It's my party and I'll wear what I want to!
I can't be the only girl who is
guilty of standing in front of an
overstuffed closet and exasperatingly
exclaiming, “I have nothing
to wear!” Time and time again,
when the holiday season rolls
around, I desperately add “BUY
PARTY DRESSES” to my shopping
agenda.
Despite being kind of a tomboy (jeans and Converse are my daily uniform), I secretly enjoy getting all dressed up once in a while. However, by my fourth soiree I begin to wonder why, and long for my trusty Miss Sixty's.
But long before the heels start to hurt your feet, and your dress becomes uncomfortable, you'll find it's fun to shop for the perfect outfit. Depending upon your personal style and the dress code of the event, finding the appropriate assemblage of accoutrements can be an undertaking. I know I am particularly lucky in this department, on account of my two sisters whom are close to me in age and size, and so I can easily borrow a party frock. This, however, is saved for emergencies only, as we all have very different styles like glamorous, tomboy, and flirty.
Despite our fashion differences, we have come to agree on a few favourite stores, along with a few preferred styles, that appeal to our diverse tastes, and flatter every body shape. Ideally, we would simply go to Holt's and have our personal shoppers pick out the best styles for us in their dress salon, while we patiently wait and sip Dom Pérignon; but more realistically, the following shops are where we score the best finds:
Fcuk:
Though best known for their cheeky tees (“I'd FCUK me,” “FCUK Fashion”), French Connection also has a great assortment of cocktail dresses, shoes, and accessories to match. Structured, one-shoulder strapped, above the knee dresses (some outfitted with contrasting ruffles) are right on target with Fall 09's trends, and highlight the right parts, while slimming over the rest (they make an eight look like a six... really!).
Ruffled shift dresses, too, come in a variety of colours and textures to suit all, but my personal favourite FCUK dress, currently in stores, is their black and goldsequined flapper-style gown of the aforementioned description. Special enough to wear more than once, this dress needs few accessories, as it dazzles on its own. But, don't let the $268 price tag scare you away; there is no machine in the world that can sew sequins, so each piece must be done by hand. If that's not worth the money, try it on - the sparkle of the dress will do the convincing for you.
Bebe:
My sisters and I all love the dresses from this shop, because there is such a wide range of styles. While my older sister, the glamorous one, tends to steer towards Swarovski-encrusted bustier dresses, or the rich gold and burgundy brocade styles with sweetheart necklines, I personally am a fan of the tough leather and lace combinations, or the simplistic body-con styles. As for my younger sister, the flirt? She loves the designs that accentuate her décolletage, especially if they're fringed or sequined.
On-trend mega platforms, opentoe booties, and bondage-inspired heels call for attention, and share the limelight with your dress. With mega sales always going on, you can afford both the dress and the shoes to match.
Zara:
Approximately half of my wardrobe comes from this Spanish-based, fast-fashion chain. Boasting both trendy and classic styles for clothes, accessories, and shoes, Zara gets it right.
Their career line, Zara Woman, is great for the conservative gal, while Zara Basic fulfills one's simplistic, more casual needs. The trendier, slightly younger crowd can also find picks with Zara's TRF collection.
If the event you're looking to attend is sophisticated in nature, Zara Woman will have a demure shift dress, or a wrap that will cover you up enough, but still look stylish. For some added sex appeal, you could pair your frock with some lace or dip-dyed ombré tights.
With patterns and the use of simple materials such as wool and cotton, Zara Basic offers styles suitable for more relaxed affairs. But if you need that truly “party girl dress,” TRF has all the sequins, lace, bustiers, and brightness you could ask for. The best part? Hardly anything is over $100, so if that cranberry vodka accidentally spills on you, there will be no need for hostility, and holiday spirits will remain high.
Mendocino:
Last summer, my glam sister worked at a Mendocino boutique, and I still can't figure out if this constituted an advantage or a disaster, on my end. This chi-chi shop is teemed with gorgeous and original designs.
Stocked with pieces by lesserknown designers, in my view, their buyer is truly a genius. Garments that fit in, yet stand out make their collections special and original; it would not be hard for others to be mistaken into believing that a Mendocino piece was purchased somewhere overseas, rather than in one of their small boutiques.
While this store is more expensive than the average shop found at malls (be prepared to shell out upwards of $300) really, can you put a price on originality?
Fashion Crimes:
This single standing dress shop on Queen Street West has been featured in nearly every Canadian fashion magazine, and for good reason: if their unbelievable window displays don't draw you in (currently, the mannequins are crafted into rotating swans, complete with tutu-style frocks, a sparkling snowfall, massive grand mirrors, and enough accessories to make your head spin), the gorgeous, handmade, one-of-a-kind dresses will.
More appropriate for a gala, than a typical holiday party, Fashion Crimes makes dressing up in itself, a festive affair (think along the lines of Betsey Johnson). Unpretentious yet colourful, Fashion Crimes' dresses will make you feel like a kid in a candy shop.
If your event doesn't call for something quite so extravagant, at least check out their in-store made accessories: if not by donning one of their cocktail dresses, you can dazzle others by sporting one of their cocktail rings.
Whatever the occasion, make sure you feel as comfortable as you can and don't stress too much about looking a particular way. Feeling like yourself in whatever outfit you choose will make hitting the holiday soiree circuit much easier. And don't forget to smile — the best party accessory by far.
Despite being kind of a tomboy (jeans and Converse are my daily uniform), I secretly enjoy getting all dressed up once in a while. However, by my fourth soiree I begin to wonder why, and long for my trusty Miss Sixty's.
But long before the heels start to hurt your feet, and your dress becomes uncomfortable, you'll find it's fun to shop for the perfect outfit. Depending upon your personal style and the dress code of the event, finding the appropriate assemblage of accoutrements can be an undertaking. I know I am particularly lucky in this department, on account of my two sisters whom are close to me in age and size, and so I can easily borrow a party frock. This, however, is saved for emergencies only, as we all have very different styles like glamorous, tomboy, and flirty.
Despite our fashion differences, we have come to agree on a few favourite stores, along with a few preferred styles, that appeal to our diverse tastes, and flatter every body shape. Ideally, we would simply go to Holt's and have our personal shoppers pick out the best styles for us in their dress salon, while we patiently wait and sip Dom Pérignon; but more realistically, the following shops are where we score the best finds:
Fcuk:
Though best known for their cheeky tees (“I'd FCUK me,” “FCUK Fashion”), French Connection also has a great assortment of cocktail dresses, shoes, and accessories to match. Structured, one-shoulder strapped, above the knee dresses (some outfitted with contrasting ruffles) are right on target with Fall 09's trends, and highlight the right parts, while slimming over the rest (they make an eight look like a six... really!).
Ruffled shift dresses, too, come in a variety of colours and textures to suit all, but my personal favourite FCUK dress, currently in stores, is their black and goldsequined flapper-style gown of the aforementioned description. Special enough to wear more than once, this dress needs few accessories, as it dazzles on its own. But, don't let the $268 price tag scare you away; there is no machine in the world that can sew sequins, so each piece must be done by hand. If that's not worth the money, try it on - the sparkle of the dress will do the convincing for you.
Bebe:
My sisters and I all love the dresses from this shop, because there is such a wide range of styles. While my older sister, the glamorous one, tends to steer towards Swarovski-encrusted bustier dresses, or the rich gold and burgundy brocade styles with sweetheart necklines, I personally am a fan of the tough leather and lace combinations, or the simplistic body-con styles. As for my younger sister, the flirt? She loves the designs that accentuate her décolletage, especially if they're fringed or sequined.
On-trend mega platforms, opentoe booties, and bondage-inspired heels call for attention, and share the limelight with your dress. With mega sales always going on, you can afford both the dress and the shoes to match.
Zara:
Approximately half of my wardrobe comes from this Spanish-based, fast-fashion chain. Boasting both trendy and classic styles for clothes, accessories, and shoes, Zara gets it right.
Their career line, Zara Woman, is great for the conservative gal, while Zara Basic fulfills one's simplistic, more casual needs. The trendier, slightly younger crowd can also find picks with Zara's TRF collection.
If the event you're looking to attend is sophisticated in nature, Zara Woman will have a demure shift dress, or a wrap that will cover you up enough, but still look stylish. For some added sex appeal, you could pair your frock with some lace or dip-dyed ombré tights.
With patterns and the use of simple materials such as wool and cotton, Zara Basic offers styles suitable for more relaxed affairs. But if you need that truly “party girl dress,” TRF has all the sequins, lace, bustiers, and brightness you could ask for. The best part? Hardly anything is over $100, so if that cranberry vodka accidentally spills on you, there will be no need for hostility, and holiday spirits will remain high.
Mendocino:
Last summer, my glam sister worked at a Mendocino boutique, and I still can't figure out if this constituted an advantage or a disaster, on my end. This chi-chi shop is teemed with gorgeous and original designs.
Stocked with pieces by lesserknown designers, in my view, their buyer is truly a genius. Garments that fit in, yet stand out make their collections special and original; it would not be hard for others to be mistaken into believing that a Mendocino piece was purchased somewhere overseas, rather than in one of their small boutiques.
While this store is more expensive than the average shop found at malls (be prepared to shell out upwards of $300) really, can you put a price on originality?
Fashion Crimes:
This single standing dress shop on Queen Street West has been featured in nearly every Canadian fashion magazine, and for good reason: if their unbelievable window displays don't draw you in (currently, the mannequins are crafted into rotating swans, complete with tutu-style frocks, a sparkling snowfall, massive grand mirrors, and enough accessories to make your head spin), the gorgeous, handmade, one-of-a-kind dresses will.
More appropriate for a gala, than a typical holiday party, Fashion Crimes makes dressing up in itself, a festive affair (think along the lines of Betsey Johnson). Unpretentious yet colourful, Fashion Crimes' dresses will make you feel like a kid in a candy shop.
If your event doesn't call for something quite so extravagant, at least check out their in-store made accessories: if not by donning one of their cocktail dresses, you can dazzle others by sporting one of their cocktail rings.
Whatever the occasion, make sure you feel as comfortable as you can and don't stress too much about looking a particular way. Feeling like yourself in whatever outfit you choose will make hitting the holiday soiree circuit much easier. And don't forget to smile — the best party accessory by far.
