dresses as it relates to prom attire. Granted, the girls who will be attending prom this year are a bit older than Steinfeld, but finding a dress that is sexy (but not too sexy), beautiful, and confidence-boosting can be quite a tricky task. Many of the items placed under the category of “prom wear” look like they should be worn by someone who is 27 – not 17.

Case in point is this One Shoulder Prom Dress by Jasz from Prom Girl:

Wowzah.

My quest was to find 5 gowns that were pretty, dressy enough for the prom, and age appropriate without being stuffy. Here’s what I found:

Number 5

The Floral Fantasy Dress from Sydney’s Closet is such a breath of fresh air. The flowers look painted on (like it is a beautiful impressionist painting) while the cut is flattering. This dress comes in sizes 28, 30, and 32.

Floral Fantasy Dress from Sydney's Closet ($229.00)

Number 4

I think cotton candy was the inspiration for the Evening Tallulah Strapless Dress by Betsey Johnson.

Evening Tallulah Strapless Dress from Betsey Johnson ($485.00)

Yes, it’s strapless. Yes, it’s short. But, it’s not too short. It looks like it is supposed to be worn by a 17-year-old who is going to a party!

Number 3

Don’t let the name of this store freak you out. The Sophia Dress by Pinup Girl Clothing is all about old Hollywood glamour. It’s meant for curves (and is available in sizes XS through 2X), and at $98 is the most reasonably priced dress on this list.

Sophia Dress from Pinup Girl Clothing ($98.00)

Number 2

The Strapless Print Prom Dress from Prom Girl is such a lovely and unique piece. The blue flowers tumble down the front and back to make it look like a painting. Small sparkles and a little train gives it an extra boost of glam.

Night Moves Dress from Prom Girl ($290)

Number 1

The Naughty Nights Dress from Sydney’s Closet has a name that could worry Mommas out there. Don’t let the name influence your love of this dress!

So, the neckline is plunging. But the thing I love about this dress is that it is made for curvy girls – and it is GORGEOUS and it WORKS. The empire waist gives definition, the cut is flattering, and the variance of green / black is well done. It also comes in blue, but I’m quite partial to the green. The Naughty Nights Dress is available in sizes 14W to 28W.

Naughty Nights Dress from Sydney's Closet ($349.00)

What do you think about these prom dresses? Are they age appropriate? Would you wear one of them (or would you approve of it if your daughter / niece wore one of them)? Do tell!

Top 5 Creative Shoes

Every season I’m interested in seeing the most creative, kooky, and curious footwear that’s out on the market. This spring there are a number of interesting creations out there, including various takes on the wedge. Love them or hate them these 5 shoes are certainly statement pieces!

Number 5

Nicholas Kirkwood Cutout Ankle Boot

I don’t understand what’s going on with this shoe, but I think it’s amazing. The Nicholas Kirkwood Cutout Ankle Boot can be pre-ordered through Nordstrom for $1,185.00. I can’t seem to wrap my mind around the wavy black and white lines, the top tie, white tassels, and the overall shape of the heel. What’s going on? It’s sort of a heel that kind of looks like a running shoe that is a boot. Oh, and the back has a zipper!

Number 4

Buckled High-Top Wedge by UES

The Buckle High-Top Wedge by UES is pepto-bismol pink and can be found at Cusp for $205.00. This one certainly looks like a suped-up sneaker with an open toe.

Number 3

Prada Lace-Up Cutout Wedge

It surprised me that this wedge is made by Prada! The Lace-Up Cutout Wedge can be found at Neiman Marcus for $695.00.

Number 2

Pegasus-Pleated Leather Boots

Ashes and Empires is a boutique out of San Francisco that can be found on the indie fashion website Smashing Darling. Aren’t these heels fab? They are Pegasus-Pleated Leather Spats with Button Detail and are $164.00.

Number 1

Spring in Your Step Heel

With this Spring in Your Step Heel from ModCloth ($153.99) you won’t need to wear any other accessories. All eyes will be on the huge flowers on your feet!

Amazing Swimsuit!

Today’s fashion crush is the Crete Convertible Strap Underwire 1 Piece Swimsuit.

Oh my goodness. Isn’t this the cutest bathing suit ever?

It is from a site called Always for Me that carries sizes 16W-26W. This particular suit is $132.00, comes in tropical blue or black, and has a convertible strap that can be worn 4 different ways (or without it at all as the below picture illustrates).

The cut and shape of this suit reminds me of all those great pinup illustrations from the 1950′s. The black one looks extra glam:

Isn’t it Marilyn Monroe-esq?

Love it. Who is ready for some sunshine?!

Urban Outfitters Walks Down the Aisle

It seems that a number of apparel companies have uncovered a new gem of revenue generation: weddings. As a consumer and a fashion consultant I’m all for it. It means more competition in the marketplace, which ultimately means various price points. Brides can shop a brand they already feel comfortable with as an alternative to visiting one of those awful wedding stores where the dresses are expensive and horribly made. (Any woman who has been a bridesmaid over the past 10 years can especially relate to that experience.)

Urban Outfitters, Inc., which is the parent company of Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, has decided to get in on the wedding gown action. Its new online shop is cleverly called BHLDN (or, beholden). Its products are vintage inspired and range from the subtly sophisticated to costumey pieces. Overall, the brand seems to bring a new burst of creativity to bridal wear.

Here’s a look at some of what BHLDN offers:

Zinnia Gown ($1,800.00)

I’m not feeling the cut / shape of this gown, but do appreciate how it plays with color.

Tulle Era Dress ($2,600.00)

Such lovely material in a great antique color.

Tiered Tulip Gown ($2,400.00)

Greenbow Lace Gown ($600.00)

Very bohemian.

Fondant Tea Dress ($600.00)

This dress is perfectly named – the Fondant Tea Dress. It would be divine during a daytime wedding.

Valenciennes Dress ($350.00)

The great thing about the site is that they offer new takes on wedding party apparel and event wear. Which means bridesmaids may actually be able to wear the dress again for real.

Gin Fizz Shift ($450.00)

I’m sure there are a number of women out there who had a version of this dress in the 1960′s. This is what I mean about some of the dresses being a bit costumey.

Pastille Mini Dress ($260.00)

Indigo Mist Dress ($400.00)

Vapor Cardigan ($240.00)

There is also a section of the site dedicated to wraps. This Vapor Cardigan is so sweet I could imagine wearing it on many occasions.

Feather Bolero ($350.00)

Same goes for this Feather Bolero. Who needs a wedding when you have a great wrap?!

Etoile Birdcage Veil ($130.00)

There are also a number of creative veils and headpieces. Although, this one looks like the bride went to Red Lobster and got caught up in the decorations.

Voluminous Silk Headband ($130.00)

When I came across this picture all I could think was, “Excuse me? I ordered the LARGE bow!” This is a whimsical fashion statement, but I don’t think it would hold up over time. In my mind’s eye I see a bride looking back on her wedding day pictures and saying, “What did I have on my head?”

Dotted Voile Veil ($160.00)

This one is more like it. A 1950′s inspired veil that still looks timeless.

Magnolia Frame Headband ($80.00)

I can’t make up my mind about this headband. I do appreciate that it is very different from most of what is out there. It would be perfect for the bride who wants something ultra-creative or has eclectic taste.

Botanical Garland Headband ($460.00)

This Botanical Garland Headband is incredibly charming. It doesn’t need to be relegated to a wedding. It begs to be worn at a summertime party.

What do you think of Urban Outfitters new venture? Do you absolutely love any of these pieces? Hate any of them? Do tell!