The Little Black Dress

The little black dress is infamous in the world of fashion. Not only does a girl need one LBD, she can use a whole collection. They can be fancy, casual and classic all at the same time. Depending on style, length and cut, you can dress up or down a little black dress for any occasion. A little black dress should be little, perfectly black without washed out marks and flattering to your body type. With a blazer, heels or nothing at all this piece is a must have in every closet.

This history of the little black dress runs deep. Since before the 1920's the little black dress was a staple of any woman's wardrobe. Initially, the black frock was only worn as a sign of mourning. Even today, it is customary for people wear black to funerals when suffering a loss of a loved one. Coco Chanel was the first designer to coin the "little black dress". After the 20's, flappers made the style infamous and then the LBD was made chic by wartime rationing. In the 50's and 60's Hollywood really popularized the look by putting Audrey Hepburn in a iconic little black dress and showing countless Dior ads. By the 70's, 80's and 90's each decade made the little black dress a style all their own. In recent decades the little black dress has taken on a mind of its own.

In modern day and age, the LBD has seen many shapes and sizes. Celebrities may not be just like us but they love their little black dresses just like us. Strapless, sleeved or accented with lace, these little black dresses can stun on and off the red carpet. Each star, whether they are Eva Longoria or Emma Stone, can make the little black dress their own. From all the styles, like those shown above, you can find whatever you need in a little black number.

The classics are often what inspired the future. Vintage advertisements, old movies like Breakfast at Tiffany's and iconic women like Jackie O really inspire the fashions of future generations. Now, celebrities and average women are stealing this classic look. Short sleeves and high collars scream classic LBD. You can accessorize as needed with vintage jewels, pumps and bags.

Long sleeves are equally as chic as traditional cuts. This look can be red carpet appropriate or perfect for a casual outing without paparazzi. Recently, Jennifer Lawrence, Kristen Stewart and Kourtney Kardashian have been seen wearing these black sleeved short skirted ensembles in the lime light. Although all three have different body types, these women wow in this flattering cut and color.

Strapless or a one shoulder are always a great cuts for more formal events. These cuts shows off your stunning neckline and compliments your chest. You can have an A-line shape, sleek and tight or a tea length tulle number to flatter your shape. Depending on the fabric, the strapless look can wow and stun a crowd.

Short sleeves or tank top dresses are in style for the girl on the go. These casual masterpieces are a necessary object in every closet. They can be dressed up or down depending on the accessories. A belt, jacket or long necklace can make or break this look. Boots, heels or even flats can accompany this look for a day to night ensemble. Never go shorter than finger tip length with these sleeves; you'll want to leave a little skin for the imagination.

Two of the hottest, most recent trends are the backless dress and strappy frocks. A backless dress can appear classy and conservative from the front and then add much needed sex appeal in the rear. These dresses look great with a tan and your hair up to show your exposed shoulders. Strappy dresses add sex appeal even if you're all covered. Something about the look hints at S&M undertones but still looks respectable.

Never underestimate the power of the right accessory. The right necklace, lip color, bag or shoe can create the perfect outfit. A statement necklace is the best friend of the LBD. This instantly takes your look from basic to bold in one move. Adding a pop of color to a sea of black is the best thing you can do for a night time ensemble or even your black work attire. A bauble necklace, statement shoe or a wild handbag can really tie your look together. For more ways to snazz up your LBD check out Buzzfeed's 23 Ways To Glam Up Your Little Black Dress list.

Find your perfect LBD fit today.

The Chambray Jean Denim Dress

The trend above is a risk in fashion. Often times, an entire outfit made of jean is called a "Canadian Tuxedo" which is an insult to people who wear denim on denim incorrectly. However, if you find the right chambray dress, you can look trendy and adorable for Spring and Summer. This item is a must have and can be dressed up for a fun evening out or dressed down for a casual brunch. It is the jean shirt for the warmer seasons.

There have been some celebrity sightings of this style lately and you should keep your eyes peeled for more appearances. Jessica Alba looks relatable and flirty in her jean dress with leggings and boots. The best and most high end way to rock the trend is with classy accessories and high boots. Watch out Spring!

There are five ways to wear this trend and all have to do with sleeve length. The first and most alternative way to wear a jean dress is by way of tank top. The skinny straps make petite girls look even smaller! This hipster fashion is a mix between hippie days and Kurt Cobain 90's style being revived. Combat boots really tie this look together. 

The second way has slightly more sleeve. The denim jean vest dress is cute for more alternative dressers. This gives the appearance of a blouse but the funk of the trend. Most women with short hair and slender figures can pull this look off. If not, you run the risk of looking chunky with broad shoulders.

Third is the short sleeve look. This is somewhat more traditional and is inspired by country life. This style is meant for manual labor as sleeves won't make you too hot or get in the way of your hands but it will shield your arms and back from harsh sunlight. Now, it just looks lovely on a hot day.

The fourth and most popular style is the 3/4" sleeve length. Hitting you at your elbows, the sleeves make your biceps look skinny and gives a fun flirty appearance. This work appropriate style is perfect for casual Friday and transitions perfectly to Happy Hour.  Wedges, boots and sandals all look stunning with this style.

The final look is full length sleeves. This is best for those chilly evenings walking about the city. You should avoid tights or dark boots with this look because the denim already covers most of your body. Wear a belt to break up all the fabric and cinch your waist. Go out and search for your favorite chambray/denim/jean dress.

Wonderful Wooden Wedges

Wood is the new trend in footwear for the upcoming season. Wooden wedges are flirty and vivacious for a young woman in springtime. These shoes can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and there are a plethora of styles within the category to choose from. Sling backs, peep toes and traditional espadrilles are gorgeous for the upcoming season and wear perfectly into summer.  

Celebrities love this trend for the warmer seasons. The antique wood look gives off provides a chic bohemian feel to almost any ensemble. The wedge gives height to smaller stars like the Olsen Twins and makes Angelina Jolie look classic with a plain brown dress. Funner dressers like Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Alba have a little more color pop in their wooden wedges.

The strappy wedge is the first shoe on our radar. This fun summer sandal is great for jeans and dresses. It gives your legs the boot they need to look slim in almost any ensemble. The thick support of the wedge won't kill your feet and calves like a traditional heel but they still tone and lift your legs. The strapped look is great as a slip and zip or looks stunning with a buckle as seen above.

Traditional espadrilles are the most classic look for wooden wedges. Sometimes their bottoms are made of cork or synthetic wood to give the wooden appearance. These shoes can be dressed up or down to compliment a casual ensemble or fancy dress. Every girl needs at least one pair of these stunning shoes.

Now, there has been a twist on the traditional espadrille. Ankle fastenings give the classic shoe a little flare by adding another point of contact. The looks above have a simple piece of fabric with a bucle holding their ankle in or a feminine bow accomplishes the same feat. These dainty and ballerina inspired looks add a girly edge to your feet.

Last but not least, we have the wooden wedge bootie! If you're lucky enough to hunt a pair like this down while shopping, buy them immediately! This look is so versatile and fresh that you're sure to wear them once a week. The boot can be stunning with a dress or pants and gives you an edge that shows you are fashionable.

Check out the various styles above to see which fits your personal style! 

Brand Watch: Rejoice the Hands Jewelry

Rejoice the Hands jewelry is a small online boutique that is recently on the rise. Designer Ana Saldana is inspired by her Aztec roots. The line is high end and all about natural influences. This Native American jewelry is perfect for warmer seasons. Their accessories are made from all real metals and stones and will last a lifetime.

Rejoice the Hands' About statement reads: "Rejoice the Hands vision is to produce jewelry that gives the impression of having been created in a different time, for the jewels to appear as if they were discovered in lost burial grounds, or dug deep from within a tomb. Drawing from her own Aztec roots, Rejoice the Hands designer, Ana Saldana creates everlasting culturally inspired pieces to keep you internally united with Father Sky and Mother Earth."

Not only is their modest mission statement artfully crafted, but all their jewelry is made in house with care. The real materials and hand crafted pieces result in long lasting unique jewelry. For more info, you can also keep up with them on their Facebook page for deals and updates!

Their website sells great pieces for your personal collections. The rings above are great for Spring and summer. Their Aztec influences are obvious with the use of turquoise and natural shapes like birds and moons. These rings look stunning with a simple black dress.

The pieces range from under $100 to about $300. Although they can get a little pricey, these items are well worth the price. They're original and sure to rack up the compliments. Follow Rejoice the Hands on Tumblr and Instagram for more pictures and detailed images of their high end jewelry.

Top 3 Clothing Edits for Spring

Spring cleaning is that glorious time when you donate or throw out all of your old, ill-fitting clothing to make space for a new wardrobe and a new style. But purchasing all new stuff can get very expensive. How does a girl remedy the disparity between Spring cleaning and her budget? Simple, revamp your old clothing. Pieces you once loved can be new again with some editing and sewing. Here are your top 3 clothing edits for Spring.

Adding Lace

Sometimes shirts can become too small or shrunken in the wash and dryer. Now, you don't have to throw these cropped tops away! With a little lace, you can turn the shirt into a brand new look that's current for the new season. Thanks to blog Inspiration & Realisation, you can recreate this look flawlessly and be chic for Spring. Follow the instructions on their website inspired by Valentino or Miu Miu.

Straight to Skinny Jeans

There's no need to throw out your old straight work pants. You can follow the tutorial from The Vault Files to recycle your old work pants into adorable skinny pants! This new self-tailored look is perfect for days out and to show off your toned body from all your hard New Years Resolution work. All you need is a needle and thread or a sewing machine to make it work.

Blouse to Tank

Last but not least, you can turn your long sleeve work blouses into a cute summer/spring top! All you need is scissors and some basic sewing skills. Find a blouse that is patterned and preferably a lighter material. These make the best shirts. For this and future projects, check out DIY Fashion for all your altering tips!