$$$
If you’re going to invest in a bandage dress, you might as well go for the real thing. Shopbop has a great selection of Herve Leger dresses, but my favorite is the angled bandage cocktail dress, which, due to the diagonal construction of the panels, will have a very flattering effect on a wide range of women, emphasizing the positive aspects of one’s figure. Think of it as gorgeous scaffolding for your body.

Of course, it’s always interesting seeing how other designers interpret such an iconic look. Alexander Wang’s lace bandage dress isn’t quite as skintight as something you’d expect from the master of downtown-sexy dressing, but with its lace overlay and draped effect in the shoulder, it’s even, dare I say, a bit elegant.

Even more forgiving to the figure is Preen’s power bandage dress. It still retains the banded effect in the bodice–and the back has a very sexy cutout detail–but the peplum skirt skims the hips to hide a multitude of flaws.
More bandage dresses after the jump…

$$
I am a firm believer that one can never have too many little black dresses, and thus you can’t really go wrong with the little black bandage dress. This Juicy Couture bandeau dress is definitely little, and it must stay up by some feat of engineering. The exposed back zipper keeps it interesting, and the price is quite nice too.

This Leifsdottir dress calls itself bandage; if we were getting picky, I’d probably qualify this as ruched. But nevertheless, this style of bandage dress–with asymmetrical, ruched panels–was all over the spring runways, so it’s a chance to jump on a trend a few months early. I also like that it has sleeves, which are almost essential when going to parties in the dead of winter.

Of course, the nice thing about Max Azria owning Herve Leger is that the designs trickle down to Azria’s other (i.e. more affordable) labels. Take this blouson dress for example: It has a very BCBG-esque billowy top, but a signature Leger banded skirt, giving it the best of both worlds. If you wear it under a boyfriend jacket, you might even be able to get away with wearing this to work.

$
Onto the bargains, but I suggest approaching these only if you have an incredible body and/or keen knowledge of Spanx, as none of these will likely be as well constructed as the looks above. Nevertheless, this colorblock dress from Arden B is probably the most forgiving of the three picks, and it takes a cue from the BCBG look above, with its two-in-one look. This is a pretty basic look, but it would be great for layering, and could benefit from some statement jewelry.

The copy for this Wet Seal dress claims one can wear it during the day with a cardigan. I would discourage that. I mean, look at it.

Finally, this Guess miter bandage dress is a best-seller, and you can see why. The long sleeves make it seem almost demure; the wide V-neckline and empire waist are flattering (making the shoulders seem wider makes your hips look smaller); and Guess clothes are generally pretty well made. Again, Spanx are likely in order, but since this dress is only $138, you’ll likely have some money left over for the shapewear department.
From our friends at Cheryl Shops

Bold prints are fun, daring, and always stylish – but they can easily go wrong. A good rule to go by is the one of proportions: if you’re thin or petite, wear small prints. If you’re tall or plus-size, wear bigger prints. Also, if you’re wearing a printed top, it’s best to go with solid pants and shoes. Here are six of our favorite geometric prints for under $250:

A printed tank with jeans and heels makes a cute “going out” outfit, and a printed skirt or dress with black tights will make you stand out at any event. While the little black dress will always be a staple, printed items are way more unique!

From our friends at StyleBakery

From our friends at StyleBakery

If you are like me your summer agenda is packed with weddings. If you are the bride-to-be, congratulations! But the majority of us will attend as guests. If you are in a dilemma of what to wear don’t fret. There are plenty of options for very pretty ladylike silk dresses suitable for wedding festivities. Featured here is a roundup of pretty silk dresses with ruffled necklines all priced under $200. Ruffled necklines in fruity starburst colors look great with a summer tan as well as fair complexions. Pretty up your look with some classic t-strap heels and an eye-catching clutch. When accessorizing with jewelry note that a complex neckline like ruffles requires less rather than more. Perhaps a stunning statement cocktail ring, and classic stud or drop earrings.  If wearing  dangling chandelier earrings forgo the cocktail ring as you won’t want to overwhelm this ladylike look with excessive jewelry.

Our picks for Silk Ruffled Dresses featured from left to right.

Silk Ruffle Neck Dresses under $200:
- Ruffle-Neck Silk Dress, was $295.00 Now $118.00 at NeimanMarcus.com
- eShakti Ruffle neck silk dress in maize yellow, $ 69.95 at eShakti.com
- Walter mint chiffon ruffle cutout back dress, $144.90 at Bluefly.com

Shoes under $100:
- Nine West Women’s Snowbunny T-Strap Pump, $41.82 – $70.50 at Amazon.com
- Promiscuous Flora Platform Peep toe pumps, $99.00 at Zappos.com
- Nine West Snowbunny T-Strap Pump, $41.82 – $70.50 at Amazon.com

Cocktail Rings under $50:
- Rhinestone Flower Cocktail Ring-Red, $14.99 FashionJunkee.com
- Yellow Cabochon bouquet cocktail ring, $19.99 at JCrew.com
- Sheila’s Faux Turquoise Cocktail Ring, $39.99 at Drugstore.com

Whether turquoise, azure, aqua, teal or royal, one thing’s for sure, I’m obsessed with ocean blues this season. Combine various shades of pool colors for a flattering and timeless look. Here are some favorite blue hued pieces:

1. Embellished Ikat Diamond Print Maxi Dress, $78 at ardenb.com – a slinky maxi dress featuring a stone and beaded neckline and abstract ikat diamond print throughout.

2. Rafé New York ‘Stripe Paisley Large’ Shoulder Bag, $196.90 (sale) at nordstrom.com - Embossed paisley adds subtle yet rich texture to the striped canvas fashioning a roomy shopper. Rope handles lace through the leather trim for a casually chic touch.

3. Ariella Collection Adjustable Multi Prong Ring, $78 at nordstrom.com - Luminous round stones glow among delicate gold prongs on a striking ring.

4. Georgette printed tunic, $69 at bananarepublic.com - A delicate crinkled silk georgette tunic makes an impact in an imprecise abstract print. A blousy loose fit and balloon sleeves offer a relaxed chic vibe.

From our friends as StyleBakery

For two weeks in a row now, I am still in the process of moving. Dragging my extremely large wardrobe from one city to another is a workout. Not only is it a hassle, its eye-opening to realize your closet is in need of something fabulous, something original, one of a kind really!  Well, after unearthing Manhattan’s in the know secret that is Deibe Rondon, I felt rejuvenated- like I finally found what was missing!  Sophisticated, minimalist, and chic, are three words I would use to describe Venezuelan born designer Deibe Rondon’s collections, season after season.

Rondon began designing his first collection in 2005, after graduating from FIT, while interning with Douglas Hannant Couture Atelier.

His extensive training has paid off, making this twenty seven year old, Gael Garcia Bernal look alike, one hot designer! His pieces can be found in specialty boutiques in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Madrid. You can also purchase pieces from his S/S 2009 collection here, online.

This wunderkind was introduced to fashion at an early age. His mother taught for UNITE, and designed for Bill Blass. It only makes sense, that he would follow in her stylish footsteps, and design himself!

Here are a few items from his S/S 2009 collection..

Dalia Ruffle Top and Anna Pleated Skirt- Blair Waldorf is drooling over this top…

Caroline Pleated Pocket Dress – I love how the neckline shimmers like leather, but the entire dress is 100% silk!

Ruffle Dress- arrives in stores Fall 2009, put this one at the top of your must buy for Fall fashion list! Nude- ruffles = best dressed gal in the place.

To learn more about Deibe, his current and upcoming collections, or where to find his clothes, go to deiberondon.com.

From our friends at BrandHabit

Shine on this summer with a hint of sparkle on the most marvelous metallic dresses for warm weather fetes. Think delicate exquisite strands of metallic thread woven into luxurious fabrics for a subtle hint of metallic shine. No gaudy gold lame here. We love the shimmering print on the strapless babydoll dress from Nicole Miller. The sweetheart neckline and bubble hem have us swooning. Also on the metallic radar is the three-quarter sleeve shift from J Crew. The gold flecks in the linen “oak silk” tussah reveal the slightest shimmer when showered by sunlight. This A-line frock features an subtle and sexy slight scoop back. As with all metallic fabrics be sure to treat with care.