{ giveaway } Shabby Apple Dress

Just because you're not embarking on a Roman Holiday this spring doesn't mean you can't don a ladylike dress à la Audrey Hepburn - and Shabby Apple is giving you a chance to win one! One winner will take home the Spanish Steps frock, one of the beautiful women's dresses you'll find at the e-tailer.

Mandatory entry:

1. This giveaway is open to Style Obsession followers - new followers welcome! Sign up at the right via Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', or by RSS. Just let me know how you follow.
   

Note: Leave a separate comment for each additional entry for it to be eligible.

1. Browse Shabby Apple and let me know what your favorite item is.
   
   
2. Like Shabby Apple on Facebook (you'll also find promotional discounts here).
   
   
3. Blog about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment.
   

The Fine Print: Giveaway open to readers in the United States. The giveaway period will run through Sunday, April 17, 2011. The winner will be announced the following day. Be sure to leave a blog URL or e-mail address so I can contact you!

Check Mate

My last purchase of 2010 was completely unplanned: a $1,890 Carolina Herrera frock on Gilt this morning for only $119.

A sartorial item that retails for more than my rent, purchased at a price lower than my weekly grocery budget ... I can finally check that one off my 2010 wish list. Phew!

Now I just need a fabulous soiree for its debut.

Exclusive Discount: Sunday Brunch Dress Shop

I've long-expressed my adoration of Sunday Brunch Dress Shop, an online boutique filled with the most incredible selection of frocks on the Web.

Judy, the Founder & Chief Dress Owner of Sunday Brunch (seriously, don't you just love her title?), has graciously offered to give you a little something: Style Obsession readers will receive a 20% discount to Sunday Brunch with the code STYLE. This offer ends on August 15.

I know the price tags aren't cheap, but I promise that this is the e-tailer to turn to when you're in need of a truly special dress. And the in-depth - and oftentimes humorous - fit tips will make your shopping experience a breeze. In fact, I'm simply coveting this little sapphire number.

Think Pink

The dawn of spring brings with it a flood of wedding invitations - and the perfect excuse to choose a candy-colored frock for this year's celebrations.

A dress with a cascading silk ruffle, and Grecian-inspired twists at the shoulders.

And a sweetly-alluring back.

Banana Republic Dress; Banana Republic Clutch, Tahari Pumps; Pearl and Diamond Earrings

Dress Sizing: I had been running into sizing inconsistencies at Banana Republic the past few seasons, finding myself in anything from a size 4 to a 10. Much to my surprise, the size 6 (my normal size) fit perfectly in the Sleeveless Drape Dress, but keep in mind that I have a small bust. If you're well-endowed, you'll want to size up. Another tip: this dress has an incredibly low neckline - be sure to invest in the appropriate undergarments. The bottom of the dress glides easily over hips - with enough room left to indulge in a slice (or two) of wedding cake.

Holiday Dress-ing: Fantasy Edition

I've come across many gorgeous cocktail dresses in my search for holiday attire - and have become heartbreakingly aware that many of my favorites will never hang in my closet. Each of the frocks below are out of my price range, but a little Monday morning eye candy has never hurt anyone.

Snow White
(left to right)
Jason Wu, Embroidered Chiffon Drape Dress, $2,350
Marchesa, Organza Jeweled Strapless Dress, $1,980
Temperley London, Mini Bea Silk Dress, $1,795

Bright Night
(left to right)
Mark + James, Strapless Beaded Bodice Mini Dress, $485
Notte by Marchesa, Ribbon-Trimmed Silk-Chiffon Dress, $695
Vivienne Westwood, Rill Silk Asymmetric Dress, $1,100

Black Tie
(left to right)
Marchesa, Sequined Strapless Dress, $4,620
Alice + Olivia, Bustier Satin Dress, $525
Matthew Williamson, Jewel Detail Black Dress, $2,217

Nip & Tuck
(left to right)
Preen, Fountain Cotton-Jersey Dress, $350
Marchesa, Embroidered Silk-Organza Dress, $1,725
Marc Jacobs, Duchesse Satin Zip-Embellished Dress, $1,900

Sparkle & Shine
(left to right)
3.1 Phillip Lim, Silk Sequin T-Shirt Dress, $895
Alexander Wang, Draped Pailette Dress, $1,152
Hervé Léger, Sequined Bandage Dress, $2,300

What's your fantasy cocktail dress for the season?

Wish List Wednesday: SundayBrunchDress.com

Sunday Brunch Dress Shop possibly has the most divine selection of frocks on the Web. The offerings are well-edited to provide only the most lust-worthy dresses from an array of designers. They also include fit tips to help you pick the correct size.

Here are my favorites:

Yoana Baraschi Tuxedo Bustier, $347

Mel en Stel Black Truffle Ruffle Dress, $350

Mulcair Cherry Bomb Dress, $519

Abigail Glaum-Lathbury Faraday Dress, $461

Recent Purchase: Milly Floral Lattice Fiesta Dress

I can't believe I just pulled the trigger and finally bought the Milly floral lattice fiesta dress I've stalked for months. It was just marked down from $415 to $124.50 on Shopbop.

And now I'm officially banned for awhile so I can carefully edit my fall list.

I take thee, Vera...

A Vera Wang wedding gown doesn't exactly fit into the budget of most brides. But thanks to her Maids Collection, at least the wedding party can don the icon's designs on a modest budget.

And, yes, your bridesmaids will wear these dresses again.

The collection is available for purchase online beginning this month and ranges from sizes 2 to 28. Each dress is made-to-order and will take approximately eight weeks for delivery. The best part? Prices range from $180 to $250.

Of course, you don't need to be in a wedding this summer to consider a dress from the collection. Many of the dresses are equally appropriate to wear as a wedding guest or just to a cocktail party. I have my eye on the "Tina" (pictured) with its soft, asymmetrical draping.

View the collection here.