Mingling Mondays ~ Romantic Holidays in Noir

Kimmie Smith — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 07:00:00 EST

Paloma's Zellige ring $525 - Tiffany & Co.

Hello Kitty by Simmons Jewelry Co. "Silhouette" Silver and Gold White Diamond Black Onyx Leverback Earring $950 - Endless.com

Christian Louboutin Polka-Dot Chiffon Pump $895 - Bergdorf Goodman

One-Shoulder Tulle Gown $788 - BCBG MAX AZRIA

There is something to be said about embracing black - it's not to say that it is drab or that it is even morbid. But in many ways, it is super romantic especially during the holiday season. Many people feel that when you are wearing something that is predominantly black, that the only way to make it look phenomenal is to pop in another color. I say that although that is totally an option, there is something slightly whimsical about taking black and adding more into it to bring out that inner ballerina look and feel. As soon as I saw this tulle dress by BCBG, I knew that I wanted to maintain the black theme and to continue the dream like sense from this gorgeous pair of Christian Louboutin chiffon pumps (which the little polka dots are super cute) and then to add in more whimsy with these amazing Hello Kitty earrings in onyx which pair amazingly well with the ring from Tiffany's. Together, everything has such an allure to it that you can just imaging being the belle of the ball. This same look can be re-interpreted within a number of looks whether it is a ball gown or it is a much shorter number. These are great items to take into account when you are getting dressed for the holiday season or even the biggest night of the year or the first one of the next!

Mingling Mondays ~ Ruffles Are the New Sexy

Kimmie Smith — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EDT

Ruffle Tier Dress $98 - White House Black Market

Christian Louboutin Claudia - Black $835 - Barneys New York

Robyn Rhodes Vicki Cuff $130 - CoutureCandy

Susan Hanover Black and Gold Collar Necklace $245 - Chickdowntown.com

Last weekend I happened to be in White House Black Market (which I have to say I have only been in a handful of times and although I'm a huge fan of black, I never find anything there) and fell in love with this dress - they didn't have any more in my size but I knew I wanted to include the Flutter Tier Ruffle Dress within a spread. On my 30th birthday back in September, one of my very good friends wore a flapper girl style dress and I knew I wanted one. When I saw this dress, I saw the similarities and actually loved this one more as it doesn't have fringes but just ruffles. On the website, they suggest that this could be paired with jeans (I question this) but without a doubt it's super cute with black tights which give it a classic macabre, victorian look which is stunning or you can go without tights - I have to say that I would keep the tights. With the dark elements of this dress, I would definitely pair it with fab gold pieces and of course you can't go wrong with a pair of Louboutin's to pull everything together and to give a pop of color as you walk away!

With the holiday season coming closer, we'll be going to a variety of parties so why not some fun interpretations on the classic black dress? You can also play around with whatever look your interested in as well!

Kitten Lounge

Mingling Mondays ~ Romantic Holidays in Noir

Mingling Mondays ~ Ruffles Are the New Sexy