Style: Polka Dots & Pussy Bows

“I don’t think there is ever a wrong time for a polka dot.” ~ Marc Jacobs

There is something very special about this dress. It has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it so pleasantly appealing. And it’s polka dots and pussy bow detailing is so on trend as seen in the Spring 2017 collections from so many luxury brands. 

But Reuben Reuel, the outstanding creative director and designer behind Demestiks NY, did it first, as he does regularly. I often look to Demestiks and Rueben’s amazing ability to forecast what trends are coming years before they arrive and become mainstream. His sense of style in unmatched. I've previously written about the brand here. 

I first wore this dress to a formal event during Full Figured Fashion Week in June 2016. Reuben personally delivered it to my hotel room late one night. I just had to have this dress, appropriately named the “Michelle O” after our always fashion forward former First Lady (try saying that three times really fast …) 

Like Mrs. Obama, this frock is gorgeous, classy, elegant and smart! Yes, smart, in the fabric selection, the on trend polka-dot print, the cut, the length, the button selection, the thin elastic waist, the pockets, and the pussy bow neck tie. The dress even has pockets, y'all!!! #Winning

The lightweight fabric makes this dress one you can wear year round. I’ve worn in the dead heat of summer and again in the winter, and each time it was perfect for the occasion. 

There is something very classic and fresh about polka dot print.  They definitely breathe new life into an otherwise mundane silhouette. Polka dots as a fashion trend has been around since the 1920s. My girl Minnie Mouse (I’m a native of Orlando, Florida so Mickey & Minnie are like family) was the first to bring the pattern to the the forefront, but it was with the release of Christian Dior’s “New Look” collection that featured hourglass dresses bedecked with dots that made the dots go mainstream.

According to a February 20 story on vogue.com, “As designers continue to revisit the past for inspiration season after season, it’s only fitting that (the polka dot) has made a comeback as one of the key resort 2017 trends. The happy-go-lucky print has been largely reimagined in a monochrome palette on tea length dresses, ruffles, pleats and cinched silhouettes.”

The pussycat bow has also re-emerged as a must-have fashion accessory in 2017. Although it’s been around for ages, Gucci has made it a much sought after fashion staple as of late. One look at the Gucci collections since 2015 and you will find the fancy bows everywhere. By the way, Demestiks was doing pussycat bows first! Ha! 

Simply put, this dress is perfection personified!