It's Officially Party Dress Season

Thanksgiving is over, and it's official: Party dress season has begun.

The invitations have probably already begun trickling in. You may even be planning your own party. You'll be going out for cocktails with friends, spending evenings at lavish dinner parties, seeing old friends at gatherings that last until breakfast, and gearing up for a work occasion or two. This is your chance to glam it up. What will you wear?

One choice is the classic little black dress. For my money, I like 1940s rayon crepe. It's made for women with curves, and it clings in all the right places. The Xtabay just landed some exquisite 1940s black dresses, some with peplums, and some with sequin decoration. The LBD is seasonless and goes to just about any type of function fuss free. It looks terrific with pumps, nude legs, and red lips, of course. But an LBD sings with red or pale green tights (choose a color of tights that picks up the color in your tattoos) and open-toed shoes. Keep your makeup modern and your hair slightly messy. My only LBD caution would be to stay away from dowdy all-black velvet outfits. Way too spinster aunt.

Mad Men has opened many people's eyes to the beauty of the colored party dress. This look is especially smashing if you can get a coat to match. Imagine a pale blue dress with a floaty chiffon skirt and a large crystal brooch pinned to the shoulder topped with a pale blue mohair coat. Slick back your hair and brush on a smoky eye. Or, try a gold or silver dress with no jewelry except for a massive cocktail ring. Those boring women in designer jeans and pointy shoes will be so jealous.

Another angle is to opt for 1980s glamour. No, not the cheap Kmart Dynasty look, but the real thing: Thierry Mugler, Guy Laroche, et al. The Xtabay has a killer black Guy Laroche suit in right right now that will give you the figure of Jessica Rabbit. I'd do 1940s jewelry with it to take it out of Falcon Crest and make it timeless. Or, add a large, modern, handcrafted choker. Purple suede over-the-knee boots would put the outfit in the stratosphere.

Once you have your dress chosen, it's time to focus on accessories. To me, the holidays are all about rhinestones and in every color. The Xtabay has a brilliant Eisenberg crystal brooch and earring set right now that should come with a "must wear sunglasses when viewing" warning. The store also has a row of vintage fur stoles that would look especially great with jeans and sweaters, and a fabulous assortment of 1940s sandals. (If you're a 7 1/2 shoe size, get down to the store, pronto.)

Here's the best news of all: This Saturday, December 5th, the Xtabay is having a party, and all day just about everything is 25% off! Come let us pull together a couple of good party looks for you. We can lead you to the dresses that work with your figure and suggest a few pairings you might not have thought of yourself. The Xtabay's secret mission is to glamorize Portland. (Crocs and fleece, beware!)

This is the season that you make an entrance. This year people talk about how gorgeous you are and see you as inspiration. You only live once. Do it right! Do it with style.