Archive for the ‘Dresses’ Category
Real vs. Steal – Reem Acra Resort 2010 Satin Jersey Wrap Dress
Every woman needs that perfect dress in her closet; the dress that hugs in the right places and flows away in the wrong ones. I know generally this is a little black dress but I’m going to argue that a dash of color, on the contrary, is what will really get you noticed. Reem Acra started out as a bridal gown designer back in 1997 but eventually branched out – and perfected – the red carpet dress. Acra’s experience designing for women’s bodies is clearly evident in this satin jersey wrap dress from her Resort 2010 collection. Exquisitely draped with that aforementioned pop of color, this dress was made to flatter a woman’s body.
Reem Acra Resort 2010 Satin Jersey Wrap Dress
(Price Unknown, N/A)
Celebrities Love Reem Acra
Loading ...ABS by Allen Schwartz Crossover Pleated Dress
Now don’t get me wrong: I adore the ocean blue hue of the Reem Acra Satin Jersey Dress, above, however how delicious is the steel blue (cornflower blue?) of our ABS by Allen Schwartz knock-off? It is precisely that inability to pinpoint the shade that really renders this dress so captivating. We’re missing some of the Grecian draping of the original, but I can picture this color looking outrageously good on a whole spectrum of skin tones. Still a bit pricey at $320, but this dress is guaranteed to be your go-to frock for all fancy occasions.
ABS by Allen Schwartz Crossover Pleated Dress
($320, Bloomingdale’s)
In Eva Longoria’s Closet – Jones New York Lotus Pink Silk Sheath Dress
What I love about Eva Longoria is that she’s not one to shy away from color. Also because she can make a simple $150 frock look absolutely luxe. Yes, believe it, this hot pink sheath dress costs less than $150! Eva mastered the uptown chic to perfection and usually sticks with trusted red carpet designers for public events, that’s why I never expected her to wear such accesible fashion. Can’t say I don’t love it though!
Our Rating: 
| Who? | Eva Longoria |
|---|---|
| Where? | 2010 The Hollywood Reporter Reception Honoring Oscar Nominees, Los Angeles |
| When? | March 4, 2010 |
| What? | Jones New York Lotus Pink Silk Sheath Dress |
Jones New York Lotus Pink Silk Sheath Dress
Jones New York Lotus Pink Silk Sheath Dress
($149, Jones New York)
If you like Eva’s red carpet look head-to-toe and want to recreate it as a whole, check out our take on Eva’s accessories below:
Go Shopping:
- SHOES: Nine West “Ambitious” Pumps
, $69
- CLUTCH: ALDO “Montelparo” Clutch, $17.98
- BRACELET: Carolee Slender Crystal Encrusted Bracelet
, $45
- EARRINGS: Carolee Austrian Crystal Chandelier Earrings
, $65
In Camilla Belle’s Closet – Max Azria Ruffle-Silk Mini Dress
I mentioned in a previous post that every woman needs a brightly colored dress in her fancy-function repertoire; so how happy was I to find this picture of Camilla Belle, demonstrating that philosophy perfectly! The bright sea-green of her Max Azria ruffle-silk dress looks great with her tan and she’s got some one-shoulder/Grecian action going on, which is an insanely popular silhouette right now. She chose the perfect (minimal) accessories to compliment her statement dress: a delicate chain, earrings and bangle and a matching silver clutch and pumps. Camilla is a gorgeous girl, but I think she looks especially hot in this little number.
Our Rating: 
| Who? | Camilla Belle |
|---|---|
| Where? | 2009 Whitney Contemporaries Art Party And Auction |
| When? | June 17, 2009 |
| What? | Max Azria Ruffle-Silk Mini Dress |
Max Azria Ruffle-Silk Mini Dress
Max Azria Ruffle-Silk Mini Dress
($500, NET-A-PORTER)
Real vs. Steal – Elizabeth and James Tulip Dress
Someone take my temperature, please. I have never, ever been a fan of “Maxi” dresses, however recently I have found myself really drawn to them. There is something so effortless about a long dress, and because of its length, it can look quite elegant or be quite casual, depending on what you pair it with. I think a perfect example of this trend done right is the Elizabeth and James Tulip dress. I’m nuts over the contrasting shirred bodice and chiffon skirt and how flattering is that tulip shape?! It’s absurdly pretty. Sadly, as is the case with all Elizabeth and James clothing, this delightful dress is totally out of my price range. And sold out.
Elizabeth and James Tulip Dress
($495, SOLD OUT)
Element “Zoe” Dress
HOT DEAL: Use our secret coupon code INTHEIRCLOSET to get 15% OFF your entire order! Yay!
If you, like me, were a big fan of the Elizabeth and James Tulip dress but not such a fan of the price-tag, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by our “Steal” recommendation. How cute is this “Zoe” dress by Element? Not only does it have the bandeau top and tulip skirt, but it combines the springy, peachy colors of the first dress we featured above, with the peacock print of the second! This dress will easily take you from the beach to a restaurant: just swap the flip-flops for some heels.
Element “Zoe” Dress
($44.50, LuLu*s)
Celebrity Look 4 Less – Charlize Theron in Narciso Rodriguez
UPDATE: This post has been updated on February 23, 2010. Scroll down to see the new add.
Charlize Theron is one of my red carpet icons and she never fails to impress – on and off the red carpet. Last year Charlize made an appearance on David Letterman looking sultry in a black body-con dress by Narciso Rodriguez. The dress may have looked simple from the front, but Charlize’s backview revealed stunning criss-cross details. Love this look!
Our Rating:
| Who? | Charlize Theron |
|---|---|
| Where? | Late Show with David Letterman, New York |
| When? | June 24, 2008 |
| What? | Narciso Rodriguez Fall 2008 bondage dress |
Eight Sixty “Body Con” Cutout Knit Dress
UPDATE (02/23/2010): Here’s another great Narciso Rodriguez alternative by Eight Sixty.
Eight Sixty “Body Con” Cutout Knit Dress
($78, NORDSTROM)
Walter “Kristin” Little Black Dress
This Narciso Rodriguez LBD look-a-like by Walter will give you an almost identical silhouette and the same bondage effect though this dress is shorter than the original. Kristin Cavallari has been spotted wearing this dress to a fashion show a few days ago, so it can’t be too bad, right? Plus, it costs under $100 which is a steal considering you’d have to pay aproxx. $2k for the original.
Walter “Kristin” Little Black Dress
($98, eDressMe)
Real vs. Steal – Anthropologie Walk-A-Ways Dress
The Anthropologie “Walk-A-Ways” dress has been a huge hit ever since Jillian Harris (aka The Bachelorette) wore it on Regis and Kelly last summer. At a fairly reasonable price of $128, the dress flew off the shelves and all color combinations sold out rather quickly. It really is the perfect flirty spring (and summer) dress and in the months following Jillian’s appearance we saw several retailers offer similar, if not exact copies, of the “Walk-A-Ways.” We love the striped top (so in right now) with the fun, contrasting skirt and finally found a copy worthy of posting here!
Anthropologie Walk-A-Ways Dress
($128, SOLD OUT)
LuLu*s Little Sparkler Dress
HOT DEAL: Get 15% OFF your order at LuLu*s with our exclusive coupon code INTHEIRCLOSET.
We really love this knock-off by LuLu*s. The oatmeal and navy striped scoop-neck top is so flattering, as is the cinched waist with detachable cloth belt, and the green of the skirt is rich and expensive looking. At only $34 (that’s $94 less than the original!) this is a truly excellent buy that will help you to welcome spring in style.
LuLu*s Little Sparkler Dress
($34, LuLu*s)
Real vs. Steal – Issa Plunge Front Dress
If you’re not familiar with silk jersey dresses by Issa, I’ll let you in on a little secret: they are not only super stylish, they are super comfy. I know, because I have one. So I’m sure Kelly Rowland’s beauteous bright blue Issa is no exception. Issa is ready-to-wear that is easy-to-wear.
Issa Plunge Front Dress
($405, SOLD OUT)
P.S.: A black version of the dress is available at NET-A-PORTER
Kelly Rowland Loves Issa
Mango Slinky Ruched Front Dress
While $405 for an original Issa is not crazy expensive, even if you have the cash, Kelly Rowland’s blue dress is currently sold out. Luckily, this Mango version can still be had, and for less than a hundred bucks. I told you a secret about the Issa version, and here’s some scoop on Mango’s Slinky Ruched Front Dress: you will wear the hell out of this dress. In winter with tights or boots and a cardi, in summer with a wedge, to a cocktail party with OTT jewelry and a strappy sandal, and even to the office with a hip-length jacket and closed-toe pumps. It is the perfect year-round, dress-of-all-trades. Grab one before they sell out too.
Mango Slinky Ruched Front Dress
($88.58, ASOS)
In Paris Hilton’s & Katie Cassidy’s Closet – Brian Lichtenberg Padded One Shoulder Dress
UPDATE: This post has been updated on February 19, 2010. Scroll down to read the news.
Remember Paris Hilton’s shimmering one shoulder dress by Brian Lichtenberg which has also been worn by Katie Cassidy? Oh my, this dress was one of my favorite red carpet dresses from last year. I was so obsessed with this sparkling mini dress. Can you imagine how sexy and glamourous you’d feel in this dress? If you are craving this gorgeous dress just like me, today’s your lucky day because you can now purchase it at Karmaloop! YAY!
Our Rating:
| Who? | Paris Hilton & Katie Cassidy |
|---|---|
| Where? | Paris: 2009 Fox Reality Channel Really Awards, Katie: “Melrose Place” Premiere Party |
| When? | Paris: October 13, 2009, Katie: August 22, 2009 |
| What? | Paris & Katie: Brian Lichtenberg Padded One Shoulder Dress |
Loading ...Brian Lichtenberg Padded One Shoulder Dress
UPDATE (02/19/2010): Since the dress sold out in an instant last time, I wanted to let you know that it has been finally restocked by Karmaloop again. Hurry before it’s gone again!
Brian Lichtenberg Padded One Shoulder Dress
($320, Karmaloop)
Real vs. Steal – D&G Silk Bustier Dress
What better way to celebrate the annual recurrence of Spring then with the lightest, sweetest, airiest of frocks? As our celebrities artfully demonstrate below, this D&G dress can be dressed up with cute, lady-like shoes or dressed down with chunky platforms and a chain belt. Unfortunately, as versatile as this dress may be, it is also seriously out of our price range (even at its sale price!).
D&G Silk Bustier Dress
($1.995, SOLD OUT)
P.S.: Available in black at LUISAVIAROMA for $800 (sale price!).
Celebrities Love D&G
Loading ...ABS by Allen Schwartz Short Butterfly Dress
Fortunately for us, there exists a designer like Allen Schwartz who has long been in the market of re-creating celebrity dresses. Their “Butterfly” dress is a near-perfect copy of its much more expensive cousin. The dress is white rather than ballerina-pink, but the beautiful shirred bodice and floaty chiffon skirt tell the same whimsical story as the original – and at a much nicer price.
ABS by Allen Schwartz Shirred Bodice Dress with Butterfly Detail
($268, NORDSTROM)
P.S.: Also available in ivory or black at Bloomingdale’s.
Celebrity Look 4 Less – Megan Fox in Roberto Cavalli
Megan Fox always looks sexy, whether she’s wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt or a dress with a slit up to “there”. For this post we will be addressing the latter. Fox wore a Cavalli stunner to the Transformers 2 premiere in Berlin. It was a beautiful maroon, draped gown and had lovely jeweled detailing at the waist. Paired with that high slit and those 5 inch nude pumps, Megan looked like a million bucks.
Our Rating:
ASOS Diamante Hoop Split Front Maxi Dress
It’s not often that a “steal” version comes along that I think surpasses the original, but in this case it’s true. There’s no denying that the Roberto Cavalli dress is a stunner (especially on Ms. Fox), but what real woman is going to feel comfortable wearing a dress with a slit that high? It’s just not practical! ASOS has yet again come to the rescue. I’m really feeling their “Diamante Hoop Split Front Maxi Dress”. The real-world-friendly version of the dress comes in the most delectable, rich colors and the slit isn’t quite as high! Hooray! Best of all the dress is quite modestly priced at less than $80.
ASOS Diamante Hoop Split Front Maxi Dress
($76.92, ASOS)