Standing out at Lucinda Loya's 50th birthday party amid the chicest of crowds was no easy task. But Amy Murchison was not just a standout, she was a knockout in her black and white cocktail dress by Roberto Rodriguez, pumps by Prada and a sparkling Judith Leiber handbag.

The party invitation commanded black and white attire, no color allowed. So as Amy explained, "Lucinda inspires me to take risks." When the invitation arrived, she headed back to Tootsies where she had seen the dress some weeks prior. "The little black dress from Tootsies!" she told herself. "Perfect!" 

— SHELBY HODGE