http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/laundry-by-shelli-segal-embellished-shirred-jersey-gown/3877174
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/laundry-by-shelli-segal-embellished-shirred-jersey-gown/3877174
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It’s the holiday season so, of course, we’re going to feature a red dress. We don’t tend to be so literal, but this dress caused us to make an exception. Sometimes, you just want to really get into the spirit of things. And with red being such an important color this season (outside of the holidays) this is the time to do it. This Laundry by Shelli Segal dress is the perfect shade of red –not too pink or too orange. It looks great on most skin tones. Beyond that, the modern fit is impeccable, with shirring at the hips to subtly help accentuate the waist – and de-emphasize the hips. The jersey fabric is beautifully matte, and fully lined to help keep things looking smooth. The simple material really lets the star detail of this dress pop…the jewel studded neckline. Really, no jewelry is required. A pair of diamond studs and strappy black or silver shoes are all you need to be ready for the party.
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http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Kay-Unger-New-York-Metallic-Cap-Sleeve-A-line-Dress/prod173020126_cat43810733__/p.prod
Kay Unger New York - Metallic Cap-Sleeve A-line Dress
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1. Cocktail Party: Whether you’re going to a cocktail party that is work-related or purely for fun, this Kay Unger dress is going to get you loads of compliments. The deep red/black combination of the metallic-threaded fabric has such a beautiful texture to it, it’s simply stunning. The black chiffon around the open neckline is just the right sophisticated finish. Cap sleeves, seaming across the bodice, and a-line skirt are key 3 ingredients to flatter any figure…and this modern-fitting dress has them all. While it certainly works for the holiday season, the deep color is perfect all winter long. In fact it is so beautiful, Kay Unger also used it in a lace-back dress that we adore. If you are looking for a more contemporary option in this same deep red/black, 4.collective’s amazing shift dress is for you.
http://www.katespade.com/basket-pave-studs/WBRU9228,en_US,pd.html
kate spade new york - Basket Pave Studs
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Since the neckline of the dress stands up a bit, a stud – as opposed to a dangling earring – is just the right accent. These kate spade new york ones are over-sized, so they make a statement in just the right way. The deep red color and pave accents coordinate perfectly with the dress.
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Stuart-Weitzman-XFactor-Suede-d-Orsay-Pump-Platinum/prod173720040_cat39980735__/p.prod
Stuart Weitzman - XFactor Suede d'Orsay Pump
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Once it’s cold out, if you want to wear pantyhose or tights, footwear can get tricky. Stuart Weitzman’s d’Orsay gives you toe coverage for your hose, but still has an open feeling with its cutout details and ankle strap. The suede has a dressier feel than leather, as the black color looks dark and saturated, making it the perfect pairing to the deep colors of this dress. Stuart Weitzman shoes are incredibly well made, so even with a 4” heel, they are quite comfortable. A simple pair of suede pumps will work, too.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sondra-roberts-tuxedo-satin-grosgrain-clutch/3800149
Sondra Roberts - Tuxedo Satin & Grosgrain Clutch
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A black clutch is all you need to complete your look. And don’t worry about whether your bag and shoe need to be the same material. That is really no longer the case. The satin and grosgrain combination work well with the suede shoes and the metallic dress, in it’s subtly clean lines.
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306422146&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446742254
Aidan Mattox - Belted Jacquard Dress
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2. Cocktail Party: Aidan Mattox specializes in dresses, so the fit is wonderful for most women. And that is certainly true for this jacquard dress. The v-neckline is flattering and bra-friendly, while the grosgrain jeweled belt cleverly highlights the waist. The black color really draws your eye in a wonderful contrast to the mixed metallic jacquard fabric of the dress. And, by the way, this fabric is stunning – so on trend, yet timeless. The skirt has pleating to create just a little bit of volume, also so flattering - and comfortable. One of our favorite things about this dress are the pockets. If you are not holding a drink or plate, it can sometimes be awkward to know what to do with your hands. Not anymore. They don’t add any bulk – just convenience and stylish flare.
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446733176
Alexis Bittar - Elements Dark Phoenix Crystal Articulated Leaf Drop Earrings
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Playing into the natural swirls and colors in the fabric of the dress, these Alexis Bittar pave crystal earrings are dramatic and gorgeous. These earrings create just the right balance to the jeweled belt. The gunmetal and rich gold colors will look equally striking with a black dress or even a white one come spring, so you'll have plenty of chances to wear them. As an alternative, you can match some of the shapes of the belt’s jewels and go with these earrings.
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/SJP-by-Sarah-Jessica-Parker-Doris-Grosgrain-Half-d-Orsay-Pump-Black/prod176070175_cat39980735__/p.prod
SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker - Doris Grosgrain Half d'Orsay Pump
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The dress has a very lady-like quality, making these SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker (yup, the style icon herself) pumps a beautiful match. The grosgrain fabric of the shoes tie in the grosgrain of the belt, while the styling and bow detail feel just right. If you haven’t tried her shoes before, the line is lovely quality and very well made.
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-Elsie-Quilted-Box-Clutch-Bag-Black/prod173080478_cat13410735__/p.prod
MICHAEL Michael Kors - Elsie Quilted Box Clutch Bag
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Complete the lady-like feel of your holiday party outfit with this Michael Kors quilited leather box clutch. It almost looks like a present – and if that’s not festive, we don’t know what is.
http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=47131276
Polo Ralph Lauren - Velvet Two-Button Jacket
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3. Sit-Down Dinner: One look at this luscious navy velvet blazer from Polo Ralph Lauren and we knew we were in holiday heaven. It just doesn’t get any better than this. The sharp shoulders and peaked lapels, with the lean silhouette, are slimming and somehow make us look just a little bit taller. We absolutely adore the entire 3-piece look, with the coordinating vest and trousers, but there are many other ways to wear this jacket that are just as fabulous. Pairing it with all black - black tuxedo-inspired trousers and a simple black top - really allow the jacket to pop and create a beautifully sophisticated look that is so classic, yet modern. On a more casual day, wear this blazer with a simple white tee or tank and your favorite broken-in jeans or simple black ponte pants. It looks just as good worn casually. If you don’t think you’ll get enough use out of this investment – though, we assure you, you absolutely will – Club Monaco
has a version that is still quite nice. Even J. Crew has a modified non-velvet version.
http://www.theory.com/martosh-double-ggt-top/E1002515,default,pd.html
Theory - Martosh Top
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The jacket is the star of the outfit, so let’s keep it that way by adding a simple silk top underneath it. The deep v-neckline of this Theory blouse lies beautifully under this jacket. And the fabric is just the right weight to balance the velvet of the jacket. This blouse looks great on it’s own, too, so you can leave the jacket open or buttoned up. Ralph Lauren also has a great lace-trimmed cami that can be worn under the closed jacket for a sexier look.
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306418061&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446602986
Vince - Side Strapping Pants
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The tonal tuxedo stripe on these Vince pants have that tuxedo feeling without an unneeded additional material in the stripe, like satin, as the stripe is done in the same fabric as the rest of the style. You still get that dressy, polished quality but in a clean, slim-fitting silhouette that will accent the jacket perfectly. It also allows for many opportunities to wear these pants – the stretch Italian wool works for dinner or a day at the office, too. Since these are from Vince, the fit is contemporary, but on the easier side, which is why we love them for most ladies. Of course, the quality is beautiful and will hold up to the luxe materials in the jacket and top effortlessly.
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Tory-Burch-Keri-Suede-Ankle-Strap-Sandal/prod173110275/p.prod
Tory Burch - Keri Suede Ankle-Strap Sandal
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All you need is whisper of a shoe to create a feminine balance against the menswear inspiration of the jacket and pants. This Tory Burch suede black sandal is just right, and in a very wearable 3” heel. They are simple and look just as good with a pair of jeans for a more casual night out. It seems women agree on this matter because it's sold out everywhere else we've previously seen this style. If your size is no longer available through the "shop it" button, this Loeffler Randall is just as strong. Or, if you like something higher, this Schutz 4” heel is great, too.
http://www.shopbop.com/traingle-trellis-drop-earrings-house/vp/v=1/1561531265.htm
House of Harlow 1960 - Traingle Trellis Drop Earrings
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With the chic navy and black color combination, these dangling earrings lend a pop of brighter gold with lapis blue and rhinestone triangles that feel just right.
http://www.shopbop.com/lucid-ring-mania/vp/v=1/1523967925.htm
Mania Mania - Lucid Ring
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With the longer earrings and blazer, the only other jewelry you need is a ring to really complete the look. This ring has such an interesting setting, it will surely make for great dinner conversation.
http://www.shopbop.com/annalisa-blouse-ella-moss/vp/v=1/1533045373.htm
Ella Moss - Annalisa Blouse
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4. Sit-Down Dinner: At a seated dinner party, it’s always nice to have the most interesting part of your outfit be in your top – it’s the part that’s going to be seen the most, right? This Ella Moss floral lace top is a festive and easy choice. Unlike a lot of lace tops out there, the body isn’t sheer – the front is double-layered, making the lace even more interesting, and the back is solid jersey. The edging of the sleeves and hem are scalloped, so you can wear the top untucked. The pièce de résistance is that the neckline is finished in a leather-like trim, making it ideal to pair with a leather (or good-looking leather imitation) skirt. A pop of color in your jewelry is a fun ode to the holiday season, but having these core pieces in black allows for a lot of use once the holidays are over.
http://www.shopbop.com/faux-leather-scuba-skirt-5th/vp/v=1/1599481067.htm
5th & Mercer - Faux Leather & Jersey Skirt
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A simple leather skirt is always chic and the tougher edge leather provides is the perfect balance to the lady-like lace. Quite frankly though, we are all for saving our money if we find a great leather imitation - and that's what we've done here. Unlike leather, you get some stretch with this one, which you’ll be grateful for when you’re enjoying your holiday food and drinks. This 5th & Mercer skirt is a contemporary fit and has a ponte back panel with a 2-way gold zip to accommodate the modern midi-length. Unzip the bottom just a bit – it creates a stylish vent and allows for easier walking. Bailey 44 has a higher-waisted version that is also beautiful.
http://www.revolveclothing.com/lisa-freede-tear-drop-emerald-earrings-in-emerald-green/dp/LFRE-WL43/
Lisa Freede - Tear Drop Emerald Earrings
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With lace, a necklace made of metals and prongs can sometimes get caught on the fabric. So, we’re opting for a bold pair of earrings, instead. Adding a pop of green with these beautiful Lisa Freede earrings is not just holiday-right, but always right. You’ll get tons of use out of them, with any neutral outfit. We like playing with a green, instead of a more expected red or silver.
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306418144&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446723668
MIJA - Dark Green Jade & White Sapphire Hexagon Cocktail Ring
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One more piece of green jewelry to add, this drool-worthy MIJA ring that you can make an early holiday present to yourself. The price is amazing for an oversized green jade stone that is surrounded by white sapphires and set in 18k gold vermeil. It’s just beautiful and will be the talk of the table. Wear it any time of year, with anything from a white tee and jeans to a simple black dress.
http://www.shopbop.com/sutton-pumps-tory-burch/vp/v=1/1502874730.htm
Tory Burch - Sutton Pumps
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We can’t forget our shoes. And how could we, when these Tory Burch pumps look like they were made for this outfit? The combination of leather, lace, lady-like heel and edgier cage straps speak to everything in this look. They are just spectacular. And with a 3.5” heel, they’re high, but not so high that we can’t walk back and forth from the table to the ladies room, so they’re worth it.
http://www.dvf.com/440-envelope-embossed-croc-clutch/H2246063N14.html?dwvar_H2246063N14_color=EMERA
Diane von Furstenberg - 440 Envelope Embossed Croc Clutch
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And why not round out the green accents with this beautiful embossed croc leather DVF clutch? The black and gold details work back to the outfit effortlessly, and of course, the green ties it all together. It’s a nice size, too, easily holding the biggest of the iPhones, your lipstick and a few other must-haves to get your through the evening.
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Tadashi-Shoji-Sleeveless-Draped-Lace-Bodice-Gown-tadashi-shoji-draped-lace-bodice-gown/prod174290433___/p.prod
Tadashi Shoji - Sleeveless Draped Lace-Bodice Gown
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5. Formal: This dress has everything right going for it – from Tadashi Shoji, of course. They know how to make dresses that fit every woman, which is why actresses of all shapes and sizes are often wearing this designer on the red carpet. The black and dove grey (so elegantly pale, it truly works with almost all skin tones) combination has an enchanted quality that is just perfect for a formal holiday party. And every detail is made to flatter a woman’s body – the bateau neckline isn’t too closed up, but allows for any bra, while the ruching detail across the hips, that goes around the back as well, conceals any flaws and accentuates the smallest part of our waists. It’s truly a work of art. This is a dress that works for all ages, and the graphic color contrast is always in style.
http://www.shopbop.com/new-york-city-ballet-studs/vp/v=1/1557033209.htm
Jamie Wolf - New York City Ballet Stud Earrings
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With such an elegant dress, wear an elegant earring from Jamie Wolf. In collaboration with the high-end clothing designer, Derek Lam, they created a New York City Ballet capsule collection of jewelry to celebrate the Ballet’s 50th anniversary at Lincoln Center. The Ballet is known throughout the world for it’s annual “The Nutcracker” performances, and these well-crafted earrings have a snowflake shape designed using oxidized sterling silver and Swarovski crystals. These are stunning, and a special pair of earrings that you will always want in your collection.
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Stuart-Weitzman-CHANTELLE-LACE-PEEPTOE-PUMP/prod140930131_cat13410734__/p.prod
Stuart Weitzman - Chantelle Lace Peeptoe Pump
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Stuart Weitzman is known for his elegant evening footwear, and this pair are a perfect example of why. They are wonderful quality – no detail goes unnoticed, like the scalloped edges to work with the Chantilly lace, or the luxe satin that is rich and elegant. The sole is leather, of course, as is the lining, and the heel is a comfortable 3”. The lace and satin combination beautifully mimic the dress.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-faux-fur-trim-wrap/3818549
Eliza J - Faux Fur Trim Wrap
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Since it is winter, and it is a holiday party, a little extra flourish is always a fun – and appropriate - touch. Add yours while keeping warm with this faux-fur trimmed wrap from Eliza J. The weight is just right with the substantial lace used in the gown. It’s just a touch of glamour to deck the halls, with style.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lagence-draped-jersey-gown/3848491
L'Agence - Draped Jersey Gown
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6. Formal: This dress is a knockout, plain and simple. Or we should say, you’ll be a knockout in it, at any holiday party this season. The neckline is stylishly plunging, but there is some flexibility to adjust it to reveal more or less cleavage. (Tip: Any local tailor can also add a snap if you want to be sure it stays securely closed). Besides being bra-friendly, we love the opportunity to add a great statement necklace - in colors of the season, for now, and any color or metal year-round. This dress is so flattering with ruching and gathering in just the right places to accentuate, and help create, the perfect hourglass shape. The leg slit is sexy and lightens up look of the slinky black jersey effortlessly. You will feel like a million bucks in this one.
http://www.shopbop.com/crystal-rope-necklace-adia-kibur/vp/v=1/1507492142.htm
Adia Kibur - Crystal Rope Necklace
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One of the many great things about this necklace is that it has several shades of red in it, from the deepest burgundy to a rich true red, so you don’t have to get so matchy with any other red accessories you want to bring in to your outfit. For this occasion, you’ll treat it like a dressier piece, but it is so stylish with your more casual wear, too. It’s a statement that will not only look amazing with this dress, but will look great with a simple white tee, a crewneck black sweater, even a simple button-down shirt.
http://www.shopbop.com/swirl-spike-earrings-elizabeth-cole/vp/v=1/1555029415.htm
Elizabeth Cole - Aeryn Earrings
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With this necklace, go with a smaller earring. These bring in the darker shade of red with subtle spiking that has just the right amount of edgy style for this look.
http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=35987&vid=1&pid=241658022
Joie - Abbott Heeled Sandals
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A simple strappy pair of black heels will look great, but this is a time to show some holiday spirit. The slit of the dress really lets you have some fun with your shoes, so why not deliver with these red velvet sandals from Joie? The slim straps not only look beautiful on the foot, they keep the red down to just an accent and don’t overwhelm the dress. The gold zip up the heel is great little detail.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sondra-roberts-wooden-box-clutch/3844216
Sondra Roberts - Wooden Box Clutch
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A black clutch is the final touch. This one from Sondra Roberts is so modern – it’s actually wood. It’s smooth as can be, and polished to a solid black finish. It’s just cool and stylish, and even has the smallest pop of red in the closure.
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