Little Black Dresses (LBDs for Christmas Party

Everyone loves a LBD (Little Black Dress). It's the always classic, always reliable dress that you can pull out for those festive occasions, e.g. the office Christmas party. These days, the LBD comes in a variety of styles, shapes and silhouettes. The best thing about them is that they are like a blank canvas for you to dress up or down as required. Simply add some bling for a glammed-up look, or throw on a pair of ballet flats for those casual events. You know the drill by now - here are our favourite ten LBDs under £100 for this year's party season.

Above L-R: 1. Love Label Black Tutu Prom Dress, £65. 2. Motel Rocks Meg Dress, £39. 3. Topshop cut-out side ruched dress, £50.

Above L-R: 4. Republic Miso Tutu Dress, £69.99. 5. Lipsy by Pixie Lott Bandeau Prom Dress, £75. 6. Zara Short Sleeve Dress with Full Skirt, £39.99. 7. H&M Black Ruffle Dress, £24.99

Above L-R: 8. Topshop Fabienne Dress by Jones and Jones, £65. 9. Oasis Black Bow Prom Dress, £40. 10. ASOS Dr Denim Panelled Body Con Dress, £55.

Don't forget to also check out...

Velvet Party Dress for Christmas

Emma Watson and Mario Testino on Vogue UK shoot

You have seen Emma Watson's December cover for British Vogue, now here a special behind-the-scenes peek at the making of that cover. Photographed by Mario Testino in Paris, here the pair palling around as Emma has the final touches made to her hair and make-up. She also reveals that Testino wanted to shoot her two or three years ago, before Testino quips "[when] we had the same haircuts." Cute clip.

Bryan Adams snaps starlets for Calvin Klein charity project

These stunning black and white portraits are courtesy of Bryan Adams (yes, as in the Bryan Adams) for Calvin Klein. The rocker-turned-photographer captured some of our most famous starlets for a Calvin Klein Collection charity project. Titled American Women 2010, the series features Julianne Moore, Renee Zellweger, Ginnifer Goodwin, Lucy Liu, Mila Kunis, Jerry Hall, and more all wearing Francisco's Costa's designs. The images are available for purchase now, with all proceeds to be donated to NYC Aids Fund. For more info, contact: calvinkleinpublicrelations@ck.com

[via Vogue UK]

Velvet Party Dress for Christmas

When thinking of Christmas party dresses, velvet isn't the first thing that usually springs to mind. But after Emma Watson recently stepped out on the red carpet in that black velvet Vionnet dress, from the label's A/W '10 collection, suddenly velvet is hot to trot again. Continuing on with our 100 Cheap Party Dresses for Christmas special, here is another ten dresses, all under £100, this time of the soft and luxurious variety.

Above L-R: 1. Isabelle Lurex Lace Velvet Skirt Dress, £20. 2. Fearne Cotton Velvet Drape Maxi Dress, £79. 3. Oasis One Shoulder Velvet Dress, £75. 4. TFNC Esther Dress, £30.

 

Above L-R: 5. Miss Selfridge Petites Berry Velvet Dress, £32. 6. Topshop Petite Velvet Bandeau Dress, £35. 6. Dorothy Perkins Mink velvet cornelli dress, £38.

 

Above L-R: 8. Love Label velvet bustier dress, £49. 9. Velvet Asymmetric Dress by Love, £32. 10. Warehouse velvet shift dress, £60.

BFC/c Fashion Fund 2010 shortlist - revealed!

The shortlist for this year's BFC/Vogue Fund has been announced. The nominees include Charlotte Olympia, Christopher Kane, E. Tautz, Jonathan Saunders, Nicholas Kirkwood, Osman, Peter Pilotto and Richard Nicoll.



They are all in the running for taking away a prize of £200,000 and a bespoke mentoring programme. The seven runners-up will also each receive mentoring through the Fund.


"The high level of financial support and the mentoring package will play a pivotal role in developing the winning designer business on an international platform. We're very proud to be able to offer our promising designers this support and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our funders," said Harold Tillman.


"It is very exciting to be in our second year of the Fashion Fund and to be providing such tangible help to this extremely impressive shortlist of British designers," Vogue's Alexandra Shulman said today. Last year's Fashion Fund was awarded to Erdem.

New York Fashion Week: Diane Von Furstenberg A/W 2009 Gallery

Diane Von Furstenberg's flower children have definitely grown up for Fall 2009. Picking rich, sumptuous fabrics, glam prints and beautiful brocades, the collection was a touch of subtle glamour for a season that's driven mainly by the recession. Huge cocoon coats and slouchy draped cardigans concealed layered looks in clashing prints like leopard, Prince of Wales check and geometric swirls. The usual wrap dresses, chic knits and wearable shaped were teamed with leggings, huge pom-pom hats and chunky jewellery for a youthful edge. By night, it got more glam with bacofoil dresses, animal print sheaths and sequin shifts.

[all images courtesy of Coutorture.com]

New York Fashion Week: Unconditional A/W 2009-10

I just love Philip Stephens, and this autumn/winter 2009-10 collection of Unconditional luxury basics proves why. Warm, fun and tough-cool, this label does not disappoint. Stephens created a look with a strong silhouette with funnel necks that displayed his need to cocoon, protect and exude confidence.

Fine cashmeres, leathers, merino wool and fine silk and cottons in black, white, grey and splashes of orange or yellow were interspersed with rugged zippers and tough boots.

A slim purple velvet jumpsuit was my fave pick, along with the strong lines of the menswear tuxes and trench coats lending a sophisticated aura.

ALDO boots and heels were rugged and fierce, adding to the confidence of the collection. The Unconditional show was set in a relaxed atmosphere high above the city, where models and fans alike mingled on a Sunday afternoon, but you never forgot you were seeing some sexy history being made.