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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Girls Just Gotta Relax ....

As 2012 drew to a close and people all around the world made goals , two of my besties and I decided to not just make quality a time with friends a goal. We decided to kick off 2013 by actually spending some girl time together (long over-do for us 3). And what better way than getting pampered, shopping and enjoying some fabulous food in the city.

Park Hyatt Toronto , with their world renown spa Still Water was our chosen destination. When Ms. L and I checked in, we knew the week-end was going to be fabulous - as we were informed that we had been upgraded!! Well, thank you. Our room was exceptionally spacious and being on the 14th floor offered fabulous views of the city (Toronto). Comfy bathrobes and slippers, along with luxury bath essentials welcomed us.

Ms. L sparkled up the wine glasses ... ah a nice glass of wine would be perfect just before heading downstairs to Still Water and the fabulous treatments that awaited us.

Not so fast .... Ms. L had also decided to kick off the New Year with a 12 day Vegetarian cleanse. If that was not cruel enough (on a girls week-end of indulging) ... she was also staying clear of any alcoholic beverages... WHAT???? 

After "enjoying" some bubbly H20, it was time to head down to Still Waters, where an invigorating 

City Seaweed Body Detox was waiting to recharge our body and mind and along 90 minute  for moi, and a 60 minute River Stone Massage with a 30 minute Hi-Tech Hand Massage for Ms. L waited. 

Before and between treatments we relaxed in the Spa's tea room - where a large assortment of tea, fresh fruit, biscotti and fruit/cucumber infused water along with current fashion and beauty reading material helped us slip into relaxation mode.

After almost 3 hours of being scrubbed and massaged - we were both ready to settle in for the evening. Ms. L and her 12 day Vegetarian cleanse had more "yummy" surprises ... Kale salad and a Quinoa  dish with a Murdoch drink ..... Ummmm.... 

ROOM SERVICE ... Please.......I declared ... and quickly dialed...

Ah .... saved by room service .... a tres delicious 2 aged cheddar grill cheese with bacon - on Multi-grain bread ( see I'm healthy too!!!..lol) , some crispy fries and a glass of Prosecco... Perfect ending to a day of pampering!

In the morning we were joined by our bestie Ms. J. ~ after filling Ms. J in on Ms. L's 12 day Vegetarian cleanse, with heads shaking "but why???", we head off to Eleven for brunch.

Ms. J and I enjoyed a to-die-for dish of Eggs Benedict and scrumptious home fries, while Ms. L enjoyed a salad and roast beet dish. We had to build our strength for the shopping that lay ahead.

3 Besties + 2 Hours of shopping in Yorkville = tired feet and BLISS...

After chatting endlessly about our individual goals and action plans for 2013 it was time for dinner. Being exhausted instead of heading out for dinner - we agreed to enjoy dinner at the Park Hyatt's Annona Restaurant. The staff was great and accommodating Ms. L's 12 day dietary requirements. While Ms. L enjoyed basmatti  rice with grilled vegetables and hot water with lemon. Ms. J and I indulged in lobster risotto (glass of red wine) and lobster macaroni and cheese (glass of Prosecco) respectively.

We ended our girls week-end in the city - with a trip to the Mother-Ship-of -Shopping in Toronto - Holt Renfrew. Where Ms. L started her journey into finding the perfect LBD. I will be sharing the outing of our last day on an up coming post on the Basic Wardrobe series.

I hope our little adventure into the city has inspired you - to gather a Bestie or two or three and plan your own day(s) of relaxation and pampering. Even if one of you has special eating needs, there is no reason to not do it...as Ms. L despite her 12 day Vegetarian cleanse- was able to do it!

When was the last time you had a Girls Week-end? What did you do? 

Would love for you to share your adventures ... it may be the thing that will inspire others to take some time for friends and pampering.

Sharing this post with:

  The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays  ~Twig Studios for Sunday Show Off ~ Under the Table Dreaming for Sunday Showcase Party ~  Mosaic Monday Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold; At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday; Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Recovering from the Holidays ...

We've celebrated with family and friends; presents have been opened; we've eaten our share of turkey and sweets; and possibly enjoyed a tad or two of bubbly. Are you feeling a little exhausted, like me?

Here are some of the ways I find help me to regroup after a busy holiday season. ~

Find a comfy quiet spot ~lay back with a book, tea and a treat (you have earned it!). 

Spend an evening or an afternoon pampering your body. Start with a bath, surrounded by tranquil candle light and soothing music... lay back and let the water wash away all your cares. 

 We all have a movie that speaks to us ... no matter how many times we watch it, we never tire of it. Some fruit juice (or iced tea) and plain popcorn are healthy treats.

Handwriting whether a letter to a friend,loved one, or taking a few minutes to write in your journal is truly rejuvenating for both mind and spirit. 

How do you recover from the go, go, go of the holiday season?