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Ten Strapless Dresses for a Semi-Formal Wedding

FabSugarUK — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:30:10 -0700

Wedding season continues today with recommendations for what to wear to a semi-formal affair. This includes plenty of cocktail dresses to see you from the daytime event to the party. Preparing for this should be enjoyable, and you can end up feeling like you're starring on the red carpet!

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Must-Read: BBQ Bash

partysugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:00:59 -0700

Last year I received a copy of BBQ Bash: The Be-All, End-All Party Guide, from Barefoot to Black Tie ($16.95) by Karen Adler and Judith Fertig. I quickly flipped through the pages, but since it was October, I stored it on the book shelf.

Then two weeks ago I was sitting on my couch, looked up, and swore BBQ Bash jumped out at me. I scooped it up and started reading. To find out why I couldn't put this book down - even on the bus - read more.

Pros:

It's written by two females, the BBQ Queens, so instead of taking a stereotypical manly point of view, the tone offers a refreshing anyone-can-do-it attitude.
Filled with hundreds of mouthwatering recipes, helpful tips, party plans, interesting lists (example: 15 different flavored butters), general information on grilling, smoking, and barbecuing.
To the authors, barbecue is a 24/seven, 365-day-a-year thing - meaning there is something for everyone.
The party plans are festive and fun. They include such themes as A Black-Tie Barbecue, Home For the Holidays Barbecue, and A Cozy Dinner a Deux.
There're plenty of cocktail recipes, too.

Cons:

Lack of photos. There's a small color photo spread in the center of the book that features 14 images. Other than that, the book is photo-free.
Some of the recipes call for specialty ingredients like artisanal prosciutto, peppadews, and tarragon vinegar.
Other recipes are uncreative and rely on store-made products. A salmon recipe is little more than salmon fillets marinated in Italian dressing and Seafood Magic rub.
There's no index or list of the drink recipes making them hard to find.

Recipes: Each recipe is followed up with helpful pointers: to "deck it out" (make the dish seem more formal), to "take it easy" (simplify the recipe), to "change it up" (meat, herb, and cheese substitutions), and to "raise a glass" (alcoholic beverage pairing suggestions). Here are some that caught my eye:

Rioja-style grilled pork tenderloin tapas
Limoncello spritzers
Big Easy grilled beef tenderloin, Zinfandel-glazed baby back ribs with a kiss of smoke
Blue cheese coleslaw
Grilled Winter-greens with warm cranberry port-vinaigrette
Grilled chocolate crostini
Dulce de leche sauce

Imagery: As mentioned above, there are only 14 color photos. The rest of the book is filled with curvy illustrations.

Overall: If you do a lot of outdoor entertaining and don't mind a cookbook without images, this book is perfect for you!

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DEARSUGAR's Guide To Decoding Dress Codes

DearSugar — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 12:00:00 -0800

Dear Sugar
My boyfriend and I have been invited to his office holiday party and the invitation reads "business casual". I am a teacher and have no dress code so I am not familiar with what this means. Can you help me figure out what "business casual" implies for a woman? Also, on a more general note, what are the rules when following directions about dress codes on invitations? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Clueless Claire

To see DEARSUGAR's answer read more

Dear Clueless Claire
You are not alone. I've gotten many questions about what is appropriate to wear to specific events, and right before the holidays is the perfect time to address dress code issues. There are a myriad of dress codes out there and they are often times very confusing. Here is DEARSUGAR's Guide To Decoding Dress Codes: To see coordinating looks, click here.

Business Casual is one of the most misunderstood dress codes in the workplace. It began as an escape from the formal suit allowing men and women to be more comfortable and relaxed, yet still appear professional and presentable looking.
Business Casual technically means that you can wear: slacks and a button down shirt with no tie for men, and a blouse with trousers or a skirt for women. However, it has progressed to become even more informal over the years.

All companies have different thresholds for tolerance of: open toe shoes, tank tops, and the recommended skirt length, but the basic guidelines still apply. The idea is for you to dress professionally and look put together, neat yet a little bit more relaxed than if you had to be in a blazer or suit jacket all day.
To make it more confusing, Casual Chic is a fancier version of Business Casual. For a man, this implies wearing a sport coat and slacks, and for a woman, it is recommended to wear a dressy pant or skirt and a sassier, more cocktail-style blouse.
Cocktail Attire typically means that a woman should wear an elegant dress that falls around her knee area. For a man, it means wearing a dark colored suit, and a necktie is optional. The "little black dress" was a term coined by Coco Chanel in 1926 for this type of occasion. As always, accessories can add individuality and glamour to any outfit ...especially to the little black dress.
Black Tie is a more definitive dress code. It lets you know that the affair you are attending is unmistakably formal and that all men should be wearing tuxedos and women should be wearing elegant floor-length dresses or gowns. Many women feel this rule is outdated today and that as long as they have a dressier style of a cocktail dress that falls around or below the knee it can suffice. I suggest assessing the crowd that will be in attendance and dressing accordingly with discretion.
Formal Attire is similar to black tie, although men have the option of wearing a black suit with a tie as opposed to wearing a tuxedo. In this case, women can choose formal separates.
White Tie is the most formal of dress codes. The main difference between white tie and black tie is the man wears a dinner jacket with tails, a white shirt, white tie, and white vest versus a traditional tuxedo.

I hope this helps to steer you in the right direction and makes your outfit decision making easier. I think that wearing an A-line skirt, a pencil skirt or a tailored pair of pants with a festive colored sweater or blouse would look lovely at your boyfriend's holiday party. If you prefer to wear a dress, something simple such as a solid shift (nothing too sexy) and a blazer would suffice as well.

Please understand that these suggestions are nothing more than guidelines and are here to help you. Above all when attending a party that offers a dress code suggestion on the invitation, make sure that you feel comfortable and confidant. What anyone will remember above all, is your dashing and clever inner beauty and charm that will shine through.

Allegra Hicks Spring 2009 Collection

FabSugarUK — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:26 -0800

Lucky me - yesterday I was able to attend a viewing of the new sophisticated Spring 2009 Allegra Hicks collection. The designer who originally became famous for her long, luxe kaftans, now has a complete line of holiday-wear ranging from cover-ups to cocktail dresses. The inspiration from the collection comes from nature, specifically, the various colours and patters of butterflies.

The stand-out pieces included a vintage-inspired white lacey Camilla Dress which reminded me a lot of something designed by Milly. I also really loved the soft, lightweight fabric of this Esmirelda Silk Jersey Top and Dress. These items are ideal for jet setters, because they can be packed up into a ball without showing any signs of wrinkling whatsoever!

To find out all about my favorite piece and for more about the long-haired model in these photos, read more.

Despite all of the gorgeous new items, my absolute favourite design was the Yana Dress because of the pale colour and the shape. It has that classy heir of elegance without looking like you're trying too hard, which makes it perfect for a semi-formal event in a warm destination. The tapered waist creates a shapely silhouette and the shimmer makes it dressy.

Also, doesn't it look gorgeous on Heide Lindgren? It looks like this 8th and Ocean up and comer is scoring herself some big-time ads! Which is your favorite new Allegra Hicks item?

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Fab Finds of the Week: A Formal Affair

FabSugar — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 07:37:34 -0700

There was a flurry of Fab Finding this week, most of it on the more formal side. Between the hunt for company cocktail party attire on Friday to Peepshow's request for formalwear ideas, Fab Finds were dominated by floor-length gowns, jeweled clutches, and sparkly shoes.

The Fab Finder of the Week honor goes to WhiplashGirlchild, who found not one but two company cocktail party ensembles, as well as a ton of formal options. Here's a look at what she and TeamSugar's other Fab Finders found this week.

I love this ensemble that WhiplashGirlchild put together for the office cocktail party.

Banana Republic Pleat-Front Turtleneck, $38, available here.

French Connection Serpent Skirt, $168, available here.

Jalda Buckle Patent Clutch, $240, available here.

To see the rest, read more

Dress with Choice of Sash, $129.99, available here. Found by WhiplashGirlchild.

Lauren Merkin Eve Perforated Leather Clutch, $200, available here. Found by WhiplashGirlchild.

Zinc Sydney Dress Pump in Beige, $51.95, available here. Found by Jennifer76
.

As U Wish Taffeta Babydoll Dress, $68, available here. Found by Sassy_Me.

Ralph Lauren Jeweled Clutch, $3,400, available here. Found by Popstar.

What To Wear To An Affair

DearSugar — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 19:01:00 -0700

Dear Sugar
My husband and I are going to a wedding in Santa Barbara in July. The invitation didn't specify any type of dress requirement. Can you give me an overview of the proper attire for both men and women? What To Wear Clare

Dear What To Wear Clare
Women should stay away from anything floor length or too formal. Think of how you'd dress for the theater or a fancy evening dinner. Try a cocktail dress - nothing that's over the top sexy but something dressier than a casual sundress.

When in doubt, pull out your trusty little black dress. I would avoid wearing something too flashy like a beaded dress or anything with sequins - save that for the black tie event.

Men should wear a dark suit for an evening affair or a blazer and dress slacks for a daytime event. Err on the side of caution and always wear a tie.

If the invitation is at at a country club, opt for something more tailored and if it says black tie optional, then I would wear a dressier dress - something formal, or t-length. A man should either wear a tuxedo or a black suit.

A few things to remember:

Always bring a shawl or scarf. If the ceremony is surprisingly religious, you may need to have your shoulders covered
Don't wear white to a wedding unless you get the bride's approval. You never want to overshadow her on her wedding day.
Don't be too revealing. Remember that elderly family may be there and it's important to dress respectfully.

Here are some great dress ideas for this type of beachy but upscale wedding.

Dressing For Dress Codes

FabSugar — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 12:01:22 -0800

Getting an invitation in the mail for a fabulous event with a dress code requirement can be stressful. Dress codes are sometimes difficult to decipher, and can drive you crazy when trying to choose the most appropriate attire.

Thanks to our etiquette expert, DearSugar, who has created DearSugar's Guide To Decoding Dress Codes, we can all rest a little easier knowing that our outfits fall within the guidelines of the proper dress code. Here are some suggestions for what to wear when a dress code has you stumped:

Here's a Business Casual look for a party: Oscar de La Renta is the epitome of class and this tailored, tweed dress and belt are sure to be hit in any conservative crowd. Buy it here for $1,950. The belt is sold separately. You can buy it here for $350.

This Carmen Marc Valvo Taffeta Wrap Top & Skirt is a great choice for a Formal Affair
Buy it here for a total of $855 (jacket and skirt sold separately).

Lots more looks, so read more

This gorgeous Notte by Marchesa Bow Dress is perfect for Cocktail Attire when you are looking for something fun and flirty. Buy it here for $780.

This elegant, yet sexy Carmen Marc Valvo Gown is perfect for any winter Black Tie event or gala. The color won't wash you out and the form fitting shape is classic and jaw dropping. Buy it here for $960.

This Carolina Herrera Jersey Draped Gown has just the right flair for a modern White Tie event. It has a short train for a dramatic effect. This dress is representative of something so dressy that you will be doing more standing pretty than partying and dancing. Buy it here for $2,990.

Come Party With Me: Ugly Sweater - Invites

partysugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:30:51 -0800

If hosting a holiday cocktail party is too formal for your entertaining style, host an ugly sweater themed bash instead! Invite all of your friends over and tell them to wear their most obnoxious Christmas sweater. This type of party is fun, informal, and hysterical. To get guests in the mood send a fabulous invitation. You can download, print, and fill out our ugly sweater party invite or make a more personalized invitation like the one seen here. To see how I made it, read more

To make an invite similar to the one seen here you will need the following supplies:

2 sheets of cardstock
a funny picture of you and the other hosts/hostesses dressed in your ugly sweaters
scissors
glue
computer and printer

To assemble the invite:

Start by taking a fun picture of you around your Christmas tree in an ugly sweater.

Make a color photo copy of the picture and cut down to size. Set aside.

Create a new Word document on your computer. Write out the details of the party. I used the font Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold in size 14 to write the following message:

You’re invited to rock around the Christmas tree
In your ugliest holiday sweater!

This Saturday night, December 15
8 o’clock pm
PartySugar’s house, San Francisco

Only those wearing a fabulously ugly
sweater will be admitted to the party!

Rsvp. 415.555.5555

Print out and check the text for grammar or spelling mistakes. Once satisfied with the info, print out on the cardstock.

Cut down to size.

Using fun scissors, cut another piece of cardstock down to size. This will act as the frame to the picture.

With a round shaped object, trace a circle on the picture. Place the picture on top of the frame cardstock and the circular object on top of this. Carefully slide the picture out while holding the circle in place.

Trace the circle on to the cardstock and cut the middle out. Turn over.

Glue the picture, face down to the back of the frame.

Glue the text face up to the back of the picture.

Add any special touches. I glued a gold bow to the front of mine.
Slide into an envelope and send.

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New York Fashion Week, Fall 2007: Jackie Rogers

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:05:55 -0800

Jackie Rogers began her career as an original model for Coco Chanel, a singer, a movie starlet and eventually an owner of a NYC boutique. She made it a point to work with the exciting "Mademoiselle" on some of her collections all the while absorbing her technique. Jackie now has her own line which is no doubt inspired by her mentor. They are classy, creative and extremely elegant.

On Saturday afternoon I had the pleasure of attending her show - and at a rather unexpected location. The setting was at Scores West (yes, the strip club) and the theme, "After The Deluge" was influenced by the 30's Bauhaus Movement in Berlin, Paris and New York around the time of WWII.

The clothing was delivered in three phases. The first was black, white, grey and silver fabrics adorned with ruffles, patent leather bow belts, fetish bustiers and silk flowers. The second introduced both bright and muted fall colored day wear in softer fabrics accented with sable and silver-fox hoods and trim. The third displayed evening wear in flowy satin jewel tones as well as ethereal silver/gold lame gowns. The collection consisted of an array of suits, cocktail dresses, formal dresses, skirts and tops for both chic young women as well as the older seductress.

Although there were a team of hair and makeup artists behind the show, Maria Ashe was the lady with the vision. As the president of beauty ADDICTS Makeup Company, she collaborated with Jackie Rogers to come up with the strong and confident beauty look.

To see the rest of my New York Fashion Week Fall 2007 coverage click here.

To see an inside look at the makeup used at this show and for more pictures of the collection, read more

There was no color applied to the face; only foundation and contouring. This made the splash of red on the lips the show stopper. There was also sealant added to the lips to keep them shiny as well as ensure they wouldn't feather, fade or bleed during clothing changes.

The eyes were something really special. They were created with the solutionEYES Seduce Palette with heavy eyeliner and no false eyelashes - just gobs and gobs of mascara, reminiscent of the 30's style of makeup. Next, to create a lacquered effect, white gold lip gloss was applied over the dark shadow as well as below the brow bone as a highlighter.

Overall, I was very impressed with the collection, it is definitely for a woman looking to make a statement. It is no surprise that Jackie has dressed so many recognizable women such as: Lee Radziwell, Jackie Onassis, Diana Ross, Nicoke Kidman, Condaleeza Rice, Gwyneth Paltrow, Julianne Moore, and Salma Hayek.

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Scarlett certainly looks like she is having a great time here, but I am not feeling her look. The black closed toe shoes and fishnets really don't go with that short, short pale green dress and that color does not flatter her skin tone. Also she seems a little out of place in her mini cocktail dress amidst the sea of long formal gowns. What do you think?

Vote on all the Costume Institue Gala fashions here

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