Accessorizing A Little Black Dress

Being in the city has provided many opportunities for enjoying dinner out. A LBD is perfect for that last minute plans. Though sidewalks are dry and snow free in the city, the boulevards are often covered in high piles (of now frozen hard) snow - so boots are required.
Dress: Zara - (from 8 years ago)
Boots: Black leather (from 8 years ago)

Simple accessories are perfect for the LBD.

Watch: Cartier Tank Francaise

Bracelet: Protection Eye from a street market in Turkey

Recently I was the lucky winner of a giveaway hosted by Celia Lindsell whose boutique is filled with amazing Lifestyle Accessories. I first learned of Celia Lindsell via her blog when I read about her fabulous Lavender Honey on another blog ( I can't recall the blogger) a couple of years ago. I did order some honey and let me tell you it is absolutely YUMMY!!!

Back to the giveaway ... I was beyond thrilled when I learned that I was the winner of these GORGEOUS fur wrist warmers... These warm and elegant pure wool Wrist Warmers are trimmed with the softest Eco Possum Fur and lined with pure silk. They can be worn under a jacket or coat and are the perfect winter accessory for evening wear.

I decided to pair mine with my LBD and think they were a perfect accent! ~ got lots of compliments when out for dinner. I didn't get a photo with my coat - but they really added a touch of elegance. Thank you Celia Lindsell for the beautiful items you carry in your boutique.

P.S. - the fur wrist warmers are available in camel (the ones I chose), jet black and winter white.

How do you accessorize your little black dress?


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Little Black Dress ~ A Lesson Learned

Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment and help Ms. L with her selection of a black dress - not any just any black dress - but the holy grail of black dresses "The Little Black Dress" the investment piece of a one's basic wardrobe pieces. You can read the original post and see the choices here - The Little Black Dress ~ which would you pick?

Now for those who have been patiently waiting ~ Number #4 was the winner ... But wait there is more to this story and a lesson learned.

There are many reasons for why we throw the doors of our (often over stuffed) closet and declare "Darling , I have nothing to wear!!" Often, our closet is filled with orphans or pieces that we purchased because - We needed something to wear that an upcoming function - in desperation we bought something that we weren't crazy about, but at least we would have something to wear for "that" function. I use the term "that" function singular - as chances are you will not wear it again. Adding to your collection of "desperate purchases and orphans"taking over your closet.

Despite the fact that dress #4 fit as if it were made for her (no alterations required) and was a steal at 75% off, Ms. L could not justify the cost (in her mind) at the time. After waiting thinking too long - by the time this friend realized Ms. L had not called to have the dress set-aside, even when her husband had encouraged her and supported the investment - the dress was long gone and now hanging in someone's closet.

Since our trip to the city 2 additional events have popped up for Ms. L ~ so of course the "desperate" shopping outing took place. In which Ms. L returned triumphantly with 2 black dresses - both with an ok fit, but by her own admission not perfect and she probably will not wear them after each function. Oh in case you were wondering the 2 dresses are about 1/2 way to the value of #4. And when you apply the cost per wear - as she would be wearing #4 often as it made her look and feel like a million dollars. The #4 dress actually ends up costing much less than one dress - that she is "OK" with .. not over the moon with.

Ms. L has learned that when shopping for wardrobe basics you may need to spend a little more and that one never passes up the perfect fitting LBD, especially when it's on 75% off and all the black dresses you already own - you Don't want to wear - because you just don't feel great in them.

A look back at dress #4 ~

Have you regretted not buying the perfect basic wardrobe piece 

(LBD, white shirt, pencil skirt, dark denim etc.)?

Next time my closet decluttered  rolling rack items.

The Little Black Dress ~ Which would you pick?

It was 1926 when Coco Chanel unveiled her little black dress in the pages of American Vogue. It was a simple, straight, calf-length black dress. Vogue referred to the LBD as the "Chanel Ford" - referencing Ford's success with the Model T. And went on to say the LBD would become "a sort of uniform for all women of taste".



Who can forget Audrey Hepburn's character Holly Golightly, in Breakfast at Tiffany. The year was 1960  and the LBD designed by Hubert de Givenchy for the film, had women every where donning the elegant black dress for both evening and day wear.

As we step into 2013 and the LBD remains a staple piece in a woman's wardrobe.

A LBD with a jacket and pumps can get you through a day at the office. For the evening accessorize with pearls or other accessories to your liking, remove the jacket add some heels and you easily transition from day to evening. You can also dress down a LBD with ballet flats, simple accessory and a scarf for a quick trip to the market or lunch with the girls.

During our Girls Get-away to the city Ms. L mentioned that she needed to work on the basics for her wardrobe and that she did not have a LBD.

Hmm.... no LBD in her wardrobe? and she has a few social events coming up.

As we all know the basics are the foundation to any wardrobe. These are the investment pieces that should last least a decade (if not a life time);  are timeless in design; set the tone of your personal style; and make getting dressed a simple task.

Below are the results of the search for Ms. L's LBD. Here is some info to consider when looking at the dresses:

Dress #1 ~ Prada

Requirements - shorten hem

Dress #2 ~ Prada

Requirements - add bra slips, shorten hem a little and shorten at shoulders

Dress #3 ~

Requirements - shorten hem

Dress #4 ~ Dolce and Gabbana

Requirements - none

Dress #5 ~ an off the rack

Requirements - open sleeves a little to fit at arms (alternatively go up a size and then take dress in as needed for proper fit)

Now that you have scrolled through Ms. L's choices ~ which dress do you feel she should pick as her LBD ... and why?

For more posts in Your Wardrobe Make-over click here.

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