BlackTie...with Sleeves

This is my second article in a series of two that I wrote for the website Women's Voices for Change about dressing beautifully for a wedding. The first covered daytime venues.  This time we focused on Black Tie. With both, the challenge was to create fashionable looks on Polyvore with sleeves. I like the range of these options.


It was particularly thrilling to see this spectacular Lela Rose gown arrive at Richards this week. Sometimes, my dreams do come true.


xox,
DD

It’s official: Official wedding attire is no longer set in stone. This spring, Vera Wang, the trendsetting bridal designer, sent her models down the runway in shades of dahlia, scarlet, crimson, and vermillion. As brides make the leap to new traditions—and, make no mistake, they will—the “rules” of proper guest attire will again be blurred.

A few years ago, no one would have dreamed of wearing black to a wedding. Now, complete wedding parties, Moms included, wear black.  This makes shopping in or out of your closet a bit easier for a guest . . . particularly for those who are “sleeve challenged.

The Lela Rose gown on the left beautifully marries fashion and elegance. The exquisite silk and wool skirt with ruffled train is topped by a tulle bodice with a face-flattering bateau neckline, hand embroidery, and, yes, a sleeve. It’s an important gown, one that would make a fabulous choice for the mother of the bride at a black-tie wedding. (This dress is also available at Richards, contact me  at DivaDebbi@gmail.com for a personal viewing.)

Every closet should include a pair of perfectly cut black evening pants. If they are a lightweight wool, jersey or silk, they will be wearable 365 days a year.  The Talbot Runhof black lace coat, paired with the Etro pant, is an elegant and versatile wardrobe addition. The coat would also be lovely on top of a classic black dress or one with a pop of color.

Legs became the new “booty” the minute Angelina Jolie flashed us a thigh-full of Versace at this year’s Academy Awards.  Elie Saab, master of impeccable eveningwear, is always ahead of the curve. This seemingly simple jersey gown has it all; lot’s of leg, a long sleeve, and the color of today—vermillion. This is the type of dress that would look elegant anywhere in the world, and it would pack beautifully too. Now would be the perfect time to wear it to a black-tie wedding: Next year, vermillion may be off limits.

Ensembles that multi-task are a dream.  When both pieces pair as well with each other as with items you already own, that is true investment dressing.  The black cotton and silk top, from Alessandra Rich, looks fabulous with the ivory lace skirt, but would look equally good with the black Etro pant or slim-cut white jeans. Conversely, the lace skirt would look chic paired with a black turtleneck and boots at a holiday party.

Tricks Up My Sleeve: What to Wear to a Daytime Summer Wedding

As a style contributor to the website Women's Voices For Change, I was asked to write a piece on a fashion conumdrum that women currently face; where oh where are they hiding the dresses with sleeves???  Here is my take:

As we thought about occasions to address for Fashion Friday in June, the concept of weddings arose, of course. When you’re invited as a guest, what is appropriate yet fashionable attire? In a lecture last week, Iris Apfel mentioned how difficult it is to find dresses with sleeves when you’re shopping for such events. So we have made it our mission to find some suggestions. Our frequent contributor Debbi O’Shea explains her selections for the fun Polyvore set she created for daytime nuptials.—Ed.

June remains one of the most popular months for brides and grooms to tie the knot. If you will be a lucky guest attending a daytime wedding, figuring out what to wear always requires some thought. And if you are at the point where a sleeveless dress will be highlighting a lesser asset, you may require strategic planning. Designers, it seems, will always have a special affinity for bare arms.
Finding a dress that is not overly embellished for day, with a sleeve, can be particularly daunting.

In Iris Apfel’s talk, the 90-year-old style icon and maverick commented that if she had more time, she would open a store called, “Sleeves!” The audience roared with appreciation; probably no one would be surprised if it was a great success.

When a trip to your favorite store becomes an exercise in frustration, looking online may be your easiest solution. While Polyvore is often thought of as the creative equivalent of X-Box for a fashionista like me who enjoys styling fantasy sets of clothing, it is also a terrific source; all the clothing items actually have live links for purchase.

Suits are always an option, but dresses just seem more festive, particularly if there will be dancing. The beauty of these is that they are timeless, and, with dressier accessories, could easily be notched up for evening occasions. A bit of work to find, but well worth it. Who said only the bride and groom deserve congratulations?



These dresses are meant to be a guide, but if you find yourself particularly enchanted, they can be found: the versatile cream silk crepe Valentino (on sale), the colorful yet classic Pucci, and the on-trend, affordable lace Diane von Furstenberg.

Debbi O'Shea has spent her career in fashion and is currently the "By Appointment" consultant and Brand Ambassador for Giorgio Armani Black Label at Richards in Greenwich, CT. O'Shea also writes the Beauty and Fashion Blog DivaDebbi.