the stylist’s notebook | the little red dress

We all know that the little black dress is essential, if not a completely crucial piece in every girl’s wardrobe. From the LBD comes a myriad of outfits and looks that use the dress as a base; or, a girl can always turn to the ever so classic ensemble: red lips, stilettos, and a clutch for that knock-em-down sophistication. I do believe, however, that there is yet another little dress essential for every woman: the siren red LRD. Perhaps not a must-have item like the LBD, the little red dress is still, nonetheless, an indispensable piece. The LRD makes a woman feel like, well, a woman. She feels unstoppable, sexy, bold, beautiful, and a bit naughty in it – something a girl needs to be on occasion. Not to mention, the color red has been scientifically proven to boost self-confidence. So why not take advantage of that extra shot of endorphins?

I received an email from a lovely girl, Beatrice, requesting my help: (I really am so flattered, darling!)

I have been reading your blog (and loving it!) for some time now, and I’ve decided that I definitely trust your fashion instincts. So, when I began fretting about what to wear with this Jill Stuart party dress that I bought at Kitson for my school’s winter dance, I immediately thought to ask for your advice. I have not been able to make any concrete decisions concerning hair, makeup, shoes, clutches…

Since you have a fabulous sense of what-works-for-parties… help, please!! Thank you! ~ Beatrice

And here’s the Jil Stuart dress:

Can I first rattle on (just for a bit, I promise!) on how much I adore your choice, Beatrice? It’s classy, girly, and just adorable (kudos on a great find!). I’m in love with the silhouette of the dress; the sweetheart neckline and the slightly poufed skirt makes for the perfect knee-length dress. The details are perfect too; the pleating and rosette add just the right amount of detail whilst remaining simplistic and versatile.

So the first thought that came to mind when I saw this dress was Gossip Girl. Totally Blair Waldorf, I might add, in its sophistication. Thus said, GG is indeed my inspiration!

♥

{accessorizing.}

Since this dress is quite classic, there are two routes you can go with accessorizing. You can either 1) keep it classic as well with simple silver jewelry (a lovely cocktail ring, a link bracelet, and a little pendant) or 2) add some fun with bolder pieces! With bolder pieces, however, I would just add a bold bracelet; though the neckline is quite simple, the presence of the rosette already acts like a decoration in itself (a statement necklace could clash or take away from  the design of the bustier portion of the dress). Back to bold jewelry; adding plastic/resin/lucite pieces in black would pop against the color of the dress whilst adding a bit of playfulness! A strand of pearls that falls right where your collar bones are would elevate the entire look! As for earrings, you can go simplistic with a pair of studs, or don a pair of wondrous chandelier ones for your statement pieceAdding elbow-length gloves are just for fun; a bit much for a school dance in all honesty, but if you’re up for it darling, why not go all out like the Gossip Girls? Personally, I would opt to leave your decolletage and simply accessorize with earrings, a bracelet, and a great cocktail ring. In a nutshell, a few equations (because we all love mathematics so dearly):

black hoops + resin bracelet + a bangle or two = fun/eclectic

black studs + pyramid bracelet + a few chains = eclectic/punky/rock-ish

statement bracelet (chains+charms) + simple pendant = classic rock-chic

pearl bracelet + simple necklace = classic

silver bracelet + chandelier earrings + cocktail ring = La C.’s way, for lack of a better adjective

… & etc!

{shoes.}

Simplicity for shoes is best for this look. Definitely go of a high heel (say, 3-4 inches), in black. Patent black pumps are perhaps the easiest to work with; they’re basic, yet they add a touch of texture and dimension with the shiny material. A peep-toe would be perfect in continuing the classic style of the dress; a bit of toe exposure or cleavage reveals in the inside of the foot so that you won’t seem completely conservative! I’m also quite in love with the d’orsay heels! Strappy heels are also a great option, though be sure to keep it as simple as possible. Platforms add playfulness, and if you really are the more adventurous, rock-chic type girl, opt for a pair of ankle booties! Just to inject a bit of personal preference: I’d pick the  d’orsay heels!

{hair & makeup.}

These are the two hairstyles I personally would opt for: beautiful curls and a teased updo. Both are elegant and classy, perfectly reflecting the style of the Jil Stuart dress! The first, inspired by Gucci Fall 2007, is reminiscent of the forties movie-star glamour with side parted hair. To achieve these curls, use a medium sized barrel curling iron to curl 1 1/2 inch sectios of hair. After each section, release the iron whilst maintaining its on-the-iron shape & pin! After say, half an hour or so, take out the bobby pins, brush through very gently with a large brush. Use a bit of gloss or serum to help the curls maintain a bit of shine!

The updo is fairly easy; prior to pinning your hair into a chignon (a bit messy is more sophisticated than perfectly pristine!), tease the hair along the crown, and spray with hairspray. Leave a bit of flyaways out like Coco Rocha (Oscar de la Renta Spring 2009). Or, pull a Blair Waldorf meets Valentino circa 2007. Add a thin, black headband with a tiny bow on it to imitate Blair’s girlish vibe, or simply use an elastic (in either red or black) for a easy and chic finishing touch. I love the double banded ones!

And now, the makeup. My favorite part of the entire preparation process, possibly because I don’t wear makeup on a daily basis (just the lipgloss!). I love, love, love the first and third look. I’d definitely suggest keeping your face fresh; a clean palette, so to speak. Start by using a liquid foundation as your base; for a more natural application, spritz a bit of water onto your sponge/wedge and “blot”, in a sense, around your face. For this particular dress, keep the focal point of your makeup balanced between the eyes and the lips. Meaning; a few coats of mascara to bring out the eyes and neutral beige/brown shadow to keep it au naturel. Choose a bolder lip color; matte lips would be a bit too mature/conservative for a school party, so opt for gloss! I love the pinkish red gloss from the Valentino show – its girly and super sweet. A red gloss would be perfect too (I do suggest Covergirl Wetslicks in the red with shimmer – it’s the perfect shade of red that’s not too overwhelming yet gives that subtle hint of color!).

{the bag.}

The finishing touch. Once again, a simple shape and design would be the perfect accessory. Avoid oversized ones – all you need are the essentials! I would also stay away from the clutches with a sharper shape (read: rectangular shapes, envelope bags, etc.) since they look a bit out of place with the soft silhouette of the dress. I love the somewhat oblong-ish (for lack of a better adjective) with rouching like the ones above – they’re more formal and sophisticated than the other shapes. A bit of ornamentation is fine; but be sure to keep it simple.

♥

I do hope this helped! Best of luck, and I am sure that you’ll look gorgeous that day no matter what you decide to wear!

xoxo,

La C.