I have a very special party to go to quite soon. I will definitely be needing a new party dress and I don’t just want any old dress. So I have tasked myself with finding the best party dress in th UK. This will be quite some task considering the vast amount of choice of party dresses in the UK. Here are some of the choices.

Tara Tiered Prom Dress - this dress is so feminine and elegant. I love the tiered skirt and also the corset style top with the chiffon overlay.

Sleeveless Snake Print Dress - this dress takes inspiration from architectural structures and is both interesting and unusual looking.

Phase Eight Alexa Dress - I love the detail on this dress and the subtle mix of black and red. A really elegant and sophisticated dress.

Pure Silk Colour Block Dress - I love the bold colour in this dress and the modern luxurious feel of it.

Finding maternity clothes for a special occasion can be tricky. Not only is there a very limited choice in the shops, you need to find something that you will feel comfortable and look stylish in. As most people only attend one or two special occasions during their pregnancy, the do not want to spend too much money on an outfit that will get limited wear. You can however justify some of the cost by selling occasion maternity wear that has had very little wear second hand.

Black Maternity Sequin Tunic Top - this sparkly top will look great with black trousers or even leggings which will be very comfy for the later stages of pregnancy.

Maternity 2 in 1 dress - this black dress is very versatile it can be worn with tights and some gorgeous accessories for a smart occasion or with a long sleeved top for a more casual look.

Long Sleeved Brown Spiral Dress - this dress is great for day time occasions and those who want to keep their arms covered.

At Alexander Wang a very simple style of sequin dress makes  a cool and shimmery outfit. No one else could make a sequin dress look so understated and stylish as Alexander Wang.

At Balmain, Another simple style of sequin dress but this time the bold black stripes and angular shoulders add a bit of space age appeal.

At Louise Goldin, yet more shimmer and a simple style dress. The combination of black and silver on this dress gives it maximum sparkle.

A Michael Kors, the sequin dress goes grown up and ladylike with an elegant assymetrical knee length hem and high neckline.

At Twenty8twelve, the label of sisters Sienna and Savannah Miller, a gorgeous green sequin dress. This is a great option for those who always want to stand out in a crowd.

At Stella McCartney, diagonal sequins in  matt silver create an interesting armour like effect. The rounded shoulders and sleeves add to the feeling of being covered in armoured plates.

The great thing about all of these sequin dresses is that they are fairly understated, apart from the sparkle, so would not look out of place at any summer occasion. My top tips for working this summer’s street sparkle look are:

 Go for a simple t shaped dress.

Dress down with black boots and flats

Keep hair and make up simple and minimal

If you are very careful, you can look great in sequins for almost any occasion. Try this sequin panel dress for by the pool.

I would like to wish to all of the readers of the Chic Shopper Blog a very happy and stylish new year and thank you for reading. I hope that you will enjoy reading lots more fashion, style and shopping tips, news and ideas in 2009.

This year, I will be a having a very quiet family celebration for new year with just a few family and friends. What ever you are doing I hope that you have a lovely time.

In my final post of 2008, I would like to share my favourite new years party outfit. See you in 2009.

This Mariella Burani Shirt is a really stylish alternative to a little black dress for a new years eve party.

I love these Pink Formal Trousers, perfect with heels for a party.

This winter dress shapes have gone all hippy. By hippy, I don’t mean in the seventies sense but the shape. Hips are emphasised by frills, peplums, large pockets and tulip shape skirts for a daring and sculpted look.

I absolutely love this silk hip frill evening gown by Harriets Muse, famed for their traditional tailored corsets and extravagant party frocks. This dress would be perfect for black tie event this Christmas. Anyone wearing this dress will stand out as both elegant and up to date with this dramatic shape. The bias cut of this floor length evening gown is amazingly flattering and the spaghetti straps add a delicate and feminine edge.

Harriets Muse gowns are loved by many including celebrities from Liv Tyler to Dita Von Teese. They combine thespian inspiration with luxurious and decadent fabrics.

With Christmas just around the corner, I can’t be the only one, whose thoughts are turning to Christmas party dresses. I don’t often get the opportunity to get dressed up and Christmas is just a great opportunity, I always make the most of it. The little black dress is my usual choice for christmas parties and whilst the little black dress is very much still in fashion, this year, I thought I might try something a little different. Perhaps a nice red number just like Father Christmas wears only perhaps a little more skimpy and sparkly.

There was plenty of inspiration on the catwalk for autumn winter 08, with red hot dresses every where. Sequins, metallic fabrics and black and dark red prints turned up the heat even higher.

At Balmain - a mini tube dress with crystal encrusted lightening flashes over a red and black print is simple but really eye catching.

At Oscar De La Renta - a classis style of dress with black and dark red sequins. This dress is lady like but with a definite sparkle.

At DKNY, a metallic dark red dress, again with a touch of black and dark grey opaque tights. I love the girly style of this dress and the bow under the bust. I also love the texture of the fabric.

Giambattista Valli - This very classic style sheat dress is made into something really special by the textured print and flower detail around the neckline. It is elegant, stylish and very beautiful.

pictures from www.style.com

This red tailored dress with a black bow is the perfect way to wear this season red hot party dress trend.

The prom dress is a great style of dress for a party, prom, ball or evening affair. This winter there are lots of different styles to choose from but this season there is a trend for mid length A line skirts and sashes or ribbons tyed around the waist. Prom dresses this year also reflect some of the seasons other key trends which include lace, ombre/ dip dyed and layering. Three of my favourite styles are this lace dress,  this dip dyed monochrome dress and this organza prom dress. The dresses are all in black which is such a classic and flattering colour for evening wear but each of the dresses has somethig a bit special about them that makes them a bit more than the standard little black dress.

Organza Prom Dress

The organza top panel of this dress makes it easy and comfortable to wear but a little bit sexy.

Lace Prom Dress

This lace dress is so elegant and the satin ribbon around the waist really finishes it off. It is probably the best value party dress I have seen so far.

Organza Prom Dress

This dress is absolutely stunning. I love the ombre effect and the contrast black and white ribbon around the waist.

With party season only a few months away (I know it is too early to start thinking about christmas but I like to be prepared), I thought I would have a little browse around and see what lovely party dresses are around. Shopping for dresses is one of my favourite activities so here are my top 4 favourite party dresses of the moment.

This oriental print dress is flattering and suits almost all body types, the black sash allows you to cinch in at the waist for the perfect fit. I love the print and the cut is incredibly feminine.

What I really love about this Mariya Flock Spot Dress  is the unusual black flocked, spotty pattern. It has delicate thin straps and a bow which is so this season. With its long length, this dress will be great for a slightly more formal occassion and is subtle by eyecatching. For  those who really like to be the centre of attention, it is also available in red.

If you are a shy and retiring type then this Betsey Johnson dress is probably not for you. With a wrap over front it is really flattering and the sparkly sequins will make sure that you definitely get noticed (in the right way).