Knockout Dresses

Not Your Average LBD!

I swore I wouldn't do this - rave about little back dresses (LBD's to you!).  I always felt they were thoroughly overdone but right now I have to admit that there are some corkers our there that need to be added to the quiver. I keep repeating this but so much depends on the party and the crowd. I don't want to follow, bleating and woolly but there occasions when the LBD is not only appropriate but downright stunning. I'll show you!

For instance go to Providence Place with me or if you can't troop over to your nearest Nordstrom's. They even have a separate section devoted to little black dresses - tells you something, right? And right away, look at this little beaut.  Very short as I like it and I think just a little provocative despite the elbow length sleeves and demure neckline.  The back has a little sauce to it. Oh yes, it's a  Karta Tie Back Jeweled Tunic Dress Jeweled appliqués detail the front of the tunic while the low, squared back features a clever tie detail. Elbow-length puffed sleeves are pleated and lined for volume. Nordstrom item # 210184 $290

Maybe this one would be more your speed.  The neckline probably suits you better although the back is nothing to write home about. The dress is by BCBGMAXAZRIA and is a Sequined Sheath. The sequins adorn a V-neck dress with a chiffon Empire waist, sweetly cinched with a tie. Nordstrom's item # 180261 $440.

Here's another, reasonably short and with a good bit of "let's go" about it.  It's a   Brunya Glitter Neck Dress with a beaded square panel. The high collar wraps around the neck to a keyhole at the back. The slightly gathered body ends in an easy, relaxed hem. I really like the look of this one and I'll try it on today to see. Nordstrom's item # 206965 priced at $498.

Now that we have three nice cocktail dresses to choose from, let's look at the LBD's in a formal length. Well before we go full length, this one is a pretty dress for a semi formal affair.  Knee length hem on a Maggy London Cascade Front Chiffon Dress. It is cut on the bias, silk tank featuring a shirred bust and Empire waist, accented with a removable brooch that sets off a cascade of fabric down the center. Very nice. Nordstrom's item # 3964 and price is $158. Can't go wrong at that price.

OK - a little black dress in formal length.  Sort of an oxymoron but we will need one of these this year.And this gown by Calvin Klein fills the bill perfectly. A Halter Gown in matte jersey with a shirred bodice falls to a liquid-drape hem. Charmeuse waist and tie. A lovely classic look.  Nordstrom's item # 178953 $208.