Affordable versions of the little black dress

Audrey Mansfield's 3 great alternatives for the classic "Little Black Dress" (LBD)

1. The Vintage LBD

   Vintage dress, $165
   Zoe chicco gold disc earrings, $184

   Vintage dress and accessories purchased at:
   Anica Boutique
   2418 Polk Street
   San Francisco, CA 94109
   (415) 447-2878
   Website: www.anicaboutique.com
   Email: info@anicaboutique.com

   Audrey's advice about finding a vintage LBD:
   Some of the old classic LBD's have a romantic, retro, or art deco appeal.
   Think Audrey Hepburn and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" for elegant dress styles.
   Silhouettes from the past are the "now" of today and a Hollywood DO! Think Film Noir glamour.

2. An inexpensive version from Macy's:

   Dress from Calvin Klein, $118

   Accessories:
   Shoes by Calvin Klein
   Bag, Calvin Klein $88
   Earrings, Macy's Trend $24
   Bracelet, Macy's Trend $14
   Shoes by Calvin Klein, $90

   For more information: www.macys.com

   Audrey's advice about sprucing up a store-bought LBD:
   Look for a LBD that expresses your personality.
   An LBD can always look more expensive by adding some eye-catching accessories.
   Emphasize your face with a great up-do, a perfect smoky eye, and red lip.

3. Revamp an old LBD with this project idea from Britex:

   Transform an old LBD into a chic, very au courant LBD by doing just a few simple things. Embellish a black velvet ribbon with rhinestone trim ($90 a yard- you'll need approximately 2/3 of a yard). Tie it around the dress to add sparkle and covered any holes or signs of wear.

   Make ruffles from 2 yards of black cotton netting ($49 a yard). Cut it into 4-inch strips, gather the strips and sew them into rows. Ruffles are so strong this season- it really updats the dress and also covers a spot at the same time!

   All materials available at Britex Fabrics.

   Britex Fabrics
   146 Geary St.
   San Francisco
   415-392-2910
   Website: www.britexfabrics.com

   "Revamping an old LBD" ideas from Audrey:
   Add some sparkle to an otherwise ho-hum LBD
   Add some hem action to add interest that changes the hem length
   Change the straps and change the whole look of the neckline

• High heeled patent leather or satin pumps
• A shoe embellishment
• A tuxedo-styled jacket
• Clutch handbag with a jeweled closure
• Faux diamond stud
• A Black and White combination
• Long or Opera length Gloves
• Sparkly cuff or bracelet
• Body shapers give your LBD a smooth flawless expensive look
• A sleek yet simple up-do
• An LBD in a velvet fabric always looks rich
• Smoky well- defined eye makeup and a perfect red lip
• A halter style dress works on all figure types
• Adding a fabulous broach to the back of a backless LBD or a broach at the waist