'Ask Dars' is an advice column in which no sartorial dilemma is too big or small for Daria, our lead stylist, to address. Write her with your real-life questions and she'll answer them in the weeks to come! This week, Paris Starn aka Mini Martha writes in for some help.

Hey Daria!



I'm going to the Creative Time Flaming Youth Ball tomorrow. Can you help me pick something out at OC? It has to be a bit fancy but not too old -- oh and not too revealing because my mom will be there too!

 Any suggestions?

- Paris

I’m glad you asked because we had so much fun picking out your outfit for prom! So this thing is called a “Flaming Youth Ball”, and though I’m not totally clear on what “flaming youth” is – I’m pretty sure you’re it! Anyway, I think this gives us the opportunity to be a little more fun with your options.

A few brands instantly pop into my head that always have fresh and youthful options: Opening Ceremony, Carven, House of Matching Colors, and Charles Anastase are some of my favorites. Actually, there’s this Charles Anastase bella dot dress that would be perfect for you! Its sheer red overlay would look rad with what your hair’s doing right now, and the polka dots are totally age appropriate.

You can pair the dress with some heels – because what’s more fun when you’re 17 than getting to pull off an awesome pair of heels? So, find the sickest platforms around and say “why not?” The velvety texture of the Opening Ceremony bernadette’s will look amazing with the sheer red of your dress, and they’ll also work well with tights, which you’ll need to weather proof yourself.

Your dress has a lot going on, and a high neckline to boot. Keep things simple with your jewelry and hair options, maybe styling it down with a subtle hairpin. This Maison Michel Small feather hairpiece is perfect because it adds just a bit of shimmer to your hair without overwhelming it or looking too “done”.

There’s no way I’m going to let you get out of this one without an Olympia Le Tan clutch. Her craft work and kitsch appeal couldn’t be any more perfect for the Creative Time Ball -- plus you can make your mother proud when her friends complement your literary prowess. These bags are kind of like band shirts in that it’s silly to wear one of an artist that you don’t genuinely appreciate. So, beyond the fact that the green tones in this glass menagerie book clutch are a perfect compliment to your outfit, I’m also going to put Tennessee Williams on your fall reading list. I’m sure you don’t appreciate the homework but you’ll thank me later. Have fun and fill us in on how it went!




FILED UNDER: Ask dars , Rodarte for Opening Ceremony , Charles Anastase , creative time , olympia le tan , maison michel