Some might say that dressing is a competitive sport- we know that we’d agree.  So, when actual sports are concerned we want our Dress Shop gals to stand out in the vast sea of collegiate gear.  This weekend these brand new, handmade accessories are for you- and can only be found at Dress Shop!

Ribbon and leather wrap bracelets are pretty yet sporty.

Ribbon rosette belt- perfect over a plain gray tank.

If you want a little more flair, feathers always do the trick.

Gold studs on burnt orange- love this look.

Leather on ribbon- also comes in burnt orange.

Even though temperatures here in Texas are still hovering around 90, it’s not too soon to think about what you’re going to wear to all those October weddings.  This season the designers have embraced the sleeve, which adds a dose of grown-up elegance (not to mention warmth) to dresses in already beautiful colors, fabrics and shapes.

As the song goes, everything is beautiful at the ballet.  But tutus, tights and leotards can’t quite compare to these lovely pieces in gorgeous, pale pinks, nudes and ivories- although you may be inspired to pirouette with joy when you wear them…

Pretty in pink, this may just be our most favorite dress to arrive in the shop to date!  This tank-style dress, like so many others we love,  proves that you don’t have to be uncomfortable to look beautiful.  Layers of ballet pink silk chiffon are topped by pewter and pearl beaded roses that look like they’ve been sketched effortlessly onto the dress.

This dress may actually take your breath away- it’s that beautiful.  A taupe background is covered by ivory, off white and iridescent sequins and beads-  not in a heavy-handed way, but in a thoughtful way.  Above you can see the intricate pattern created across the front and how flattering that pattern is to the wearer, drawing the eye in at the waist.

For anyone who loves a dress with a beautiful back (because the details back there can be so surprising and sexy), this style is one you will love to show off.  The gunmetal hardware is a fun contradiction to the soft, off-white silk and the low back was meant for a special night out.  This one is perfect for bachelorettes!

NY Magazine chose 100 designers, including  Dress Shop favorites Badgley Mischka, Tracy Reese and Yoana Baraschi, to give one word and a picture to describe the inspiration for their Spring ’11 collections.

“desire”

by Yoana Baraschi


“journey”

by Tracy Reese

“white mischief”

by Badgley Mischka

Texas girls are known nationwide for being avid football fans. So it stands to reason that the best dressed tailgaters can be found right here in Austin!  If you don’t have your game-day gear yet, here’s a peek at some stylish options for you.

We’ve always been a huge fan of the color gray.  It is comforting and sophisticated at the same time- not to mention it can be worn year-round.  The looks below show off some gorgeous shades of gray and a romantic trend for fall: ruffles.  Best of all, these pieces are all $128 or less!

Oh, how we adore this little micro-trend…  Add a change in texture and the ultimate feminine accessory with a rosette!  We feel like we’ve sprouted a chic little garden right here in the shop!

We’re feeling quite royal with all of our new merchandise in shades straight from the jewel box!  We’ll start with a color that looks beautiful and flattering to every skintone.  Call it amethyst, orchid, eggplant, grape or plum- just don’t call it purple.  That’s just too simple a word for these styles that are anything but!

A gorgeously-cut dress from Cooper by Courtney, it’s easy to see why this is a signature style from her!  The rich color of the silk and the sweetheart neckline make this dress an eye-catcher, but the best part is the way it will make you feel absolutely beautiful when you have it on!

This dress from Phoebe couture has the most amazing colors- the deeply shaded bodice is beautifully offset by a pop of fuschia around the waist.  But the jaw-dropping part of this sweet style is the skirt, made completely of Petersham ribbon!  The texture and the lovely ombre effect won’t go unnoticed.

With this absolutely adorable dress, we love the simplicity of the idea but the complexity of the patterns: tiny florals on chiffon, saturated tweed, frilly polka dots, grosgrain ribbon (you know how we have a weakness for ribbon)…  It feels very “society gal” to us and we can’t wait to see who snatches it up!

We were so thrilled to be a nominee for this year’s Austin Fashion Awards for People’s Choice: Best Retailer!  After only one year in business (our birthday was Tuesday!), we are humbled and feel very loved by our loyal Dress Shop clients, friends, family and fans.  The last year has been amazing and the last week was truly incredible!  Ending with the Austin Fashion Awards, we loved that at least four people in attendance were wearing looks from yours truly!  And even though we didn’t win in our category, we had a fabulous time and will be working hard to earn your votes again next year!

Speaking of moving on to another year, Fall has made it’s way back around (in the retail world, anyway) and we are so very excited to have a new, beautiful collection in the store now!  Please come see our newest looks as soon as you have a moment- you know how things go fast around here!  We’ll post pics soon!

Lots of love,

Leslie and the team at Dress Shop

As you know, our official Austin Fashion Week party is next Monday evening!  You’ll enjoy cocktails from Tito’s Vodka and Waialua Soda, photos by She-N-He, Mini Makeovers from Evie Evan, shopping and you’ll get to see our showcase jewelry line, Taylor Moseley!  Below, some of the beautiful Taylor Moseley pieces that could be yours!