Top Five: Julie Haus

Dresses are my thing, whether brand new, vintage, designer or low-end, all things girlie reside in my closet. Of my two tiny closets, one is devoted solely to the frock and I never have enough. Since most women today tend to lean towards casual apparel like slacks or jeans, the befrocked woman is bound to stand out. An added benefit is the extra attention from men who tend to be a bit more chivalrous to a woman in a dress.
1. Gigi navy silk shirtdress (center), $355
2. Madison pintucked silk print dress (left), $438
3. Princess silk taffeta empire dress (right), $393
4. Madamoiselle crinkle silk chiffon dress, $393
5. Peyton Grecian Keys cotton twill dress, $325

Final Fantasy

Although we're experiencing yet another heat wave, summer items are all on sale which is why I only spent $2,973 "fantasy shopping" at MINT jodi arnold. My "fantasy" haul included for 5 dresses, 4 tops, 1 skirt and 1 belt, not bad huh? One dress in particular was a must-have in both colors, the Mixed Ikat Halter Dress, it's the very essence of summer-time chic. Usually I shy away from featuring items which have already been called-out in magazines or other blogs, but I'm a sucker for interesting necklines and pockets, this one features both and the print and mix of fabrics is outtasight! ($331)

Gypsy Woman

Part Stevie Nicks, part Lisa Bonet you can go in just about any direction with a quality piece like this cotton jersey dress. Pima cotton known for it's high quality and soft sheen, is considered to be the finest cotton variety by many because of it's extra-long staple. Garnished with crochet embellishments at the sleeves and neckline, it's a unique piece that should be worn, and worn often. ($683)

Dress Code

Alexis Carrington would never be seen wearing anything less than fabulous. As a female oil magnate, it was in her best interests to represent strength as well as femininity. Hence we got the 80s power suit, which has since morphed into a softer yet equally potent emblem such as this silk power dress from Marc by Marc Jacobs. Stripped of the overbearing shoulder pads and severe tailoring, the ensemble manages to be sweet, sexy, professional, and commanding at the same time. Lovey! ($458)

Beachy-Keen

Despite the fact that it's 32 degrees ouside, swimsuits are already on display in the stores. Not particularly exciting for a woman who hasn't worked out since November, so a lovely cover up is at the top of my resortwear shopping list. Simple and chic, the classic stripes, remindful of Michael Kors, are perfect beach to yacht gear. ($40)

Emerald City

Follow the yellow brick road — or the red carpet for that matter — in a sexy emerald green wrap dress by Canadian designer David Szeto. Often inspired by vintage designs, Szeto's tailored frock hits the mark on Fifties glamour. Sophisticated and feminine with a heavy dose of sensuality, this dress deserves a fire engine red lip, black kid gloves, and killer stilettos. You'll look "every inch the lady." (£680/$1,325)

Razzle Dazzle

Celeb favorite Alice Temperley keeps cranking out the hits, it's difficult to believe the designer is only 32! Perhaps that youthful aesthetic is why I'm really digging this easy breezy silk patterned dress. Appropriate attire for any razzy event, pair with hot pink stilettos and jewelry in geometric shapes to match the psychedelic patterns in the dress. Fabu-u-lous! (£594/$1,158)

Brooklyn Boho

No need to raid the vintage boutiques for a Julie Brown-type 80s cotton stripe tank dress. With fancy gold buttons and contrasting teal fabric, the nautical stripes make for a superb summer dress. Perfect for first Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum, the eye-catching graphic print has mesmerizing qualities. ($125AUD/$110USD)

Melodrama

Already dreaming of picnics in the park this summer, I've decided a lovely spaghetti strap dress is perfect for the occasion. Made from heavy-weight silk with Victorian black lace detailing at the neck and hem, the dress could double as a nightie, or tennis whites. Couldn't you imagine Venus hoisting a trophy in this number? Excellent. ($462AUD/$405USD)

Pink Panther

Silk and cashmere, two of the softest and most decadent natural textiles on Earth have been combined to create a scoop neck sweaterdress fit for a princess. The jeweled neckline and princess puff sleeves make it perfect wardrobe for a scene in the next Legally Blond sequel. Pair it with delicate gold chains and earrings, piecy hair, t-strap pumps and flesh-colored fishnets or satin corset boots for the cheekiness factor. ($315)

Woman in Red

Flashback... 1984, Kelly LeBrok dancing about in her fabulous red dress. Remember that "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful..." Pantene commercial — also in a red dress. Which made me realize that a crucial aspect of my wardrobe is missing... the little red dress. Without the help of a good seamstress, an exact duplicate is impossible, but a near match is this classic wrap dress. From the boardroom to the afterparty, you'll be simply smashing dahling! ($242)

Off Key

Set yourself up with a sexy-from-the-back mock turtleneck long sleeve graphic print dress with dramatic keyhole back. Show off one of your best and most neglected assets with a sexy, yet modestly revealing dress. Great paired with a fitted jacket for a daytime professional look, loose the jacket and pair with sky-high stilettos and an updo for evening. ($184)

Short Sack

Celebrity brand favorite, Grey Ant, is loved for unique yet easy and layerable garments. I'm diggin this versatile keyhole sack dress, worn plainly with flesh-tone fishnets and spectator lace-up booties or cinched with a black patent leather Fendi belt and matching black patent pumps with opaque aubergine tights. ($286)

Gold Rush

Show off your curves in this shoulder baring strapless ruched dress with a sweetheart neckline. Push that little black dress to the back of the closet and make room for color! Bright marigold is a lovely compliment to darker skin tones, so don't be afraid to move out of your comfort zone. Don't downplay the accessories with this dress, pumps or strappy sandals in white, silver, red or even purple. Yep, I said purple. ($264)

Like, Totally

If you live north of the Mason Dixon line then get acquainted with the fine art of layering warm clothing. Basics like cashmere turtlenecks and opaque tights in a variety of hues are the necessities you'll need to begin with. A fabulous knit dress or five, like this one from See By Chloe is the perfect topper. Pair with red patent ankle booties and chunky bangles worn over the sweater. Very Cyndi Lauperish don't ya think? (£215/$424)

Dress Rehearsal

Who doesn’t love the feel of cashmere? It’s soft, plush and warming… everything you want in winter wear. Brighten up a dreary November day with a bright yellow cashmere sweater dress from MaxStudio. Currently on sale, the reduced price tag is a bit more reasonable for a cashmere garment. Both flirty and feminine; pair with tights and an ankle bootie for that long-legged look. ($168)

Paper Doll

Mmm, cashmere. That's what you'll be saying once you slip on this luxurious soft 100% cashmere sweater dress. Contrasting white stitches outline a v-neck wrap dress tied with a sash belt, a red and white scarf protruding from the breast pocket and a cuff at each sleeve are a clever part of the design. Pair with cheeky red and white MiuMiu pumps, textured stockings, and a snug fitting cloche hat. Lovey! ($475)

Sweater Girl

Curl up in front of the fire with a good book, a glass of wine and a cozy oversized cashmere sweater. Guaranteed to be one of the hottest looks this winter, the ingenious garment can also be worn as a sweater dress. Play with texture, fit, and length all in one handy garment in this season's it color, gray. Cocoon yourself for a night out on the chilly town in this smoulderingly sexy mini with handy front pockets, and an asymmetrical draped collar. Stay warm with boots, flats for day, platform pumps as shown, belt, layer or wear alone, take your pick — this baby is versatile! ($898)

Sugar Plum Fairy

A girl can never have too many strapless minis, a silk bubble dress in a bright hot color should be included in the mix. This yumtastic silk chiffon frock is plum pudding incarnate. Sweet and stylish, the bubble trend doesn't work for everyone, but some can work it. Kill 'em softly with gold metallic tights, stiletto heels and super-long earrings that brush against your shoulders for that Grace Jones/Strangé look. Or go for pixie chic and add ankle boots with cuffs that turn down, a cropped jacket and an upper arm bangle or two for added affect. ($395)

Beverly Hillbilly

Remember when Elly May Clampett could take a burlap sack and make it look like couture? This is that dress! The laundered wool-blend shift with detachable belt can be worn layered or alone. Go for the Audrey Hepburn lipstick librarian look, and wear as a tunic over a black 3/4 length sleeve mock turtleneck, with black leggings, smart flats, and a ponytail with bangs. As resort wear, pair with the chunkiest gold accessories at your disposal, Greek wraparound sandals, and a vintage print Pucci scarf. ($424)