The stunning Alberta Ferretti boutique on Melrose
Alberta Ferretti
Renowned for her innovative draping techniques, Italian designer Alberta Ferretti turns out beautiful evening dresses that are modern, but also feel timeless. For her Resort 2012 collection, she created a clutch of streamlined frocks, including a sporty navy and white one-shouldered sheath, an off-white column gown with a beaded shawl collar, and vibrant silk tunic dresses and gowns overlaid with lace that’s draped to the gills, but far from fussy. 8626 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310-652-9000
Carolina Herrera
Carolina Herrera’s designs flatter a woman’s form like no other. Her feminine party dresses almost always accentuate the waist and lend the wearer a hint of theatricality without being overpowering. This winter, the Venezuelan-born designer’s festive looks include a structured fit-and-flare dress that’s long sleeved with a silver-bejeweled bodice and structured black skirt; a strapless bustier dress in ombré-dyed gunmetal and plum hues; and a turquoise- and gray-printed jacquard gown featuring Herrera’s signature belt. 8441 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-782-9090
Decades
Hunting for a festive look that’s truly singular? Head to Decades, the designer vintage mecca that stocks enchanting dresses and gowns from fashion’s glamorous past. You’ll find pristinely preserved treasures from marquee brands—an Oscar de la Renta red lace evening dress from the ’80s and a ’70s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche gray silk-chiffon tea dress—along with pieces by lesser-known masters, including an ’80s angular silver and black number by American couturier Vicky Tiel. 8214 1/2 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-655-0223
Monique Lhuillier
Frocks don’t get much more ladylike than those made by Monique Lhuillier. The LA-based designer—famous for her intricate bridal wear—always has a spate of impeccably tailored gowns and frocks in her collections. For holiday, standout looks from the Resort 2012 collection include a divine indigo, tie-dyed, strapless taffeta cocktail dress and an ombré-dyed, black and white chiffon, one-shouldered gown that’s destined to turn heads when its wearer breezes into a room. 8485 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-655-1088
Neiman Marcus
If you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for, Neiman Marcus’s Beverly Hills store is the place to experiment. Akris, Escada, Jason Wu, Giorgio Armani, Marc Jacobs, and Fendi are only a few of the refined collections housed within the venerable department store. There’s a dress for every personality and body type here, from a printed Proenza Schouler gown to a simple Narciso Rodriguez sheath. 9700 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-550-5900
Oscar de la Renta
No one does cocktail attire quite like Oscar de la Renta, which is why Sarah Jessica Parker and Mila Kunis frequently look to the Dominican designer for chic, feminine eveningwear. Using Picasso’s Cubist period as inspiration, he crafted a Resort 2012 collection of dresses—ranging in silhouette from body-conscious to tunic to fit-and-flare—emblazoned with bold, geometric graphics in a palette of deep browns, reds, and blues. 8446 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-653-0200
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue’s elegant Beverly Hills store features party dresses galore from both contemporary and designer brands. Find frocks fit for fiestas from edgy designers including Alexander McQueen and Rag & Bone, along with classic gowns and cocktail numbers from dress-centric labels such as Carmen Marc Valvo and David Meister. 9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-275-4211
