Lela Rose

Lela Rose, Texas native and Parson's graduate, has been designing her own line since 1996. A favorite among socialites and celebrities (famous sisters Olsen and Bush wear her regularly), Rose style has been described as "girl with the most cake." Maybe Marie Antoinette wore her as well.

Personally, I find that favorite-of-the-people-who-don't-have-to-work thing tiresome and boring. But after finding a picture of Michelle Trachtenberg (of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame) wearing one of her dresses--I was really enchanted. Rose is expensive--think Blomingdales or Neiman Marcus if you've got it to spend. But her dresses are subtlely off-beat, and unqiuely sophisticated. Rose knack maybe for combining visual elements not intended for one another to create something original and hip but with a very classic feel. A structured, smart bohemian look.

Trachtenberg's dress, for example, is hardly flashy. It's tailored, fitted, strapless, hits below the knee. The cut and shape reminds you of something a bridesmaid would wear--the way this dress lays on a person is nothing new or innovative. It's been done before. But pair the classic shape with the print. Where have you seen this print before? I honestly couldn't guess and could only describe it as having a rustic feel. The trim is khaki and I have a allergy to khaki. But paired with the rich, textured black it's so appealing and flattering on. And waist is cinched with an understated black adn red belt. If the belt had been entirely red--it would have been the centerpiece of the dress. But since it's only trimmed in red, someone looking at the dress gets to see the whole beautiful thing: the fitted top, the intricate black pattern, the adorable and unexpected pockets, and the charmingly scalloped hemline. All by themselves rad elements--but just imagining them together puts me more in the mind of Wednesday Adams' prom dress. But here they totally work.