The Black Dress Traveler

Little Black Dresses for the Holidays: Great Deals at Maggy London

'Tis the season for swanky soirees! Why not treat yourself to a fantastic little black dress? Just in time for the holidays, Maggy London is offering 20% - 50% savings on their fashionable frocks. For example, the ruffle shoulder taffeta dress at left is on sale for $99.99 (regular price is $168). Lace is another hot trend this season and Maggy London has several elegant styles to choose from. You'll be the the belle of the ball without breaking the bank!

Travel in Style: Upgrade Your In-Flight Wardrobe

Do you remember the days when travel was glamorous? That idyllic time when ladies put on fabulous frocks and not sloppy sweats to fly the friendly skies? Granted, the skies aren't as friendly anymore but I still like to add a little pizazz to my ensemble. Dress like a superstar and you just may find yourself upgraded to first class!

TOPSHOP Black Sleeveless Wrap Ruched Dress
$76
The elegant silhouette of this little black dress will never go out of style. A comfortable blend of cotton with a dash of elastane, this washable beauty is a perfect no-fuss but high impact travel dress. Keep it simple or play it up with accessories.

Banana Republic - The Mad Men Collection Animal Print Cardigan in Soft Grey
$89.50
I have no idea of when Mad Men will return to our television screens but Banana Republic's new collection, created by the series' costume designer Janie Bryant, perfectly captures the unabashed femininity of 1960's fashions. This chic cardigan is a stylish way to keep your arms warm and your outfit sizzling!

KORS Michael Kors Erin Ballet Flats
$150
Dash through the airport in style in these racy red ballet flats. Made of flexible leather and patent, these flats will fit easily in your tote - just slip them on when your feet need relief!

J. Crew Newsstand Tote
$198
I always board a plane with a tote big enough to carry all of my essentials but compact enough to fit under the seat. This simple tote is roomy enough for a laptop, newspaper, book, cosmetics and more.

AVON ExtraLasting
Lipstick ($9) and Cream-to-Powder Foundation SPF 15 ($12)
For makeup that still looks fresh and natural when you land, AVON ExtraLasting is an affordable option. The lipstick offers up to 8 hours of transfer resistant color. The cream-to-powder foundation is much more travel friendly than liquid and offers medium coverage that resists sweat and will look flawless for up to 18 hours. Nice!

 

What's New at TOPSHOP - Hot Frocks, Cool Cosmetics & Eye Makeup Giveaway

Has it really been two years TOPSHOP crossed the pond from the UK to New York? Well, this is one British Invasion that every fashionista seems to love -  TOPSHOP's Soho store is one of the Big Apple's most popular retailers. Featuring fashion forward clothing and accessories at accessible prices, TOPSHOP excels at offering shoppers trends and classics with a twist. And, don't worry if you can't make it to NYC or London - TOPSHOP ships for free to all 50 states.

I was recently invited to get a close-up look at the TOPSHOP make-up collection and was wowed by the variety of colors and products - and they are very affordable! Here are a few TOPSHOP goodies that are just perfect for your next trip. And, keep reading for your chance to win some cool TOPSHOP eye makeup.

 

TOPSHOP Black Cut Out Detail Grecian Dress
$90
Chic, cute, and comfy, this sassy little black dress deserves space in your overnight bag. A machine washable blend of polyester and elastane, this slinky frock has fantastic little details like a racer back and ruching at the front. TOPSHOP has many more delicious little dresses in every color imaginable.

Lipgloss Stick in Glisten
$16
Get this while you can - it is part of TOPSHOP's limited edition Sandstorm collection that was inspired by the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert. You can never go wrong with sexy shiny lips and a little black black dress! I have this Lipgloss Stick in Glisten and love it. The texture has the creaminess of a lipstick and the shine of a gloss without the stickiness. The berry pink color is universally flattering. Pucker up!

Loose Powder Blush
$12
Being a blushing beauty is a breeze with TOPSHOP's loose powder blush - it has a very travel-friendly built in sponge applicator. Available in Walnut, Rosy, Demure and Sunsweep.


Crayon in Tarnish (metallic brown), Pewter (metallic gunmetal) and Rock Chick (dark plum)
$10 each
Play up those peepers dahling! These chunky pencils are very versatile - use them for shading, lining and defining. One lucky reader will win TOPSHOP Crayon pencils in Tarnish & Pewter (total prize value - $20). For your chance to win, just leave a comment below by 5:00 pm  (EST) on Wednesday, May 11. One winner will be selected at random and the prize can only be shipped to an address in the United States.

And The Bride Wore Alexander McQueen: Congratulations Prince William & Catherine

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW

Every Wedding Can Be Royal: 3 Fab Finds for Brides to Be

Unless you are living under a rock, you've probably heard that a certain beloved British Prince will wed a certain comely commoner on April 29th. Granted, this is not a wedding blog but it is nearly impossible to ignore the hoopla and even yours truly must recognize the phenomenon that is the Royal Wedding. Truth be told, I have great memories of Princess Diana walking down the aisle when I was a little girl and I am curious to see what Kate's dress will look like.

According to VisitBritain royal weddings boost tourism and 10- 20% more tourists are expected to visit Britain this April than last year. The media is obsessively following every detail of Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding arrangements - What will she wear? Will her hair be up or down? Has she lost too much weight? I've never been married but it occurs to me that these are the same dilemmas facing all brides, Kate just has to deal with the burden of the entire world watching her prepare for her walk down the aisle and up the social ladder.

I know that some of my readers are brides-to-be and whether you are tying the knot in your hometown or planning a destination wedding, here are a few essentials that will make you feel like a princess on your big day. I learned about these products at the event  "Accessorize for Your Royal Wedding hosted by Pamela Pekerman."
(Photo of Pamela courtesy of Irina Smirnova of Sigen Photography.)

Find your Dream Dress at Bridal Reflections
Let's face it, next to the groom, choosing the perfect dress is perhaps the biggest decision a bride will make. Bridal Reflections has 3 salons in New York, including one on Fifth Avenue, and was named the "Most Chic Wedding Salon in the NY Area" by Brides Magazine. If you can't make it to their salons, Bridal Reflections also hosts trunk shows around the country. Bridal Reflections has been featured on David Tutera's hit show My Fair Wedding. More than just wedding dresses, Bridal Reflections also offers designer evening wear, shoes and accessories.


Glam Up with a Custom Garter by The Garter Girl
Ahh, the garter. This little piece of fabric is a big part of a traditional wedding ceremony and is said to trace back to the Dark Ages. In addition to custom styles. The Garter Girl has an amazing selection of traditional, modern, eco-friendly, and couture styles. Need that traditional "something blue" to complete your wedding ensemble? The Garter Girl has a bounty of blue garters to choose from. And, The Garter Girl is a real person - Julianne Smith designs and hand crafts all of the garters in Washington, DC. "The Garter Girl is about making wedding garters fun and bringing the tradition back…with a little style!

Lengthen your Locks with Effortless Extensions
Commitment to your soul mate is one thing but do you really want to commit tons of time adding extensions to your hair?  I am a big fan of extensions and so glad that the stigma attached to wearing them has virtually disappeared. What I am not a fan of is the amount of time that it can take to have extensions sewn in. Just like the name implies , Effortless Extensions gives you all the glamour with virtually no effort - they provide length and volume in just a few seconds. No clips, no glue, no tape - Effortless Extensions are attached to a monofilament that you slip over your head and then blend in with your own hair. Effortless Extensions are available in human and synthetic hair and in a variety of textures.

 

Black Dress, Big City: See and Be Seen in New York

Do you live in the Big Apple or will your travels bring you to my hometown? See and be seen in your little black dress at one of these fun events. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

THE DRESS

Nanette Lepore: Dorothy Dress
$398
Made in New York City, this Nanette Lepore frock can take you to afternoon tea at The Plaza, gallery hopping in Soho and cocktails at the Monkey Bar. The black and cream Italian tweed is an absolutely timeless fabric that has been modernized with the fitted silhouette and pleated skirt. The bows and patch pockets with ruffle trim give this frock a playful yet sophisticated look.

THE CITY

Wine & Spirits Magazine 3rd Annual Top of the List Tasting
($55 pre-sale tickets available until Monday, April 11.)
Event is Tuesday, May 10. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.
Top of the List showcases the most popular wines on America's top wine lists paired with great bites from new & notable restaurants. Participants include ABC Kitchen, Grand Central Oyster Bar, La Maison du Chocolat, and many more.

The Orchid Show on Broadway at the New York Botanical Garden
Through Monday, April 25th. $20
The Botanical Garden's ninth annual presentation of the nation's largest and only curated orchid exhibition will thrill orchid enthusiasts and Broadway theater-lovers. Created by Tony award-winning set designer Scott Pask, it features iconic architectural elements from legendary theaters of the Great White Way dramatically interpreted with thousands of orchids. (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen.)

Indian Culinary Center: Jackson Heights Walking & Tasting Tour
Sunday, April 10. 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. $40
Explore the culinary delights of Jackson Heights with Geetika Khanna, founder of the Indian Culinary Center. Start your day with an authentic Indian breakfast with Masala chai and then visit stores that sell gold jewelry, saris and music. Stock up on exotic ingredients at a large Indian grocery store and get great deals on spices, veggies, and snacks. The adventure ends with a traditional Indian lunch.

Live Louisiana Zydeco
Sunday, April 10. Dance lesson at 6:00 pm. Show 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm. $22
Yes, you can do the Bayou Boogie in the Big Apple. Enjoy an evening of Cajun Fiddle Swing with the band L'Angelus from Louisiana.

Wine Tasting on Yacht Manhattan
Monday, April 11. 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. $85
Join wine expert Wendy Crispell aboard the yacht Manhattan for a tasting of 5 wines paired with artisan cheeses. Tonight's event features organic and bio-dynamic wine.

DanceBrazil at the Joyce Theater
Tuesday, April 12 - Sunday, April 24.
$10-$39
The "high-octane, high-flying" (The New York Times) energy of DanceBrazil takes center stage at The Joyce with their landmark work A Jornada. Using the Afro-Brazilian art form of Capoeira as the base, it follows the path of Africans to Brazil. (photo by Andrea Mohin)

Black Dress, Big City: See and Be Seen in New York

Do you live in the Big Apple or will your travels bring you to my hometown? See and be seen in your little black dress at one of these fun events. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

THE DRESS
DKNY Sleeveless Sarong Dress
$245
A little black dress is always in fashion in the Big Apple. The quintessential New York designer, Donna Karan, is a master at creating clothes that celebrate a woman's curves. This fantastic frock will take you from day to night in style.

THE CITY 

His and Hers
Through May 10th at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Free!
His & Hers explores the relationship between gender and fashion over the past 250 years. The exhibition includes a seemingly “feminine” 18th-century man’s velvet suit and a woman’s “power suit” from the 1980s. Other works include innovative designers such as Giorgio Armani, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Gianni Versace, and Vivienne Westwood.

Cherry Blossom Season at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Saturday, April 2 - Sunday, May 1.
This spring, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden celebrates Japanese culture and horticulture and remembers the victims of the earthquake and its aftermath in Japan. Hanami at BBG is a month-long celebration that celebrates the Japanese cultural tradition of enjoying each moment of the cherry blossom season.

Tartan Week
Through Sunday, April 10.
This celebration of Scottish-American heritage includes whisky tasting, a tartan exhibition at Ellis Island, tribute to Scottish music, a fashion show, a parade up Sixth Avenue, handsome men in kilts, and more!

NYC Vegetarian Food Festival
Sunday, April 3. 10am-6pm. General Admission is free!
Yours truly is a carnivore but I am a big fan of well prepared and tasty vegetarian dishes. Sample cuisine from the Big Apple's best vegetarian restaurants at this fun festival.

Italian Wine Tasting at Bacchus
Tuesday, April 5. 7:30 pm - 9pm. $20 (plus tax)
Do you love Italian wine? If so, don't miss this great tasting event.  Barbera or Barolo, Sangiovese or Chianti, Italy has a wine for every taste and occasion. Taste for yourself at Bacchus - a great wine shop on the Upper West Side. Each participant will receive a beautiful Riedel Crystal stem from which to drink and to take home at the end of the evening - nice!

Si Cuba! Festival
Through June 16.
The Si Cuba! festival showcases the diversity of Cuban culture from the traditional to the modern. Check out award-winning films, lively concerts, dance performances, art and more!

 

Fab Frock Friday: Little Black & White Dress by Tracy Reese

Looking for the perfect little black dress for your next night out or getaway? Each Friday, The Black Dress Traveler showcases a fabulous frock. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

   

Tracy Reese Black Baby Giraffe Flounced Peasant
$238
I love the flirty and easy-breezy silhouette of this Tracy Reese frock. Very sweet from the front, the deep scoop back adds a touch of spice. If you have been shying away from ferocious animal prints, this abstract circles of this gentle giraffe print are a gorgeous option.

Fab Frock Friday: Little Black Floral Dress by Ann Taylor

Looking for the perfect little black dress for your next night out or getaway? Each Friday, The Black Dress Traveler showcases a fabulous frock. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!


Ann Taylor Timeless Floral Print Sheath
$138
This dress screams, in a very ladylike way, that spring is in the air! I'm not normally a floral girl but this Ann Taylor frock is an elegant and modern interpretation of the classic floral sheath. You can never go wrong with black and white and the asymmetrical draping at one shoulder is a sophisticated detail that takes this dress from basic to attention-getting. This dress would be perfect for a garden party or luncheon event.

Fab Frock Friday: Little Black & White Dress by ZARA

Looking for the perfect little black dress for your next night out or getaway? Each Friday, The Black Dress Traveler showcases a fabulous frock. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

ZARA Printed Kimono
$59.90
Now that spring is on the horizon,  roar goodbye to the winter doldrums in this ferocious black and white animal print from ZARA. Show off your bare legs in this fierce frock or pair it with tights or leggings. One of the largest fashion companies in the world, I've been a fan of ZARA since I lived in Spain. You can always count on them for fashion forward looks that are well made and not too expensive.

Fab Frock Friday: Little Black Dress by Michelle Jonas Travelwear

Looking for the perfect little black dress for your next night out or getaway? Each Friday, The Black Dress Traveler showcases a fabulous frock. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

Michelle Jonas Travelwear
Grecian Twist Jersey Dress
$200

You may recall that I posted a link to this LBD on my Facebook page when it was featured on the Today show during one of their deal segments. I ordered mine right away because the special price of $59 was only available for 24 hours. Now that I have my dress, I wanted to give you the scoop.

Due to the overwhelming demand that was generated by the Today deal, it took about 3 weeks for my frock to arrive but It was worth the wait. This dress is very sexy but also very comfortable. To prove just how travel-friendly it is, the dress was packaged in a cute little drawstring fabric pouch. Washable in cold water, the dress is made of micromodal with just a touch of spandex for a great fit. This frock looks great as is, but can also be worn with a blazer or sweater, with bare legs or hosiery. It is also available in red, grey, and white.

I was not familiar with Michelle Jonas until the Today show, but apparenty she has quite the celebrity following - Angelina Jolie, Pink, and Jessica Simpson have all been spotted in her designs.

Fab Frock Friday: Little Black Dress by Halston Heritage

Looking for the perfect little black dress for your next night out or getaway? Each Friday, The Black Dress Traveler showcases a fabulous frock. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

Halston Heritage Long Halter Gown
$455 at Bergdorf Goodman
In honor of the upcoming Academy Awards (Sunday, February 27), I wanted to showcase a dramatic dress with red carpet swagger AND an accessible price point. Modern style icon and Hollywood darling Sarah Jessica Parker is Chief Creative Officer of the Halston Heritage line, which has introduced Roy Halston Frowick's sexy, sophisticated 70's chic to a whole new generation. This gown's halter top, tie-waist, and flowing A-line skirt make it flattering on many different body types. If your travels include a red carpet bash, rock this dress and be prepared to turn heads.

Fab Frock Friday: Little Black Dress by Alexander Wang

Looking for the perfect little black dress for your next night out or getaway? Each Friday, The Black Dress Traveler showcases a fabulous frock. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

T by Alexander Wang
Classic Jersey Tank Dress
$105 at Net-a-Porter
Fashion wunderkind Alexander Wang launched his women's collection in 2007 and in 2008 he was honored with the prestigious Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund award. Not too shabby.

This sexy little black dress is from Wang's less expensive T line. Made of hand washable rayon, this travel friendly frock is a perfect example of casual chic. The sleek design makes it a great vacation dress that can take you through a day of sightseeing to evening cocktails.

Fab Frock Friday: $25 off at the Little Black Dress Empire

Looking for the perfect little black dress for your next night out or getaway? Each Friday, The Black Dress Traveler showcases a fabulous frock. Today, I'm shining the spotlight on a few different dresses from my glamorous friends at The Little Black Dress Empire. I absolutely have a crush on their website because they have curated a sensational selection of delicious little black dresses. And, if you sign up for the free premium membership, you can save $25 on each purchase until May 14th. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!


  Evelyn Dress by Master/Slave
$811.38
A classic silhouette with a dash of va va voom, this LBD by acclaimed Australian fashion house Master/Slave is available exclusively at The Little Black Dress Empire. Made with raw silk and gradient dyed tassels, it can be ordered in knee length or above the knee. I say this dress is sexy any way you measure it!

 


5th Avenue Black Dress by Pizzuto
$144.52
This flirty little cocktail dress has ruffle detailing at the hem and plenty of personality.



Stella Dress by Hailwood
$174.93
Sophisticated simplicity never goes out of style - this is one of those timeless little black dresses that you can never have too many of!
 

Fab Frock Friday: Little Black Dress by Carmen Marc Valvo

Looking for the perfect little black dress for your next night out or getaway? Each Friday, The Black Dress Traveler showcases a fabulous frock. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

Carmen Marc Valvo
One-Shoulder Cover Up Dress
$139 at Neiman Marcus

Carmen Marc Valvo is known for sophisticated glamour and many celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Kate Winslet, Beyonce Knowles, and Catherine Zeta-Jones have sparkled when wearing  his elegant designs on the red carpet. I have a few Carmen Marc Valvo dresses and not only do I love the style but the fit is superb - he really knows how to cut for a women's body. Whether you are tall and willowy or short and curvy, a Carmen Marc Valvo dress fits in all the right places.

Carmen Marc Valvo also designs swimwear and since this brutal New York City winter has me daydreaming about a tropical getaway, I could not resist showcasing his very stylish swimsuit cover up dress - it has such an elegant silhouette that I would absolutely rock it as a little black dress.

Made of nylon/spandex, it features a self tie waist, dangling tassels with silvertone hardware and a ruched skirt with faux-wrap front. And, you can't go wrong with the sexy one-shoulder neckline. Go ahead and make the beach your red carpet!

Fab Frock Friday: Little Black Dress by Nicole Miller

Looking for the perfect little black dress for your next night out or getaway? Each Friday, The Black Dress Traveler showcases a fabulous frock. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

Nicole Miller
Stretchy Matte Jersey Dress
$220
This sophisticated little black dress by Nicole Miller will never go out of style. Form fitting but still elegant, this is the frock to rock when you want to look fabulous with very little effort. I love the way the square neck accentuates the collarbone - very sexy.

I actually had the pleasure of meeting Nicole Miller last year and she is one cool lady. Confession:  I'm such a fan that when I heard that we would be at the same event, I decided to wear a Nicole Miller design with the hope of meeting her. The dress was several years old but Ms. Miller immediately recognized it and said I looked great. Thank you Nicole Miller! xoxo



 

Ooh La La - The Little Black Dress Empires Launches Exclusive New "Nights in Noir" Collection

Congratulations to my friends at The Little Black Dress Empire on the launch of their exclusive new collection of stunning dresses. Available only at TLBDE, each dress in the "Nights in Noir" collection is handmade in Australia by a team of couture professionals at the popular fashion house Master/Slave. The designs include silk chiffons, crisp sequins and black raw silk with gradient-dyed tassels and employ traditional drape techniques made famous by French couturier, Vionnet in the 1920s. The dress pictured above is named Juliette, in honor of TLBDE's lovely CEO, Juliette Knox. Lucky lady!

The Sam dress to the left is another one of my favorites. Sexy and shimmering, the dramatic bow on Sam's back gives it a sophisticated playfulness. Sam would be perfect to wear out dancing or on my next trip to Vegas. 

Maybe they will have a Wanda dress in the next collection? A girl can dream!

To view the entire Nights in Noir collection, visit The Little Black Dress Empire or watch the video below.  

Fab Frock Friday: Little Black Dress, Big Sexy Style

Looking for the perfect little black dress for your next night out or getaway? Each Friday, The Black Dress Traveler showcases a fabulous frock. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

James Perse
3/4 Sleeve Deep V-Neck Dress
$195
Brilliant in its simplicity, this James Perse little black dress provides endless styling options. Wear it during the day with flats and tights for sightseeing and dress it up for a night out with heels and bling. I already have a James Perse t-shirt and spaghetti-strap LBD in my collection and I love the luxury softness of the cotton. James Perse clothes are truly effortless chic.

This deep V-Neck dress can be hand-washed in cold water and is "91% Cotton, 9% Elastane fabric imported from Italy. Soft 3/4 sleeve dress with deep v-neck front and back. Easy, relaxed fit on upper body which is single layer fabric. Fitted lower body is doubled fabric with a bagged out bottom hem to create soft edge and movement. Narrow exaggerated sleeve cuffs. Shirring at sides. Length: 40 in."  

Sexy yet subtle, comfortable yet chic, this little black dress is a winner!

Eva Longoria Glams up the Golden Globes in a Flawless Black Dress

I know the Golden Globes are meant to honor the best of film and television but let's be honest, the awards show is all about the dresses. My favorite black dress of the evening was Eva Longoria in Zac Posen. She was absolutely an elegant bombshell! The dress showed off Ms. Longoria's curves without revealing too much skin and captured the best of old Hollywood glamour while updating it with modern accents. Va va voom!

Did you have a favorite LBD from the Golden Globes?

To see a full gallery of dresses from the Golden Globes, visit HollywoodLife.com.

 

Fab Frock Friday: Little Black Dress, Big Sexy Style

Looking for the perfect little black dress for your next night out or getaway? Each Friday, The Black Dress Traveler will showcase a fabulous frock. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

BCBG
One-Shoulder Crossover Dress
$268
"Feminine tulle and effortless jersey make this little black dress a modern classic that has seasonless appeal."

I love the silhouette of this dress - the asymmetrical neckline and emphasis on the shoulders will make it flattering on a variety of body types.

The Little Black Dress Empire: All LBD, All the Time

Sometimes it seems like when you are on a mission to find the perfect little black dress that every obstacle is in your way. Nothing against those other colors but when you are determined to locate the perfect LBD anything else is a nuisance. Like me, have you ever wished for a website that only sold and celebrated little black dresses? Well, our sartorial prayers have been answered in the form of The Little Black Dress Empire.

Created by Australian businesswoman Juliette Knox, the Little Black Dress Empire is a carefully curated collection of LBDs from many designers at various price points.

I was honored when The Little Black Dress Empire invited me to be their very first guest blogger. Click here to read my post, For the Love of the Little Black Dress, to learn more about my love affair with the LBD. I also picked five of my favorite frocks from their site, including the stunning Bella Silk dress pictured at the beginning of this post.

Also, just in time for the holidays, The Little Black Dress Empire is offering a 20% discount on selected designer dresses until December 24th. Happy shopping!

'Tis the Season: Twelve Gorgeous & Great Gifts for Gals on the Go

Sometimes the true meaning of the holidays gets lost in all of the shopping chaos but you don't need to max out your credit cards to show someone you care. Traveling ladies appreciate functional gifts that make life on the road easier. I've put together a list of twelve great gifts that will bring a holiday smile to the jetsetting divas in your life without sending you to the poor house. After all, you need some money leftover to treat yourself too!

Samsonite XSpace Expandable Spinner Carryon
on sale at Ebags for $161.99 and free shipping.
Samsonite may not be the sexiest luggage on the market but their bags have a stellar reputation due to their sturdiness and functionality. Also available in Galaxy Black and Mars Red, this brightly colored carry-on has multi-directional wheels that provide 360 degree upright rolling. The case expands but fits easily into overhead bins. 

Le SportSac Large Weekender
$81.48 at Endless.com
Perfect for a weekend getaway, this lightweight bag has a playful pattern, plenty of compartments, and a roomy interior. Various patterns available. 


Packable Down Jacket in a Pouch
$119 at TravelSmith
Water-repellent, tear-resistant and windproof, this sleek down jacket comes in a  drawstring
pouch that can double as a pillow on the plane. Also available in black.

Flip Video Mini HD Camcorder
$199.99 at Amazon
Capturing travel memories on video is super-easy with this compact camcorder. Tiny enough to fit into a pocket or purse, the Flip is big on features, including HD quality video and easy uploads to Facebook and YouTube.




Juicy Couture Leopard Laptop Sleeve
$78.00 at Endless.com
Animal print is all the rage this season  - protect a laptop in fierce style with this glossy vinyl leopard sleeve.


Very Hollywood by Michael Kors Gloss & Rollerball
$18 at Sephora
Glam touch-ups on the go are a cinch with this chic lipgloss and fragrance combo. Airline approved, slip this into your bag to spritz and slick anywhere.

Invicta Women's Limited Edition Diamond Chronograph Watch
On sale for $129.99 at Endless.com (regular price is $695)
Missing a flight is next to impossible with this gorgeous watch on your wrist. Keep track of time in style. Blinged out with 16  hand-set diamonds and a mother-of-pearl face, this watch is also sturdy - it has a stainless steel case and is water resistant up to 330 ft. 

The World Traveler Note Card by She's Got Papers
$3.00 per card or $12 for a set of 6.  Set of 6 personalized cards is $36.
Even in a high-tech world, a handwritten note still has major impact. Give a set of these whimsical cards to your favorite jetsetter so she can send you a note full of juicy details about her latest getaway. After all, secrets are too sacred for a postcard and should be placed in a sealed envelope!

Kate Spade Foiled Again Medium Leila Cosmetic Case
$60 at Endless.com
Flashy and classy at the same time, this medium sized cosmetics bag is a fun way to keep makeup organized. And, that flash of gold will make it easy to spot in the most cluttered tote bag! Also available in silver.

Kushyfoot Flats to Go
$8.99 at Kushyfoot.com
These fun flats are the perfect stocking stuffer for every traveling lady on your list. Made of soft and flexible faux leather, Kushyfoot Flats to Go come in a convenient plastic carrier that slips easily inside a purse. I keep a pair in my bag for instant relief whenever my feet start aching. Available in black, gold and silver.

Little Black Convertible Dress
$155 at NuovaVitaonline.com
One flirty little black dress with 12 different looks is a dream come true for a traveler! Light and flowy, this functional frock is comfy and cute.

PEACE Black Sheer Jersey Chemise
$36 at Peace Love World
Give your favorite traveler a wearable message of peace in this triple-threat chemise that functions as sleepwear, a tank or a dress. With the word "Peace"  imprinted on the bottom, this garment is a perfect sentiment for the holiday season and always.

Bonita, Bold & Beautiful: Balenciaga at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute

Photo Credit: Photography by Kenny Komer

Just a whisper of the name Balenciaga makes fashionistas weak in the knees. Surely, being surrounded by his creations at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute must have  lovers of couture close to fainting! Conceived by designer Oscar de la Renta and curated by Hamish Bowles (Vogue's European Editor-at-Large), Balenciaga: Spanish Master showcases more than 70 items of Cristobal Balenciaga's eternally elegant and stunning clothing and accessories.


Photo Credit: Photography by Kenny Komer

Born in Spain, Cristobal Balenciaga (1895-1972) was a highly acclaimed designer in his native country. However, the Spanish Civil War forced him to close his stores and he moved to Paris and opened his fashion house there in 1937. Balenciaga may have left Spain but his culture very much influenced Balenciaga's designs. The great late fashion editor Diana Vreeland said that his "inspiration came from the bullrings, the flamenco dancers, the loose blouses the fishermen wear, the cool of the cloisters." Not just a master of haute couture, in 1968 Balenciaga designed the flight attendant uniforms for Air France.

Balenciaga: Spanish Master will be open for viewing at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute in New York City (684 Park Avenue) until February 26, 2011. Timed tickets are required for admission ($15) and reservations can be made by calling 212-628-0420 or visiting the website.

PS. The exhibition will be expanded for presentation as Balenciaga and Spain at the de Young Museum in San Francisco from March 26-July 4, 2011

Very Hollywood, Very Chic, Very Michael Kors

In a world obsessed with Kardashians and Hiltons, a girl could be fooled into thinking that bad behaviour is the only way to get noticed. Am I the only one who reminisces for the days of old Hollywood where celebrities had real talent and weren't just savvy self-promoters? Dorothy Dandridge, Ava Gardner, Bette Davis  - those ladies had style, grace and class.

Maybe a trip to La La Land isn't on your agenda, but designer Michael Kors makes it easy to add a dash of Hollywood glamour to your everyday life. The reigning king of classic American style (and the most lovable of the Project Runway judges), Kors specializes in easy sophistication.  Here are six fabulous finds from Michael Kors that will make you feel like a star of the silver screen no matter where you are!

 Michael Kors Very Hollywood Eau de Parfum ($45-$85) - This sultry scent is a classy composition of iced bergamot, mandarin and gardenia. My beau could care less about what is in the perfume but he did say that Very Hollywood  was very seductive. I call that a five star review!

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Studded Yoke Dress ($120-$130) - The gunmetal studded yoke at the neckline gives this little black dress a modern edge on a classic silhouette.

Michael Kors Tortoise Double Wrap Watch ($180) - Don't keep your fans waiting! It's easy to be fashionably on time for your next appointment or flight with this timepiece surrounded by golden metal and a tortoise double wrap chain. A very elegant bracelet & watch all-in one!

Michael Kors Rehearsal Sunglasses ($350) - Oversized sunglasses are a Hollywood must and the perfect solution for jet lagged eyes.

 
  MICHAEL by Michael Kors Heidi Clutch, Dark Sand Python ($198) - This python print clutch is timeless and perfect for an evening out. I often use a clutch when I'm traveling to stylishly carry my passport and other travel documents - just insert the clutch inside your larger purse or tote.

Limited Edition Hollywood Signature Pen ($25) - Even in a high tech world, an old-fashioned pen is a must - you can't sign an autograph with a Blackberry! Write with this pen and your postcard from Hollywood will make them swoon -  the ink is scented with the Very Hollywood Michael Kors fragrance.

Little Black Dresses Make a Big Difference: Swarovski & Designers Unite to Fight Cancer

As you've guessed by the title of this website, yours truly is a devotee of the little black dress. Always in fashion and universally flattering, the little black dress is a versatile garment that can take you from the boardroom to the ballroom without skipping a beat.

In recognition of the LBD's timeless allure and power, design icons including Donna Karan, Fendi, Armani, Diane von Furstenberg, Vivienne Westwood, and Catharine Malandrino have designed 22 custom little black dresses adorned with sparkling SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS for a campaign called 22 Ways to Say Black. More than just fancy frocks, these one-of-a-kind dresses are being used to help find a cure for cancer and will be auctioned at a gala event in New York City at Philips de Pury on Monday, September 20th. 100% of the proceeds from the event (and the accompanying catalog ) will benefit the American Cancer Society and La Ligue Contre le Cancer in France. The hope is that each of the dresses represents 22 ways to find a cure.  

Prior to the gala and auction, the dresses of 22 Ways to Say Black will be on display to the public on 9/20 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Philips de Pury is located at 450 West 15th Street. Watch the video to learn more.

PS - On a personal note, cancer has taken the lives some of the most important people in my life, including my father Glenn. One thing I've learned is that cancer does not discriminate - it doesn't care if you're a fashionista or a pauper.  At the end of the day, choosing the right dress to wear is not a matter of life and death but I applaud these designers for joining together to fight this horrific disease.