Doie nails the subdued tunic LBD

I've always been impressed with the construction and creativity of Doie Designs (here in Boston, they're carried by Envi.) But for some reason, I never found a design that got my heart racing and my blood pumping. It probably has something to do with my irrational fear of patterns -- I always think, will this match what I own? will I get bored of it? will I show up at a party and blend in the wallpaper? Silly fears, I know, but they always make me pause when it comes to committing to patterned clothing.

All that changed last week when founder Sara Kirsner sent me an email to remind me to check out her eco brand. Looking at the new Fall Line, I saw a ton of new pieces with her signature style -- Asian-inspired prints accenting hems, necklines and even elbows. Again, I thought, "Beautiful, but those patterns..." And then I saw this bamboo tunic dress.

First of all, the cut is just perfect right now -- flowy enough to evoke last season's girly dressy trend, sleek enough to stay away from last season's infantalizing trend, short enough to be uber sexy, loose enough to stay totally sophisticated. Then there's that pattern -- it doesn't scare away even the most avowed pattern fearer (me!) but is just that one extra touch to make this one LBD that won't be forgotten. Plus, notice how the arm sashes' position calls attention to your waist? That's right, an optical illusion that keeps things hour glassed without needing Spanx.

You could pull this one off with tights and flat boots at your office. But I say save it for heels and something (or someone!) really special.

Doie Sugarpine Dress $120.