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.

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

Ruffle My Feathers

A flattering cut, luxe details and an unexpected color. Dress by Forever21.
Add this headband to a little black dress or a little green dress and be prepared to be ahead of the pack. Karin's Garden Feather Fluff Headband from Intermix.

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.

Party Perfect Make Up

The Diva. Pairing dramatic eyes with pale lips is one of the most sought after retro looks. It's especially enticing when you change your eye color for the night with colored contacts and finish with one or two layers of fake lashes. The smoky eye in an unexpected color like ultra violet, silver or aqua might also be a great way to make this look ultra modern. As far as lipstick goes stick with your natural lip color but go one shade brighter.

The Vixen. Dare to wear red? Wearing red can instantly make you look and feel sexier and will definitely make you stand out in a room. If you're new to red lips instead of using a lip brush dab on color with your finger tips for a pretty stain. Remember to also find a shade that compliments your skin tone. If your skin has blue undertones look for cool reds and warm reds are best for those with golden and yellow undertones. Also don't go bare on the eyes just because you think the lips are dramatic enough on their own. You need to balance out the red lips with a few coats of mascara, a thin line of black liner (wing optional) and a base eyeshadow in a pretty shimmery champagne.

The Princess. I love pink lips. Haute pink lips are my signature and always will be. Hot pink lips are complimentary on all skin tones and look groegous with a tan. To complete the look use a pretty pink blush and shimmery pink eye shadow for a sweeter than sugar look that no one will be able to resist. Don't forget the msacara. Actually never forget the mascara. Big event or not.

Must Have: M Missoni Dress