411 on the LBD

The LBD (little black dress) is what sets us apart from men. Women can wear both trousers and dresses, so why not play up the female prowess in a little black number? The LBD is commonly found gracing cocktail parties, but it doesn't stop there. It aptly applies to any black dress that offers a safe-haven from those days when you're feeling not so fabulous--and let's be honest--that can happen anytime from Sunday-Saturday. It doesn't discriminate based on age, shape or budget, it’s always “in” and has the staying-power to last a lifetime.

3 different types of LBD:

1.) Cocktail: Short, understated and very alluring is the classic equation. Find this type in silk, satin, chiffon, or lace and go simple or avant-garde. Glamour is key; pair appropriately with sky-high stilettos, the chicest jewels and a fur stole. Wear to a New Years Eve bash or channel Audrey Hepburn for a date-night out with your hubby.

2.) Day: This doesn’t have the after-5-cocktail stigma and looks great anywhere, anytime. Typically this is best in matte jersey material and paired with pumps, boots or flats. Wear it at the office, out to lunch/dinner or just running errands. Dress it up or dress it down; the versatility is endless.

3.) Weekend: This is for the LBD-lover who can't get away from the concept, but doesn't want to wear a prom dress to the grocery store. Look for simple shapes in soft knits or wool and pair with flats and big dark shades. Have fun with this look to create a casual-cool vibe.

LBDs can be styled in almost any capacity. Go classic with rhinestones or pearls. Go modern with a men’s-inspired button-down worn underneath, or be a middle-man by opting for different shapes with traditional accessories.  Always add one unique piece to make it your own and you’ll never go wrong.

411 can provide information, but only the LBD knows what's up.

Suggestions:


Cross-strap LBD: Topshop.com

Maggy London One-Shoulder LBD: Nordstrom

Wool-wrap Sweater LBD: BCBG

Larok Sequin LBD: Bloomingdales

Silence & Noise Zipper LBD: Urban Outfitters

AB Turtleneck Sweater LBD: Kohls

Glove is All You Need

Gloves are not just meant for warming anymore.  What makes these nifty items so alluring is the minimal commitment required. They're cool, affordable and small in scale. They come in a variety of interesting colors like magenta and teal or in modern neutrals like grey and tan.   Find a pair in leather or suede and seek small details like cut-outs, cut-offs, bows, studs, and zippers.  Opt for the freshest lengths in very short (driving) or super long (opera).  Wear them with everything.  They're an unexpected touch that silently states: super chic.

To nab a unique pair at a great price, visit the designer-discount joints: Loehmans, T.J. Maxx, Nordstrom Rack or Marshalls.  No luck? They try these on: Club Monaco, Martin + Osa, Zara, Urban Outfitters, Topshop.com or Nordstrom.

Love is really all you need, but why not say it with a killer pair of gloves?

Suggestions:

Echo Leather-Fabric Gloves: Bloomingdales

Large Studded Leather Gloves: Topshop.com

Two-toned Leather Gloves: Banana Republic

Free People Studded Wool Gloves: Shopbop.com

Bow Cut-off Leather Gloves: Urban Outfitters

Ruffled Leather Gloves: J.Crew

Ruched Suede Gloves: Nordstrom

Mad About Plaid

This season is jam-packed with trends, no doubt. If you’re up in the air over which one to follow, consider plaid as the comeback kid.

Plaid is best worn today in unexpected ways. This means avoid the old-school plaid skirt with tights (aghast!) and steer clear of the 90’s Nirvana look. Instead, opt for chic touches like a pair of pumps, a fedora or a killer scarf. This traditional print can also be worn in different colors for a modern, updated feel. If you want to throw-back to the days of school uniforms or that Christmas dress your mom made you wear, try a mini cocktail dress paired with a leather jacket or a bold topper over a basic shift dress. Style the rest of your outfit in neutrals so you don’t actually look mad about plaid.

Use discretion with the amount of plaid you wear.  It's back for a season, not back to rule the world.

Suggestions:

Harajuku Lovers Ascona Boot: Nordstrom

Cape Sleeve Plaid Coat: Forever 21

Plaid Shift Dress: Anne Klein

Betsey Johnson Plaid Belt: Nordstrom

Tartan Scarf: Topshop.com

Plaid Trench Coat: The Limited

The "Keeper" Boyfriend

We've all had them once before (some more than others), but the boyfriend to keep this time is not a man--it's a blazer. Back with the nostalgia of the 80's in a perfectly updated fit, it's one of the key pieces this season. High-end designers have created their own version, but as always, there are many options available for the rest of us.

How to wear it: longer, with slouchy, rolled up sleeves.

How to pair it: with a vintage t-shirt and skinny jeans or with a feminine ruffled blouse and a vampish pencil skirt. Both are paired well with luxe booties.

How to make it look modern: Black or grey color, slimmer fit and it should cover your behind. Look for details like pinstripe lining on the cuffs or a jazzed up lapel with studs or satin.

The "keeper" boyfriend is sure to deliver. Sorry, no guarantees on real life boyfriends.

Suggestions:


Zinc Boyfriend Blazer with Satin Cuffs: Nordstrom

Boyfriend Blazer with Pinstripe Cuffs: Dillards

Boyfriend Blazer with Studded Lapel: Express

Stripe Trim Blazer: Forever 21