Little Black Dresses (at every price point)

by Ashe Mischief on September 29, 2009

Final Fashion posted this great quote on her Twitter:

Basic = a black dress that costs more that $50. Functional = a black dress that costs more than $100. Nothing = a black dress that costs more than $200. Understated = a black dress that costs more than $300.
- Eve Merriam

I was really struck by the simplicity and beauty of the comment. Maybe because it resonates so much in me–that a $20 little black dress and a $300 little black dress are not the same beast, and I really don’t believe there is one little black dress that can cater to all of your needs.

basicblackdress

The “Basic” black dress, from Trashy Diva, $99 and from ModCloth, $52.99.  Cotton pieces for easy wear and easy wash, warm summer days and layering on cold winter nights.

functionalblackdress

The “Functional” black dress, takes you from first dates to interviews to Fashion Week. From Trashy Diva, $108 and Bluefly, $104.55.

nothingblackdress

The “Nothing” dress took me a moment to understand. Then when I realized it, I realized how hard it was. “It’s nothing,” you say after a compliment and with a wave of the hand. It’s effortless, elegant, and makes a strong impact, which means it’s quite the opposite of nothing at all. Nothing brought to you by Trashy Diva, $263 and Bluefly, $258.

understatedblackdress

“Understated” in a little black dress–seems almost redundant. Understated in a LBD though means being a belle at the ball without calling attention to yourself. Effortless and elegant for a queen’s audience, knowing that your bright light is only enhanced by the dress….you make the dress, it’s not making you.  It’s the Michelle Obama of little black dresses.  From Trashy Diva, $363 and Bluefly, $312.

This isn’t a confession at all, but I have to admit, I probably own 3 little black dresses from Trashy Diva. Or maybe it’s four?  They’re one of my favorite stops for beautiful dresses at steals of prices, pieces I know will last me my lifetime…

ashesignature

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{ 5 trackbacks }

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October 4, 2009 at 4:20 pm
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Jaime September 29, 2009 at 8:39 am

I don’t know if you could’ve found more amazing dresses. Great picks, Ashe!
Jaime´s last blog ..New Sample Sale Site: RowNine.com My ComLuv Profile

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2 Fajr| Stylish Thought September 29, 2009 at 9:10 am

I love the Nothing and Basic shapes! It’s cliche but true… a LBD is perfect for most occassions! Great post!
Fajr| Stylish Thought´s last blog ..Stylish Interiors: House of Style My ComLuv Profile

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3 Lorelle September 29, 2009 at 9:14 am

The goth in me just loves this post! Yay for the black dress and never having too many!
Lorelle´s last blog ..Fashion Fairy Tales My ComLuv Profile

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4 birdie September 29, 2009 at 10:28 am

Gorgeous picks! Does Trashy Diva offer a full range of sizes? (I’ve only really browsed through their hosiery and shoes…)
birdie´s last blog ..The Inevitable My ComLuv Profile

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5 Freya September 29, 2009 at 12:35 pm

My BMs are wearing little black dresses for my wedding and I am now forwarding this to each of them. THank you ma’am!
Freya´s last blog ..Technical Difficulties My ComLuv Profile

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6 Alicia September 29, 2009 at 1:16 pm

That is a great quote and an equally great post to follow. I recently bought an LBD and I’d put it in the category with it’s price point. That’s SO funny how it works out that way! =D
Alicia´s last blog ..Point of Clarification My ComLuv Profile

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7 Vanda September 29, 2009 at 1:24 pm

That first Basic dress is me all over. LOVE!
Vanda´s last blog ..Working on new projects My ComLuv Profile

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8 Sheena September 29, 2009 at 2:20 pm

I’m loving these black dresses. Plus, I just checked out the trashy diva site and they have some very cute stuff. I love dresses like that first functional black dress.
Sheena´s last blog ..New Designer/High Street Collaboration: Sonia Rykiel for H&M My ComLuv Profile

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9 jennine September 29, 2009 at 2:37 pm

one thing i know, is like black shoes, we can never have enough appropriate black dresses. never!
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10 Kate September 29, 2009 at 6:28 pm

Oooh, I like the one by Trashy Diva.
Kate´s last blog ..Afternoon Delight My ComLuv Profile

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11 Ashe Mischief September 29, 2009 at 7:54 pm

Ladies, thank you for the sweet words, and I’m so glad to see so many of you love the dresses like I do!

Birdiee, Trashy Diva does offer from an XS to a L (occasinally an XL in certain styles) or a size 2-14, with occasional 18s.

Jennine, god, it’s SO true! I’m always buying more & more black shoes…

Alicia, it really does! When I think about the black dresses I own, they really do fit in these categories really well….

Freya, you made my heart melt! I hope they find it useful and find AMAZING dresses! <3

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12 x Corrine/Frock & Roll x September 29, 2009 at 11:29 pm

Perfect picks. Thanks, lovely! <3

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13 Mallory September 30, 2009 at 9:01 am

I’m kind of in love with that last Bluefly dress.
Mallory´s last blog ..Crochet Wire Jewelry – Looks Like Lace! My ComLuv Profile

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14 Natanya September 30, 2009 at 11:26 am

Love the Blue Fly dress.

FYI gave you an award!
http://www.39thandbroadway.com/sex-city-scoop/
Natanya´s last blog ..Sex and the City Scoop! My ComLuv Profile

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15 Michelle September 30, 2009 at 1:23 pm

I love ALL of these dresses! I think the basic dresses are my favorite, funnily enough.
Michelle´s last blog ..Daily Outfit + Shopping Recap My ComLuv Profile

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16 Elle October 1, 2009 at 12:52 pm

Lovely post and black Nicole Miller stretch charmeuse pleated strapless dress is going to be the newest addition to my closet! Only 2 left on bluefly for anyone else…
Elle´s last blog ..Marc Jacobs > $ > Reality TV My ComLuv Profile

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17 Sarah October 1, 2009 at 9:39 pm

I love this post and all of the dresses!

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18 FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com October 2, 2009 at 4:00 pm

I will have to check out that site!

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19 Leia October 2, 2009 at 4:25 pm

I still can’t believe I haven’t got the perfect LBD. For something that’s supposed to be such a wardrobe staple, it can be really difficult to find the perfect one! And I love the idea behind the “nothing” dress.

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20 Danielle October 6, 2009 at 9:50 pm

I think what is most remarkable is that Merriam’s quote is from her book Figleaf written in 1960: http://www.amazon.com/Figleaf-Business-Fashion-Eve-Merriam/dp/B0007DOZHE

It just goes to show how vastly undervalued fashion is, despite inflation the price of dresses has stayed much the same.
Danielle´s last blog ..click click – 06-10-09 My ComLuv Profile

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21 perla October 10, 2009 at 12:49 am

I loved the right “Functional” black dress, it reminds me one of my mother´s dresses .

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