Ask Bedazzles: How To Style This Red Dress

Today's post is one of my absolute favorite things to write about. Answering your questions!

Hey Nikki!
I love reading your blog and am in need of some fashion advice. I'm going to a wedding in August and I bought this dress that is super cute but kind of flowy. I'm excited to wear it but I want it to flatter my shape. Can you give me some tips on how to accessorize it and make it look slimming? Thanks!!
Corrine, Texas

After a few emails back and forth with Corrine, I discovered she bought the gorgeous ASOS Skater Dress in red. So here are a few of my suggestions on how to style this frock:

Dress: ASOS Red Skater Dress with Lace Back $68 / 1. ASOS Leopard Print Skinny Belt $14 / 2. Schutz Delta Nude Pump $160 / 3. Nordstrom Rolling Bracelets $32 / French Connection Gold Pyramid Studs $20 / Liz Palacios "Arco Iris" Swarovski Cocktail Ring $70 / 4. GiGi New York All In One Clutch

So now that Corrine has got a gorgeous canvas, let's focus on creating a feminine and sleek shape. First, cinch that waist and show off your figure! I picked a fun leopard print that will sass up the red tones in the dress. But, if you're not ready to walk on the wild side, try a gold metallic one instead. Using the belt breaks up your figure while adding a fun element to your look. {Double Bonus!} Another key element for a slimming look is great undergarments. Make sure your bra is supportive and comfortable - like this Maidenform Long Line Bra.

Next, we're going to want to show off those gorgeous legs while you're spinning around on the dance floor. I chose a nude pump that will elongate and flatter your legs. Pick a pair that's close to your skin tone and a heel as high as you can go. The color creates the illusion of long, long legs and the height will help accentuate the muscles in your gams. Plus, a neutral toned shoe keeps the focus on the dress, keeping your ensemble elegant and not overstated.

Since there's so much detail on this lacy number, I suggest keeping your jewelry basic. But that doesn't mean boring! A few gold bangles, some unique studs and a single cocktail ring will compliment your outfit perfectly. Add a neutral clutch (like my favorite GiGi!) and you're good to go!

I hope you like my suggestions Corrine! Either way, you're going to look absolutely smashing! Be sure to send in a picture of you dancing the night away! xoxo Happy Friday Lovelies!! {Friday the 13th! eeek!}

Outfit Post: Neon Lemonade

Blazer: Zara (recent on sale)

Denim: Express Zelda Jean Legging

Clutch: GiGi New York 

Shoes: Sole Society "Jenny" (last seen here)

Sunnies: H&M

 Rings: Vintage (thumb) Forever 21 (owl)

Nails: Sinful Colors "Summer Peach" & Ginger + Liz "Caution!"

Toes: Sally Hansen "Calypso Blue"

Had a fun {and adventurous} date night on Sunday with Bill! We drove up the coast on the PCH and stopped off near Topanga Canyon to take these photos. I couldn't wait to throw on my latest Zara sale find (seriously.... I have a problem!) I've been spotting it on a co-worker for months and when I saw it marked down I knew I just had to have. It's part 80's, part modern, part amazeballs.

Afterwards we headed to one of our go-to sushi places in the Valley - only to forget they're closed on Sundays! Luckily, our other fav sushi place is in Calabasas, not too far away. Never a dull moment with the 2 of us... Hey, have you entered my Giveaway yet?! You could win this personalized GiGi clutch! Well, what are you waiting for...? Hop to it lovelies! Happy Tuesday! xoxo

{follow me on instagram @NRich}

Giveaway: [GiGi New York Handbag] *closed*

As you can see - I'm in a full on love affair with this snazzy little GiGi New York clutch. It literally goes with anything and everything in my wardrobe. Party Dresses, Casual Looks, Dinner Dates... the list goes on. It gives my outfits a polished look, yet is roomy enough for my cell phone, digital camera, 1 or 2 tubes of lipstick, ID, credit cards {and more......}. Plus the giant tassel and gold monogram always gets a gush from a fellow fashion lover or two.

Which is why I'm doubly excited that GiGi has so graciously offered to give one lucky BAD reader their very own "All In One" clutch!! She comes in a variety of colors to choose from and with 3 chances to enter, you're definitely going to want this baby for your own wardrobe! Did I mention the winner gets it personalized with their monogram...? Oh, yeah... Here's how to enter:

MANDATORY ENTRY: 1. Like both Bedazzles After Dark & GiGi New York on Facebook

2. Leave a comment below letting me know you did both, which color you love and your email address.

BONUS ENTRY 1: Follow GiGi New York  & Bedazzles After Dark on Twitter. Leave a 2nd comment below saying you did both. Don't forget your email!

BONUS ENTRY 2: Follow Bedazzles After Dark via Google Friend Connect (the box on the right) Leave a 3rd and final comment below.

This giveaway is now CLOSED!

Good luck!!

As an added perk of being a BAD reader, use the code "GiGi10" for 30% off any purchase on their site!

Please note: Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Up to 3 entries per person. Winner will be chosen at random via Random Number Generator. Giveaway ends at 10:00pm PST on July 16th, 2012. I will announce the winner in a blog post. The winner must respond within 3 days of announcement to claim the prize. If there is no contact by the 4th day or the winner is not a follower, I will choose another winner at random.