Q & A: Blue versus Black for the perfect LBD

Hello...So today I'm taking the opportunity to answer my first question for the bloggie, lets call her "Marilyn" (like one a ma fave starlets). She is seeking my counsel on the LBD: Little Black Dress and her question is as follows: 

"Hi Gigi,  What other dress can be worn apart from black but still gives me the little black dress feel?."  

Ok so in answer to that lets stroll down memory lane, and grasp how the term got coined in the first place ;).
The LBD/Little Black Dress, has been ascribed to and considered by most fashion historians and designers as essential to completing every woman's wardrobe. Coco Chanel made this dress ubiquitous in the 1920's, by making the style available to women of ALL social standing...loves her!
In 1926 she published a photo of a model wearing a dress of this design in Vogue. The fashion bible then stated that the LBD would become "a sort of uniform for all women of taste." Which is still being proven up to this date.

Audrey Hepburn's promotional picture for Breakfast at Tiffany's

Now fast forward to the 1960's, Audrey Hepburn cemented the style of the little black dress as being ideal. She appeared in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's in a Hubert de Givenchy design. Epitomizing the standard for wearing the LBD, she was never seen without pearls, glasses and sometimes a hat. Audrey is the queen of the little black dress and still is today. The look is very achievable and teaming your LBD with pearls, creates a timeless and elegant look. 

So in answer to "Marilyn"....Discover the colour Blue: Just as slimming as Black and sophisticated on everyone. Check out some of my picture references:

Port

The architecture of this dress is perfect for a day in the office to a night on the town. The design will also give the illusion of broad shoulders, if apple shaped. 

Micheal Kors

This can be worn to the office (blazer or cardigan as outerwear) and can easily transition into  evening wear...if being paired with the right heels and evening bag (clutch). The ability to cinch your waist with a belt is also a plus. 

Stella McCartney

Wanna be a little sexy but still be sophisticated and chic? A design like this will definately give you that. The corset bust will show off your "assets" yes but the slimming pencil  bottom will make you appear classy and give you a fashionable over all look.

Here are some other options you could add as staples to rock your look:

Forever21

A Deep Dark Blue Nail polish, can give you the same rock and rolla vibe. Be sure to keep tips short and ultra glossy. 

Laugh, Love, Live: Dark Blue coated denim.

Beyonce in J Brand 

The new skinny are stretchy coated jeans. These jeans are heavily coated with resin giving them a shiny unique leathery look and will make even the girl next door wanna cop one ;). Allowing you to channel your inner rocker chic and your inner fashionista, they combine the comfort of jeans with a hint of leatherette feel (I'm a fan of these).

Chloe

Owning a jacket/blazer is essential to your wardrobe. I opted to use the classic peacoat as reference. Wide bands of blue take this classic style from boring to brilliant. Do not fear the horizontal stripes ;) This cropped style will definately shrink you.

Eve

Swipe on a shade of blue and wear loads of mascara. Wearing makeup has no rule of thumb BUT the idea is to find a shade of blue that best compliments your skin tone. There are countless shades of blue, some warmer and some cooler. This shade also looks great with all eye colours.

Tip: Whenever purchasing a LBD my advise is that your LBD should be as simple as possible. A short black dress that is too clearly part of a trend would not qualify because it would soon appear dated.

Well "Marilyn" I hope I was of help...thank you for reading and happy monday!

xxo,
G