Bargain Finds: 12 White Eyelet Dresses For Under $140

Need a way to look instantly younger and more fresh? How about chic and sexy at the same time? White eyelet is not for little girls this season. Check out these stylish variations of the classic fabric  -  all for under $140.

The Tiana B White Eyelet Trapeze Dress ($55) is a great addition to any wardrobe. This simple and elegant frock is figure-forgiving and stylish. Dress it down with gladiator sandals and an oversized bag on the weekend or glam it out with a candy-colored clutch and matching pumps. The middle is a white embroidered eyelet linen kaftan from DVF for just $132. Bluefly.com tries to sell it as a swimsuit cover-up - but I'd wear this posh pullover to a barbeque or lunch date with the girls. Normally, my Target finds are the lowest-priced I'll post because anything cheaper usually looks too cheap for me. But you'll be happy to know this Isaac Mizrahi white eyelet halter for $39.99 isn't even as low-priced as my picks go!  

The Helene Eyelet Dress ($45) has an intricate eyelet embroidery, comes down just past the knees, and has a removable waist belt. The AE Flutter Dress ($30) has an allover eyelet texture, tie neck, hip pockets, and is fully lined. The Ruby Rox Eyelet Shirtdress ($38) has puffed cap sleeves, a peter pan collar, button front, ruffle-trimmed pintucked yoke, and a cute bow in the back. 

The BCBG Girls Strapless Dress ($90) is ready for your next cocktail party. This sweet scoop-neck cotton empire-waist dress is MICHAEL Michael Kors ($139.50). The Taylor Dresses Shift Dress ($138) is a cotton eyelet fabric with front and back pintucks, cap sleeves, a scoop neck, and patch pockets. 

This is not your neices's babydoll dress. Get this casual white smocked eyelet dress for just $55. The Ruby Rox Floral Eyelet Strapless Dress ($64) is perfect for those summer weddings. It's casual enough that you won't out-dress the bride - but fancy enough with the cutout eyelet hem that you'll just out-dress everyone else. This adorable Calvin Klein cotton voile dress ($118) with peekaboo embroidery is styled with a bateau neck and puffed elbow-length sleeves.

Need a little color with your white? Check out our collection of candy-colored clutches under $150. 

Business Deals Going Sour Lately? Take Your Cleavage Off The Menu With Business Appropriate Attire

You read SheFinds because you're busy. Your day is packed with lunch meetings, corporate dinners, and cocktails with clients. But when business leaves the office setting, the rules can change, including dress code. A Wall Street Journal article yesterday discusses the problem with wearing revealing clothing in business situations and the stigma placed upon powerful women who happen to be sexy all the same. Female CEOs and Hillary Clinton can't risk the bad press surrounding a low cut dress or a too-short skirt. "It's often women who reveal too much, leaving their clients or colleagues with indelible memories. The results can range from slight discomfort to a huge misunderstanding," says Christina Binkley.

Jonscott Turco, a psychologist and consultant with Partners In Human Resources International, says "[women] thinking it's an empowering thing that they can be sexy and professional, but guys don't see it that way. If she's dressed sexy, that's all they see."

We powerful business women want to be remembered for our accomplishments – not our backless Donna Karan spandex gown.

So what do we wear this summer that makes us feel good (and fashionable) while not causing our clients to stare 15 inches below where they should when we're discussing a deal?

I work in magazine publishing, so fashion-forward dressing is more than accepted, it's a requirement. This blue belted dress ($392) would be perfect for my lunch meeting with a client tomorrow. My chest, shoulders and thighs are covered, but it still says I'm stylish and confident in my appearance. We sit when we eat so v-necks are a no-no for business meals. When someone can only see the top half of your body, they're going to stare if your cleavage is out on the plate in front of you. This cotton shirt dress from Sophia is perfect. You can control the amount of boobage you show with front placket buttons. Don't think you have to stick to dark colors to maintain a professional demeanor. With the right accessories and killer clutch, this crisp white Theory Betty dress ($315) is a standout option.

At a business cocktail event, it's okay to be a little sexy - but I recommend keeping the sexiness as far away from your torso as possible by wearing a sexy pair of strappy sandals. Be safe. Nothing too tight, and cover your chest and shoulders.

For more steadfast advice, check out our Guide to What to Wear to a Wedding.  

How To Pull Off A Cocktail Dress For Daytime

Since the point of a cocktail dress is basically to be able to throw it on and go, we know these flattering finds don’t need much embellishment for night. But ironically, dressing them down can take a bit more…dressing. Still, covered shoulders and flats can work wonders for dressing down a little (brown) dress like this BCBG Max Azria sheath ($232). Check out the options below for two ways to get the most out of your cocktail attire.

Try a piece that contrasts the dress’s feminine, flowing lines like this double-breasted cropped jacket ($550), which has crisp details like an inverted pleat at the back and tab detail on the cuffs. Steve Madden’s Seeri sandals ($49) and this double-chain pendant ($34) give the ensemble a hip, earthy vibe.

For a lighter, whiter look, throw a simple cotton cardigan ($58) over the dress, and pair with shell-and-bead accented sandals ($175) for a hint of beachwear chic. Banana Republic’s Greenwich Rattan Satchel ($178), made of straw and trimmed with leather, completes the summery style.

Don’t Be Afraid To Wear Red: As Long As You Do It Right

Last night, I was trying to decide what to wear to a cocktail party I'll be attending this evening. The hosts requested formal attire, and I decided that I couldn't go wrong with a little red dress--it's sexy, not too staid, and offers infinite accessorizing choices. But then I became paralyzed by those choices: what color shoes should I wear? Should my jewelry be silver or gold? Do I show cleave or cover it? And so on, and so forth. So I did some research, and here are a few ideas for that classic red cocktail dress.

First thing's first: the dress dictates the style. I'd recommend this Karen Zambos Vintage Couture dress ($171, was $286), which is elegant, simple, and very bright in color. Another stunner is this deep V-neck dress ($378). 

And with its rich cherry red color, gold is the best accessory choice (just be sure not to overdo it, though--a cute dress should be the focus of the outfit).

These Nicole Miller earrings ($50) give you just the right kind of bling: a little glimmery, but classic in form. But if you want something more substantial, try the Smokey Quartz beaded necklace by Wendy Mink ($128) for a hint of black. And if you like to dazzle, try wearing both of these faux bamboo bangles ($42) on the same wrist. But take note! Don't wear all three accessories at the same time - pick your favorite. Everything at once will overpower the dress and pull the eye in too many directions.

Now for the shoes. I love these strappy Stuart Weitzman sandals ($109, were $165). Like the jewelry, they're subtle enough not to take away from the dress, but glamourous enough to impress. Wear sheer hose or no hose at all. These deep black Christian Dior pumps with a stiletto heel ($399) will make a classic look. If you want something edgier, try these L.A.M.B. Goldy heels ($295). 

Deal Of The Day: Up To 50% Off Milly Dresses At Tobi

You never know when the phone will ring and that last-minute dinner date invitation will come through. It's bound to happen, though, so you've gotta be prepared. Stock up on cute dresses from Milly that you can whip out of your closet faster than you can send that text message accepting the invite.


Channel a vampy, grown-up Minnie Mouse in this pretty polka-dot party dress ($211, was $324). The exaggerated mod print and always-in black and white color combo work best with minimal jewelry, but you could introduce color in the form of a bright-hued cardigan or clutch.


Go for a Pucci-esque vibe with Milly's Sophia dress ($239, was $341) in funky tangerine and strawberry tones. The print is a little bit '70s retro and a little bit tribal chic; pair with gold bangles to bring out the cream and chocolate details.


Slinky, simple and stunning, this Hazel dress ($158, was $315) might just make you rethink your standard comfort clothes (i.e. jeans). Throw the helix-patterned dress on over black tights if you want to go dressier, or partner it with high wooden wedges or ultra-flat sandals for a laid-back boho look.

More sales and deals:

The Full On Sale at Old Navy—up to 50% off—is almost over!

New spring markdowns at C&C California mean up to 40% off for you.

Spend $100 at Frederick's of Hollywood and save $15.

And go to our forum for the latest sales posted by SheFinds readers.  

Baby Mamas Still Like Dresses, But Should We Be Wearing Pants Instead?

Much to our chagrin, the New York Times has informed us that the fashion elite (namely Anne Slowey of Elle) is 100% over the dress. We're talking done. The frock is out. And in its place comes the trouser. According to Slowey, by the fall, "the thing it will be necessary to own in order to appear fashionable will be 'the pant.'" Well, this got us somewhat baffled, as we've been seeing quite a lot of dresses happily prancing about the scene as of late, showing no signs of anticipated departure. 

Case in point, comediennes Tina Fey and Amy Poehler showed up at the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Baby Mama Tuesday night donning adorable dresses.  

These two may seem like they'd be fashionably challenged. Female comedians are notorious for dressing oddly. (Kathy Griffin, Janeane Garafalo)  However, they must be paying big bucks for their stylists because they both looked fantastic. 

Tina Fey chose this vintage style Bill Blass silk pleat cocktail dress. ($2,400)  

Amy, who is sparking pregnancy rumors by wearing this figure-forgiving dress, chose a tiered Alberta Ferretti white chiffon cocktail dress. ($3,985) 

But we suppose if Amy and Tina were to kowtow to the fashion elite and go the slacks route, these high-waisted tuxedo trousers ($240) have the same cut and pleat detail as Tina's Bill Blass, while these Lotta Stensson palazzo pants ($209) are light and flowy like Amy's Ferretti. 

What do you think? Are pants the new dress? Are you ready to toss the frock for a pair of trousers, or will the dress forever be a fashion staple? Sound off in the comments section.

And be sure to check out our Guide to the Best Black Pants for Your Shape. 

Deal Of The Day: Up To 88% Off Day Dresses At Overstock

It is with bittersweetness that we announce: it's time to put the Spanx away. As the sun begins to shine brighter and longer, we must let our legs be free in fabulous casual dresses for breezy spring days. But fear not: if you buy one of these three lovely looks and decide you just can't part with your favorite gut-sucking black tights, you don't have to feel guilty. You see, these dresses are super-bargains: can't-miss picks that you can practically afford with what you collect from your couch cushions and cup holders. So take a risk (albeit an inexpensive one) and buy something cute to wear to your Spanx' Bon Voyage party.

This innocent white button-front lace dress ($29, was $148) is one of the sweetest frocks—not to mention one of the sweetest deals—we've seen for spring. Doesn't the combination of the bow, the lace, and the crisp color just make you long to frolic barefoot in the grass?

 
This C&C California Audra Dress ($45, was $128) is the perfect simple dress to throw on with a pair of flats and head out the door.

 
You never know when you'll need a pretty little party dress. This Pistachio Devina Dress ($80, was $128) is a steal—  its lightweight, flowy fabric and intiricate detailing make it great for any spring fling you might be attending.

More deals and steals:

Only four days left to enjoy free shipping on $150+ orders at Bloomie's.

It's a BOGO sale at OnlineShoes! Buy one pair, get 25% off your second.

Pick up some fun summer styles at Delia's. Your entire order is 15% off today.

Trend Alert: You Can’t Help But Be Happy When Dressed In Bright Colors

Of all the spring 08 trends, I’m most excited that the designers en masse have gone cuckoo for color. After a dreary (and seemingly endless) winter, I’m drooling at the prospect of a lively, fresh spring wardrobe. I’m also ready to throw my black DKNY wool trench into the fireplace. Any day now…

The great thing about the bright color trend is its versatility – you can go nuts with color, or just add a few accent pieces to your warm weather wardrobe and liven up your look that way. Of course, the simplest route to a bright, colorful outfit is by way of a single color dress - then you don’t have to worry about mixing and matching. And since dresses are sooo in for spring, you get two trends for the price of one. 

Colorful frocks to put a spring in your, er, spring:

 
The Accordion Dress by Mischen ($850) – This sophisticated number embraces my next favorite trend – the return of the 50’s silhouette.

 
If you’ve been bitten by the hippy-chic bug (not to be confused with boho blues), this whimsical yellow Twinke by Wenlan dress is a steal at $79, and will look super cute with a pair of gladiator sandals. 

The intense pink color and tiny jewel embellishments on this Andrea dress ($209) make it an asset to any personal spring collection.

And be sure to check out our Guide to Spring Fashion Trends. 

More colorful dresses: