Lingerie as Outerwear: Innocence and Edge

Parties, parties and more parties. I’ve had more fancy finger foods this month, than I could possibly count. My holiday season is ramping up and I'm loving all these excuses to play with my wardrobe. But you know what's even more fun? Developing these outfits for all of you!

Today's lingerie as outerwear outfit is a wee bit crafty. You see, technically the lingerie is underneath the dress, but it's actually the element that brings it all together and makes it shine! Is it truly outerwear? I think so, after all, the lace is completely transparent, so the slip beneath is essentially framed and on center stage!

I've been wearing so many little black dresses and tons of colorful coordinates, but I have yet to see anyone really pull off a light look during the winter season. As always, I love a good challenge, so I started with a dress that had a sweetly, innocent quality to it. I adore the black accents, the all-over lace and gathered skirt that give this dress an antique polish and sense of nostalgia.

To liven it up and add some subtle drama, I decided to pair it with a golden, glistening, silk slip from MC Lounge, rather than the 'Plain Jane' cream slip that it comes with. That flash of silk takes this dress from fun and flirty to full-wattage glam! It would be easy to get fussy and complicated with an updo, but I would rather keep the hair simple and fresh with a black head band and plenty of movement for when you swing that full skirt.

Since it's party season, the super high heels with the gauzey flower pick up the black details in the dress and keep it from feeling too ingenue-ish. Nevertheless, I wanted to be certain that the look didn't veer into Alice in Wonderland territory (Tim Burton or Disney), so I paired it up with Valentino's sexed up, form fitting, black leather jacket and a gorgeous beaded black clutch. These harder elements keep the syrupy sweetness at bay and inject a little personality.

Keeping the jewelry and metal accents in the black and silver realm limits the static noise of too much bling, but let's me play with the slightly gothic-feel of the outfit by incorporating this fabulous beaded choker necklace. Your nails can be done up in a good-girl mani, with white bottoms and black moons ala the contemporary style, or you can get a wee bit funky with some graphic designs using the pearl and midnight black.

Now, just when it all starts to feel a wee bit matchey-matchey and you're thinking that Maggie's all done, we hit you with a full, red lip that brings the whole thing together and picks up the kick from the leather jacket and choker. The bit of sparkley shine in the red will illuminate the gleam from your golden slip that’s screaming through the restraining lace.

Wouldn't you love to take this outfit out for a spin? It would be an attention-grabber in any scenario and shows that light and white looks don't have to be dainty, they can still take back the night with vehemence!

1. MC Lounge Stretch Silk Chemise: You just can’t go wrong with golden, stretch silk especially when it pairs up with a subtle open weave lace dress. Maison Close Lounge Collection’s form fitting slip is both practical and decadent. It will keep the lace dress from showing too much skin, while also gleaming in the bright lights of the dance floor. The bit of stretch in the silk will have you kicking your heels up and twirling that gathered skirt without having to worry about a potential wardrobe malfunction of the visible-undies variety.

2. BCBGMaxAzria Naomi Evening Sandal : I love everything about these sandals! The black straps echo the ribbon waistband embellishment of the dress, choker and the headband. The sheer rosettes at your ankles keep the look upscale and luxurious. The sky-high heel and exposed toe just beg for a beautiful pedicure in our two shades of pearl and glossy black, for that hip and fresh element.

3.  Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick: A red lip will always be a fashion statement, but never more so than when you're glammed up, head to toe. This red is a silky, soft, emollient-rich formula that will also enhance the brightness of your teeth!

4. BCBGMaxAzria Beaded Clutch: The black beaded clutch has a bit of restrained flash and decadence that characterizes the outfit as a whole. It's just big enough for all your holiday festing needs, without being overly clumsy. It’s an unexpected choice with the leather jacket and keeps it feminine.

5. ModCloth In Perfect Contrast Dress: ModCloth does it up right with this super pretty, lace dress. The sweetheart ribbon detailing at the waist and the swirl-worthy skirt are the perfect accompaniment to any occasion. This one-piece can be dressed up or down and will continue to be a fashion staple through all the trends and seasons.

6. Versace Black Leather Jacket: Versace knows how to show off the female body and the styling of this striking black leather jacket is no exception. The metallic accents are silver and minimal and the curvy silhouette works beautifully with the peekaboo heels! The neckline is prim and proper and the off center zipper is fabulous!

7. 1928 Jewelry Gothic Costume Choker Necklace: This fitted choker is composed of seven strands of beads and fine wire work without being overly embellished. It picks up on the antique feel of the lace dress, while also echoing the black color bands throughout your ensemble. You would be equally at home wearing this necklace on the Titanic or the Viper Lounge; truly a multifunctional accessory.

8. Judith Ripka Black Onyx and Sterling Silver Cushion Stone Ring: This ring has heirloom written all over it. I love the silver claws holding the big black gem in place and the serpentine scales encircling the ring portion. You had better be sure your nails are done when you wear this ring, because plenty of people will be asking to see your hand!

9. L’Atelier des Dames Headband Cuir Gris: It wasn’t easy finding a non-feathered, non-fringed, non-blinged out, headband, but this sleekly stylish headband is the perfect accompaniment to our edgy, light themed look. The small rose detail won’t take all the attention away from the other pieces; rather it will blend into the various elements seamlessly.

10. Hard Candy Just Nails with Ring in Sugar Daddy (Pearl) and The End: Don’t you just love the shiny black and cream pearlescent shades of this nail polish? For fingers and toes it will give that little hint of glint, just like the slip beneath the dress. Using several coats for a more opaque style will make your French manicure really pop. Black moons at your tips is such a cool, ‘now’ look.

Well? Did you like it? What would you have done differently? Drop me a line in the Comments and let me know! I can’t wait to show you what I have in store for next week’s outfit!

Cheers,

Maggie (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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