Villeneuve Dress

La Belle et la Bête, the first published version of the French fairytale, was written by Madame Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in 1740. As a wee brunette bookworm who grew up exposed to a bevy of blonde-coiffed princesses, encountering this centuries-old story for the first time was a magical experience for me. Belle, an ambitious, adventurous dreamer who balked at male chauvinism and did things on her own, was a princess to whom I could finally relate! In addition to admiring her fortitude and gumption, I was transfixed by her gorgeous gowns. I thought the day would never come, but I can honestly say that I've finally found a dress that fulfills both my girlhood and grown up fashion fantasies. This sophisticated, shimmering satin dress is a stunning shade of gamboge. It is constructed with a crossover, V-neck bodice and a figure-flattering, yoked waist, which flow into an elegant, swingy skirt. I cannot wait until someone invites me to a fancy party so I can slip on this dream of a dress along with a pair of patent, peep toe pumps and sparkling chandelier earrings. In fact, I might not wait. It's never possible to be too dressed up! -Jennifer, Fashion Writer