Guest Blog | How To Dress For A Spring Cocktail Party By Stylist Catherine Horgan

In this guest blog, stylist and Haute Mimi contributing editor Catherine Horgan shares ideas on how to dress for a Spring cocktail party.

It's that time of year, when the weather begins to break and you're ready to whip out your spring dresses. There's something incredibly invigorating about moving your winter garments out of the way to make room for the light + airy! If you haven't partaken in closet purging yet, you should. Talk about spring cleaning for your closet!

When I work with clients, I put together a multitude of outfits worthy of many an occasion, including special events. That special event may be as simple as a spring cocktail party. Minis are everywhere this spring, and sequins continues to play a part in our wardrobes, so why not combine the two in a flirty little dress!

Go for fabulous shoes, like these grain-effect leather sandals from one of my favorite designers, Oscar de la Renta. Pick up the bold color from the shoes and mimic it in your clutch, like Alexander McQueen's Squeeze It leather clutch (available at the Outnet). As for jewelry, I love these simple nugaard long rolo and links earrings (from Piperlime), big bangle bracelets and this alluring gemstone and onyx ring. Chic, fun and fabulous!

-Catherine Horgan, www.closetofstyle.com/my-style-files

Copyright ©2009 Haute Mimi International LLC. All rights reserved.

Day To Night | Transitioning Style From Day To Night Featuring Boston Proper

I can always count on Boston Proper for sexy basics and also THAT show stopping piece. The featured styles are my latest must haves from BP. I love the 3/4 sleeve sheath that fits like a glove and still looks sophisticated. it is perfect for lunch meetings as well as a long day at an office (although I have no idea what that's like). I also adore the fabulous embellished tunic. It is definitely the type of piece you pull out when you want o make a statement. Perfect for drinks with the girls or a fabulous bash. To view the entire Boston Proper collection click here.

Copyright ©2009 Haute Mimi International LLC. All rights reserved.

HM Lifestyle | Dirty Sue Martinis

I like my Dirty Martinis extra dirty and I've finally found Dirty Sue, the highest quality brine/olive juice for maximum taste. Here are some of my favorite "Dirty Sue" recipes. Drink up.

• THE DIRTY SUE 'CLASSIC'
3 ounces of your favorite gin 1/2 ounce of Dirty Sue
"Rinse"* a chilled martini glass with dry vermouth.
Shake over ice and strain intothe 'rinsed' martini glass

Garnish with two olives

• THE HOT & DIRTY SUE
3 ounces of your favorite gin or vodka1/2 ounce of Dirty Sue

2 drops of Tabasco sauce
Shake over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass

Garnish with two jalapeno stuffed olives

Copyright ©2009 Haute Mimi International LLC. All rights reserved.

The Haute Guide To Formal Dressing

You’re standing with your friends fabulously dressed on the rooftop of a New York hotel. Below you, the city bustles below, as the glittering lights of the city shimmer back at you. Behind you, an orchestra dressed in white is softly playing a melodic tune, causing couples to put down their champagne glasses, rise from their chairs, and head towards the dance floor.

While this scene is passé, getting there is definitely not as easy as it seems. With formal dances and events coming up as winter comes to a gradual end within a few months, having a formal dress or two in your closet definitely won’t hurt. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you pick out a dress for the season: What’s the theme? Not all formal dresses are as formal as others. Be sure to check to make sure if there’s a specific dress code or color that you must follow. Some formal events are best worn long. What is the look I’m going for? When picking out a dress, keep in mind that the moment you walk into the room, you are making an impression. Where is the venue? Simply by knowing where the event is taking place, you can also see how formal the event really is.

I love the purple in this Notte by Marchesa strapless gown. The length of it and the fact that it would look great with gold accessories is seemingly perfect for a more formal event. Is it for work? For anything business or work-associated, I personally find it better to go with black. While black serves as something simple, with the perfect dress and right fit, it can also allow for a more professional-sided look. This Derek Lam dress is a one-shouldered dress with a bow. At the same time that it is professional and not heavily revealing, it also gives a feminine side to you with the tilted bow and doesn’t require very many accessories to match.
Can I add color? While formals tend to focus on darker colors, there is no reason why you can’t use color. I love the detail in this MINT Jodi Arnold dress that is designed like a rose. The color of it would look great with some black tights – although not as formal as other dresses, this would definitely be a part y dress I would keep in my closet. Final notes? Know the occasion. By knowing where you are going and exactly what the event deals with, you can either be as bold, daring, colorful, or as white, chic, and simple as you want. While dress shopping, the possibilities are endless.

– Lalida Sriyordsa

Cocktail Party Ready With Dana Rebecca Designs

Cocktail parties call for dramatic, bold and unique jewelry that screams look at me! I am really starting to fall for these pieces by a new company I discovered called Dana Rebecca Designs. from glamorous rings to sparking earrings every piece will make you dazzle. For more information click here.

Azzaro Enee Cocktail Dress

A fresh take on the cocktail dress. Simply breath taking and classic. Find it here.

Credit, Debit, Cash: Cocktail Dresses For Every Budget

The cocktail party that your next promotion depends on is only a few nights away and you're freaking out. This is the night to impress and you need to go all out. Think of it as an investment. Gold dress by Alberta Ferretti, Black by de la Renta, both available at Net-A-Porter

You're on the prowl for a P.H. and you you need a cocktail dress that will break necks. It's okay to spend a little more than usual here especially since these dresses keep on giving. These Bond girl worthy dresses can be found at Intermix.

You have a million invites and do not want to rely on that Herve number you spent last month's rent on for every occasion? So what's a girl to do? Go to Forever 21 of course. Now I know what you're thinking. Bad quality, too young, too bright. But really if this dress is going to last one night, there is no time for any loose threads or dry cleaning bills. Also at this price it's okay to take a risk and go for something way out of your element. These two dresses were my top picks from the new Spring line at FOREVER21. Obviously they're both very understated but yet extremely elegant and glamorous.

Evening Glamour - Cocktail Party

Metallic Dressing

So what is a Diva to wear, to an affair in the city that never sleeps, you ask? A fun, sassy metallic number! There has been at least one of these show stoppers in all the boutiques that I’ve hopped into. Not only is this look fun and flirty, it will also put your new fabulous tan front and center with light reflectors.

I suggest you pair this look with metallic eyes, for an ultra modern night time look. Just make sure to match your metallic and stick with shimmer and not glitter! No 80s flashback here girls! Keep it sleek.