Leota for the win!

Leota's bio on their Instagram page reads, "We do perfect dresses, made in the USA. Always flattering, never wrinkling." 

Sounds too good to be true, but it's true. LeTote sent me the "Sweetheart Cut Dress" (on sale for $69) and this dress fit perfectly, comfortably, and I absolutely loved this color blue and the pixelated pink, white and black design was really cool.

And flattering is right! Obviously, every woman has a different body type, but for me, my best asset (in my opinion) is my collar bone and if it cannot be seen, then I flat out no the dress will not look good at me. This has a great cut, it almost fit like a wrap dress (which wrap dresses look great on pretty much every body type). I really liked how it looked.

The material was soft, stretchy and comfy, but not too sheer -- thick and strong. I really want to try out more of their dresses. Easily, one of my favorite dresses from LeTote so far.

Preppy Patterns

My personal style is not "preppy". It just isn't. When I am at work, I wear business attire. But I usually steer clear of blouses, polos and dresses that I think I'd see my mom wearing at one of her tennis matches.

However, Le Tote sent me a couple dresses recently that I thought I was going to hate, but I actually really liked them. The "Printed Shift Dress" from AVA ($58 on sale at Le Tote) popped to me. I loved the pink, loved the black and white pattern, the design.

This "Keyhole Block Neck Dress" from London Times ($68 on sale at Le Tote) also had a stunning pattern -- and I LOVE green.

So, despite my leanings for edgier, trendier outfits, I adored these preppy patterns! 

Add a little spice to that little black dress

We all know how clutch a little black dress is. We have heard it countless times from our mothers, grandmothers, friends -- maybe even from a boyfriend or husband. You can never go wrong with black.

But ladies, jazz it up. You and your dress need to pop. So don't just go with straight black. Make sure it has a really fun, risque design or cut. Maybe it has some nice accents or a little pattern. 

It's OK to be simple and some woman can rock a plain, black dress without any frills, but I also encourage you to be daring with the color as well. Add a little spice to that little black dress. 

Lace is life.

Every lacy clothing item I own, I love. It can be feminine and fragile or sexy and risque. You really can't have enough of it in your closet. Whether its a form fitting evening gown or a looser summer dress it looks great on.

This dress is from Le Tote. The brand London Times. The Colorblock Lace Dress for $74.

Really nice piece. I love how they did color blocking with lace -- I honestly haven't seen this before, but the combination is great. While it shows off a little leg, it's not too revealing any where else. It would be great for a fancy lunch or a nicer wedding/baby shower. Loved how it looked with my $5 sunnies that I got off the street in Soho too LOL. 

Man, I need more lace in my life. 

Grey is Great

When you work in the TV biz, you frequently hear from media consultants about your appearance. And I have repeatedly been told to wear bright colors that pop. So my closet is filled with vibrant violets, ravashing reds, beautiful blues, playful pinks (Ok. I am done with the alliteration, sorry LOL). But I have forgotten how great grey is!

You can go a little heavier on the make up and the accessories -- grey is basically a great back drop, the accentuates the subject. So to all the naysayers on this one, I'm seeing the grey lining!

All hail the wrap dress!

Wrap dresses are the bomb diggle. There's no other way to put it. You can dress them up, you can dress them down. They accentuate your collar bone (and other upper body assets, lol). They also cover up that tummy (and let's be real, all of our stomachs are bulging a little more than usual post-Yuletide season).

When I find a solid wrap dress that fits just right -- I cash in. I buy it in every color and pattern that I can. You can never have enough.

And when you're in a rush in the morning, it is always my go-to item. I know it will be comfortable, I know it will fit well. #wrapdress #winning #enoughsaid 

Fun in Floral

I know...flowers in the Winter time. Judge. Me.

Many people are sticklers about fashion rules, but I am all about breaking and bending them.

This Anne Klein dress is 20 dollars on Le Tote right now! Likely on sale because it's "out of season"... But a wonderful pattern like this, floral and bright. Sorry, bought. 

Throw a navy blazer (or even yellow, don't be afraid to shine!)  over this with tights, leggings and/or boots and you're good to go. Now is the time to cash in on deals on Summer wear and work it in the Winter anyway! 

Dress -  Anne Klein Necklace - Sabika

Summer dresses in January

I am used to terribly cold winters. I grew up in Colorado. Went to school in upstate New York. I have worked in Massachusetts and Ohio, covering a number of snow storms and blizzards.

Now, I'm in New Orleans, Louisiana! Our December was filled with humid days in the sixties and seventies! I am not complaining, I absolutely love the warm weather. But you understand now why I am wearing a purple summer dress and posting this in January.

The great thing about this piece from LeTote though. If it's toasty outside, I can throw on a pair of strappy heels, some jewerly. The outfit is done. If it's windy or rainy -- I just put on leggings, boots and throw on a cardigan. Also done. Just goes to show you how shoes can easily change an outfit. So you can turn you nose up at me if you think wearing summer dresses in January is absurd. But I see no reason to be drab and boring when it's cold out. Work those summer colors and throw on some boots and tights if need be.