Cocktail Dressing: White and Gold

I can't believe it's already fall and soon it'll be time for holiday cocktail parties. You might think I'm jumping the gun a bit, but nothing is worse than running to the mall for a last-minute ensemble. Why not add a gorgeous new frock to your wardrobe early in the season? I'm quite fond of a sophisticated pairing of cream and white, inspired by this pin on Pinterest.

And nothing is better than topping it all off with cocktail ring. Try the selection of Gems TV Silver Rings, it's where I found this gold-plated stunner. You'll also find incredible gems at Ernest Jones, another just-discovered online boutique.  

Shop It: Tresor Paris earrings, Dorothy Perkins dress, Gems TV ring, Kate Spade shoes, Marc Blackwell glasses, Diane von Furstenberg bag

{ introducing } Kranich's Jewelers

I certainly haven't tired of cocktail attire and sparkling baubles. This weekend, I picked up a pair of oversize rhinestone earrings, promising Dave that I'd wear them to holiday soirees. And now that Kranich's Jewelers came on board as our newest sponsor, I think it's safe to say I won't be retiring glittering stones to the jewelery box until well after the last bottle of champagne empties on New Year's Eve. Besides, how could you resist these yellow diamond pieces from Ritani and those tucked away under the Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings section?

1. Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
2. Ritani Masterwork Yellow Diamond Earrings
3. Ritani Masterwork Yellow Diamond Ring

{images via 1, 2, 3}
{ post sponsored by Kranich's Jewelers, but opinions within are not influenced }

Currently Coveting

{one-shoulder tops}

{tinseled wreaths}

{holiday brights}

{mistletoe kisses}

{bejeweled fingers}

Outfit Notes: Top - The Limited; Earrings - Marc by Marc Jacobs; Clutch - Banana Republic; Bracelet - Vintage; Rings - Forever21

Cocktail Hour

The opportunity to don silk, chiffon and piles of baubles is the real reason I always RSVP to a cocktail party. Well, that, and the promise of libations swirling in a martini glass. I snagged this Karen Zambos Vintage Couture mini dress at a Shopbop warehouse sale two years ago. Yet, the "dress" hasn't made its soiree debut. The short hemline barely covers my tush, pushing the boundaries of decency. Cue the black pencil skirt to rescue me from social misconduct.

Outfit Notes: Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Mini Dress; Max Studio Skirt; Banana Republic Beaded Purse; Forever21 Ring; Opal and Diamond Ring; Forever21 Bracelets; Earrings courtesy of LuShae Jewelry

Holiday Dress-ing: Realist Edition

Yesterday's post left me fantasizing about layers of chiffon, yards of silk and piles of sequins. I've since wiped the drool from my keyboard and came to terms with my bank balance. Owning a dreamy Marchesa dress isn't exactly in my foreseeable future, so I've sought out affordable options for holiday cocktail parties. Each dress below rings in at under $150.

Snow White
(left to right)
BCBG Max Azria, Satin Halter Dress, $135.90 (on sale)
Topshop, Brocade Tube Dress, $90
Cynthia Steffe, Floral Clip Cotton "Fatima" Dress, $130 (on sale)

Bright Night
(left to right)
Banana Republic, Twist Wrap Dress, $125
J.Crew, Silk Taffeta Strapless Sanglé Dress, $59.99 (on sale)
Ralph Lauren, Shannon Silk Ruffle Wrap Dress, $119.99 (on sale)

Black Tie
(left to right)
Rachel Rachel Roy, Belted Matte Jersey Dress, $129
Maggie London, Matte Jersey Sheath Dress, $98
BCBGeneration, Metallic Tiered Ruffle Strapless Dress, $112

Nip & Tuck
(left to right)
Max & Cleo, Pleated Taffeta Strapless Bubble Dress, $107
Arden B, Taffeta Shine Bow Tube Dress, $78
Blondie Nites, Strapless Dress, $139

Sparkle & Shine
(left to right)
INC International Concepts, Sequin Sleeveless Stripe Dress, $99
Arden B, Bow Front Sequin Tube Dress, $88
INC International Concepts, Open Back Sleeveless Sequin Sheath, $99

My favorite is the black Rachel Rachel Roy dress. Which one(s) do you like?

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?