I'll be the first to agree that Coco Chanel was the most influential female designer of the 20th century, but we so often forget to pay our respects to Mary Quant. By popularizing color block dresses, the mini skirt and florals, donning the signature Vidal Sassoon cut and sweeping through swinging sixties London with the likes of Twiggy and Patti Boyd, Quant made fashion as much fun as catching The Beatles on Ed Sullivan... well, maybe.
A half century later, we're still inspired by all things mod. I'm a sucker for beaded daisies, flashy prints, mini skirts, tunics with tights and above all, colors that warrant their own box of crayolas.
This week at Crush we won the vintage-inspired lottery, just in time for the Holidays. Yesterday, we were blessed with boxes upon boxes of Tracy Reese and Ali Ro, and this morning, dear old Mike bestowed upon us three magnificent Frock! by Tracy Reese pieces.
The sequined Ali Ro tank mini-dress in Midnight Navy and Caviar screams New Years Eve. It's truly a show stopper and the sheer under
lay adds a flapper detail. Go simple on the gems and sleek on the hair.
The Velvet and Wool Ali Ro goes from day, with tights and boots, to night, with lacy tights and sky high pumps. The empire waist and huggy wool cling to the bodice, and not to mention the hips, in a way that's very Mad Men meets Sex and the City. A word to the wise, the Jones' and the Bradshaws' would wear it with strappy ankle booties for runway appeal.
The Tracy Reese beaded Plaster tee is silky and multi-seasonal, but very chic. Now with jeans and boots, later with navy skinnies and cork wedges. See you as the snow falls, and soon enough, on the shore!
The Embellished Brushstroke Print Chemise is the kind of silk dress you'll never take off. Rock with a chignon, textured nude tights, and nude patent pumps... let the dress keep the spotlight. The beading around the neck drives attention to your sparkling holiday smile.
And then there's the Frock! The magenta embroidered silk tunic has a scoop back and ruched sleeves. Black tights, over-the-knee boots, and super straight hair... Quant would be oh so proud.
The off-black Miranda dress is sweet enough for work and sharp enough for play. Camel boots or red-orange pumps and your favorite vintage clip on earrings. Haven't raided your Nana's jewelry box lately? Pick up a pair of Pistachio by Marisa Perry studs instead. You'll be the bell of your own 1964 Barbie ball.
Finally, there's the Tutti Fruitti print sweetheart neckline dress with peplum skirt. I honestly can't do it justice, so I'll say this: a precious print and a demure neckline juxtaposed with a fitted bodice and peplum skirt are sophisticated in the sexy grown-up way that we're always trying to be.
I'll close by saying this ladies: If I'd been a dancer on American Bandstand... well, you know.
Nothing fills our hearts with holiday cheer more than holiday dresses... and the same can be said for Abby Bielagus and Tanya Pai of Boston Magazine. These cheery fashionistas and expert shoppers have listed two of the season's Crush favorites among their picks for Boston's Best Holiday Dresses. 
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