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How can a simple piece of fabric, in a seemingly basic color (or non-color), bring happiness to women all over the world? It can, and it’s found in just three words: “Little Black Dress!!” Every fashionista dons at least one, but most couture closets are lined with dozens. And for that, we can thank “Coco” Channel. After all, she’s the designer who first introduced us to the “little black dress” back in the 1926. Without delving into a long history lesson, before the 20’s, black was always considered to be a color reserved for funerals and periods of mourning. Chanel transformed morbid into marvelous with the birth of the black, sleeveless sheath cut just above the knee. Throughout the decades, the styles have changed, and the hemlines have often shortened, but the little black dress has always remained a staple in women’s wardrobes. “Fashion or Fiction” is on the case to find you the most-flattering little black dress for your body and bank account.


Nothing screams sexy quite like “Victoria’s Secret” which is why I’ve decided to start off our “LBD” search on their website. The pro’s are; the dresses are insanely affordable, unbelievably sheik, and you get to see how they’re “supposed” to look on 6 foot tall, gorgeous Supermodels like Giselle. The con: you’re purchasing through a website so trying on isn’t an option. Before you buy, know your “true” size so you don’t have to send back the order. Trust me; it’s a pain in the ASS!!! That said, there are so many amazing little black frocks to choose from like the Cowlneck dress (seen above) with a low-slung back, on sale for $55. For more looks like that, check out www.victoriassecret.com


“Arden B” is another saucy spot to find your “LBD.” The chain-store is located in (what seems like) every major mall across the US, so it’s super convenient and easy-to-find. True story: I bought a short, black, Mia Farrow-inspired Babydoll from “Arden B” around two years ago for $70. I’ve rocked it probably thirty-five times (no lie) everywhere from business meetings to nightclubs. It fits like a dream and I’ll probably get another thirty wears out of it. Misconception, cleared. You DON’T have to spend a fortune for the perfect fit. It’s all about the hunt. And think of “Arden B” as your jungle.


Check out this Sateen Elastic Waist Dress that’ll instantly transport you back to the 1960’s with one little zip. This $38 steal has a retro feel, with a modern twist. One word of caution, be discerning with your choices at “Arden B.” They have a lot of great pieces for killer prices…but mixed in with the classy, sometimes comes trashy. Pay close attention to material, design, and fit. Some of their dresses tend to show a little too much. And trust me, there’s nothing cute about flashing your “hoo-ha” a la, eh hem…you know who.

Our next “little black dress” comes in three forms…under one fashion powerhouse, Max Azria. Azria is the designer, chairman/CEO of the BCBGMAZAZRIA Group, a global fashion house that encompasses over 22 brands including, Herve Leger, BCBG, and BCBGenration.

Let’s explore BCBGeneration first. It’s Azria’s young, contemporary and truly affordable new line. Here’s my take; if you’re Rachel Bilson-petite, you’re going to fall in love because the collection is designed for small people. In other words, hips are not your friends in these dresses. Put it this way, I usually buy one size up in BCBGeneration…and it’s not because I had big lunch beforehand.



Check out this black, one-shoulder belted dress. It’ll do wonders for a slim figure and it’ll only set you back $50. Yes, you read that correctly. The greatest thing about the asymmetrical mini dress is that you can dress it up with strappy heels and a sequins clutch for a night on the town, or pair it with flats and an oversized hand bag for a day at the office. BCBGeneration is sold at most big box stores and online.




Moving on, BCBG is one of my favorite lines of all time, especially when it comes to the “little black dress.” Here’s why: SALE, SALE, SALE!!! BCBG is the type of store that has as much on the sales rack as it has New Arrivals. Shown above, are two very different and still super sexy spins on the “little black dress.” Both are reduced from $300 to $95. How can you beat that?? One note, unlike BCBGeneration, BCBG tends to run big, at least, that’s what I’ve noticed. If you’re not totally familiar with their sizes, I’d recommend visiting a location at first rather than buying online.

Every dog has its day…and today the “Top Dog” in the fashion industry is Max Azria’s ultra-exclusive, Herve Leger. You can’t help but envy starlets like Megan Fox and Posh Spice who so effortlessly fill out Herve’s trademark “bandage” dresses. Here’s the thing, if you, like many other women just have to experience the true excellence of Herve Leger, I suggest grabbing one now because they’re on sale. This dress, shown below, is $760. Yes, it’s a fortune, but not nearly as bad as what it started off at, which was $1900!!!! If you’re still not sold on spending your college tuition on a dress, we’ve got you covered. You can get almost the exact same look for a fraction of the cost. BCBG offers an almost identical copy (bottom picture) that’ll only set you back around $200.



So remember, whether you’re looking to dress up or dress down, sexy or sassy, casual or cool, there is always a little black dress waiting to fit your mood. And as the great Coco Chanel once said, “Whether a woman's little black dress cost $50 or $2,000 her intention is the same: to look effortlessly classic and appropriately sexy in just seconds.”

Amen Sister!


LITTLE BLACK DRESS RECAP:

FASHION: VICTORIA’S SECRET
FICTION: SHOPPING ONLINE WITHOUT KNOWING THE RIGHT SIZE

FASHION: ARDEN B
FICTION: ARDEN B DRESSES THAT SHOW TOO MUCH,

FICTION: CHEAP MATERIAL, DESIGNS, STYLES

FASHION: BCBGENERATION
FICTION: BCBGENERATION FOR FULLER FIGURES

FASHION: BCBG

FASHION: HERVE LEGER ON SALE

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