‘NYC holiday’
courtesy of ‘anne.oeldorfhirsch’
It’s happened to all of us ladies one year or another – you’ve been so busy with the holidays that you’ve completely forgotten to go shopping for your New Years Eve dress! Oops! That’s okay, I’ve got a few last-minute quick fixes for you, no matter what your style and budget. So read on for great places to find the perfect “kiss me” dress!
I’ve got some contenders for less than $50, great places to find a dress that’s sure to be one-of-a-kind, some tricky ways to turn an office dress into evening wear, and finally places to snag a show stopping dress that’s sure to get you noticed. So read on, lover girl, let’s get you dolled up.
‘Harrods’
courtesy of ‘Wolfiewolf’
Thrifty Girl: Finding a dress for less than $50
I admire a girl who sticks to a budget. And for those of you who do, I say head to old standbys Forever 21 (at Pentagon City Mall) and H&M (Georgetown or Metro Center). I love this modern gold crinkle dress from Forever 21’s modern Love21 line, or this subtly-dotted gold and black strapless number. Looking for something more sparkly? H&M is dripping in sequins this year. The other place you might want to check out is retail consignment shop Current Boutique in Arlington (Between Court House and Clarendon metro stops) – they have an entire wall of dresses, and I fell in love with a vintage-looking Steve Madden geometric print dress last week that just wasn’t my size. Maybe it’s yours?
Not Your Average Dress: Finding a unique dress no one else will have
I prefer vintage shopping if I’m looking for a new dress, and my current vintage crush is Treasury (on 14th near U). I got my purple birthday dress at Treasury, and have since worn it to other festive events and get compliments EVERY time! The other place to turn for more one-of-a-kind pieces is Ginger Boutique (in Bethesda Row). Today through Wednesday they’re having a 30% off sale on all dresses, clutches and accessories. Stop by at 5 p.m. and snag yourself some free champagne, too!
‘Dress’
courtesy of ‘farrelley’
Class Wins: Finding a classic dress to fit more than one situation
You can never go wrong with a little black dress. White House/Black Market has a to-die for LBD right now that looks good on almost anyone, and can also be worn to formal work occasions. Add a fun zebra, gold or red belt and some sassy shoes and it’s perfect for NYE! Ann Taylor also has the day-to-night transformation down pat, and I just recently welcomed this little number (on sale! for cheap!) into my closet. Add some outrageous jewelry and some colored tights (Filene’s Basement has a great selection for $7 or less) and no one will guess that you wear that dress to a 9 a.m. meeting.
Show Stopper: Outrageous dresses to get all the attention
You can always count on the fabulous Betsy Johnson (store in Georgetown) to have totally go-getter dresses. I’m loving a bold cobalt blue as the stand-out color of the season, and so this Charmeuse dress is the perfect alarm clock to wake up that boy who is getting lazy about making his move. Sequins always stand out, and this cheap little shift dress from Forever 21 fits the bill. But honestly? I think you’d make more of a stand-out statement in a dress that isn’t sequined. I have a crush on this little red strapless knit that you could easily accessorize with some lace fishnets and gold heels to be the center of attention.
