Buy It: Express dress
I haven't been in an Express store in years, but after Fashionista posted last week about this Herve Leger knockoff (note the more real-body-friendly A-line skirt), I dropped in and found something even better: this Alaia knockoff. If you've ever seen an Alaia up close, you'll know that the rayon-blend knit is substantial enough to drape over your curves in a way that flatters your shape (instead of clinging and looking lumpy, as most knits have the tendency to do). This dress isn't of quite the same caliber, but it's not bad, and the ribbing at the waist is definitely slimming. You can wear it now with a turtleneck and tights, then rock it with some seriously sexy strappy sandals in the summer. Not bad for $79.50.