The Little Black (Holiday) Dress

The “Little Black Dress” is tailored, chic sophistication—its hue and simplicity no doubt contributing to its longstanding popularity. Invented in 1926 in Paris by fashion maven Coco Chanel, this dress never seems dated, regardless of the year. The L.B.D. reinvented the way women wore black, becoming a permanent staple in cocktail and evening wear. The L.B.D. was often paired with one or two strands of pearls, simple black pumps and matching pearl or diamond earrings. Think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (her dress was Givenchy). It holds a special place in the closets and hearts of many women.

The holidays are upon us! Whether the parties are work-related or involve family and friends, we want to look our very best. Since dress code varies from one holiday event to another, it makes sense to pick a L.B.D. that is more timeless. If you stick to the book, wear the L.B.D. classically: sleeveless, knee length with a high scoop neck. Rely on your shoes and accessories to update your look from one event to another.

Sometimes I draw from the idea of the L.B.D. while adding an edge for a look that is a bit more exciting. I personally love the L.B.D. with a lace overlay, opaque black tights and black pump or bootie. (I simply love black.) Puffed, single-sleeve dresses are all the rage right now (as are sequined dresses). If your holiday party is laid-back, consider these as options. Keep in mind that you can also mix and match textures and couple your L.B.D. with edgier shoes and accessorizes!
 
Must your L.B.D. be black? Why not set your sights on a dress that is partially black? Chanel said fashion is in the streets, and the streets are alive with COLOR. Add nudes, reds, olives, blues, whatever you wish. Who knows—maybe it will up your chances of being caught beneath the mistletoe!

Sondra Roberts bag available at Lori's Shoes.

Steve Madden Mercyy available at Lori's Shoes.

Sam Edelman Jagger available at Lori's Shoes.

Clutch and ring available at Lori's Shoes.

—Ashley Lacey, Armitage staff and editor of Stiletto-Chic

     

Lessons from the Silver Screen: Dressing Dolce Vita’s “Pippa”

Whenever I see fur I think of Old Hollywood glamour. Marilyn Monroe. Zsa Zsa Gabor. Audrey Hepburn. Elizabeth Taylor. Rita Hayworth. Grace Kelly. This is the era of less as more, when diamonds were a girl’s best friend ... But I digress. Most notably it was a time when fur became timeless. It never goes out of style!

Cue Dolce Vita’s Pippa. This rabbit fur wedge boot is just ah-mazing. Initially, I was attracted to its equally fab stiletto counterpart, the Tatum, but a sturdy stacked wedge wins me over every time! Not to mention the Pippa is taller. The more fur the better.

Before I could even get the Pippa into my grubby little hands, I was a-buzz with legging options. Should I pair it with a black patterned tight? What about grey? I just knew that NUDE anything would be just awesome; the Pippa worn bare-legged (especially with warm skin tones) will be absolute perfection.

I’ve found that with fur you don’t have to pair it only with colors that are prominent within the legging's print. You can throw on complimentary colors. I had a girl try on the Pippa and it look great paired with her black jeggings, deep purple over-the-knee lightweight socks and multi-colored chunky knit sweater. I loved her layered look ... and her fringe bag didn’t hurt either! The pairing of the unexpected adds a bit of oomph to the entire look and tones down the boot for a wearable daytime look.

Inspired by my fashionable customers, I put together some outfits around the Pippa. Let me know what you think!

 

—Ashley, Lori's staff and creator of Stiletto Chic


  

A Time For Gifting.

It's never too early to start thinking of gifts. Whether for the holiday season, birthdays, anniversaries, or just to lift a friend's mood, it seems there's always an excuse to buy a little something for a special someone (even if that someone's you). Here are a few new items that we think will make great gifts for the holidays or just because.


Jewelry's always a big winner (and it's hard to lose at $38). This sweet necklace has a small gold-plated wing pendant strung along a short gold chain. Wear it everyday alone or layered with additional necklaces for a "heavenly" look.

What girl wouldn't mind having a leather bag added to her collection? This petite coin purse-cum-sling-across by Hobo has remarkably luxurious glazed leather and superior construction. Unique vintage style makes this compact purse easy to love. Available in sage and black, this bag is a very moderate $58. 

For your stocking-stuffer gifts, try a scarf or a cute pair of socks. A pair of mohair-blend leg-warmers make an unexpected but much-desired gift. Or how about some colorful and soft wool-blend gloves with special fingerpads that will work with any touch-screen phone?

If you're looking for the perfect gift that will make any girl in your life happy, go for the gift card. Available in $25, $50, and $75 denominations, a Lori's gift card is your ace in the hole. It will never expire and won't lose its value over time.

A Few Favorite Looks

In case you haven't noticed, Lori's has started to carry apparel, much to our delight. Here are a couple looks that include a few of our favorite new apparel pieces matched with new shoes and accessories.

This dressed-up look can be worn out to a party, on a date or anytime you're going for sexy but tasteful. With a contemporary little black dress from BB Dakota, standout bronze and emerald green leather pumps from Poetic Licence, and a luxurious leather clutch from Jesslyn Blake, this look is simple, yet exciting. Accessorize with a beaded wrap bracelet from Nakamol for added sparkle.

Little Black Dress by Lori's 


Both casual and sophisticated, riding-chic style remains a timeless classic for Fall. We like to layer basics like this long-sleeved black T-shirt from BB Dakota with a soft plaid Echo Design scarf and match with a pair of jodhpurs and buckled Miz Mooz boots. The khaki crocco-embossed High Fashion satchel, Rebel Design leather and crystal cuff, and M Gold earrings are just enough to accessorize the look without going over the top.

Riding Chic by Lori's 

Merchandise It: Texture Frenzy

The Lori's Insider Report

—Ashley Lacey, Lori's staff and author of Stiletto-Chic

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to "merchandise it up" in the words of my fashion icon, the über-fab Carrie Bradshaw. (I am well aware that she is fictional but to me, she lives.)

I love to create a multi-dimensional look centered around one core item. It is paramount to have a statement piece, whether it be a pair of platforms, a necklace, a bracelet or a bag. Pick an item to be the center of attention and make it the star of the show!

When picking your pieces be sure to incorporate texture. Add items that don't seem to match. This trend is epic right now. Match a dressier item, such a sequin top or a light weight chiffon skirt, with a blazer or edgier boot as seen below on Gwyneth Paltrow. Her amped-up boots are obviously the main attraction! Get her sexy combat boot look with our Vancouver boot by Sam Edelman.

No need to match your belt with your pumps. No need to wear only complementary colors. Take a look at my fave "mix-n-match" runway Fall 2010 looks [courtesy of Harper's Bazaar]. These looks illustrate color remixing, the pairing of items of various textures, layering and the dominance of a muted color palette.

How does one style a "statement piece"?  How much is too much? You decide! Exercise your own judgment. I believe that fashion has no rules. Adorn yourself with fur (faux fur if you prefer), ethnic or Geo prints and texturized tights. Wear what your fashionable heart desires!

Hue tights, Boutique 9 wedge booties, earrings, and Cut N' Paste bag all available at Lori's

Lori on Lori's

Geniuses that we are, the Lori's Shoes creatives team conspired to do less work and still get paid. Our Tom Sawyer-like whitewashing paid off in spades when Lori agreed to do our job and write a post on how she wears fall styles. Muh-hoo-ha-ha-ha! Of course, after more than 25 years in the business, she knows more than all of us combined. We may have gotten off light, but you readers are the true winners. Enjoy!

If I had to define my style, I would describe myself as classic with an urban edge. Some of my favorite pieces are the simple black dress, the crisp white oxford shirt and the timeless button-down sweater. I make them look current with great accessories. I love to accessorize! I tend to wear pieces that are strong, current and bold (but never overpowering).

What I love about this season is the ease in pairing clothing and accessories. Just the other day I pulled out my brown Frye Veronica slouch boots, straight leg jeans and a classic, crisp white shirt. Then I layered in my favorite new La Vie Parisienne necklaces for a touch of the unexpected.

The military trend speaks to me this season. I'm putting this look together through Tipo's lace-up boots in brown leather and tight-fitting khaki cargo pants. Wear leg warmers over the khakis for a suped-up military look!

Another look I will be wearing is "vintage cozy": a plaid shirt with the ivory knit infinity scarf from Caroline Amato in ivory for $48.00. Did I mention that I love the leather fingerless gloves by also by Caroline Amato? Check out L770 for $64.00 The studs totally complete the look and add a bit of punch! (Heh.)

When I am feeling a little more grown up, a little more classic and a little less trendy, I
think Ralph Lauren. With romantic images of the Old West in mind, I'll wear a pair of my favorite classic riding boots—the Melissa by Frye. I love its cognac color. It is the perfect, denim-friendly neutral. Accessorize it with chunky gold jewelry; check out the above picture of me wearing the CCC bracelets with gold plates and saddle leather. The Hobo Touch Base cross-body bag completes the look.
 
I hope you enjoy some of my personal fashion statements for this season. Keep visiting our website to always get the most current, always interesting, always entertaining fashion news and ideas! And thanks for shopping at Loriʼs.

— Lori Andre

Lori At-Large: Milan Fall Trends

Twice a year Lori heads off to the land of culture, art, architecture, cuisine and world-renowned fashion to bring back the hottest shoe styles this side of the ocean. At least that is what she tells us whilst sipping Prosecco and eating authentic homemade pasta al fresco ... we are sure she is working hard. Here is what she reports from the city of fabulosity – Milan, Italy.

Currently in Milan, and I think in Italy there is, generally, an emphasis on comfort. Similar to the trend in the States, "toning" shoes seem to be a trend. (Sketchers are even here ... yikes!!!!!) The Italian women still wear Hogans and Tods—a look not truly understood by American women. The autumn fashion trends here are very similar to the stores in the U.S., such as over-the-knees, lace-ups and pumps. Mens tailoring, especially at Prada, seems strong as well. There is a lot of fur in all the stores here and lots of camel clothing! Max Mara has beautiful things right now. Seriously, and I am not just saying this, I think we are dead on with all our trends at Lori's.

 

As far as Spring trends go, I think it is all over the board. Sandals with ornaments, neutral colors, military and wedges are still important and also pretty, along with ladylike pumps in colors. Honestly, I did not see anything super fresh, super interesting—it updates Spring/Summer 2010. To confirm my staff's mention last week to the longevity of booties, here's a sneak peak at an ornately designed wedge bootie from Jeffrey Campbell's Spring/Summer 2011 line:

On another note, I am happy to report that the stores in Milan seem to be doing a lot of business. The show was well-attended and generally speaking the sentiment is positive. I am happy about that.

—Lori Andre reporting from Milan

Staff At Large: London

One of our team recently reported from her UK vacation, inspired by the fashion she found on the streets of London. Here is her post from abroad. If you have similar posts from afar, please send us an email!

One thing I love most about London is the personal style. These styles aren't right off the runway; the streets of London are a runway of their own. Goodbye fashion predictions and cheers to personal style! From brogues to boots, flats to soft wood heels, anything goes in London ... and it works. Of course, comfort is always a trend as it should be in a country where walking is not an option but a must. Comfortable footwear with style is always tricky, but the ladies of London know how to wear it well. Platforms and stilettos are left for club night, and even then eschewed for fashion flats or bare feet before the night ends.

One everyday look stood out amongst others. Chic grunge – city sophistication with hipster/rocker accents – was everywhere. I saw Hello, Kitty darlings in ripped jeans, tees and tortoise-shell glasses. I spied plenty of low-cut boots, tights, short skirts and leather jackets. Wooden heels were also a favorite amongst the stylish. Another comfortable shoe with style and flair, brogues, were everywhere with skirts, skinny jeans, and leggings.

Take a peek at a few British feet on the move in London. Many thanks to all the happy feet who posed for a shot from a shoe-blogging tourist!

Report from Padova

A Brief Stop in Padova on the Way to the Milan Shoe Shows.

As Lori travels toward Milan and the shoe shows, she sent us an update from a sojourn in Padova.

"Right now in Padova vintage is happening. Vintage gym shoes, vintage clothing ... the more worn out, the better. The styles seem pretty young and aggressive. Lines like Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren are popular here, as well as Guess.

"I am seeing a lot of oxfords on heels and boots – all sorts of boots. We are dead on with the styles that they are showing in the stores in Florence. Janet & Janet and Vic Matie have a strong presence here. Milan will be a different story. Milan tends to be more high fashion and extremely trendy. I will be interested to see what they are showing. My guess is yet more gladiators with ornamentation and styles similar to the Laura Brandon [tall, foldover gladiators] style from last year.

"Buona notte,
L"

Save Some For Us: One of Lori's many new dishes.

Trend Post: Ga-ga for Glasgow

Well, we weren't expecting it, that's for sure. Everyone told us 'Glasgow is ugly and industrial; go to beautiful Edinburgh just 40 miles away.' We heard this so many times we suspected a hidden motive and we were right. Glasgow is an amazing gem of a city brimming with fashion, art, nightlife and so much music you'd need a second set of ears to hear it all.

The view from the street was encouraging. As in London, the emphasis on personal style is huge here. Skinny skinny jeans are still quite popular throughout the UK from England to Wales to Scotland. Footwear styles as in England continue to be too diverse to pin them to one trend other than a core mandate of looking good without effort, which of course requires no small effort.

Sidebar: We popped into the Sutherland Sporting Company in Lairg on our way to the North Sea and we have to shill for them. This sportsman outfitters makes absolutely the most stunning tweeds, waxed jackets, caps and wet gear. A few weeks ago T: The New York Times Magazine had a fashion spread based on English sporting styles (think Norfolk jackets, plus-fours, tweeds, shotguns and pheasants). It's a shame they missed this place. (Which is easy to do being as it's on the forward edge of nowhere.)

With messenger bags so popular right now, we thought Sutherland's oiled leather cartridge bags and game bags were a special twist with more style. And the owners couldn't be nicer. It's not cheap, but things of quality rarely are.

So we'll finish with a short list of the week's faves:
Marks & Spencer (a department store ... AND a grocery!)
Sutherland Sporting Company (for everything tweed)
Glasgow Museum of Modern Art (GoMA)
Glasgow School of Art (designed by Charles Mackintosh)
Dornoch Golf Course (3rd oldest links course in the world)
Villages: Dornoch, Durness, Lairg, Fort Augustus
Loch Ness (23 miles long!)
and pretty much anything north of Hadrian's Wall