On The Hunt For The Perfect Dress

I have a confession; it has been more than a year since I've worn a dress. I had this revelation a few weeks ago when sorting through my spring/summer things, I came across several unworn skirts (complete with tags). It's was at that moment I decided that I would make more of an effort to show off my lovely stems, and to purchase a few purty frocks to update ye olde wardrobe. I will report back with my findings while on the Perfect Dress Hunt.

First up, Melissa Masse. I have loved her pieces since the inception of her line (I'm so not alone, I know). Her mantra of custom-made clothing for everyday wear strikes a chord with many women. Her pieces can be found at her namesake boutique, and upscale stores as Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Le Grande Dame and Neiman Marcus to name a few.

Blue Tree Bark Dress $325 MelissaMasse

Bark Tribal Maxi $295 MelissaMasse

Pink Confetti Flower Dress $295 MelissaMasse

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Part 2

Sparkling Sage Circle Mirror Ring
Regularly: $58 Sale: $28.90 Nordstrom

Ruched-Waist Dress Calvn Klein
Regularly: $198 Sale: $117.90 Nordstrom

Loop & Fringe Shoulder Duster Earrings
Regularly: $38 Sale: $24.90 Nordstrom

Wrap-Waist Dress MICHAEL Michael Kors
Regularly: $110 Sale: $72.90 Nordstrom

Textured Hoop Earrings
Regularly: $26 Sale: $16.90 Nordstrom

Belted Print Sheath Dress Eliza J
Regularly: $128 Sale: $84.90 Nordstrom

"Salima" T-Strap Sandal Miz Mooz
Regularly: $109.95 Sale: $79.90 Nordstrom

Cluster Ring House of Harlow
Regularly: $75 Sale: $36.90 Nordstrom

"Jeanne" Sleeveless Top Tahari
Regularly: $118 Sale: $78.90 Nordstrom

"Julia" Slingback Luxury Rebel
Regularly: $139.95 Sale: $92.90 Nordstrom

Spring2011 Trend Alert: Color Block

"let's make this last forever" dress $38.99 Ruche.com

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Part 1

Belted Sheath Dress
Regularly: $138 Sale: $68.90 Calvin Klein Nordstrom

"Neptune" (Olive) Pump REPORT
Regularly: $224.95 Sale: $149.90 Nordstrom

Drape-Neck Snake Print Tank Sejour
Regularly: $48 Sale: $31.90 Nordstrom

Cargo Pocket Flap Leather Convertible Hobo Tarnish
Regularly: $178 Sale: $88.90 Nordstrom

Extra-Wide Stretch Cuff Cara Accessories
Regularly: $78 Sale: $51.90 Nordstrom

Cap-Sleeve Jersey Dress Donna Morgan
Regularly: $118 Sale: $78.90 Nordstrom

"Lavont" Caged Sandal (Cognac) Trouvé
Regularly: $99.95 Sale: $65.90 Nordstrom

TheVirtualStylist: gypsywoman35: A Business Ensemble for the Creative Goddess

Over the last few days I have had the pleasure of exchanging tweets with @gypsywoman35 on the twitters (she writes at:
www.freewebs.com/gypsywoman35). She asked me for advice regarding an outfit to wear to a business luncheon. She has a gold sequined top and wants to pair it with a black peasant skirt. Having excited the corporate world, the ideal outfit is one that that fully embraces the creative world she now inhabits.

Adding artistic drama to one's look has worked for many female artists like Frida Kahlo, who had a flair for mixing patterns; she dripped in a massive amount of jewelry and swathed herself in colorful shawls, not to mention the flowers and ribbons she would weave through her braids. Will @gypsywoman35 stand out in a room of men and women in navy blue and gray with this ensemble? Yes...and that's a good thing.

Metallic Print Racerback Tank Top $19.99 Kmart.com

"Prissy" Ballet Flat Me Too $89 Amazon.com

Drop Earrings
Regularly: $9.50 Sale: 7.50 OldNavy

Textured Bangle Set $6.80 Forever21.com

Black Embroidered Fringed Shawl $69.99 Overstock.com

Drawstring Tiered Crinkled Maxi Skirt Avenue.com

ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! for QVC

My love for Isaac Mizrahi and his ability to create impeccable pretty pieces both high and low knows no bounds. Can I imagine wearing one of these adorable pieces as my new bestie Issac and I sip coffee and people watch at sidewalk cafe on a perfect Spring day? Yes I can.

Knit Top w/Batwing Sleeve & Ruching $29.94
ISSACMIZRAHILIVE! for QVC

Giraffe Print Shirt Dress w/Removable Belt $62.76
ISSACMIZRAHILIVE for QVC

Short Sleeve Bateau-Neck Top w/Embellishment $42
ISSACMIZRAHILIVE! for QVC

Floral Print Cargo Pocket Shirt Dress $45.60
ISSACMIZRAHILIVE! for QVC

Scarf Print Sheer Caftan w/Belt $39.40
ISSACMIZRAHILIVE! for QVC

Long Sleeve Gradient Stripe Bateau-Neck Top $42 ISSACMIZRAHILIVE! for QVC

Poppy Floral Print A-Line Skirt $49.50
ISSACMIZRAHILIVE! for QVC

50% off EVERYTHING at City Chic

Now through Monday (5.30.11), everything...yes everything is 50% off at City Chic.

LBD Puff-Sleeve Little Black Dress
Regularly: $68 Sale: $34 CityChic

JPC (Just Plain Cute) Calypso St. Barth for Target

So cute. So tres chick (I know it's chic...it's called humor people!).

Red Strapless Maxi Dress $44.99 Target

Queen Latifah + HSN

On August 27th, Queen Latifah in collaboration with HSN will launch The Queen Collection, a line that will encompass women of all sizes. Clothing will retail under $100; handbags and outerwear will retail between $170 and $300. In an interview to promote her line of clothing and accessories, Latifah said, "We all want to wear beautiful, fly clothes no matter what size you are. I felt like larger girls were not respected, even though we are huge consumers."

The Queen went on to say that the term plus-size "is a word we need to bury at this point." We couldn't agree more.

Steal of the Day: Forever21+

This is such a cute little frock. It can be worn around town; double as a swim suit cover-up and it's a great price. It's a win-win-win.

Paisley Embroidered Dress
Regularly: $19.80 Sale: $12 Forever21+

This Weekend Only: 30% Off at The Coach Factory Store

This weekend is a great time to pick up a timeless piece for your wardrobe because the Coach Factory Stores are offering 30% off all merchandise. Sale ends Sunday (5.22.11).
Click here for the 30% off coupon.

Spring Blowout Sale at Moxsie: 50% ALL Merchandise

For a limited time take 50% off total purchases at the Spring Blowout sale at Moxsie. Use BLOWOUT50 at checkout

"Kaden" Nappa Espadrille Wedge
Regularly: $99 Sale: 49.50 Moxsie

Friends & Family Event at Stila: 20% Off

Starting today through Tuesday (5.24.11), take 20% off orders at the Friends and Family Event at Stila. Use code FRIENDS11 at checkout.



Glamour Goddess Pallette
Regularly: $25 Sale: $20 Stila

Spring/Summer2011 Trend Update: Color Block

Colour Block Big Pocket Maxi Dress $101.56 asos

Illamasqua Nail Varnish Collection Spring/Summer2011 + Chanel Nail Colour Collection Fall2011

Just lovin' Illamasqua's "Toxic Nature" nail varnish collection for Spring/Summer 2011; it contains two shades that are personal faves: Radium and Gamma.

At Chanel the gray/metallic trend will continue into Fall. Nail goddess
Sophy Robson got her lady fingers on Chanel's Fall 2011 colors, and they are quite purty.

Bacterium (pearly bronze),Purity (peach) Radium (chartreuse), Stagnate (gray mauve), Gamma (neon orange) $14 Sephora.

Chanel's Le Vernis Nail Colour; Graphite, Quartz, Peridot

image: sophyrobinson.com

Save on Your Faves Event at Piperlime

Starting today through Sunday (5.29) get up to 40% off selected styles at Piperlime.

"Zuki" Pump NineWest Regularly: $79 Sale: $ 59.50 Piperlime

Miss Trish for Target

Seahorse Wedge Miss Trish for Target $29.99 Target

Jaguar Flat Sandals Miss Trish for Target $24.99 Target

Daisy Wedge Miss Trish for Target $29.99 Target

Pineapple Flat Sandals Miss Trish for Target $29.99

Flower Flat Sandal Miss Trish for Target $19.99 Target

Friends & Family Event at Avenue: 30% Off

Starting Saturday (5.14.11) through Tuesday (5.17.11) take 30% off your entire purchase at the Friends and Family Event at Avenue. Use code AV111128 at checkout for online purchases.

Border Print Sheath Dress
Regularly: $64.90 Sale $45.43 Avenue