photo by Anna Furman
What is the one thing every woman has in her closet? At least one little black dress (LBD) that she reaches for when she needs to look put together, quickly. I’ve selected two black dresses from Matilda Jane Clothing to show that a black dress can be worn in all seasons, for all reasons (just add accessories).
About Matilda Jane Clothing:
Buying online can really be rewarding, especially when you can get unique fashion at affordable prices.
Matilda Jane clothing features a wide range of fashions for kids/tweens/teens. However, their selection for women (and some for men) are really fun, unique and a good value.
The Matilda Jane Clothing charity component is their Janes Give Back program which has raised more than $180,000 for 849 different organizations to date.
Another thing to note is that while you can buy Matilda Jane online if you want to host a trunk show you can earn discounts and exclusive perks for each show you host. Get the details.
The long black dress:
If you think a long dress is only for formal occasions, think again. The Mathilda Jane Night Owl Maxi Dress : ($72 ) is a steal to be worn day or evening. It packs almost flat for travel.
The soft drapey rayon that doesn’t bunch in the wrong places and for flair, there’s a ring of red floral fabric inside the neckline.
It even has pockets that lie flat until or unless you feel the need to put your hands in them.
The buttons on the shoulders and tab sleeves make this a little too casual for a truly formal occasion but just right for daytime or dinner. If I was going to wear this to a special event I’d replace those “daytime” buttons with sparkling ones, or remove them entirely.
Sizing is generous and from Small to XXL. My size Large was a perfect fit.
The Short Dress:
The Matilda Jane Discovery Dress Item#: 25619D ($58) it looks like it should cost much more. This classic LBD has a gracefully scooped neckline.
The three quarter length sleeves and a slub jersey makes this feel like you’re wearing a favorite tee.
Grab this dress for daytime. Add a scarf or some of the jewelry shown here and you can dress it up for date night or a special occasion.
I paired it with black flats, but sexy heels would dress it up.
When ordering, keep in mind that models tend to be fairly tall and so the dress looks short on her, On me, it’s almost knee length.
There is a size chart on the website so you can figure out what you want to order.
Affordable Statement Accessories:
Earrings like these fabulous Silver Dagger earrings by Dynamo Jewelry and Accessories give your outfit a bit of an edge and dress up any LBD.
The “daggers” look fierce but they’re surprisingly lightweight, hanging about 3.25 inches in length.
The earrings hang from rose gold nickel and lead-free french ear wires.
Dynamo has so many amazing and affordable jewelry items, handmade in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Visit the website at www.shopdynamoonline.com.
Let your tech make a fashion statement. The Stylaga Crystal Wireless Headset Made With Swarovski Crystals ($29) adds a touch of glamour.
The big clear Swarovski crystal in the middle is the button to control calls, listen to music, etc.
The earpiece comes in white and rose gold (shown) or in three other colors: black, silver grey, silver & white.
I tested this with my android smartphone and the sound was crystal-clear. There is intelligent noise cancellation with a talk time of 4 hours and standby of 120 hours.
Not only is this great for hands-free calling, but it will also turn heads, literally.
Recharge with the included USB charging and store it in the cute zippered hard sided round pouch. For more information visit: https://www.stylaga.com/
An easy way to dress up a little black dress with color.
I like this set of red beaded earrings, necklace and bracelet.
Adding a bright color to a monochromatic outfit makes it come alive and stand out.
My selection is a one of a kind set of necklace, earrings and bracelet ($50 + above) by designer UJU Ohayia ($50+) who is from the Umuduraku Kindred in Nigeria, West Africa. They are typical of accessories worn by traditional rulers, chiefs and LOLO’s (wives of chiefs) in Nigeria, West Africa.
You can also make a statement for daytime with a colorful scarf, for the evening try velvet or metallic fabric.
I love unusual shapes, like the Dreamcatcher Necklace from Mata Traders ($34.00). Two delicate chains of goldtone plated brass with tiny gold ball accents hangs from a single loop, with multiple “feathers” on each chain giving the effect of the feathers of a dreamcatcher.
The lightweight chains are adjustable through the round loop up to 30″. I wore mine to the side, but you can style it any way you want.
Mata Trader Designs are handcrafted at a fair trade artisan cooperative in India. The company is helping to end global poverty and inspire ethical companies and consumers to change the fashion industry.
Their designs are made by artisans in India and Nepal, For more information visit: https://www.matatraders.com/
Do you have a signature piece of jewelry you reach for every day? It could be this gorgeous Halo Cuff Bracelet from Sterling Forever ($102).
Sterling Forever has tons of trendy pieces that look like budget busters in fancy stores, but most of their designs are under $100.
This bracelet is big enough to make a statement, but not obnoxiously huge
It’s made of 14K gold plated lead and nickel-free brass, with glass beads, featuring looping 19mm circles with 4mm stones.
The bracelet is adjustable. You can get this bracelet with purple, black, nude, smoky and blue, stones and the one I selected, the softly glowing, holographic “mystic.” Visit Sterling Forever https://www.sterlingforever.com/
Statement Purse:
Carry your essentials in a sparkly, petite purse in an unusual shape and add a special occasion touch to your little black dress, like this Apple Evening Bag by David Charles ($124).
I saw this on the Children’s Salon website.
As with Matilda Jane Clothing, if a retailer features items primarily for young people it doesn’t mean they don’t have items for you as well.
This little purse is only the size of an acorn squash. It can’t hold a large phone, but it will hold your lipstick, credit cards, etc.
The beautiful apple is completely embellished with crystals and comes in several colors. the “stalk” is the closure.
Wear it as a clutch or with the detachable chain. This makes a killer gift too. You can find all sorts of cute things f(not just for kids) on the Children’s Salon website. https://www.childrensalon.com
Social Links: #Dynamo @dynamoduo_ #dynamoduo, @ matildajane, @MataTraders, @Stylaga, @SterlingForever, #accessories, #jewelry, #fashion, #dress, #fashionedit
