Who’s surprised that this was my hands-down favorite dress from the Jones New York event last night?

…Anyone?

…?

Right. I mean, obviously.

The night started off not-so-hot on my end: I got all starstruck meeting InStyle’s founding editor in chief, Hal Rubenstein, and apparently being starstruck makes me turn twenty shades of purple. Oh yes, and then thirty seconds later, when he started his presentation, your resident space cadet discovered that she had forgotten to turn off the ringer on her phone, with very (very) loud results.

Enter: purple face, take 2.

After I got over those little humps, the rest of the evening was great. I hung out with Something Navy – always fun – and spent some time daydreaming about my holiday wardrobe, which I’m hoping will heavily feature the leopard dress pictured up there.

Overall: very impressed with Jones New York’s holiday collection.

You know the Jones New York you remember from back in the day, when your mom dragged you out shopping looking for kinda traditional work clothes? That is not what the brand is about nowadays; the pieces are still classic and easily go to the office, but their recent collections are much more work-to-weekend, featuring interesting, modern cuts, fun details…and so much animal print that it makes my heart happy.

Final highlight of the night: Hal Rubenstein’s tips for fabulous holiday fashion that makes sense in real life (how refreshing is that?).

1. You know how you say that you’re going to run home after work and change before going out? You aren’t. You think you are, but you totally aren’t. So wear something to work that easily transitions into evening, like a snakeskin print dress that you can top with a blazer during the day, or a cozy sweater and metallic skirt (just add accessories for nighttime).

2. Clothes don’t just have to fit you…they have to fit your life. Don’t wrestle yourself into an outfit that you’ll be tugging at or generally miserable in all evening long; go for something that feels good, and you’ll look good.

3. When you spot a dress in a simple cut (like this red shift dress), try it on. It may look shapeless on the hanger, but you may be surprised by how elegant you look once you’re in the thing.

4. Don’t forget: that great suit in your closet isn’t welded together. You can split it up, pairing the blazer with a cute tee and jeans on the weekend, or topping the pants with a beautiful, glittery blouse for a cocktail party.

5. Jersey, leather, and animal prints always look right. (I agree.)

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November 30th, 2012 | Style | 2 Comments »