Plot twist

Yesterday, I was passing some time on Shopbop's sale. I didn't really have the intention of buying anything, as I rarely find anything in my size on super-sale on Shopbop.

This time was different.

I fell in love with this Soft Joie Schiffer dress, and at an amazing price point - just over $70, plus 20% off - I couldn't resist. I loved the racer back, the effortless look and especially the twisted fabric in the front, which gives it an interesting and flattering look!

But then something stopped me. The one-two punch of jersey plus the summery white (technically porcelain). Is this dress versatile? Is it even wearable at all?

Well, I went with my gut instinct and bought the dress. But not after poking around a few other sites to see more of this fabulous look.

Alexander Wang 3/4 length T-shirt dress with draping, available at Shopbop: $315

MICHAEL Michael Kors printed stretch-jersey dress, available at Net-A-Porter: $130

ASOS twist front calf length dress: $62.06

Alice + Olivia Carla jersey twist dress, available at Net-A-Porter: $185 (This one might be joining my closet soon...)

3.1 Phillip Lim tie front knit dress, available at Nordstrom: $375 (another one I love)

And no sooner did I decided I loved this look and that my wardrobe needed more drape, The Cut called draping the "universally flattering trend." What can I say? I know trends. Check out some gorgeous dresses from Thakoon Addition, Donna Karan and Reed Krakoff.

Out and a boot

So the first snow of the season happened today. And we survived. Phew.

But we know there's more to come.

After Snowpocalypse, we DC residents realized how important snow-worthy boots are. I love my Uggs (I don't care what anyone says, they are so comfortable and I LOVE THEM!), but they aren't very water resistant. Plus, I have decided I need to upgrade my look from college sorority girl to consummate professional. Don't worry -  I'll keep my Uggs for apres ski. (If you've never taken off ski boots and put on Uggs, you are missing out on one of life's great pleasures.)

I swore I was going to invest in some nice snow boots once they were on sale, but who wants to buy snow boots when the sun is coming out and flowers are blossoming? So I'm on the hunt again.

And gosh, is it hard to find cute, stylish boots that are practical for cold/snowy/wet/all-of-the-above conditions!

Sperry Top-Sider Hingham quilted shaft rain boots, available at Bloomingdales: $98

Sorel Joan of Arctic boots, available at Nordstrom: $129.95

adidas by Stella McCartney Galmei boot, available at Zappos: $161

MICHAEL Michael Kors Brandy snow tall weather boots, available at Saks: $224

Aquatalia by Marvin K. Icicle knee-high boot, available at Endless: $494.95

The good news is, with a warm, wooley sock, most rain boots can double as snow boots! So until I purchase the perfect snow boots, I'll use my herringbone wellies to ward away the chill.

Seriously, why is it so hard to be stylish in the winter?

'Tis the season to party

The best part about holiday parties is that they are the perfect excuse to don a fun party dress! I'm not talking your standard slinky cocktail dress or your go-to black basics - why waste a fun party on something dull? It's your time to shine.

I say wear color, sequins, lace, a bit of poof - because what's more festive than that?

My favorite holiday party dresses look great with winter's most important accessory - tights. They can be dressed up with the fabulous sparkly accessories without taking away from the overall look. And most importantly, they make me smile!

'Tis the season to be jolly, after all!

Modcloth BB Dakota Lady Jane dress: $104.99

Zara tulip skirt dress: $169

Simply Vera Vera Wang Floral Dress: $38.99

Milly almond beaded dress, available at Stylebop: $535

Narciso Rodriguez sequin-embellished silk dress, available at The Outnet: $1456

Ali Ro ruched jersey v-neck dress, available at Saks: $206

Tibi beaded front dress, available at Cusp: $535

Diane von Furstenberg Granno Panne velvet dress, available at Saks: $345

Alice+Olivia sequin-trim shift dress, available at Neiman Marcus: $495

Stay tuned for more dresses for the parties that come after Christmas... New Years Eve!

Needing Now: A Tweed Jacket

Something about chilly weather makes me want to wear lots and lots of tweed.

But, truth be told, I wish it wasn't only a cold weather fabric. It's so chic that I wish I could wear it all the time.

I mean...

Chanel is so classic. I die. (Credit: Vogue)

Hello, gorgeous!

But tweed isn't only vintage-classic. It's classic now and forever. Just check out The City stars edging out their tweed with skin-tight leggings.

(Credit: Fab Sugar)

(Credit: Hills2City)

And here's a couple tweed jackets I might be buying...

J. Crew gilded tweed jacket: $198

Free People Coco tweed jacket, available at Shopbop: $138.60

Plastic Island Black Magic tweed jacket, available at Piperlime: $216

Milly Rivoli check tweed cropped jacket, available Bloomingdales: $455

Proenza Schouler boucle jacket, available Kirna Zabete: $1382.50

Missoni M jacket, available at Stylebop: $865

Leighton Meester gets it right

Leighton Meester is known for taking fashion risks. Sometimes it works. And many other times, it doesn't.

But this look knocks it out of the park. Promoting Herbal Essences in Madrid, Spain, the other week, Leighton wore this Versus dress with Pierre Hardy heels and totally works it. This look says fresh and fun - very Herbal Essences (she's a good little spokesperson!).

And a better look at these beautiful shoes:

Check out more pictures of Leighton's look here.

This Week's Martafacts: Tickle me Tibi

(Credit: Style Within Reach)

• Style Within Reach was smitten with Tibi's full-length, sparkly confections, and so am I! 
• If you're not reading Wardrobe Diaries daily, you should be. Check out their awesome primer on how to wear neutral tones.
• I am Lanvin-for-H&M-less. Did any of you score any goods? While I wallow, color me excited about Karl Lagerfeld's impending line for Macy's (the first time you'll hear me saying nice things about my least favorite department store). Designer collabs I'm not so excited about? William Rast for Target.
• While I'll never say no to a good statement necklace, I'm loving the mile-long statement earring trend. WhoWhatWear's got the goods.
• It's about to be holiday party season! I myself have exactly three happy hours and events to attend tomorrow night. Do you have your outfits picked out? Glamour tells you what NOT to wear to your office party.
• I'm sure you've read all about princess-to-be Kate Middleton's fabfabFAB Issa dress that she wore to their engagement announcement (and probably hunted to find one similar to it, to no avail). Now read all about the designer.
• And finally, I'm tickled pink (or white, as it were) that Jason Wu will be designing bridal for Net-A-Porter. Can't wait to see the collection!

Would you wear this? Architectural underpinnings

When I first saw this Nichole de Carle lingerie on The Coveted, I gasped a little. First, I was confused by all the straps, but then I was amazed by the beauty of the structure. It's so mysterious. It's so architectural. It's also a little dominatrix.

But the real question is, would you wear this lingerie? And would your man (or lady) friend enjoy it?

Check out the rest of Nichole de Carle's lingerie on Not Just a Label.