These sequin mini dresses — one by Tibi, one by Alexandra Dillon for Victoria’s Secret — are two super stylish ways to wear sequins. And while from a distance these daring dresses look almost identical (except in colour), there are some distinct differences of which to take note.

Tibi’s t-shirt dress is 100% silk, so its sequins stand out and are highly texturized, like shimmering mosaic tiles. I love the effect the sequins have on the loose silk, as opposed to how they sit on the viscose/rayon blend of Alexandra Dillon’s creation for Victoria’s Secret. Dillon’s sequin t-shirt dress wears on the body very structured; it doesn’t flow at all. I do love its classic — fitted, short, and almost capped — sleeves and its key-hole back.

Both dresses feature stripes and stripes of sequins, both dresses were designed with easy round necks, and both dresses are hemmed high to fall above the knee; but as far as quality is concerned, the Tibi dress is more expertly made.

Never one for wardrobe worriments, I’d wear either one – cinched with a skinny belt, and keeping my accessories to a minimum. What about you girls?

Tibi sequin t-shirt dress, $990, Net-A-Porter.com

Alexandra Dillon sequin mini dress, $169 $99.99, VictoriasSecret.com

Save a glammy holiday party, I’m not sure where I’d wear a full-out sequined mini.

Good thing the holidays are here.

Compare this sequined mini from ASOS to one by Theory at Neiman Marcus. Though Theory is one of my favourite brands as far as quality is concerned, I much prefer flashy silver sequins to subdued deep copper. If you’re wearing sequins, you want to stand out, right?

Both skirts are panelled, both are 100% polyester; besides colour, the only real difference is the Theory mini zips at the back, while the ASOS mini zips at the side –

And the price.

Why spend $295 when you could spend $62 for essentially the same thing?

That’s what I thought.

Theory sequined mini, $295, NeimanMarcus.com

ASOS sequined mini, $62, ASOS.com

I love idea of triple-tiering a party dress, for three times the fun. I used to think tiered dresses wore like a bad ’80s prom outfit, but recently I’ve been getting used to the idea an updated tiered dress for ‘07. In fact, I’ve grown rather fond of the idea.

LOVE the silk gazar of MINT jodi arnold’s sleeveless sheath, the satin tiered skirt, and the ruched chiffon bust. Though I’m not necessarily fussy over the over-sized bow on front, that can easily be remedied (READ: Removed.) Like in the photo below, I’d pair it with black tights for winter, and add my own fur stole for added drama.

This Isaac Mizrahi ebony tiered dress is luxe for less. Though it wouldn’t look as dramatic with black tights, simply because of its more conservative length and square neck styling, it’s still a worthy buy from who else?! Target. The crisp taffeta is polyester lined, making for a long-lasting, high-quality party dress — you’ll wear it for years to come. And for less than $20, that’s a real bargain.

Which party dress do you ladies prefer? Or is basic black not your thing?

MINT jodi arnold tiered satin dress, $645, Net-A-Porter.com

Isaac Mizrahi for Target ebony tiered taffeta dress, $19.99, Target.com

Everyone who knows me knows I’m all about Target’s GO Designer collections: First Stella, then Proenza Schouler, now Alice Temperley.

I’ve loved Temperley’s whimsical designs since I first discovered them on Net-A-Porter, and now that she’s designing for girls on a budget, it’s possible to own the entire — low-cost, high-quality — collection.

Think her GO designs are drastically different than creations for Temperley London? Think again, and check this out.

This sweater dress contrasts drama and romance with its pops of white-on-black patterning and feminine scalloped trim. It’s available for less than $50 at Target, and besides the lower hemline, it looks distinctly similar to this Temperley London tunic dress, running more than $1000 at Neiman Marcus.

Alice Temperley long-sleeve sweater dress, $49.99, Target.com

Temperley London tunic dress, $1105, NeimanMarcus.com