For the girl on a budget, check out stores like H&M and Forever 21. These stores offer a variety of stylish, affordable options. Retailers have you in mind when they choose which styles to make, thus less expensive is not mutually exclusive with "I wouldn't be caught dead in that."
The Gap has a lot of great options for those who want to try something a little different from H&M and Forever 21 but aren't looking for couture.
There are some great designer steals at Bloomingdales from the $100- $300 range. If you sign up for their email list, you save 10% off your online order.
Dress by Aqua
Not even a feverish cold could keep me away from “A Sip of Wine... a Taste of Heaven,” the Seventh Annual celebration in the Miramar Town Center, this last Saturday. The courtyard filled with over 20 different restaurants, vendors and wines from Premier Beverage was just what the doctor ordered after a long day of fasting and cough medicine. The event sponsored by Tropical Financial Credit Union offered guests a feast for only $45 per ticket, which explains the amazing turn out with over 1,700 attendees.
Intimidated by the options, my sister and I grab the event map and decide to strategize our plan of attack. After a few minutes we decide to move from left to right, making sure we have a taste of everything. I eagerly grab my complimentary plate with wine glass and hurry over to the first food station, La Famiglia Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, and inhale a plate of Penne Pink Sauce. Immediately after I was side tracked and ended up at the wine bar where I enjoyed a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon from Little Black Dress wines. My sister then drags me back to our next stop: Tastebuds Catering, which was, hands down, one of my favorites, with Mascarpone cheese on a wheat thin cracker, a simple but completely addictive treat; Coconut Shrimp; Spanakopita, a Greek savory pastry more commonly known as a spinach pie; and deliciously seasoned Filet Tidbit with Mashed Potatoes Béarnaise, a perfect complement of flavors. I mark an “X” next to their name on The People’s Choice Award, a ballot given to me earlier where guests are allowed to judge each vendor based on three components: palate appeal, presentation and hospitality. The Culinary Award presented at the end of the evening was also judged by former NFL All American & UM Sports Hall of Famer Greg Mark and A.C. Tellison, former UM and NFL player.
From the runway:
The LWD dominated the spring 2011 ready-to-wear runway shows, most notably Dolce & Gabbana's. Jill Stuart’s take on the LWD included structured silhouettes mixed with ruffles and frills. Azzaro’s show-stopping LWD encompassed a crystal bodice and a tired white silk skirt both united by a large black bow. Monique Lhuillier’s LWD designs were just angelic. Some other LWD designers included Derek Lam, Chanel, and Alexander McQueen (which is in the hands of the deserving Sarah Burton who took over for the late McQueen).
2. For the "everyday" girl: Abercrombie, ‘Kylie’ dress ($68 at Abercrombie)
Fashion moves fast; do not get left behind. The LWD is the season's hottest trend, but it may become your fierce new closet staple.
The 2nd Annual "Little Black Dress" Fundraiser & Cocktail Benefiting OPERATION SMILE will be held on Saturday February 5th at the Miami Viceroy Hotel, hosted by Chri$ PHashioN. The benefit will be presented by Harley Davidson Miami, Miami Social Media Group, Miami Viceroy Hotel & Fab C. Productions.
Operation Smile is an international charity and organization of mobile medical professionals who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate all over the world.
This years’ benefit celebrity guest will include former Miami Heat NBA’s Tim Hardaway, Atlanta Falcons Gerald Riggs, and his son, sports news castor Gerald Riggs, as well as Jr. Miss Latina International, Esther Dollar.
If you do not have a disposable income, shopping for the trends can burn a hole through your wallet. Luckily, here are some tips to help you stay fashionable through any season without breaking your bank.
1. Leggings: From sand to snow, leggings can be the foundation to any look. They can take the place of a snug pair of jeans or even be worn under a sun dress. You can never have enough pairs of black leggings, stock up with Forever 21's Stretchy Ankle Leggings.
Follow Salma Hayek's lead by trading out your little black dress for a little white one this summer. The actress looked cool and fresh in a white YSL dress at the NYC premiere of Grown Ups Wednesday night. She even added a pop of color by wearing cherry red accessories and matching red lipstick. A white dress shows off a tan and is much cooler than wearing black. White House/Black Market has a perfect LWD on sale for $79.99 (if you're ready to make the switch!).
Named for the classic "little black dress," Dress on Newbury Street has been a force of good taste for Bostonians since 2005. The shop offers a streamlined, sophisticated collection of... well dresses but also tops, bottoms, shoes and accessories. As you step into Dress you'll notice a cheery, yet restrained staff waiting to greet and welcome you to the store. Martha, the manager, dons billowy pants with a cinched waist and a classic tucked-in top. She looks effortlessly chic, much like the store itself.
Danielle DuBois, 21
Arizona (in Manhattan for the semester) - Student, Editorial Intern