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When the Dressing Gets Tough, the Tough Wear Classics

Dearest She She Girls!

I went to a black-tie event last Saturday night, and while I was pushing the neutral trend myself (platinum), I was overwhelmed by the number of black plunge-neck halter dresses cavorting around me. And then I remembered the red carpet at the Golden Globes: black, black, and more black (ok, red too, but mostly black). Which got me to thinking: if the LBD is really the timeless go-to for any woman in a dress-up crisis, what else can we turn to when we have nothing to wear? Ergo, the following array of must-haves, for this spring or any time you need to look perfect without much effort (read: always).



Clothes

You can get dressed for almost any occasion with a few simple pieces.

• Choose one of these jackets: black pinstripe that can dress up with a pencil skirt or down with jeans, or an of-the-moment shrunken jacket (Luella Bartley , for heaven's sake, at bargain-basement prices!), to nip your waist and strengthen your shoulders while helping you look effortlessly put-together.
• The perfect jean. Chic tee shirt and sneakers, shrunken blazer and boots, or stiletto sandals and a silk cami, all great with the right pair. Spend a little extra, but go for a super-flattering boot-cut, and a not-too-trendy mid-dark wash.
• A great boatneck knit top to wear with jeans, skirts, or under a jacket, and no bra-strap peeks!
• A black cashmere sweater is appropriate with any bottom from October through April. How much more essential can you get?
• A cropped pant that can work with pumps and a blazer for work (okay, in a more progressive office, not a legal setting) or with boots (and later chic flops) and a sweater for weekend. I love these in khaki with a black turtleneck and black ballet flats - very Audrey Hepburn.
• Start with this little black dress for casual to cocktail occasions, and add accessories to make it perfect. A classic silhouette and a seasonless fabric make this the right choice for any gathering, and the wrap waist and v-neck flatter almost every body type. For more formal occasions, this little strapless dress will fill the bill; choose one of the many colors to match your mood.

Shoes

• This spring, I'm feeling the rope-sole vibe. Check out these red silk espadrilles; the classic color goes with almost everything. And for the trend lover in you, this peep-toe platform wedge espadrille hits a retro note and will look great with a silky dress OR Bermuda shorts. Or jeans. (But what doesn't work with jeans anymore?)
• And pick up a pair of ballerina flats in the spring's hottest spice colors for those days when you have to cover a lot of ground.

Unmentionables

One of the chief offenses I've noticed lately (and this was disturbingly obvious in all of those strappy evening dresses I saw this weekend) is that women are choosing the wrong foundation garments. This mistake makes anything you wear, no matter how sassy, fit horribly, and that's a waste of good couture karma. Make sure you own a great sheer thong and matching supportive bra - VPL* is so last century, and nothing takes off ten years and ten pounds faster than hoisting the girls back to the right location on your torso.

Accessories

The finishing touches are what make an outfit go from good-looking to gorgeous.

• A great neutral tote bag (this one hitting the gold and studs themes) can get you to work or through a marathon shopping spree without looking overloaded (remember what Tom Ford said: the chicest women carry nothing at all!)
• Choose a spring-y hobo bag with touches of metallic to make your classic wardrobe staples look trendier - this is a hot shape in cool colors.
• Wrap-around sunglasses keep wrinkles at bay, while lighter aviators are good for anytime of the day or night, and work for indoors, too (keep those paparazzi guessing who you are!)
• In case you can't wait for Prince Charming to load you up, start your own jewelry collection with classic diamond stud earrings: perfect any time, with any outfit. Add a timeless timepiece; being on time is essential, too.

Keep your eyes peeled for these great staples any time you're out shopping; the end of the season is a great time to pick up wardrobe basics for a song. And never underestimate the value of a wonderful night's sleep, courtesy of a five-star down pillow (great price!); eight hours dreaming about your next couture conquest can revive any look. Shop happy!

Shop Girl

*VPL=Visible Panty Lines

Romance your valentine with the perfect gift from eLUXURY!

From timeless Baccarat crystal hearts and decadent lingerie by La Perla to Etro's chic leather goods and luxe grooming sets by The Art of Shaving, our Valentine's Day Gift Guide features elegant gifts for everyone. Here are just a few of our favorite ideas for a luxurious Valentine's Day:

• Make her swoon with beautiful jewelry from Me&Ro.
• Pamper him with an indulgent grooming set from Santa Maria Novella.
• Treat her to a must-have new handbag from Dior, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, or Juicy Couture.
• Pair a posh spa gift from Santa Maria Novella, Fresh, or Molton Brown with a scented candle from Diptyque and Tocca to set a seductive mood.
• Remind him of your love every day with a sleek wallet or iPod case from Dior Homme.
• Give her a day in the sun with glamorous sunglasses from Juicy Couture - and they include a chic leather case as your gift with purchase.
• Let your valentine choose! Our gift certificates are one-size-fits-all and they never go out of style.

As our gift to you, shop until 11:59 a.m. on February 13th and we'll upgrade the shipping on your order, free of charge, to guarantee that all your gifts are received by February 14th!

Thanks to eLUXURY's Valentine's Day Gift Guide, treating your sweetheart to the perfect gift was never easier or more luxurious.

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