Cheryl Shops

Cheryl Shops Fall Shopping Guide: Buffalo Plaid
I was in high school during the height of the Grunge era, and so Doc Martens, thermals, and plaid flannel hold a very special place in my heart. Part of me keeps hoping for a grunge resurgence, but seeing is how fashion is still fixated on the '80s, I think we're still several years away from that. Still, with all of the crazy stuff that's going on in the world right now, I think there's something comforting about plaid flannel--think of it as the fashion version of macaroni and cheese. Yet for all of its coziness and, yes, even its lumberjacky connotations, I think there's something polished about buffalo plaid, a simple two-color pattern. And to prevent it from veering too far into Grunge territory, these pieces interpret the pattern in everything from well-tailored jackets to feminine ruffled blouses. Let's call it post-Grunge.

$$$
If you're going for haute hunter, no one reinterprets classic American pieces like Ralph Lauren. The Klondike jacket is based on a hunter's jacket, but, pattern aside, that's where the similarities end. Beautifully tailored, it will turn anyone's figure into a va-va-voom hourglass.


Opening Ceremony's buffalo plaid coat has a similarly polished look, but with more of a youthful, mod silhouette. I like the oversized scale of the pattern too.


I love the contradiction of this Robert Rodriguez jacket: The shape is incredibly dramatic and fussy; if it were in, say, taffeta, it would be a completely different look. But the soft ombré plaid mellows it out, creating a perfect balance.


$$
This Ivy plaid shirt has a cascading ruffle at the neckline; that, plus the fitted silhouette ensure that no one will mistake you for a boy when you wear it.


This Smoke & Mirrors Flipside swing jacket is reversible, which is always a bonus. I think the plaid pattern makes it even more versatile too, because the shape is dressy enough to wear over skirts or dresses, while the plaid is casual enough to wear with jeans.


The tie-front style of this Larsen Gray flannel shirt is a nice feminine detail, but, more importantly, the shirt is made from 100% organic cotton, which is even nicer.


$
I saw this awesome Paul & Joe Sister plaid shirt at Urban Outfitters, but since I can't handle the store, I ordered it on the website. Sadly, I paid attention to the description, which said to order up a size; it was huge on me. So when I reorder it in my real size, I'm sure it will be worth the wait.


The Rosalind plaid jacket from BB Dakota is the kind of thing you wear with leggings on the weekend, and I am totally fine with that.


I feel like Mary-Kate Olsen was photographed recently in a shirt like this plaid tunic smock; she was wearing it with shiny leggings and outrageously high platform shoes, and she was clutching a pack of Marlboros. I think that's a perfect way to wear this roomy, grungy-chic top (minus the Marlboros, of course).

The week in shopping
Four words: Dolce & Gabbana, two floors. Two more: fall and winter. And: go now. Through 10/31; 9-6 Tues. & Wed., 9-8 Thurs., 9-5 Fri.; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 4th & 5th floors.

I have a Lewis Cho blouse that I totally love, so I am going to hit his sample sale to see if I can score some more goodies. Prices are up to 80% off; dresses are $50. 10/28-10/30; 11-8; 225 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 701.

Kooba's handbags and various other leather goods are 50%-80% off. 10/28-10/30; 10-8 (closed 2-3 p.m.); 141 W. 36th St. (Broadway & 7th Ave.).

Prices are a nice 50%-75% off (think $45 for dresses, $95 for jackets) from Euro denim label Miss Sixty. Through 11/1; 10-7 weekdays, 10-6 Sat.; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

ITake up to 70% off past collections from Italian line MaxMara. Through 10/30; 10-8; 145 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Clothingline has Kenneth Cole for men and women: clothing, accessories, shoes, bags, and more; prices are largely under $100. 10/28-10/31; 10-7 Tues. & Thurs., 10-6 Wed. & Fri.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Stock up on silk, cashmere, and leather cold-weather accessories at Portolano's sale, where prices are wholesale and below. Through 10/31; 10-6; 15 W. 37th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 11th fl.

Take up to 70% off Malo cashmere and Gianfranco Ferre clothes and accessories for women and men. Leave your cash, strollers, and kids under 12 at home. 11/2-11/5; 9-6:30, 9-5 Wed.; 317 W. 33rd (8th & 9th Aves.).

f Italian names like Incotex, Zanone, Montedoro, and Glanshirt ring your bell, score these lines for 65% off, for men and women. Through 10/31; 10-6, 10-8:30 Wed.; 135 5th Ave. (at 20th St.), 9th fl.

Anything black or orange is 30% off (clever!) at Elizabeth Charles. 10/30-11/2; noon-7:30, noon-6:30 Sun.; 639 1/2 Hudson St. (Horatio & Gansevoort Sts.).

Wave a tearful goodbye to Soho's Eurotrashy Lounge; it's turning into a Victoria's Secret. In the meantime, score Sonia Rykiel, Miss Sixty, and more for 50%-90% off. While supplies last; 10-9, 10-10 Fri. & Sat., noon-8 Sun.; 593 Broadway (Houston & Prince Sts.).

Get a new winter coat from Andrew Marc; women's, men's, and girls' coats in leather, cashmere and wool are available (plus bags too). 11/1-11/9; 10-6 weekends, 8-7 weekdays; 401 7th Ave. (32nd & 33rd Sts.).

Anbar Shoes has shoes and boots from your favorite brands (Corso Como, BCBG, etc.) for $25-$130. Through 11/8; 9-6:20, 11-5:45 Sat., closed Sun.; 60 Reade St. (Broadway & Church Sts.).

It's Friends & Family time at Steve Madden; enter code VOTEMADDEN at checkout through 11/5 for 20% off your order.

Lots of deals at Saks: The Shoe and Handbag gift card event: Use code SHOES for a $100 or $250 gift card, or HANDBAG for a $250 or $500 gift card, 10/30-11/2. Get Free Shipping on any order with code SHIPFREE through 10/29. Take an additional 20% off already reduced merchandise 10/30-11/2. Or take 20% off select jeans at the Denim Event 10/30-11/2. And don't forget free shipping when you spend $150 with code FREESHIP 10/30-11/2.

Gap is having a BOGO: Select pants are buy one, get one 50% through 11/12.

Save 50%-80% at Revolve Clothing's massive sale.

The autumn sale has begun at Shopbop!

Cheryl Shops Fall Shopping Guide: Bib Necklaces
I tend to give Vera Wang a hard time, because I feel like she bends over backwards so as not to send too-pretty looks down the runway. We get it, Vera, you're not just a bridal designer. Nevertheless, Vera collaborated with one of my favorite jewelry designers, Philip Crangi, to create gorgeous, vintage-inspired oversized jewels to go with her fall collection. (You can read about it here.) My favorite pieces were the big, chunky cut crystal bib necklaces, and if there's one thing I like in the world, it's huge jewelry.

$$$
Here's the Vera Wang necklace that I was talking about. It's cut glass, which is very fancy-looking, but it's strung on a cord that ties in back, which keeps it low key. And the neutral colors mean you can wear it with pretty much anything.


If the thought of wearing cut glass around your neck is troubling, Burberry's geometric necklace has more of a chunky gemstone look. It's also not quite as large. And while the price may seem daunting for costume jewelry, keep in mind that a real gemstone necklace of this sort would probably cost at least ten times as much.


And while I chose to give Vera Wang the credit for this trend, the truth is that Marni has been making oversized bib necklaces for years. This breastplate necklace doesn't have the crystal or gemstone look of the others, but I like the vaguely ethnic feel of it, and it's a great alternative for those who want more of an edge.


$$
Anthropologie's Oberon Necklace looks like something Nicole Kidman's character would wear in Moulin Rouge--it has kind of an Indian, maharajah look to it (or, some might argue, a Van Cleef & Arpels look). With so many colors, however, coordinating your look might be a challenge.


I like this Rachel Leigh Jewelry "Millies Eating Contest" necklace (crazy name, I know), because it looks like vintage costume jewelry. Of course, one could argue that you could probably find a similar but unique vintage piece for much less, but sifting through vintage jewelry is often a tedious process, and ordering from Shopbop is generally so much easier. Also, I simply like the design.


Ravinstyle has a bunch of great geometric necklaces from Substance; this hexagon bib necklace is my favorite. The design is not at all fussy, but it's still interesting to look at. I am all for neutral colors too.


$
I can't really picture any of Ann Taylor's clientele wearing this statement-making bib necklace, but, then again, I haven't exactly set foot in an Ann Taylor store in years. Still, with that in mind, I picture this with a simple black sheath dress, preferably strapless.


There was another necklace at Banana Republic that I wanted to link to instead, but it sold out, so here's this one instead. The stones at first looked like shells to me, which made me think of a bohemian, summery kind of look, but the more I think about it, the more I think this necklace would look great with anything from a black turtleneck to a button-down shirt. For the price, I think it's an exceptional deal.


This mustard & sage necklace looks so Anthropologie to me; why this one is $48 while the necklace above is nearly $400, I have no idea. Still, I think it's a cute way to add some color to your look, and due to the sunny look of it, you can wear it well into summer.

Cheryl Shops Fall Shopping Guide: Boyfriend Jeans
When the paparazzi started snapping pictures of Katie Holmes, Victoria Beckham, and a now-endless list of celebs in big, baggy jeans, the world was perplexed, but I was ready to jump for joy. I do appreciate my skinny jeans, but I've been complaining for years about how ass-tight jeans have become, and because I think variety is the spice of life, I am very excited to add big, baggy, borrowed-from-your-boyfriend jeans to my repertoire. These are not jeans to wear out on a Saturday night; they're more for a Sunday-morning Times and coffee run. Still, yay for comfort!

$$$
I have a hard time paying more than $200 for a pair of jeans, so I tend to think anything over $300 is truly nuts. Especially something that looks like it should be going into the rag pile. But if you haven't got the time to break in your own jeans, then these Prps ripped boyfriend jeans have taken care of all the hard work.


For a similar effect but a slightly less distressed look, try the Barracuda boyfriend jeans, also by Prps.


I don't know why these Levi's jeans are $300, but they are, and, even more surprisingly, they're almost sold out. Keep reading, and I will show you a much more wallet-friendly alternative.


$$
The pair of jeans that truly started this craze is the Current/Elliott boyfriend cropped jean--the line was featured in Vogue, and the rest is history. I haven't tried these on, so I can't report on the fit, but it's supposedly cut extra slouchy, and I am all for trying on jeans without having to suck in my stomach.


Reese Witherspoon and Rachel Bilson may like Current/Elliott, but Fergie and Lindsay Lohan like Genetic Denim, and this boyfriend jean looks pretty good to me. Again, I have no personal anecdotes regarding fit, but the relaxed silhouette makes guessing your size less of a gamble.


These Rogan Sovereign jeans are sold out at La Garconne (sorry!), but they probably have them at the new Rogan store on the Bowery. I think they're worth checking out--he makes great tees and jeans, and he did win the CFDA prize after all, which is definitely worth something.


$
I don't know what exactly makes these Silence & Noise boy-fit jeans, well, boy fit, as they look rather fitted to me. But since they're on sale, you can roll the bones and see how they work out. I suggest sizing up for a slouchier fit.


Better yet, try Delia*s Riley boyfriend jeans, now on sale for a mere $14.99-$19.49.


But I think the best way to get a pair of boyfriend jeans is to go straight to the source. No, not to your boyfriend's closet--go to the men's department. I got a pair of Levi's 501 jeans last week, and I can't tell you how happy I am with them. I bought a pair three sizes larger than what I normally wear; they fall off my hips without a belt, but they fit exactly how they should, and I got a pre-broken-in wash, so they're as soft as pajama pants. The best part is, mine were a mere $68, which makes $300 jeans look downright ridiculous. Levi's has been kind of flying under the radar, but I expect them to make a comeback once people remember how awesome 501 are. Call me a convert.

Cheryl Shops Fall Shopping Guide: Fetish Shoes
I spent most of the summer in flats. This was primarily because I had some great flat sandals, but also because I figure I'm getting old and I should probably give my feet a break. Then I went to Fashion Week and in spite of the fact that I was wearing flats by Chloe and Repetto, I felt incredibly frumpy. High heels are sexy not only because of how they shape the leg, but because they make the wearer feel confident too, and confidence is the sexiest thing, if you ask me. (Granted, hobbling around is not particularly sexy, so it's important to wear heels that are not so high that you can't walk properly in them.) For fall, Givenchy designer Ricardo Tisci sent these crazy futuristic-strappy heels down the runway, and as soon as you could say "Town Car," fashion editors and celebs were snapping them up left and right. Weirdly shaped, with complicated cutouts and buckles, these shoes are not sexy in the obvious patent-leather, spike-heeled kind of way; they take an inspiration from bondage, but push it into a modern, fashion-forward place--not into a dungeon, although if you wore any of these shoes to one, I can't imagine you'd get a bad response.

$$$
Totally impractical for winter, these Givenchy birdcage ankle boots are, depending on how you look at them, ankle-height sandals or totally cutout boots. If you have the legs (long and thin), wear them with skirts; if not, they'll still look great peeking out of slim pants.


The knee-high version of this Givenchy gladiator bootie is sold out everywhere and this, the ankle-length version, is almost there (as I'm writing this, size 10.5 is the only one left at Barneys). But this is the must-have style, and it's the one that's already being knocked off left and right (more on that later).


In comparison to the previous two shoes, these Loeffler Randall Berry crisscross pumps look almost conservative, but with the platform and four-inch heels, they're still sexy to me. The gray straps are a nice change from the all-black palette too.


$$
If you liked the first Givenchy style, these Bebe gladiator booties might be up your alley. Yes, they are a bit on the skanky side. But if you pair them with something more conservative--say, high-waisted pants or even jeans--they become a sexy little surprise.


If the second Givenchy style is more up your alley, the Ginn by Steve Madden is pretty much a straight-up knockoff. For a fifth of the cost of the original, I must say they're a pretty good imitation. Hey, if you're okay with it, I'm okay with it.


I like the Pour La Victoire Sacha gladiator booties, because while they definitely give a nod to the Givenchy styles, they're not a blatant ripoff. Plus, Pour La Victoire, while it sounds French, is actually a Brazilian brand that makes stylish, well-made, but not outrageously expensive shoes, and that's always a bonus in my book.


$
These Nine West Yung shoes remind me of an armadillo for some reason. Aside from that, they're very modern looking, and they appear to be on the sturdy side, which is always a plus when you're wearing shoes this high. If you're feeling glam, you can go for silver metallic instead of black patent.


I don't think I could ever wear these Promiscuous Tempt platforms out in public--or even in the privacy of my own home--without first having several stiff drinks. But if you are more adventurous than I am, these are quite similar to the aforementioned knee-high Givenchy gladiator booties. Then again, some would say that they're quite similar to stripper shoes. It's a fine line.


Now, I never thought that I'd be including a pair of shoes by Calvin Klein in a post about fetish footwear, but here it is, and it's one of my favorites: the Parma, a platform style. It's strappy enough to be sexy, but, according to the reviews, it's even quite comfortable. Looks like giving up my flats won't be so difficult after all.

The week in shopping
Sorry for not having reported it sooner, but this year's Prada sample sale is now open to the public; the best stuff is probably long gone, but the discounts tend to get steeper as time progresses. Good luck and godspeed. Through 10/24; 9-8; 609 W. 51st St. (11th & 12th Aves.).

Work-friendly clothes and accessories by Elie Tahari are 70%-80% off for men and women. 10/21-10/25; 8:30-7:30, 10-5 Sat.; 510 5th Ave. (at 43rd St.), ground floor.

Make like JLo (or Sienna Miller, or Anne Hathaway) and score a Marchesa dress for 50%-80% off. For those without Hollywood budgets, their lower-priced line, Notte by Marchesa, will also be available. 10/22-10/23; 8-7 Wed., 8-6 Thurs.; Warwick Hotel, 65 W. 54th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), Essex Suite, 2nd fl.

Skagen's signature watches--plus sunglasses, bags, jewelry, and sweaters--are on sale, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 10/23; 8:30-7; 339 5th Ave. (at 33rd St.), 5th fl.

Sadly, Johnson is closing up shop, and her downtown-girly looks are now up to 80% off. Through 10/26; 1-7 weekdays, 12:30-8 Sat., noon-6 Sun.; 179 Orchard St. (Houston & Stanton Sts.).

Dress your kid like Suri Cruise in fancy French clothes from Bonpoint at 50%-75% off; beware, a blouse will still set you back $58. 10/22-10/24; 9-6:30 Wed. & Thurs., 9-5 Fri.; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Castle Starr dresses are $290 (were $600), tops for $180 (were $400), and other items for 40%-60% off. Hey, every little bit helps. 10/23-10/24; 9-9; 494 8th Ave. (at 35th St.), 3rd fl.

For the natty dresser in your life, menswear from Hickey Freeman and Bobby Jones is up to 75% off (that means suits are mid to high three figures). 10/26-10/30; 9-6 Sun., 9-6:30 Mon.-Wed., 9-5 Thurs.; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

You know the economy is bad when even Oliver Peoples has a sale, but now you can score fancy designer eyeglass frames for $121 and less. 10/24-10/26; 755 Madison Ave. (at 65th St.), 366 W. Broadway (at Broome St.).

The New York City Opera Thrift Store is having its annual Fall Vintage Event this week; make a $10 donation at the door and score creme de la creme vintage clothes and accessories for up to 70% off (most items are under $100). See details here. 10/23; 5-8 p.m.; 222 E. 23rd St. (2nd & 3rd Aves.).

This week, Clothingline has Hickey, Canterbury, and Free People; see website for details. 10/21-10/24; 10-6 Wed. & Fri., 10-7 Tues. & Thurs.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Evisu denim, tees, hoodies, outerwear, accessories, and more for men and women are 50%-90% off. 10/23-10/26; 11-7; 440 Broadway (Grand & Howard Sts.).

Alessandro dell'Acqua and other Italian clothing and accessories are up to 75% off retail, with portion of proceeds benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 10/26-10/28; 11-5 Sun., 10-5 Mon., 10-6 Tues.; 30 W. 57th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Score Robert Marc eyewear for 50%-90% off at their warehouse sale; prices start at $39. 10/23-10/25; 10-7; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 4th fl.

For Wasps and those who just want to look like them, Gant's fall/winter clothes for men & women are on major sale: tops are under $30, sweaters are $35 and under, bottoms are $25 and under, blazers are $95, outerwear is $45-$195, and accessories are under $20. 10/22-10/2; 8:30-6:30 Wed. & Thurs., Fri. 8:30-5:30; 20 W. 55th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Fan-cee John Hardy jewelry--silver, gold, enamel, semiprecious stones, and diamonds--is 60% off retail. Limit 8 pieces per person. 10/22-10/23; 8-7 Wed., 8-6 Thurs.; Westin Times Square, 270 W. 43rd St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 9th fl.

Ohhh yes: Shopbop is having a one-day sale. Use code TREATS2008 for 20% off everything on the site Tuesday only! Code expires at 11:59pm PST on 10/21.

At Piperlime's Sweet Deal Event, save 20% on select styles through 10/26.

Take 30% off new arrivals at Cheryl Shops fave Active Endeavors when you enter code 30for48 at checkout through 10/22.

Save 20% at Queen Bee when you enter code FF1017 through 10/21.

Spend $75 and get 15% off, or spend $100 and get 20% off at oldnavy.com when you use code GETMORE at checkout. At Gap.com, get 15% off a $100 order or 20% off a $150 order when you use promo code GETSAVE. And at Banana Republic, get 20% off a $125 order or 25% off a $200 order with promo code SAVEMORE. All offers valid now through 10/22.

Take 20% off all denim at Cheryl Shops fave Bird (the website, not the store) when you enter code DENIM08 at checkout through 10/31.

Starting Tuesday, get a gift card worth up to $450 at Saks with code OCTOBER8 through 10/23.

Get Free Shipping at Lucky Brand Jeans through 10/29.

Click here for awesome exclusive deals at NYC's trendiest boutiques, from the excellent Refinery29.

Cheryl Shops Fall Shopping Guide: Motorcycle Jackets
Yesterday, I mentioned my theory that, really, there are just a handful of super-influential designers; I mentioned Miuccia Prada yesterday, and today, I'm focusing on Balenciaga's Nicolas Ghesquiere. Fashion editors swoon over nearly everything he does, throwing around two of their favorite words: "modern" and "directional" and while I agree with that, I often find his runway clothes a bit unwearable. What actually hits stores, however, is another story. In fact, he created some totally gorgeous motorcycle jackets that didn't show up on the runway at all. Not that I'm complaining. Feast your eyes on the jacket of my dreams--and some variations on the theme--below.

$$$
To me, a black leather motorcycle jacket is too obvious—either one of those parts has to leave the equation in order to save it from cliché. Enter this sexy, luxurious gray biker jacket from Balenciaga. It's the stuff dreams are made of. Hence the price tag. But, oh, beauty.


This Derek Lam Motorcycle Jacket is black, but it's wool, and, bracelet-length sleeves aside, it should keep you much warmer in the winter. The cut looks impressive, and the elongated A-line shape is a new idea.


Jenni Kayne is a favorite designer of the Olsen twins, and say what you will about them, those little gals have good taste. Her asymmetrical motorcycle jacket reminds me a lot of the Balenciaga, but with a slightly softer, more feminine look.


$$
Opening Ceremony, arguably one of NYC's hippest stores, now has its own line of clothing, and let me tell you, it's worthy of the hype. This moto jacket sweater is genius, because, yes, it's a sweater, but the pattern of the knit almost makes it look quilted--and thus a lot more expensive than its mere $210 price tag.


I will admit to getting a little overwhelmed in Free People stores, but I've found that their website is a much easier way to digest their collection. Case in point: this cropped wool motorcycle jacket--who would've counted something so chic amidst all their hippie-chick wares?


If all this gray and black is too boring for you, then the bright blue Monrow motorcycle jacket should do the trick. (For those of you you like neutrals, it comes in black too.) It's cotton twill, so you can wear it right now, and if you're into the ol' celebrity style, Rachel Bilson has been photographed wearing it.


$
This ponte-knit motorcycle jacket from Newport News is kind of '80s, but ponte is a comfy, forgiving fabric, and I love that this style comes in kind of wacky, bright colors. It's more sleek than the average--you could probably wear this to work without a problem--and it kind of reminds me of something Samantha would wear on Sex and the City.


For a super-low-budget version of the Balenciaga, there's always this faux-leather Mossimo jacket from Target. The reviews are kind of mixed, but for $25, beggars can't be choosers.


My second-favorite jacket (besides the Balenciaga, of course) is actually this fleece motorcycle jacket from Delia*s. It's the biker version of a sweatshirt, it has a cute cropped fit, and, hey, it's a bargain. What's not to like?

Cheryl Shops Fall Shopping Guide: Lace Dresses
I have a theory that most fashion trends can be traced back to about 8 or 10 super-influential designers. One of them, of course, is Miuccia Prada, and her fall 2008 collection was no exception. Sexy (for Prada, at least), gorgeously done and nearly all black, the line was heavy on a rare, expensive type of lace called guipure. Prada's dresses, while gorgeous, are somewhat heavy looking and cost thousands of dollars. My picks are a little more practical, and some, I bet, you can even get away with wearing during the day.

$$$
This Stella McCartney dress is voile, so it's light enough to wear at least three seasons out of the year. It's understated for day, but can probably be dressed up for night as well.


This Burberry dress is the stuff dreams are made of: perfectly cut, made of fine Italian lace, and an investment for years to come (which, considering it costs nearly $3,000, is a fortunate thing).


I've been thinking that I'm kind of over babydoll dresses, but this Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti dress at least makes me reconsider. There's something very wearable about the silhouette, and I am always a sucker for dramatic detail, like the pleated sleeves.


$$
Even with several pairs of Spanx, I don't have the body to pull off this Only Hearts lace dress. But if you do, I recommend going for it--it's incredibly sexy, but in a demure French kind of way.


This lace dress from Max Studio doesn't look like much in the photo, but the type of lace is the closest approximation of Prada's that I've seen. It's also wool, which means that despite all of the open-work detail, it will keep you at least somewhat warm in the winter.


One of my favorite dresses here is this cutout style from BCBG. It's silk, and the lace at the neckline and sleeves is more geometric than lacy, so it has a much more modern look. It's definitely appropriate for day, but could work for night too, and I am always a fan of the swingy A-line shape.


$
The negative reviews of this Kimchi & Blue dress from Urban Outfitters make me think twice about it, but at first look, this jersey style looks very wearable and comfortable (one reviewer noted the lace is cheap and scratchy, however). It's now sold out in black, too, and when it comes to lace, spending a little more money might be worth it.


This Max Studio dress is cheating a bit, since it's on sale and because it's technically crocheted, not lace. But you get the idea of the trend, and the shape is flattering. And, hey, it's on sale!


But while we're cheating, you might as well aim for the stars: An Anna Sui dress for $148 is a very good bargain; I have one that I bought six or seven years ago, and I still get compliments whenever I wear it. It's a summer style, yes, but add tights and a cardigan to make it fall-friendly.