TREND: Black Lace Goes Chic

Marc by Marc Jacobs Stella Blouse$378.00
Available at: eLUXURY

If you told me this time last year that I would be seriously considering black lace as my fabric-of-choice for holiday party dress season I would have laughed you out of the room. Lace, along with it's cousins ruffles and bows, has been pretty much banned from my wardrobe since early 5th grade. I'm more of a sleek and sassy kind of girl. This season I'm prepared to backpedal on my lace ban. For winter '06, lace has gone chic with slim shapes, flashes of skin, and sexy flesh-colored underlay. Sign me up.

One of my favorite lace finds is the "Stella" Blouse from Marc by Marc Jacobs (top right). The crafty patchwork of jersey, lace, velvet, and satin details gives girly lace some serious street cred. With skinny black pants and some no-nonsense platform pumps this blouse will take me to the hippest cocktail spots the City can dish out.

Looking for a lacy concoction that will do the traditional holiday party circuit? Try on this Woven Scallop Lace Dress for size. The empire waist is flattering and the mini dress length will show off glam gams in style.

Rampage Woven Scallop Lace Dress
$29.99 (was $68-- save 56%!)
Available at: Rampage.com

To add just a touch of trendy lace to your favorite LBD, it's got to be lace pumps like these showstoppers from tyler by Richard Tyler. The buckle detail and cut-away shape are simple and classic, while the lace is 100% on trend for winter.

tyler by Richard Tyler "Blues" Pump
$129.99
Available at: Shoes.com

Can lace get more sleek than this super hot Lace Pencil Skirt? I don't think so. Paired with a black cashmere turtleneck, this skirt is demure enough for appetizers with the in-laws. Opt for a spare tank and skyscraper heels and you are ready to set tongues wagging at the local dance club. I just love clothes that multi-task.

Arden B. Lace Pencil Skirt
$98.00
Available at: ArdenB.com

Still not sure that the lace trend is for you? Try on the trend on the cheap with this All Over Lace Top. The peek-a-boo black lace has the same trendy style as the most expensive offerings, but at a fraction of the cost. I'm loving the ribbon detail and the super low v-neck. Try it with wide-leg black trousers for a work party or with your favorite denim for a casual night on the town.

All Over Lace Top
$16.50
Available at: WetSeal.com

Click on any photo to link directly to where you can purchase that chic black lace beauty online. Want the best trends at every price delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Stiletto Jungle and get free updates by e-mail or RSS.

We're not the only ones loving black lace. Check out "Holiday Party Outfit: Dinner with the Boy" on Kristopher Dukes' blog for ThisNext... this Stiletto Jungle post is quoted there.

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