Put a Bow on Top

The holidays are just around the corner which means at least one classy soiree or two and that means shopping for that perfect dress.  Shopping for the perfect LBD for those upcoming parties of the season shouldn't fill you with apprehension.  This is supposed to be a time of celebration, right?  So, why not enjoy this part and FemmeLuxe take the stress out of it.  When it comes to stylish wares for any occasion, FemmeLuxe has you covered.  I'm a devoted fan of their Little White Dresses and Mesh Dresses for special events, but it's a little black dress that's going to be making my season merry and bright this year.

 

It's not too soon to start searching for that perfect dress and let's face it, starting early and giving yourself plenty of time to look around takes a lot of the stress out of shopping that you'll find if you wait until the very last minute.  It also gives you way more selection and that de-stresses things too.  As part of a series I'm starting this year about holiday dresses, I'm starting with this Black Bow One Shoulder Midi Dress-Stacey from FemmeLuxe.  You know I adore midi dresses for that figure flattering shape they create and I'm partial to one shoulder dresses as that element alone creates a bolder statement, but the icing on this yummy cake has to be the bow at the shoulder.

If you've spent your life as a shy fashion violet, maybe it's time to blossom a little and make a bold statement and a little black dress with some bold accents is a great way to start. Black is low key and always in style, but when you start adding some standout accents it elevates your outfit to something more couture.  Start with a one shoulder style.  Whether it's attached to a bodycon dress like this one or a swing skirt style, the one shoulder draws the eye more than a simple two strap piece. 

 

Then top it off with a large accent like this bow that drapes tastefully from shoulder to bust.  This bow is too, too chic.  I love it!  It's tasteful and well blended to the shoulder and the dress as a whole.  It reminds me of something Audrey Hepburn would have worn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.  All I need is a hat, some pearls and of course some sunglasses to recreate that gilded age Hollywood glam. 

One thing I particularly appreciate about this Stacey Dress is that  it's doing all the work.  It is made of a thick material, so it holds the bow shape perfectly without any fussing from me.  Too many times I've seen a great dress with an accent which literally cannot hold up in person.  Typically I sit hunched over it at the last minute with a needle and thread trying to sew the trouble piece into place, but not so with the Stacey Dress.  Perhaps the best perk of this thicker fabric is that even though it is a bodycon dress it does some camouflaging to trouble areas.   I'm also thinking ahead to chilly evenings and having a dress with a thicker fabric will allow me to take off my coat or wrap and enjoy the evening without shivering the whole time.

So, now that you've decided on a standout dress, how should you accessorize it?  I'm so glad you asked, because the answer is quite simply--very, very minimally.  Again, the dress is doing all the work.  You don't need a necklace at all, and because of the large bow accent, I don't think dangle earrings are necessary, just some pearl or diamond studs and perhaps a ring or bracelet are all you really need.  As far as bags go, a small clutch, perhaps something with rhinestones or pearls as well, is preferable to a bulky shoulder strap bag.  For make-up it's more of the same.  Keep it simple of the eyes and do opt for a colorful lip shade that coordinates with your nails.

And Voila!  A simple, stress free look that will take you all the way through the holidays and beyond.

Shopping Info: Black Bow One Shoulder Midi Dress - Stacey from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk