Audrey Hepburn always got it right with basic black and pearls.
Did design diva Coco Chanel have any idea that she had created an essential, classic look back in 1926 when she published that first image of a short and simple black frock in Vogue?
Ever since, women from all walks of life have come to rely on their versatile little black dresses. No matter what our body shape, the size of our bank account, or how many other options hang in our closet, the casually elegant LBD remains the standby. Dress it up, dress it down. It fits the bill for any and all occasions—work, shopping, lunch with the girls, dinner with your man, or a glitzy night on the town.
LBD, we sing your praises. Like many of you, I own a crop of them. Some are velvet (making appearances only in cold-weather months), others are playful party dresses, and a few are serious enough for a wake. Some have bolero jackets, and others make a bold statement when swaddled in a bright pashmina. As fashion trends wax and wane, one thing is for sure. The trusty LBD is always perfect with pearls, pumps, and a healthy dollop of Audrey Hepburn attitude.
Style Editor Susan Brierly
Do you love your LBD? Tell me why, or e-mail me (susanonstyle@parkplacemagazine.com) your hi-resolution digital glamour-girl photo, and I’ll publish the best of the best!
Skirtin the Issue
Recently, at the Far Hills Country Day School holiday boutique, I spotted a stunning collection of fun and flirty Skirtin Around (skirtinaround.com) fashions. I happily walked away in a baby-blue wool coat with chocolate detail, gold buttons, and a brown-and-white silk zebra lining. I adore it!
Petal Pink: Skirtin Around’s pique coat offers a fresh look that anticipates spring.
Skirtin Around owner and designer Lisa Barfuss of New Canaan, Connecticut, got her start ten years ago making cute skirts for herself and her twin sister, Laurie Theiss of Bernardsville. Country clubs and school bazaars loved the designs, so Barfuss expanded her line and presented the creations to a boutique owner. “She ordered $10,000 worth of clothing and accessories in five minutes,” says the successful entrepreneur and mother of four.
Barfuss still designs everything herself (including most of the fabrics), and now sells her sassy and classy creations in more than 500 stores globally. Discover the Skirtin Around line at Four Seasons in New Vernon, Paradise in Morristown, Sadie in Westfield, and Windswept in Mendham.
What’s new for 2010? “Customers especially like our cheerful springtime palette of pink, orange, lime, and royal blue,” Barfuss says. “My personal favorite is our pretty pink pique coat!”
Shop ‘til You Drop
Polyvore
Trust me on this, girlfriends.
- Go to polyvore.com.
- In the search box at the top right, enter “little black dress.”
- Press the enter button and, instantly, hundreds of fashion images will pop onto your screen.
- Have fun creating, sharing, and shopping, but be warned—browsing polyvore.com is addictive!
