Warm, breezy nights, garden parties, lawn parties and outdoor socials add so much bliss to summer.

I tend to wear a lot of Little Black Dresses (aka, lbd, 4 u bffs, yikes!) at both formals & casual affairs. A pretty, understated black dress has impeccable consistency. And when paired with a strappy statement pump and a modest clutch, the outfit becomes downright chic. I abide by the classic Coco Chanel practice of keeping it simple. Less is more, every time.

Turns out I can throw out the fashion rule book on occasion and still win an ‘in vogue’ nod of approval. Such was the case recently when I was looking for a new dress for an evening wedding and oddly fell for this fabulous flirty metallic silk cocktail dress by Kiribilla. This dress had just a hint of pizazz and enough sparkle to catch my eye. As if its ultra-feminine, figure-flattering silhouette wasn’t enough, it is strapless, is adorned with a bow and is fitted right at my short waist to create an elegant, elongating illusion. It has a bit of the Chanel influence in that it is fashionable and comfortable.

A girl should be two things, classy and fabulous. Coco Chanel

To accessorize this little metallic beauty, I reinvented a sassy pair of sparkly pumps and matching clutch adorned with the cutest golden frog clasp from last years Kate Spade’s ‘Too Glitter’ Collection.(Still available at Neiman Marcus.) The mix and match of glitter and luster added some excitement to this coquettish piece and as if this memorable ensemble isn’t enough glam, those flying sparkles will linger long after you’ve gone!