I’ve begun my search for the perfect dress to debut this holiday season. Honestly, I have more than enough dresses and outfits for the whole array of parties that will take place this winter, but I want to find one special piece for that main event: New Year’s Eve. Last year I went sparkly and short, but still had a cute, fresh vibe. This year I’m going for a sleeker, sexier look. The problem is that the only dresses I like so far are black and black is not going to stand out on New Year’s Eve.

1. Alice + Olivia, One sleeve drape top, $264
2. A.L.C., Pony dress, $698

1. T-Bags, Diamond mini dress, $225
2. American Retro, Lizzy dress, $254

1. Elizabeth & James, Degas dress, $288.75
2. Free People, Holly’s lace shift mini dress, $98

So while I’m loving these sexy little black dresses, I’m going to keep looking.

Still, I might get one of these anyway because little black dresses are always in style.

No better time than the holidays to sparkle & shine! Just like Andrea showed us the amaaaazing Haute Hippie sequin mini here and the lovely Virginia showed us this show-stopping holiday outfit.

We wanted to share some of our favorite items with sparkle and shine. Great investment pieces for all those fun holiday parties we have right around the corner! Can’t wait!

Velvet by Graham & Spencer, $152

Alice + Olivia Sequin Mini Skirt, $396

Nanette Lepore Night Dress, $448

LaRok Vegas Vacation Sequin Jacket, $378

Vince Twisted Shoulder Top, $165

photos courtesy of Piperlime & ShopBop

Last night, QUEST was invited to the ALICE + OLIVIA by STACEY BENDET pop-up store opening at SCOOP NYC at 1275 Third Ave. Stacey said, “SCOOP was one of the first stores that ALICE + OLIVIA ever sold in; they were a launching pad for our collection. I am excited to be able to collaborate together on our first uptown shop.”

Everyone looked very chic, lots of black and lots of LIA SOPHIA pieces! QUEST especially loved a one-shoulder lace Madison Marcus dress and a pair of Christian Louboutin boots with bandage straps, as worn by guests.

At the door, a notice was posted that there would be filming for Tinsley Mortimer’s upcoming show on the CW. And, sure enough, Tinsley made an appearance, followed by several cameramen. How exciting!

The racks at SCOOP NYC were filled with ALICE + OLIVIA clothing (like this sequin dress in forest) and the tables displayed the brand’s children’s line. Dear Stacey Bendet, please make the white top with the black bow in an XXXXXL? It’s adorable!

Throughout the event, cocktails and cupcakes were being served as Harley Viera Newton and Cassie Coane deejayed. I mean, is there a better combo? The cocktails were delightfully strong — QUEST’s favorite was vodka mixed with mango, sage, and a couple of other ingredients.

Afterwards, QUEST grabbed a quick burger just up the street at preppy favorite JG MELON at 1291 Third Ave., and was followed in by Kelly Rutherford wearing a fun black sequin jacket.

Spotted: Stacey Bendet, Paul Calderon, Amy Fine Collins, Cory Kennedy, Anisha Lakhani, Dylan Lauren, Dabney Mercer, Tinsley Mortimer, Bettina Prentice, Kelly Rutherford, Dani Stahl, Ali Wise

For more information on alice + olivia, call 212.840.1155 or visit www.aliceandolivia.com.

EQB

So I went shopping in Raleigh earlier this week at the North Hills Mall and was very pleasantly surprised by the amount of quality boutiques in this shopping center!  I actually grew up in Raleigh, but since I’ve moved away this mall was torn down and then rebuilt as an outdoor shopping center, so this was the first time I had been back since they completed it.  Think of it as a mix between Lumina Station & Mayfair.  Anway, if you are planning on doing some shopping in Raleigh, I would definately recomend checking these places out at North Hills:

Vermillion                                                                                                                                                       http://www.vermillionstyle.com/                                                                                                                                                                     This store would be comparable to Beanie + Cecil.  They carry 3.1 Phillip Lim, Loeffler Randall, Lela Rose, Pucci, Balenciaga, and many more.  Very Classy Stuff.

Scout & Molly’s                                                                                                                                                   http://www.scoutandmollys.com/                                                                                                                                                                    This store is quite big and they definately have something for everyone, including a seperate shoe room.  They carry a wide range of brands like Tibi, Nanette Lepore, BCBG, Trina Turk, Alice & Trixie….They also have an impressive collection of Joes Jeans & AG Denim. 

Gena Chandler                                                                                                                            http://www.northhillsraleigh.com/index.phpview=interior&page=viewstore&storeID=84                                                  Their actual website is under construction, but you can find info about them from the North Hills link above.  This was my favorite store!  I knew I would want everything inside when I saw a sparkling Gryphon skirt on a mannequin through the window, and I was right!  They have an AWESOME selection of brands and styles.  Velentino Red, Juicy Couture, Diane von Furstenburg, Alice + Olivia, Haute Hippie to name just a few.  They also have a massive denim wall full of J.Brand, True Religion, and many more brands of jeans.  I scored a custom Chanel Tee that they have printed in LA and I love, love, love it. 

It is so soft and the deep-V and fit make it surprisingly sexy.  It also comes in gray and black.  Get yours for $85, they sell out quick!

There is also a Uniquities and a Monkees in the shopping center, so if you haven’t found anything at the first 3 spots (which is pretty much impossible), you are bound to find something here.  We are definatly spoiled by the Monkees down here in Wilmington, though.  It is much bigger and has more selection.

I also wanted to let everyone know about a few exciting events happening in Wilmington this weekend!

Saturday, November 21st

Bargain Box Fashion Show – This Event is SOLD OUT!  More details and pics to come….

Sunday, November 22 7-9pm

Banana Republic is hosting its 5th Annual Holiday Charity Fashion Show at their store in Mayfair, which benefits  The Leukema and Lymphoma Society.  There will be food from The Melting Pot, free wine, and a 25% discount on anything bought after the show!  There will also be some awesome raffle prizes donated by local businesses.  I will actualy be participating as a model in this show, so come laugh at me!  Tickets are $10 now, $15 at the door.  Stop by the store and get yours!

Also starting this weekend you can save 25% off you purchase at Beanie + Cecil, just by doanting 3 canned goods!  This cause is to benefit the Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina.  This awesome chance to give and get back will continue through Sunday November 30th!

Hope to see you all out and about this weekend!

Charlemagne’s mother, big-footed Bertha wore soft cloth or Byzantine shoes neatly laced over a front slit, which made her a trendsetter even though she had tremendously large feet!

Problem is… being a big-footed Bertha in this modern world is a lot more tricky not to say impossible on some continents! I wish somebody had told me when moving to Hong Kong to pack all my shoes as I nearly ended bare-footed in a city where size 7 is huge, 8 unusual and over that: impossible and a rich source of laughs in the stores!

Being a Bertha myself, I thought about giving you some tips to be a real trendsetter in shoe fashion even though you wear a size 9, 10 or 11…

As the USA is the best country for this, my focus will be on New York shopping!

Alice + Olivia for Payless Shoe Source

Three stores in Manhattan: 716 Lexington Ave/ 60E 42nd St/ 609 8th Ave

In the Spring of 2008, Alice + Olivia paired with Payless to do a creative collaboration and is providing a full collection of shoes to the Payless stores each season! From flat ballet to boots, those are always great, trendy and available up to size 11 (43)!

Stacey Bendet launched the Alice + Olivia collection at Barneys NY in 2002. Nicknamed Stacey pants, she was often found rollerblading through the city in those bold striped bell bottoms that the collection became famous for. The line focused on pants before expanding gradually to sexy dresses, great sweaters, structural coats and shoes.

Beacon’s closet in Williamsburg

88N 11th St, Brooklyn

Just a couple train stops from Manhattan and you get to this 5500 square foot clothing paradise a.k.a. the Temple of Vintage. The shoes selection is unbelievable, sorted by colours with lots of large sizes from $5 to $100 already worn or not.

Melissa at Kaight Store

83, Orchard St in Manhattan

The rumor has already been spread in the main fashion publications: Melissa is the first jellies brand in the world to create plastic accessories valuing design and elegance. Eco-fashion, Brazilian and so avant-garde! It’s distributed in various places in New York but Kaight store has one the best selection in sizes. Kaight is a carefully edited boutique that offers a one-stop shopping experience for those interested in clothing and accessories thoughtfully designed with organic and sustainable textiles.

Artists and Fleas

129 N 6th St, Brooklyn,

Artists & Fleas creates weekly markets where emerging artists, designers, vintage collectors, and handmade crafters can set up shop and come in direct contact with the consumer public. Established in Williamsburg Brooklyn, it has created unique destinations for buyers, sellers, collectors and cool-hunters from around the world. There is an amazing vintage shoe corner cheap and where a size 9 is just average!

From left to right and up to down

The Melissa Joy + Alexandre Herchcovitch model

Alice + Olivia Ballets Shoes

Vintage pair found at Artists and Fleas

Marc by Marc Jacobs at Beacon’s

Every girl should have a bag from The handbag designer of the season Genevieve Jones.

Genevieve has been seen on Kate Moss and also the fabulous Nicky Hilton. Genevieve describes his bags as “a little punk, a little boho” ~ Genevieve is a must for every fashionistas closet!

Nicky Hilton is a fan of the Genevieve ‘Tree Bucket’ bag. The Tree Bucket bag has that rock chic look but the delicate Swarvoski crystals add a touch of feminity to the tough look.

Nicky Hilton wears her Genevieve Jones purse with an embellished cropped military jacket by Alice & Olivia.

Get your Rock Chic on with www.singer22.com

It’s really no secret that Payless carries a bevy of cute, stylish and affordable shoes these days, especially with designers like Lela Rose, Alice + Olivia and Christian Siriano designing for them.

But did you know they also carry a slew of frugalista-friendly accessories?  No? Well now you do, and with their current BOGO (buy one, get the 2nd one 1/2 off) sale you can’t go wrong. Shoes, bags and accessories all under $20? Payless, you are my new BFF.

With the holidays (and many a party) fast approaching, a cute evening bag and some sassy red heels are definitely in order.

This necklace will be a great statement piece with its darling charms and lovely jewel-tone scheme. Layer it on over a simple white t-shirt for class or a sexy LBD for New Year’s eve.

Skinny belts are a must-have this season. Throw one on over a long cardigan to add some shape and a little bit of fun to your look. Getting two for under $10 is hard to beat (especially when one is an adorable zebra print).

These leopard print flats are ooh-la-la, but if you love the style but don’t want to take a walk on the wild side, they carry these in black, silver and grey as well.

Cold weather makes bundling up essential, but doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Payless has a selection of inexpensive gloves, hats and scarves that’ll keep you cozy without looking frumpy.  Here are a few of my faves…

The fair isle print and pom-poms make this hat a winter must.

It’s time to trade in those boring black gloves for something a little more fun. I love the color scheme, stripes and buttons on these ones. And the extra long cuffs will keep your wrists warm, too.

This scarf is a great solution to keeping your neck/face warm and will also add a nice pop of color to those winter neutrals.

Beymen Logo

Beymen’s buyers are flying out soon to purchase next fall’s collections and are asking us what brands we want to see them carry!  I think we need more contemporary collections the likes of Alice + Olivia, Elizabeth and James, Tibi, ohhh and Brian Atwood heels (not contemporary but fabulous!!!).  Comment here or on their facebook page, here, and maybe we will get lucky and find what we asked for at the store a year from now.

Sizes 2 4 6 and 8 for 30% off here.

Update: The dress is by Alice + Olivia and is available here.

there are no words.

who doesn’t need a silver, shiny trench in their closet?  off to pilat-ize!

Alright yo, here’s another top five, I know I’ve been slacking. This week I am into…

1) Alice + Olivia…I’ve been posting a lot of Alice + Olivia lately and I covet this chain bag….I COVET IT. Available here at Chickdowntown.

2) Opening Ceremony Where the Wild Things Are collection…I would wear this Max suit every second I am indoors. My teddy bear has a matching outfit, so it seems fitting. Also, the faux fur skirts and jewelry in this collection are pretty epic…more here.

3) Edie Sedgwick hair. I hate my hair right now and don’t know what to do with it…but it pretty much looks like this if I sleep on it wet so I’m going to just accept it. I’m no Edie but I’m going to have to pretend the look is intentional.

4) I’ve recently developed an inexplicable obsession with sugar skulls. I want them everywhere.

5) I know skull scarves are SO Alexander McQueen two-seasons-ago, but I’ve somehow gotten myself back into the whole printed neckerchief thing…I used to wear a bandana everyday (along with tracksuits), and although the tracksuits will definitely never see the light of day again, I’m kinda down to re-commit to the whole unnecessary neck decoration thing again.

I know things have been a bit slow at Drooling Isn’t Pretty, but get ready because something special is coming up for my 200th post.

Alice + Olivia one-shoulder liquid dress, via Chick Downtown.

Gwyneth Paltrow looked stunning in a silver Alice + Olivia’s coat and Christian Louboutin caged booties.

Get her look with Roberto Cavalli’s trench coat at Luisaviaroma

Christian Louboutin’s High-Heel Cage Bootie, $1,595.00 at Neiman Marcus

Image from peoplestylewatch.com

Fashion faceoff: Lily vs. Michelle

Although both of these actresses look great, I absolutely adore Lily’s ensemble. The British beauty paired her Alice + Olivia top with a silk blue bubble skirt. She looks flirty and girly, yet the boyfriend blazer adds an androgynous touch.

That’s not to downplay Michelle’s look. Her already embellished top paired with classic black skinny jeans – simple but chic – is still a winner in my book.

Jason Wu Spring 2010 Ready to Wear

I’m admittedly obsessed with headbands. It probably has something to do with my love of accessories. I find it very difficult to leave the house without multiple necklaces, sequins, and embellished heels.  Headbands are just one more way to accessorize.  Luckily for me last fall feathered headbands were huge.  They were popping up everywhere from Bendels to Forever 21.  The look is dated at this point but it doesn’t mean you need to give up feathers just yet.

If you loved feathered headbands you’ll love:

Bebe Lace and Feather Mini: $119

Alice + Olive Francesca Feather Dress: $220 (on sale!)

The jacket is Twenty8Twelve Truman coat, the dress is Alice & Olivia Keyhole shoulder pad dress and the shoes are Manolo Blahnik Reata pumps.

S’s bag is by Kotur, and the tights are Hue.

Earlier tonight Simon Huck, Lo’s good friend, posted a picture from their celebrations at LIV and tweeted:

“Legendary Lo Lo bday weekend! Miss you ladies already! @lobosworth @jillyhendrix@mauramcmanus @laurenconrad“

We absolutely love Lo’s look for her birthday celebrations at LIV last night in Miami. This sequined Alice + Olivia dress is great on her, but we’ve seen this dress before. Lauren wore this sequined shift dress to the VH1 Divas show just the other week.

It’s always nice when friends don’t mind sharing clothes, especially when you can both rock the outfit. This Alice + Olivia dress is perfect for photographs. The way the lights reflect off the sequins make it look like they could be wearing two different dresses, even though they aren’t. We can’t decide who wore it better, what do you think?

There are so many great auctions ending tonight, tomorrow, and so on, I had to bring to you now so you can get ready:

Insanely amazing Christian Dior Jacket. Wool with velvet and chiffon trim (!!!!!). $234.50 ending tonight. IT”S WORTH IT. Get in on this auction if you want this coat!

An awesome Lela Rose necklace which retailed for over $400 is currently $59.05.

Alice + Olivia Feather Jacket. $99, ending tonight.

Jill Stuart Coat. $139, 5 days left. Someone’s going to find this soon…

Dolce & Gabbana Trouser Pants. Retail was $1350. These are now $15.50 with 2 days left. Insane deal.

An awesome Cacharel blouse is currently only $15, ending tonight!

Rachel Comey Dress. Priced buy-it-now at $178.

Grab this $595 Hanii Y Coat right on time for cold weather, it’s only $12.50 right now with 2 days left.

Marc Jacobs Cardigan. $7 with 3 days left. Steal.

Vintage Cazal Sunglasses. $129 with 2 days to go.

Larok Top. $11.99 with 4 days left and no current bidders. This is a steal, grab it!

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Suede & Leather Belt. $15 Ending tonight! I’m sure this originally retailed for over $200. If you’re a belt girl, get this. Forrest green is perfect for fall.

Catherine Malandrino Silk Shirt Dress. $36 with 2 days remaining.

Alice & Olivia Leather Jacket. This retailed for nearly $700. It’s currently $69 with 1 day left. Get it!

This Plenty by Tracy Reese jacket is about to be a ludicrous bargain, currently just $7 with 1 day left. Grab it!

Larok Jacket. $119, 6 days remaining.

Rebecca Taylor Vest. $8.49 with 1 day to go. The deals never stop…

Eugenia Kim Beret. $12.12 with 2 days to go.

Spectacular Olivia Morris Patent Boots. Retailed for $1067. Currently 41.02. HOT.

Vintage Jumper Dress, $9.99, 2 days left.

Yigal Arouzel Gold Feather Belt. Retailed for $345.

A very hot Rick Owens Sheer Jacket. $12.50 with 2 days to go.

Larok Mini Skirt. $99 with 2 days left.

Alice + Olivia 2-tone dress. Original retail was $495. Currently just $26.78 with a day remaining. Another insane bargain.

A gorgeous Jill Stuart blouse. Priced buy-it-now at $98.

Iisli Dress. $22.72 with 2 days left. Steal.

Alice + Olivia for Payless boots. 58.01 with 2 days left.

Vintage Oleg Cassini Blazer. $36 with 1 day left.

Louis Vuitton Blouse. $260.

Chris Benz Jacket. Retailed for almost $1200. Currently just $11.50 with 2 days left.

This Iro pleated silk dress is priced buy-it-now at $148.

Elie Tahari Pumps. Retailed for almost $500, currently $9.97 with 2 days remaining.

Scoop up this ultra-sexy Madison Marcus dress for just $69, a far cry from the original price of $375.

The cute Jill Stuart denim jacket has crescent pockets and leather trim. Only $4.99 with 4 days left.

Manoush Blue Vest. $42, ending tonight!

Another crazy deal: Lauren Moffatt Blouse, $0.99,  2 days remaining.

This may be the coolest vintage jacket I’ve seen in a long time. Every single thing about this piece is awesome. $21 with 22 hours left.

Viktoria Hayman Necklaces, $49 each, 22 hours left.

Floreat Dress from Anthropologie. $29 with a day left. Great deal.

Christian Lacroix Cashmere/Silk Scarf. $76 with 1 day to go. I love the print!

Sonia Rykiel Handbag. $109 ending tomorrow.

Leifsdottir Coat. Take advantage of this beautiful coat which orignally was $495. Currently $88, ending tomorrow.

Anna Torv at Emmys (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images) - gofugyourself.celebuzz.com

It’s been awhile since I’ve put a post up on sequins, something I was reminded of when I saw Anna Torv’s KILLER red sequined gown by Marc Bouwer at the Emmys. Gorgeous. Probably my favorite look of the night.

While there are many reasons I wouldn’t have the guts to wear a floor-length, skin-tight, red sequined gown, there are plenty of wearable sequined dresses out there I would be obliged to wear. Many, in fact, that resemble some of the spring 2010 looks I bookmarked. I would pair these short party dresses with a black blazer, maybe some neutral pumps… 

The sequin-ized frocks from the runway and my go-to online shopping sites, after the jump! 

These are my favorite little sequined dresses from the spring 2010 collections (all from style.com).

3.1 Phillip Lim (left), Behnaz Sarafpour, Cynthia Steffe, Proenza Schouler

I love the simplicity of this first dress, and the surprise keyhole in the back!

Alice + Olivia $495 - shopbop.com

This next one is also Alice + Olivia, but the iridescent sheen sets it apart (plus, gotta love the racerback). It’s like wearing a disco ball – mesmerzing…

Alice + Olivia $594 - shopbop.com

Speaking of mesmerzing…this Fendi frock is just a wee bit out of my price range, but it’s perfection.

Fendi $2,440 - net-a-porter.com

It’s one thing to make a sequin-covered dress, it’s a whole other thing to create a mosaic with sequins – check out that detail!

Haute Hippie $795 - shopbop.com

OK, this last one isn’t a dress, but I love that this sequined skirt can be dressed down with a tee and a blazer. And the watermelon color is so fun!

Moschino Cheap and Chic $590 - theoutnet.com

There are not many things more exciting to me than Fashion Week.  So much fashion packed into so little time! It’s mind-blowing! I know its hard to think of what next spring’s trends will be when we are just getting into fall, but I there are actually a number of looks that are popular now, for the fall, and into the spring, so you can reuse pieces season to season!  And with everyone seemingly on a budget, its always nice to know the clothes you buy now can last you atleast another year, if not longer!

Here are some trends that are popular now for fall, that I also saw on the runways for spring!

Trend: Cute Minis

Believe it or not, mini dresses are in for the fall.  This works especially where we are, since it never really gets THAT cold.  Wear them with tights and layer under cardigans, jackets or coats.  Take those layers off for the spring and voila! Get a mini you can wear now and later!  They were all over the runways.  Here are some of my favorites: (Hold your mouse over the picture to see the designer) 

Trend: Grecian Inspired Draping

Mini’s not your thing? Try this look, it is flattering on all types (as seperates or a dress!) and was just as popular on the runway! 

Trend: Metallics

Don’t be afraid of the shimmer! There are many different options here on how to style it and not over do it! 

Trend: Sequins & Glitter

I wasn’t sure if this trend was going to last, but alas, I was wrong!  With the right pieces it can be fun!

Trend: Jumpsuits/Rompers

This is a trend that I know surprised a lot of people with it’s comeback, but  it looks like it’ll be here for a little while longer atleast!

Trend: Harem Pants

These are also here to stay, which makes me happy because they are so comfortable! and who doesn’t love that?

Trend: Asymmetric Dresses

Whether they are asymmetric in construction or fabric, this style dress is in for the fall and beyond!

Trend: Ruffles & Bows

These little details can make you feel so flirty and romantic.  You can wear them so many ways; from just one bowtie to a whole dress of ruffles.  And they look great in the workplace, love that!

The next couple categories are staple pieces that we can wear practically year-round, and they will never go out of style! These were the most popular on the runways:

Staple: Cool Jackets

This is a great time to think about buying jackets, because it is just beginning to cool off.  Because of our beachy atmosphere, any of these jackets can be worn for spring or fall. 

Staple: Cute Shorts

We can’t deny we love shorts here.  On the runways I’m seeing some super-cute ones though!  And I’m not talking about really short, up-the-butt shorts, but more like pleated, feminine, and flowy.  These are perfect to pair with tights for fall!

Staple: Maxi Dress

This is another beachy classic that we can wear year-round.  Wear them under cardigans or jackets when the weather gets cool.  There were actually way more on the runway, these are just my favorites!

Staple: White Suit

Since the rule, “no white after labor day,” apparently no longer applies, grab yourself one of these.  If you don’t feel comfortable in an all white outfit when its not summer, wear the pieces seperately with more season-appropriate layers.

I also saw a few styling trends on the runways that are always under the radar and never go out of style.

Styling Trend: Strong vs. Feminine

This a great way to balance any outfit.  Wearing a strong, structured jacket or shoes with a feminie dress or skirt is a great way to find the median between being girly and edgy.  When it gets cooler, substitute the jacket for a chunky sweater and it’ll have the same effect.

Styling Trend: Mixing Patterns

This is one of my favorites!  It can be tricky, though, to find the patterns and colors that work together without looking like you got dressed in the dark.  Mixing bold colors could be easier and has the same essence.  Take these as inspiration:

Looking ahead to Spring, there were a few new trends on the runway.  Just thought you might want to keep these in mind:

New Trend: Satin & Silk Like Fabrics

Surprisingly, this was all over the runway!  These fabrics could definately be worn for fall here, too.

New Trend: Variation on the Classic Shift

I saw a bunch of different looks that took the classic shift dress shape and added some sort of twist.  Whether it be extra detailing, a little bit more sleeve, a lower neckline, a different hemline, or a more relaxed fit.  It’s a good way to update one of your staples.

Finally, I just wanted to share with you some of my personal favorites from New York Fashion Week.  In these I can’t really tell what exactly is going on, or how the designer exactly constructed the pieces,  but I like it : )

And these are just so freaking cute I would seriously wear them straigh off the runway! (wouldn’t that be nice??!)

Well, I hope you enjoyed your little Spring preview from New York Fashion Week.  Next up is London.  We’ll see if they can keep up with the competition!