3 Ways to Pull a Simple Black Dress Together December 18th, 2009 By

Chan Luu Gold Leaf Earrings

Chan Luu Gold Leaf Earrings

How do you make a simple black dress look fresh and on trend?  It’s all about the accessories.  A plain black dress is a blank canvas that you can accessorize to fit any trend.  There is a reason that the little black dress is an essential.  It’s timeless.

How should you accessorize right now?

Here are 3 ways:

Balmain Red Buckle Boots

Balmain Red Buckle Boots

An amazing pair of shoes.  Very bright, embellished shoes need to be paired with something simple and dark-colored that won’t compete with them.  An LBD is the perfect companion for a pair of purple or red boots and black tights.  These Balmain boots are the perfect example.  With shoes this hot, you can get away with a simpler dress.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Studded Belt

MICHAEL Michael Kors Studded Belt

A fabulous belt.  There are so many different kinds of belts available, and each can give your dress a very different look. Go with a skinny belt for a romantic, understated look.  Try a bright color or animal print for a little more impact.  To really emphasize your waist, wear a wide belt, like this studded belt from Michael Kors.

Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace

Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace

Jewelry.  A statement necklace and/or bracelets will work better with a simple dress than something that is over-embellished.  A necklace like this Kenneth Jay Lane one can be paired with some plain silver bangles. A bib necklace like this one from The Limited should be worn without other jewelry.  You can also choose to pair some long earrings with bracelets.  We like the gold leaf earrings, above, from Chan Luu.  They’d be the perfect boho-chic companion to a skinny gold belt.

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Shop under $25: Skinny Belts October 27th, 2009 By

Skinny belts are an affordable item that will help you to take your outfit fashionably from summer into fall.  You can wear one belted over a long cardigan and jeans for instant sophistication; or try one over a short cardigan with a lightweight dress and tights. Skinny belts even help you look skinnier. They make sure you don’t lose your shape without adding the bulk of a larger cincher.

Left, Calvin Klein Skinny Belt. Right, Michael Kors Grommet Skinny Belt.

The chocolate Calvin Klein belt is a classic style that is sure to work with everything in your closet.  It is the best choice if you need one belt for many outfits.  If you want something more fun, check out the Michael Kors grommet skinny belt.  It would look great with a miniskirt, tights and over the knee boots or over a black suit jacket and blouse.

We also like these Michael Kors leather belts:

Top, Michael Kors Orange Braided Belt. Bottom, Michael Kors Neon Pink Belt

Top, Michael Kors Orange Braided Belt. Bottom, Michael Kors Neon Pink Belt

At just under $25, they are a steal but they are still sure to last a long time since they are well-made and real leather.

These bright belts will look great over fall neutrals.  The hot pink will cheer up a long black cardigan over a white shirt.  While this suede belt will create the perfect fall ensemble when paired with a brown cardigan.

Michael Kors Reversible Raffia Belt

Michael Kors Reversible Raffia Belt

This reversible raffia belt from Michael Kors will work now and later.  Wear the solid side out looped through wool pants and the raffia side out next summer with white linen pants.

Bluefly has so many high-quality designer belts on sale, it would be impossible for me to list them all here.  Check them out here.

Have a budget that calls for fast fashion’s rock-bottom prices?  Check out the Forever 21 belts.  They are all under $10!

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