Don't Look Now

When designer Alicia Estrada finally got fed up with the bewildered looks people would give her as she walked by in one of her '50s-style dresses, she expressed herself loud and clear. Gawkers were soon met with the words "Stop Staring!" written across her rear.

Estrada has been infatuated with the glamour and sex appeal of the 1940s and '50s since she started sewing at age 17. But as any curvy girl will tell you, finding wearable vintage in a modern size is the equivalent of unearthing a 1960s Hermès bag. Identifying an untapped market, Estrada took matters into her own hands and started Stop Staring! in 1997.

The Stop Staring! Fall collection is as season-less as its hometown of Los Angeles. Patriotic blue and red dresses with cinched waists and cheery polka dot and gingham prints convey a wholesome chic, while details like bows, covered buttons and lined skirt slits add a demure touch to a range of sexy secretary (or sexy boss) dresses. Meanwhile, pieces like a black-and-white horizontal stripe frock and button-closure, t-back dress add more of-the-moment looks into the mix.

—Sandra Mendoza-Daly