Little Black Dress | WhyDid.com

Friday Frocks: It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere

By Kirsten|October 14th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

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

Why Did You Wear That: Little Black What?

By Kirsten|June 14th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

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