In case you didn’t get the memo last fall, you’re going to need a leather dress come this autumn.  The ultimate update to your standard LBD, leather will not only keep you warm thermostatically speaking, but will also have you looking hot literally speaking.  Should you opt to go all in, a leather shift is a fantastic transitional piece that can eventually be layered over a turtleneck and tights.  Feeling more modest?  Opt for a frock with leather details or panels to achieve the same leather look.

I’m a huge fan of basically leather anything and have been pushing the trend since I was sixteen.  I wore a leather dress to my sophomore year homecoming… and while that went over like a lead balloon with teachers and students alike, this season’s must have frock is sure to be a bigger hit with your classmates.

1. Theyskens’ Theory Noel Dhidas Leather Dress, $537, 2. David Lerner Strapless Leather Dress, $264, 3. Raquel Allegra Heavy Rib Dress, $596, 4. Faith Connexion Leather Paneled Ruched Jersey Dress, $445, 5. Valentino Lace Paneled Leather Dress, $5,380, 6. Theory Solara Stretch Cotton and Leather Dress, $495, 7. Rag & Bone Adeline Paneled Satin and Leather Dress, $505, 8. Shakuhachi Leathergoods Shift Dress, $504, 9. DKNY Leather Sleeved Jersey-Twill Dress, $495, 10. MICHAEL Michael Kors Leather Dress, $495

xx,

WhyDid

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You know, the Grammy’s always manage to get my blood boiling.  Whether Lady Gaga is showing up as an egg or Snooki just shows up, it seems like this particular award show just causes everyone to lose their darn minds.  This year was especially tragic due to the loss of the great Whitney Houston, and I expected a much more subdued, somber affair, but despite the abundance of (I suspect unintentional) black on the red carpet, it seems the night carried on as usual.

Oh- hey black dresses.  I know that we all think you can’t go wrong in a little black dress (LBD), but it would appear that’s not always the case.  Now, I know Rihanna’s Armani “collaboration” was a showstopper, but let’s be real, while not offensive, it’s also nothing that me or one of my sorority sisters didn’t don at one of our date parties.  This slinky low cut number left me less than impressed.  Anne V (beautiful arm candy to beau Adam Levine), proved that an LBD can be anything but tasteful.  We get it, your gorgeous.  Now please cover your crotch.  However, Gwyneth Paltrow wowed in this tasteful yet unexpected Stella Mc Cartney.  That, my friends, is how an LBD is done.

Without spending too much time on the red carpet (and my head and heart exploding), let’s just get down to business.  Three ladies who I thought stole the show, or at least the red carpet, were Taylor Swift in Zuhair Murad and an unlikely chic bun updo (let’s forget about her Yeehaw Junction performace), Jessie J in Julien Macdonald, and Kelly Rowland in Alberta Ferretti.  This is how you do elegant glamour.

And with the good must come the bad.  While I have to say that I was blown away by the color and the detail of Fergie’s Jean Paul Gaultier get up, I had no interest in her oversized granny panties or “Grammies” as they were coined.  It’s a bit age inappropriate (and eye inappropriate), but had she chosen nude, tonal, or metallic undergarments, I might have been slightly less offended.  Katy Perry just needs to cut it out with her crazy colored hair (this combination has me thinking she’s gunning for a Smurfs sequel), and this Elie Saab dress leaves me longing for that ridiculous light up number she sported.  The most offensive by far, however, was Nicki Minaj in Versace.  I don’t care if you showed up with the pope.  This look will have you saying Hail Mary’s from now until eternity.  Why don’t you and Gaga just have a “weird off” and see who can outdo each other once and for all.  Kind of like a dance off with clothes.

Nonetheless, the Grammy’s was full of fantastic performances and plenty of fun… and while my blood pressure may have peaked… I’m certain I will tune in again next year just to get another glimpse of crazy.

xx,

WhyDid

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Well, January is in full swing and after the holidays and festivities have wound down, it may just feel like one big ‘ol hangover.  You’ve sequined and accessorized and now you probably just want to lay low.  Bling feels so blah and glitter makes you want to gag.  That’s where the good ol’ LBD comes into play.  Consider it your lime sorbet between appetizer and entree.  The LBD is a great palate cleanser to hold you over between holiday and spring.  Its uses are endless and it doesn’t have to be boring.  Cutouts, texture, and unexpected details are what make an LBD a totally stylish staple.  Dress it up, dress it down.  Take it from day to night.  You really never can go wrong when you’re back in black.

1. A.L.C. Sienna Stretch Leather Dress, $1,195, 2. Valentino R.E.D. Black Crystal Embellished Dress, $682, 3.  Black Halo Jackie O Off the Shoulder Dress, $375 , 4. Marni Asymmetric Crepe Dress, $346, 5. Lamixx Cold Shoulder Dress, $46, 6. DKNY Black Dress with Round Collar, $315 , 7. Elizabeth and James Rebecca Silk Chiffon Dress, $116.80, 8. Miss Selfridge Black Elastic Back Dress, $55, 9. bebe Leatherette Paillette Dress, $129, 10. Alice + Olivia Leather and Tulle Dress, $595

Fade to black…

xx,

WhyDid

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Quite frequently (especially during this time of year) we receive invites for cocktail parties or invitations with a dress code stating “cocktail attire,” but what does that really mean?  We’ve come to know that slipping into a slinky LBD (little black dress) is the way to go, but shall we take a little trip back in time?  Well, you have no choice… cause we’re gonna.

Cocktail parties first gained popularity in the 1920′s during prohibition (aka when alcohol was illegal).  So, since the sale and consumption of alcohol in public would land you behind bars (no pun intended), cocktail parties popped up as private social gatherings.  And just like us modern girls, the ladies of the 20′s realized that they needed a little something special to wear to these functions.  Alas, cocktail attire was born!  The first cocktail dresses were waistless, knee length, and reminiscent of the flapper (cause a lot of them were flappers).  And these ladies knew how to accessorize!  Small embellished bags, gloves, and hats were all a part of the attire.  Shoes were slipper like and often dyed to match the dresses.

By the 1950′s, cocktail hour was part of the culture and while the tradition continued, groups opted to go out rather than stay in, which is more in line with what we consider our modern day cocktail hour or “happy hour.”  This week, let’s check out some frocks that would have made even the tartiest flapper smile.

1. Oscar de la Renta Feather Trimmed Silk Mesh Dress, $5,390, 2.  Red Valentino Bow Dress, $611, 3. Kova & T Windsor Cocktail Dress, $429, 4. French Connection Winter Bex Beads Dress, $328, 5. Juicy Couture Guipure Lace Dress, $328, 6. Vanessa Bruno Athe Dress, $360, 7. Top Shop Scallop Embellished Drop Waist Dress, $330, 8. Top Shop Lace Panel Pleated Tunic, $76, 9. Accidentally in Love Crinkle Popover Dress, $54, 10. Tibi Rococo Print Silk Twill Cap Sleeve Dress, $462

It’s five o’clock somewhere, right?

xx,

WhyDid

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Every girl owns (or at least she should own) the perfect little black dress.  But wearing the same hot little number cocktail party after cocktail party can leave a girl feeling bored with what once was a no brainer.  Not even swapping accessories can change things.  Like a rubik’s cube, there are only so many combinations.  This is when you must channel your inner Macgyver and start rigging up new and inventive cocktail combinations.

Besides the LBD (little black dress for the slow pokes), another staple piece is a black pencil skirt.  You may be thinking to yourself, “That’s a little too Betty Draper for me.”  Well, let me tell you, the pencil skirt has stuck around for a reason.  Fitted properly, a pencil skirt can make even the most waifish gal look more Beyonce and less Olive Oil.  To offset the conservative pencil skirt, I paired it with a cropped bandeau top (this little guy happened to be a DVF sample and would benefit greatly from some time spent at a seamstress).  Classic black pumps, top notch top knot, and a sequined jacket completed this unconventional, but totally cocktail appropriate attire.

Before creating this look yourself, remember to use some common sense: 1. Will this look good on you? If you could benefit from a few more sit ups, hold off until you’re bare belly brazen. 2. Where are you planning to wear it?  A funeral or wedding is probably not the right time for this.  Save it for a more appropriate occasion.

1. Cosabella Marni Strapless Plunge Bra, $132.50, 2. Diane von Furstenberg Panel Marta Techno Jersey High Waist Pencil Skirt, $210, 3. Tuleste Market Layered Ball & Chain Necklace, $150, 4. Harrison Morgan Black Sequin Bolero, $220, 5. Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 Patent Pumps, $595

xx,

WhyDid

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