Holiday dresses for every budget

When I went in search of holiday dresses this week, I discovered an amazing number of styles as well as a huge range in prices — often in the same shop. There are the usual suspects such as BCBG at Pacific Place which carries a mother lode of seductive dresses, or Guess?, Paris Hilton's favorite. In the past I've found plenty of holiday dresses at Macy's for under $100 (they're ALWAYS on sale) but there are other options in town. Here are just a few boutiques and stores to launch your search for the perfect party ensemble.

Nuvo Moda
Vibe: Young and sexy
Price: $175 - $1,200, with most dresses around $225
As I pawed through the rack of dresses at this boutique by the Harbor Steps, each one was prettier than the last. Dresses here are feminine but sexy and come in a wide variety of styles and colors. You'll find plenty of greens, golds and metallics with subtle but not over-the-top details. Added bonus: you can get your shoes here, too.

Karan Dannenberg Clothier
Vibe: Grown-up glamour
Price: $200-$1,000
Owner Karan Dannenberg carries everything from slinky, backless silk gowns in deep emerald green to long-sleeve wrap blouses paired with floor-length satin skirts that leave everything to the imagination. Dresses and separates in colors ranging from feminine pinks and fuchsias to deep jewel tones, cheery reds and classic black come in silks, satins, organza, lacey velvet and taffeta. There's also a glitzy and furry assortment of evening bags in satins, feathers and fur, embellished with rhinestones, brooches and sequins.

Cicada
Vibe: Formal but fun
Price: $88 - $1,200, with many styles under $300
You'll find everything from sweet knee-length silk dresses by Kenzie for $88, to elegant in-house designs for $1,200. This formal and bridal wear shop carries a variety of separates, bustiers (I like the Hello Kitty print) and one-of-a-kind designs in silk, satin and other rich fabrics. All party dresses are 20 percent off in November (excluding Kenzie) and everything in the shop is 25 percent off in December.

Velouria
Vibe: Feminine, modern-retro style
Price: Around $100 for one-of-a-kind dresses
This Ballard boutique carries a line of dresses under the Atomic Bubble Bomb label by local designer Jen Phillips. She makes '50s era party dresses, some of them from vintage patterns, for $88-$119. These fun and girlish dresses come in halter styles with full skirts and are trimmed with faux fur. While there, check out local designer Nola Avienne's faux fur wraps. She lines them with contrasting luxe fabrics and adds ribbon ties, floral or vintage embellishments. Prices range from $76-$118.

Trendy Wendy
Vibe: Of-the-minute trends for girls on a budget
Price: Under $60
Girls scoop up trendy styles at this always-busy budget boutique on Broadway. Owner Lisa Chang can barely keep merchandise — such as white party dresses for $59, black satin pants for $49, sequined skirts for $39, silk chemises for $27 and Audrey-esque evening bags for $12 -- in stock. For the holidays she's ordered dresses and accessories in metallics; crushed velvet pieces in burgundy, plum and gold; empire-waist dresses with pleats; and many sequined pieces with '70s glam.

Powder Room
Vibe: Boutique style at bargain prices
Price: Under $50
Everything here is sparkly, including the $35 dresses with metallic lace, sequin studded camisole tops for $15, pink metallic purses for $25 and party shoes featuring faux gems for $32-$35. The focus here is largely on sexy cami tops that can be worn with softly draped, tiered or asymmetrical skirts.

Bisou Bisou dresses at JCPenney
Vibe: Feminine style at accessible department store prices
Price: $69.99 - $79.99
French designer Michele Bohbot designs Bisou Bisou exclusively for JCPenney stores. For the holidays, she has two feminine but flirty dresses, one in classic black with pink ruffle details and one in berry with a tiered ruffle bodice and spaghetti straps. Available on JCPenney's Web site and in area shops. Call 1-877-FIND-JCP for store locations.

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