[M829]My Little Black Dress

Little Black Dress is One of life's greatest quests. Every woman looks and feels spectacular in it, using it as the go-to item in her closet for when she has ?nothing to wear?. The little black dress has been a fashion institution since the 1920's, when Coco Chanel created and introduced the first one. Chanel wanted to instill comfort with sophistication, which at the time was considered very cutting edge. Women were baring more skin on their arms and legs, enjoying a more lavish social life.
One of Chanel's memorable quotes is that ?luxury must be comfortable; otherwise it is not a luxury.? Her influence is felt still today, and the little black dress has seen many incarnations. During the Great Depression, the dress continued to be popular though the hemlines lengthen and the style was more restrained. The 50's brought the pin-up girl influence to the make the dress more seductive statement, often in a halter style. While Mod in the 60's shortened the length and added cutouts, it is the elegant black sheath dress designed by Givenchy for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's that epitomized the style.
Before black became a staple in most women's wardrobes, it was considered a color of mourning. Now, it is a standard in fashion all over the world. It is easily worn with other colors, and provides a backdrop for stunning jewelry. It slims a woman's silhouette, and gives the appearance of being taller. It can be worn day or evening. For all of these reason's the little black dress remains as popular today as it ever has. The sleeveless black shift is the gold standard from which all are designed.
Dress styles have changed over the years to reflect the current trends ? lengths go up and down, cleavage or no cleavage, lots of embellishment to elegant simplicity. The importance of the style is to have an effortless style that embodies who you are. Today's little black dress takes the simple lines and puts a wickedly modern twist on them.
In one of the most memorable dresses, Gwyneth Paltrow showed up in last year in London in a barely there black lace dress from Balmain, instantly influencing women all over to show more leg. Balenciaga's sculpted tailoring creates a futuristic feel, and Prada adds ruffled insets. Sequins and beading, metallic trims, sexy fringes, jagged hemlines, seductive single shoulder styles and pleats gave dimension to the dress, as sales climbed this past year. Continuing into 2009 women will be adding more to their little black dress collection.
Your closet should include at least two styles of Little Black Dress ? daytime as well as evening. Soft jersey knits provide an easy backdrop to run errands in during the week, keeping creases to a minimum and always giving you an up to date look. Tank style dresses can be layered over pops of color, t-shirt styles are updated with metallic belts, and classic shirtdresses are cinched with ribbons and bows. Angelina Jolie has always embodied easy daytime style with her simple, chic black dresses, even when pregnant. The daytime black dress is easily accessorized with colorful jewelry and scarves, along with fun strappy sandals.
The Little Black Dress offers perfect styles to let you show off your most dramatic shoes. Shoes have become a commanding influence, and there have been many pairs purchased without regard to an outfit because they are so fabulous. This is where a simple black statement on top will show off the most decadent of footwear.
While many top designers? black dresses can run into the thousands of dollars, it is not necessary to spend so much for a stunning appearance. Couture style dresses is easier to find, and one of the top designers creating timeless designs is Natasha Leratti, a Miami-based fashion designer. One of her most spectacular strapless little black dresses features cascading ruffles and an uneven hemline. The bodice offers a hint of cleavage shown off by a crystal buckle. It retails for $599.00, which differs greatly from the $5,000 shown by other couture designers. She also offers a comfortable looking black knit dress for under $100 that can easily be dressed up and down. What sets Leratti apart is her willingness to customize styles and colors for her clients, at a fraction of the price. Her latest Collections can be found at her online store at http://www.leratti.com.
?Most customers don't receive anywhere near the quality and design in clothing for their hard earned cash as they should,? notes Leratti. As a purveyor of the finest quality materials, she creates luxurious women's clothing that you'll want to fill your closet with. ?Leratti's designer clothes allow you to feel beautifully confident,? client Easter Huggins commends. Next time you are considering a Little Black Dress, or adding pieces to your wardrobe consult Leratti's website or contact her directly for a personal touch.

Your Fashion Designer, Guru and Stylist,
Natasha Leratti