Barbarella

Recently awarded the ACE award for Accessory Brand Launch of the year, Tory Burch’s Holiday Collection 2007 continues to define her line: timeless and classic designs mixed with bohemian and ethnic pieces. Burch’s black silk habotai Barbarella ($595) cocktail dress accented with pailletes is what you want to pay attention to.

The glistening pieces are the latest fashion accessory that adds a nice touch to any holiday party circuit. If you’re going to get a black dress, pick one that is aesthetically cool and Burch has plenty of those in her store for you.

Dear Abi

Add to your list of potential dresses to purchase the light blue Amethyst dress by Abi Ferrin. Not only is this dress gracious and sensual, it captures the essence of this holiday beautifully. This sexy number, inspired by her operations manager comes in a full length ($750) or ‘flirty’ ($550) version. Opt for the longer version for a formal event and the flirty style for cocktail attire, regardless of which one you choose, what matters is how you feel in them. Ferrin’s quintessential line is driven by her motto, “Fashion with freedom and purpose,” and you can obviously tell in this form fitting flowing dress.

See for yourself at Abi Ferrin - The Revolving Door.

Metallic Retrograde

Another shop you want to visit is Scoop NYC, a boutique known for its ‘ultimate closet’ concept. There, you’ll find a Metallic Torsade Bow Shift Dress by Milly ($358). Designed by Michelle Smith, this classic winter white dress is a bit retro, a bit chic, and a bit glamorous. It has the look of a girly charm, but with the metallic gold jacquard swirls, you’ll definitely shine.

Smith, who graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, went on to intern with Hermes in Paris, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior Haute Couture before venturing out to start her own line. Now Milly is carried by some of the finest upscale boutiques.

Just ADAM

If you’re too busy to shop in person, go online. Shopadam.com, formerly known as adampluseve.com, is the new site for ADAM. Designer and founder Adam Lippes worked for Oscar de la Renta before delving into his current line featuring high-end fashion for men and women.

This holiday, Lippes has a fun, sexy, and glamorous collection. Look for his Lamé Asymmetrical Dress ($425) made of Italian silk lamé. Pair this metallic colored, one shoulder dress with black stockings or slip on a pea coat on colder nights, and you’re good to go.

Tee Zone

Smilovic, who is the designer and founder of Tibi, has all the right elements in this Sequined T-Shirt Dress ($990). It has the look and feel of a t-shirt, but the metallic sequined embellishment makes this dress a rarity. Strap on a belt to show some curves (you know you want to). The Tibi line is available in many fine boutiques and specialty stores like Saks and online boutiques like net-a-porter.com. Smilovic opened her first boutique in New York’s SoHo last year, and will be the first of many in the Tibi retail strategy.

Fade to Black

Plum may be the new brown, but black is still black. Muriel Brandolini took the concept of a basic black dress we all love and transformed it into the Embroidered Sleeveless Jelaba Dress ($895). Designing from artwork, sculptures and influences from around the world, hints of these inspirations can be seen on this stunning silk taffeta tunic style dress.

Pay close attention to the neck and hem, that’s where all the motifs are embroidered. So vivre your way to Vivre.com where you can luxuriate even more!

Bubble Wrap

If you like to keep up with the latest European fashion, shop at brittique.com. It’s a shopping destination where you’ll find clothing from the best British designers like Preen, Gil Carvalho, and Emma Cook. This season, look for the Strapless Bubble Dress ($2,790) by Basso & Brooke. Its multi colored optical print and gathered bubble skirt makes this dress unique. It’s suitable for any fashion diva that wants to break away from wearing a conventional black dress. Why be someone else when you can be you?