The Neckline

The neckline calls the shots. It sounds funny but it’s the truth! When you dress a garment with a high neck, consider a pair of statement earrings. Keep the short necklaces on the shelf and choose a long dainty one instead. On the other hand, pair a short chunky necklace with your scoop neck LBD to create a dramatic impression. Funk up an off the shoulder look with a choker and earring combo. Note: Follow the big small rule. If you choose big earrings, keep the necklace minimal, vice versa.

The Style

The style of a garment is like the theme of a book. It sets the tone for the entire ensemble. A bohemian style little black dress calls for tassels or feathers, whereas diamonds and pearls fit the preppy theme. On the other end of the spectrum, chokers and lace mesh well with edgy outfits.

The Occasion

Remind yourself of the occasion when you style a LBD. Are you off to an afternoon tea, bachelorette weekend, or a cocktail party? Judge your jewels as you would your shoes. You wouldn’t wear a pair of sneakers with a bridesmaid dress. Or a diamond tennis bracelet with your sweats. Catch my drift?! When in doubt, remember this, the fancier the occasion, the more the sparkle.

Today we feature a spicy LBD adorned with metallic accents. Taking the neckline, style of garment, and occasion into account, I accessorized with a choker, and glitzy statement earrings. Hopefully this post will alleviate anxiety the next time you style a LBD!

Shop the Post:

LBD | Shoes | Earrings c/o | Choker c/o | Lip Stain – in Marvelous Mauve

Thank you to Fashionest for bringing you this post. All opinions are my own.

The post How to Choose the Right Jewelry for your LBD appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

The Dress

As you can probably imagine, fashionistas take the statement “dress to impress” to a whole new level during NYFW. Luckily, you can always rely on Nasty Gal when you’re in the market for a spicy statement piece. This dress will definitely have heads turnin’ whether you’re in the Big Apple or out with your sweetie for V-Day. A fun take on the traditional LBD, the black sheer design is simply chic and the magenta floral embroidery adds a unique touch. But can we talk about the shoulder pads?! Talk about a blast from the past!

The Shoes

To my advantage, I already own a pair of pearl stunners that would look great with this dress. Check out how I styled them for my Birthday here. However, velvet booties would create a visually appealing contrast and I have my eye on this pair. They are 50 % off – hooray! If you have had enough of the bootie scene, consider a pair of transparent heels. This hip style is about to make a grand entrance into the fashion scene and the “Portal” in smoke is a good starting point.

The Accessories

Bare legs in freezing temperatures is not smart. Consider pairing sheer black tights with this ensemble. For added warmth, top a black fur vest (similar to yesterday’s look) over it. Add a pop of color with Sephora’s cream lip stain in Blackberry Sorbet.

Shop this Post:

Dress | Pearl Booties | Velvet Booties | Transluscent Heels | Lip Stain

The post LBD for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

“One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a little black dress” – Karl Lagerfeld. I could not have said it better myself! If you do not yet own a short, midi, and maxi LBD, hop to it. There is no better item to have on hand for a spontaneous occasion. Having a collection of varying lengths will provide you with even more options when you’re in an outfit pickle.

This feather hem dress is a playful take on the traditional LBD. You cannot help but crack a smile while wearing this little thing. Featuring a mock neck and long sleeve design, this item is perfect for your fall functions and can take you through the winter equally as well. I’m thinking fishnets and a fur caplet once the weather permits! For this occasion I dressed this piece with my go-to ladylike accessories: pearls. I chose a long beaded necklace to detract from the waistline – bands at the waist are not my favorite. Anyway, I polished off the look with none other than leopard feather sandals. What do you think? Too many feathers or never enough?!

Shop this Post:
Feather Hem Dress | Sandals | Necklace (similar) | Purse

Thank you to Make Me Chic for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

The post Feather Hem Dress appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

A few months ago, my bff introduced me to quite possibly the coolest shoes on earth; pom pom sandals. Just when you thought the fad could not get any bigger…BAM! Because a pair of flats seldom makes it into one of my outfits, I searched the internet for a budget-friendly alternative and just so happened to find the “Posh” Embellished Lace-Up Sandal, by Chinese Laundry. These shoes will stop people in their tracks!

 
I styled this look modestly because I wanted all eyes on the feet. This LBD from lulu*s was the perfect addition. The off the shoulder neckline and bow-tie sleeve detail created just enough oomph. With so much color below the knees, I balanced out the fun with a red beaded necklace and turquoise earrings. This is just one of many ways to style these sandals. Stay tuned to see how I wear them with a pair of cutoff jean shorts!

Shop this Post:

Dress | Sandals | Lipstick | Earrings

*Contrary to product reviews, I found the sandals fit true-to-size.

The post Pom Pom Sandals appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress. – Karl Lagerfeld

Words of the wise, when in doubt, wear a little black dress! If you follow @kelseykaplanfashion on Insta, then you know by now that when it comes to outfits I am a planner! There is nothing worse than being rushed into wearing something you do not feel your best in. As a member of the San Francisco Junior League, as a class, we are hosting a March Madness Tip Off Party fundraiser, March 10th, at the Brixton. Although basketball paraphernalia is encouraged, I do not own any and let’s get real, I am a fashion blogger by trade! So, a little black dress it is and it might just be an all-time favorite.

Current Clothing is home to fabulous LBD’s. Last fall I fell in love with this one, and today I fell in love all over again with this one! There are a couple of things to consider when shopping for a LBD and this one fit the bill. The first being the silhouette. Shop the shape according to the occasion. If you’re going to a bachelorette party slip into a bodycon, a piano concert, go for a skater dress. I consider this one a perfect fit because it is suitable no matter the occasion!

The second factor to consider is the length. Again, your bffs last fling before her ring, a mini seems appropriate, while a longer length seems natural for an afternoon piano performance. I absolutely LOVE the midi length on this LBD because it’s modest enough to wear for a networking event yet spicy enough for a dinner date. Midis can be a hard fit on a petite frame so look for one with a front slit, or mesh material to avoid your legs from being “cut off” at an unflattering place.

When the dress is nearly perfect, accessorizing is easy. I embellished the look with a dainty bracelet, rhinestone earrings, and strappy sandals. Shop this dress at Current Clothing SF (text 415-980-4772 to order) or shop a few of my favorite styles below. Consider this a formal invitation to the March Madness Tip-Off Party for an evening of fun for a cause. Purchase tickets and learn more here.

* The Junior League of San Francisco’s purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Since its founding in 1911, The Junior League of San Francisco has provided over seven million volunteer hours and has raised and donated more than $24 million to more than 200 Bay Area communities through direct community grants, hands-on service, membership training, advocacy and development. As you can appreciate, our organization empowers and shapes women to become leaders in the community and we provide grants and volunteers for our community partners including Raphael House, SF Child Abuse Prevention Center, SMART, La Cocina, and Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Center. The proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit our community program partners.

The post When in Doubt, Wear a Little Black Dress appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

As you are aware, I have a minor obsession with capes. They are the perfect finishing touch to nearly any ensemble – dressy or causal. Naturally, when I laid eyes on this black cape dress, it was love at first sight! There is no such thing as too many little black dresses, but before you add another to your collection, ask yourself why this one is different from the rest. This LBD is unique because it features long sleeves and a cape. Long sleeves are a plus for San Francisco fall weather and the cape adds a nice flair. Taking advantage of every opportunity I have to rock open-toe shoes before I retire them for the year, I styled this number with taupe fringe sandals and a matching purse. I polished off the look with glitzy statement earrings and a red lip.

Stay tuned for more Current Clothing fabulous finds. In the meantime, shop this post:

Dress & Purse – call Nancy (415) 400-5517 to order | Shoes

Are you reading this from your email? Visit KKandGG.com for the web version and to peruse all other outfits of the day.

The post Little Black Cape Dress appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

First impressions can be deceiving, and the Best is Yet to Come Black Backless Dress does a good job demonstrating this. From the front this LBD appears simple and classic with the highlight being the cape sleeves. Stun the crown from behind, when you step out in this backless beauty.

Photo courtesy of lulus.com

The Gypsy Queen Lace Dress is as good at it sounds. Whimsical yet steamy, rock this thing for a date night out, or tone it down a notch for a daytime festival. Think platform sandals and a floppy hat.

Photo courtesy of Nastygal.com

The Midnight Stroll Dress is simply perfection! Not too short, not too long, just the right length and fit for a variety of happy occasions. Featuring ruffles down the bodice and a strappy back, look good from all angles while wearing this number.

Photo courtesy of reddressboutique.com

The Satyra Black Bardot Skater Dress is definitely a head turner. There’s something about that fit and flare silhouette…flattering for every body shape and the off-the-shoulder neckline is flat out hot. Throw your hair in a sock bun, grab your favorite statement earrrings, and off you go.

Photo courtesy of missguidedus.com

If you are reading the email version of this post, visit KKandGG.com for the web version as well as many other Wish list Wednesday posts.

The post Wish List Wedneday: Little Black Dresses appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.