Waisting Away

I've been rocking the empire-waisted dress for a long time now, and like my recent transition from skinny to wideleg jeans, I'm ready for a change in silhouette.



Lately I've been looking for dresses that are cinched at the waist, creating a more old-fashioned - and figure flattering - hourglass look.


But as my celebrity obsession Rachel Bilson demonstrates, bright colors and shiny fabric can make this classic silhouette young and fresh.








I found these two dresses (below) that perfectly embody what I'm talking about.

Both have a defined waist and casual-luxe feel. I want them both! (Did I mention I'm having a major Vena Cava moment?)