Paris Hilton's new look

I was pleasantly surprised by what Paris Hilton wore to a screening party of her new MTV show, "My New BFF", especially since I had my eye on that dress earlier! Usually I disagree with Paris' fashion choices but for the past year, she has showed up to events in sophisticated dresses by some well-loved designers, such as Alice + Olivia, and this pretty navy Nanette Lepore Magic Wand dress is one of my favorites yet. The dress features heavy black beading, delicate flutter sleeves, and a flirty cutout neckline. With her long tan legs, black pumps, and signature red carpet pout, Paris still manages to make this feminine dress look a little sexy. I love this new girly-yet-coy look she's pulling off so well, and for the first time, I wouldn't mind borrowing some clothes from her closet.

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Loving LaROK's LBD

So even though I was highly anticipating wearing that lovely red Larsen Gray dress to my bday party, when I eventually tried it on at the brand new Revolve boutique in West Hollywood, the fit just wasn't right. While perusing my alternatives, I came across this lil black dress by LaROK which looks so much better on than I ever would have imagined! In textured woven fabric, the sweetheart neckline dips into a sexy V framed by metal chain fringes. The back of the dress scoops low and is also decorated with the stylin' rock-n-roll fringes. And the biggest plus is the great fit: LaROK's streamlined LBD nips in at my waist and hugs the hips for the perfect party dress! Dressed up with the right heels and accessories, I feel like this dress is trendy with a rocker edge and proves that the old adage holds true: you can always fall back on a little black dress for any occasion.

Not a fan of this fad!

There aren't very many trends I don't hold some appreciation for. But after going out for several weeks in a row in Los Angeles, there is one popular fad I can't stand anymore--those short, rainbow-hued polyester dresses with a wide band hem hugging your thighs, much like this spaghetti strap dress from Forever 21. It seems like every twenty-something girl is wearing those colorful, mini frocks nowadays, accompanied by high heel shoes and a clutch or wristlet. That dress has become standard clubbing attire, and I'm so sick of it! That's not to say I don't think these dresses are trendy or fashionable in their own way; I just wish we could all be little more imaginative and spice it up with some variety. There are other options out there that are still sexy, stylish, and appropriate for clubbing, like a skintight LBD or back-baring striped halter.

Elijah's take on the maxi dress

My older sister, along with celebs like Lauren Conrad and Angelina Jolie, is fond of long maxi dresses. Even though I hardly wear them, I can see their appeal--cool, summery, and unfussy. I recently came across this Elijah column dress that, while not a conventional maxi dress, still maintains an easy, relaxed fit. In a soft blend of cotton and silk, this creamy white dress is ultra comfortable. The ruched, asymmetrical one shoulder strap in pale blue gives the loose baby doll shape a bit of sass. It's the perfect dress for slipping on when you don't feel like assembling an outfit, but still want to appear effortlessly fashionable!

Anthropologie's Globemallow dress

This type of flowery dress normally isn't my style. But something about it just makes me want to escape to my imaginary country house and run into the fields to pick yellow buttercups. The silk skirt is imprinted with pink desert flowers, adding a necessary burst of color to the dove-grey top. Both the sweet bow at the waist and wraparound style are wonderful slimming devices. The girly, almost rustic touches lend the dress a vintage air. I consider this dress a modern version of what Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen (in Becoming Jane) would have worn for a romantic walk outdoors with Tom Lefroy.

White Hot Natalie

Nowadays, Natalie Portman seems to favor frothy, dramatically ruffled dresses, and her recent appearance at amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS 2008 benefit is no exception. In snow white Givenchy, Natalie looked both angelic and edgy at the same time. The asymmetrical neckline shows off her lovely neck and shoulders, while the tiered skirt displays a flirty flash of leg. I love the shredded look of the skirt but the only thing I'd change about Natalie's outfit is her shoes. With such a fun and fearless dress, I wish she had veered away from boring, black heels and tried something crazy. No worries though, because she still looks absolutely fabulous...perhaps even better than the runway model who wore it on Givenchy's Spring 2008 Couture Collection runway!

(Images from Style.Com and Getty Images)

On Sale: The Elizabeth and James Chanteuse Dress

Nothing ever feels as good as when something you've wanted for so long finally goes on sale. I've been eyeing this Elizabeth & James Chanteuse Dress, exclusively at Neiman Marcus, for a while now. The website explains that the intricate frills and ruffles of the dress were inspired by French cabaret singers. I've seen the dress in stores and the bright cerulean blue color is gorgeous, while the frayed-edge tiers down the front are a cool detail.

My only problem with this silk party frock is that it's not for every woman. The heavy shredded ruffles and short bubble hem isn't a flattering look for all body types, possibly making you appear wider or stouter. The dress obviously works well on its own, paired with pretty heels and a clutch, but I also see it with a fitted black blazer (imagine the bold black and blue combo!) and long leggings. Try the Pencey Scuba Snap Favorite Leggings--the snaps add an innovative touch to any tunic or dress!

The Elizabeth & James dress is on sale from $575 to $403.