Lowest prices of the season..storewide summer savings..shop in store and online! No coupons necessary.

I was in Boston Store last week; always HAVE to check out Ralph Lauren.  I need a new white skirt and this one is very pretty and summery. Not too full – lined – light.

LOVE this dress.  So versatile – flip flops or dressy sandals. Bohemian look or dress up with accessories.  This dress is a winner! The color, pattern, style…would  be a great dress to pack for a trip.

LAUREN Ralph Lauren has wonderful casual/sport wear. Comfortable, easy to wear and you look put-together….with minimum effort. This is a great travel outfit. Pants and jacket for cold airplanes and you remove the jacket upon reaching warm destinations.  Of course, convenient to  have the outfit with you for lounging or walking!

Loving print media…my newspapers along with a plethora of catalogs…there’s nothing like a high-quality catalog showcasing beautiful designs. A wonderful way to peruse; educate and enjoy the Art of Fashion. My daughter and I went through Nordstrom Designer Collections Spring 2011 to “ooh and aw” and pick our favorites. A delight for the visual senses!

The results?

This was one of my favs – in fact LANVIN had many top contenders. It was tough to choose!

LANVIN

My daughter loved this one…..

NINA RICCI

We both picked this combination. Beautiful and sexy.

JASON WU

We  immediately gravitated to these rockin’ sling back sandals!

NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD

GUCCI

TWIST STRAP DRESS

tHE cOLORS – belt….JUST GORGEOUS!

Our top favorite? This aqua silk tweed dress with ostrich and hen feathers. My artistic creative daughter picked for the color and beauty of combination of textures. Me – of course for the beauty but mostly for how I’d FEEL wearing this fine design piece. On a cloud…..thank you CHANEL!

CHANEL

LESAGE SILK TWEED SLEEVELESS FEATHER DRESS

And, thank you NORDSTROM, for producing this heavenly catalog!

There’s so much to talk about here…this post would be pages long! Just a couple items to brighten up your closet for spring! But follow link to view the catalog.

Nordstrom March 2011 Catalog…click HERE .  Remember, TRIPLE REWARD POINTS March 16-20.

Pages to look at TWICE: Page 12, Nanette Lepore swiss dot blouse with wide leg pant.  Page 13, Elie Tahari ‘Shellie’ white blouse and high-waisted skirt.

Taylor Dresses: Textured party dress Page 65

Taylor Dresses: Vintage mixed-print party dress Page 62

HALOGEN CROPPED PANTS : page 33. I have these pants and love them. Great fit and hold you in, in all the right places I have black but need to order in pumice.

Maggy London Ruched Stretch Cotton Sheath Dress

A printed sheath with structure and ruching. A winner at $128 Pages 58 & 59

Jeffrey Campbell ‘Bottle’ d’Orsay Flat

“A neutral palette of gleaming patent leather styles a polished flat fitted with proprietary midsole cushioning for all-day comfort and support.”

$109.95 Click HERE

For similar style but kitten-heel:

Jeffrey Campbell ‘Situation’ Pump

2” Heel  $124.95

While shopping for everyday essentials, your stop should include wondering around the women’s department. Here’s what caught my eye.

Converse One*Star casual dresses

Forget the shorts and T-shirt and slip on a fully-lined Converse*Star dress. These are comfortable, pretty and will be appropriate to meet your lunch date! Fun, cool and only $29.99.

Nice trench and at $34.98, a sure winner!

Lined Lacy Merona top $26.99

A feminine top to wear for an evening out with dress pants or skirt. I also like the idea of cuffed jeans and flats. So pretty and versatile!

Merona lined dresses $39.99

The black is perfect for an evening out. The denim cries for a bright cardigan and cute flats for a lunch date or running errands. Both a perfect canvas to dress up or down.

Merona Trench $49.99

If you need to add a trench to your closet and you don’t like the other ones (above), here’s a Merona that provides more weight and structure.

It’s wonderful to have so many great choices!

Nicole Miller Pleated Jersey Sheath Dress

What a relief that Spring is right around the corner?! What better way to enjoy the warm weather with dresses that go right to social events after work. Start making your list for Nordstrom Triple Points purchases (March 16-20)!

Black Halo Belted Twill Sheath Dress

Lauren by Ralph Lauren ‘Shannon’ Georgette Wrap Dress ($144)

This is a favorite for me…a classic. Work, an afternoon tea, cocktails and dinner. Dress up or down with jewelry and shoes, cardigan or wrap.

Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Ruffle Trim Crepe Sheath Dress ($118)

Again, a classic that you’ll  wear for many occasions. Pretty with understated necklace for work or wear a fun piece for evening. It’s a good canvas to accessorize.

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Ruched Faux Wrap Dress ($98)

This wins the prize! Available in several colors…ruched waistband, flattering jersey. I’d pair this with a coral cardigan and add a statement necklace for evening.

So I may be premature with longing for Spring, but it’s not too early to go through your closet and plan your needs for the upcoming season!

Planning for the holidays can be stressful enough, but add packing to the list and we’re ready to throw in the towel! Don’t pack everything you own because the process is overwhelming. Follow a few guidelines to ease your frustration and check one bag, instead of three!

The LBD for travel gives you so many options. Make it casual with flats and a sweater. Dress up with  jewelry, shawl and heels. Using each piece for several options takes care of planned activities and gives you choices for spontaneous events.

Both dresses shown here with Chico’s jewelry, which make a statement in themselves.

Travelers Dahlia Dress

Style: 570010149

The classic A-line dress–crafted in our wrinkle-resistant Travelers knit–instantly creates an elegant, elongated silhouette.

Travelers Rosemary Wrap Dress

Style: 570006634

Just perfect: a faux wrap with side-seam rouching that flattens the tummy and nips in the waist.

A nice top to wear with black pants or jeans.

Travelers Velvet Top

Style: 570013430

Detailed to slim and shine: a rouched drawstring waist, a burnout technique, luxurious velvet.

Love this cardigan! Ohhh…and belting option! (It’s on sale too.)

Indulgence Fur Anya Cardigan

Style: 570009723

Extended Sizes

Lavishly long and finished with a detachable fur stole (faux, of course). Remove the striking collar for a versatile classic cardigan.

We’ll use our black cardigan or shawl to go with the print.

Travelers Morgan Animal Block Print Dress

Style: 570009810

Web Exclusive

The wrap dress is forever in style. We styled ours with a faux-wrap surplice and slimming knotted detail at the waist.

Still searching for that special dress for the upcoming holiday season? Here are great choices from BCBGMAXAZRIA!

NEW!

BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress, Sleeveless Illusion Top Evening

$398.00

A sophisticated yet sexy style, this  dress features a beaded illusion top for a dramatic look.

NEW!

BCBGMAXAZRIA Strapless Tulle Dress

When the occasion calls for true glamour, dial up the drama with a show-stopping strapless gown.

NEW!

BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress, Strapless Ruffled Evening Gown

$278.00

A long cascading ruffle creates a supremely feminine look on this glamorous gown.

NEW!

BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress, Feather Neckline Gown

$548.00

Lighten up in this fabulous gown with a whimsical feathered neckline, contrast banded waist and graceful drape.

BEADED TULLE DRESS

NST6C446-001

$478.00 Capture glamour and elegance on a special occasion with this beautiful beaded tulle dress

PLEATED LACE DRESS

NST6K756-001

$378.00 Beautful lace and flowing tulle make a sweet, elegant impression with this inspiring dress.

PLEATED SILK GOWN

LUB6D989-996

$298.00 Make a sweeping entrance at a special occasion with this beautiful flowing gown.

Still shopping for your holiday needs? Hurry to Saks on-line or your nearest Saks Fifth Avenue store. Buy your dress Nov 9-11th for sales up to 40% off, free shipping over $200 AND Triple Points.

As always, I’ve linked my selections and indicated the sale prices.

ABS

Silk Organza Strapless Dress

An enchanting design in pure silk organza with a ruched sweetheart bodice and flounced skirt. Sale $198.

Beautiful and love the color! The flowing skirt will be nice for several body types.

ABS

Sleeveless Peplum Dress

A classic, fitted silhouette features a vintage-inspired brooch and beautiful peplum detail.  $144.

A nice classic to wear for several occasions.

Nicole Miller

Cap Sleeve Cocktail Dress

Crinkled stretch sateen in a form fitting v-neck design. $258.

A nice alternative to the LBD. Again, great color and while it doesn’t show a lot of skin, it spells s-e-x-y!

D&G

Stretch Satin Sheath Dress

A lustrous look in stretch satin shaped by diagonal seaming at the waist. $339.

Beautiful red in a classic shape.

Teri Jon

Rosette Silk Cocktail Dress

A trio of lovely rosettes embellish the Empire waist of this silk cocktail design in a sleeveless silhouette with a double V neckline. $270.

Great deep violet color, forgiving fit for many figures, this dress says “let’s dance!”

Badgley Mischka Platinum Label

Sequined Strapless Ruffle Gown

Elegant strapless design with shimmering sequined bodice and ruffle cascade skirt. $528.

What a dream!  Click on the hyperlink and watch the video. Beautiful movement in the dress!

When does a dress become art?  Design and color, texture, weight of the material and details are components that delight and invigorate the senses.  When you find a special dress, you’ll revel in each wearing and hopefully will enjoy for years to come. Here’s one such dress in a special friend’s closet. A young lady who appreciates art, fashion, quality and beauty. Gorgeous ! Her description of the dress:

“The dress was designed for Ocimar Versolato’s runway collection (year unknown, sometime between 1993-1998). The entire dress was hand-sewn and is number 575 – the only version of that number.  Versolato is Brazilian and formerly worked with Herve Leger and Lanvin. It’s lavender (there’s one photo that shows the under-dress) with a copper bustle. There are three darts on the top and waist of each side; the bustle, you know, bustles up in the back in a series of complex folds and the train – still the same long piece of fabric – extends about five feet from the top of the bustle and can also function as a wrap. There’s a separate, weighted lavender panel in front.”

Here’s more on the designer: http://www.always-inspiring-more.com/Ocimar-Versolato.168.0.html

A beautiful girl in a beautiful dress!

DKNY Hosiery Chevron Knit Tights

Knit sweater tights look great with your LBD (little black dress) or a cute skirt. Or wear with the boot toppers below for a sassy look!

DKNY flannel melange pointelle boot topper.

Anne Klein New York Shawl-Collar Ribbed Dress

This dress is a gal’s best friend. Included belt cinches the waist for a sexy silhouette.

Need a little red this season?

Calvin Klein Red Pleated Sheath Dress

The pleating on this pretty dress makes for a flattering shape.

DKNY "Roslyn" Flared Trench Coat

Check out this link. Even on sale!

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dress "Ethan" Sheath Dress

Belt this dress with a black belt and wear with a camel coat!