Fashion Blog

I vote the coolest way to beat the heat this summer is the new fashion main-stay: the maxi dress.  This summer, the most comfortable way to look stylish while doing everything from a beach trip to drinks out to running your Saturday errands, is the maxi.  Here are my tips on choosing the one that works best for you.

How to Pick a Peach

Since the maxi is the hot thing, that means there are almost too many choices to choose from.  To help you narrow it down a bit, look for these three keys to fitting a maxi: top shape, color and length.  First, let’s talk tops.  The top shapes of these dresses come in everything from totally strapless to a wide strap, perfect for a bit of camouflage.  Those of you summertime gals who are of a dainty build on top, pick a spaghetti strap, smocked, or strapless option to accentuate your curves.  For those who are more blessed up top, a plunging neckline with thicker straps will give you maximum impact, as well as maximum comfort.

The high empire waist that is a feature of many maxis is flattering on almost everyone, hitting as it does at one of the smallest points on most figures.  The trick however, is to look carefully for the amount of gathering right under this band, as it will affect the amount of “billow” you will get right above the stomach and hips.  Many gathers or pleats will give more flow, which can be very forgiving to those who like to keep the emphasis off the lower half of their figures.

Print Out

One other fun aspect of the maxi dress is the wide variety of options you have with a dress that is essentially nothing more than souped-up nightgown.  A choice of solid color will emphasize the elegance of the long silhouette.  Solid black, purple, teal or white will allow you to wear the dress poolside with flip-flops, or out for cocktails with a jeweled sandal or flat.  A bright print or color blocked stripes give a fun “let’s go surfing later” vibe and might be further funked up with a straw fedora and dark gladiator sandal.

So Long

The last element to examine when choosing a maxi is length.  But wait, it’s supposed to be long, right?  Unfortunately, there is a bit more to long than just… long.  Petite women should look for a length that hits just below the ankle and is narrow in shape to keep from being overwhelmed by the look.  Taller women can take the length as far as is practical, even down to the instep, to prevent that outgrown look.  Use caution however, as the just above the ankle length in a print or tiers can shoot off a 70’s pot-luck vibe.  Unless of course, that’s what you’re shooting for…

Once you have a length and shape that works for your figure, you can add and subtract accessories at will.  Perhaps you would like to work an updated boho feel with an armload of sparkly Indian bangles and gold hoops.  Or, how about a hyper-feminine version with a long necklace of charms and some delicate but casual flats.

One dress, many moods; perfect for sunny weather and a cloudy economy.

Photo info:
Black maxi dress by Nicole Miller $330.00, found on www.thefind.com
Embroidered maxi dress by Juicy Couture $398.00

With the passing of Memorial Day this weekend, summer has unofficially begun!  Some of you may have had to already sport a swimsuit if you were at the beach or pool party this weekend, but here are some great finds for swimwear!  Bathing suits can be a little pricey depending on what brands or cuts you are choosing so its always as treat to find a cute, stylish one on sale.  A trendy swimsuit last season was definitely the one-piece.  The cuts were a little crazier and risque, but this was a difficult style to wear in my opinion.  I actually own this American Apparel Nylon Tricot Maillot-V Swimsuit ($45).  I bought it last summer and wore it a few times but never really got into it. It was a little hard to pull off.

I concluded that most of the American Apparel one-pieces definitely look best on the American Apparel models.  Not to say that these styles aren’t cute, but I am definitely pleased to see that the trend for one-pieces this summer are vintage inspired.  The Marilyn Monroe-esque, glamorous vintage suit is going to be big this summer, but I’ll save those details for another posting this week or next.  Today’s eye is on the bargain and there were several great deals found on women’s swim/beach/pool wear.
Right now, Neiman Marcus is taking 30% off of some swimwear styles including this Juicy Couture Ruffled Tankini (Top: $102 Now: $71.40/Bottom: $72 Now $21.60).  Made in Martinique Pink with gold butterfly detailing, the two tiered ruffle top is a great twist on traditional tankinis which are a little simpler.  The ruffles on this suit are different, I’ve actually never seen one like this and would definitely rock it seeing as how it’s covering part of the stomach without being so form-fitting. A genius idea…A swimsuit that isn’t form-fitting!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Juicy Couture swimwear.
Discounts on tankinis and other women’s swimsuits.

I will admit…I’m a total sucker for floral print dresses.  There’s something about them that is so undeniably feminine and sweet, and most women feel great in them.  Many would think that a t-shirt and jeans are the easiest and most comfy things to wear, but I beg to differ.  Depending on the fit, I feel women’s dresses are not only easier to wear but more comfortable.  The accessorizing can be minimal with floral print dresses, and finding shoes to wear with is easy.  As far as types of prints, small floral prints are good, but when you combine this with a light pastel color, the dress can tend to look a bit like a nightgown.  This is one thing to maybe stray away from.  Bright colors are always exciting and unique, especially for warm weather seasons.  Aside from their velour/terry jumpsuit and dog accessory explosion, Juicy Couture has unleashed some decent designs for clothing.  The girly designs with a bit of vintage inspiration are the ones that catch my eye…kind of like this Chrysanthemum Print Dress.

I like the oversized blossoms in the print as well as the color which will keep it fresh looking for summertime, but I particularly love the cut of this dress which is reminiscent of a dress from the 1970’s.  The straight neckline with ruffle detail is flirty, and this empire waist allows for comfort without looking like a maternity dress.  If your wanting to show off a new tan or a little more shoulder, tuck in the spaghetti straps to create a completely strapless dress and give a little more sex appeal.

Juicy Couture Chrysanthemum Print Dress: on sale now for $178.90 (originally $268)

When I think of Marni, I like to recall a trip taken to Italy a few years back where I tracked down an enclave of high-end designer “outlets” located on the outskirts of Florence.  I had entered designer heaven, I’m talking Dolce & Gabbana bikinis, Prada bags, Pucci scarves…all under $100 bucks.  I, of course, snatched up a few goodies from the places I just mentioned, but it was at the Marni “outlet” that I found one of my favorite handbags of all time.  Words will not do it justice, but it was a butter soft leather rectangular clutch with oversized silver handles. It was a steal at $148 American dollars!  I still have it in its sweet little canvas dust bag, and on occasion of course I bring it out and let it dangle from my arm.  But what I love the most about it is that it screams Marni…the color and shape are an eclectic combination that just work.  And this is the element that embodies the attitude of the Italian fashion house.

The Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection is full of these combinations, and layering, layering, layering.  Shades of chartreuse, rust, reds and lavenders are seen throughout the collection with large, sheer dot textiles layered in between, on top, and on bottom.  There’s a lot going on in these runway looks, but it all somehow works without looking kooky.  It was tough choosing which ones I liked best, so below are my top three.

I absolutely love the first look…probably the most. The combination of muted earthtones and bright jeweltones is genius!  Sequins at the bottom?  Perfect.  The nude belt and dot strip in the middle balance everything out.

The second look is a perfect example of something to get an idea from and then re-create in your own variation.  Imagine the one-piece underneath wide leg pants or an a-line cotton skirt.

The last look makes great use of color and texture pairing white, orange and chunky necklaces.

My suggestion for achieving an outfit that is inspired by these looks is to aim for bright color that really pops, layer bright pieces with muted ones…and accessorize with belts, necklaces and maybe even some tights, thigh-highs, or knee-highs.

The Ecote Canvas Lace Booties below have a funky combination of patterns and I think go with the theme of this collection.  Plus they are probably really comfy. $28 UrbanOutfitters.com

Okay, so these are a bit scandalous…but spice things up a bit and wear them with tights!  Silence & Noise sequin shorts $14.99 UrbanOutfitters.com

Couture Couture by Juicy Couture Bead & Coin Necklace $268 Nordstrom.com

Geo Shapes Woven Tunic $15.80 forever21.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s shoes and necklaces.
Discounts on women’s woven tunics and women’s tights.

Ever put an outfit together, take a look at yourself in the mirror, and wonder what’s missing? Sometimes “bring your outfit full circle” simply means accessorizing or properly using cosmetics.

So, let’s start with the handbag. Sometimes I dress myself up for a weekend out and grab the handbag all of my “stuff” is in and realize I just lost 10 points on the “hot scale.” You can’t spend hours in front of the mirror trying to obtain a sexy look and then pick up your ratty, everyday bag.

Go for something smaller and cuter, like the Swarovski Buckle Leather Barrel Bag. It’s sleek, sexy, and is adorned with it’s own Swarovski crystal. The bag comes in red or black, though I really think black is a bit more universal.

For a lighter spring look, check out the Coach Striped Handbag in beige. It’s a great evening bag for the spring and summer and can easily be used everyday if you’re a woman who doesn’t need to carry a lot of extra stuff with her.

Of course, the accessories you wear can make a huge difference as well.  I was once told that the difference between a woman who could walk into a room with “presence” and one who did not was in the accessories she was wearing. Both women could have on the exact same outfit, but the necklaces, rings, bracelets, or lack thereof would make a huge difference when it came to being noticed and remembered.

I’m really into bracelets these days, especially since my arms will show more in my spring attire. One of my spring favorites is the Juicy Couture replica Bracelet. It’s sleek, sophisticated, and can complement any look.

Those who like gold better than silver might like the Juicy Couture Heart Padlock Leather Bangle Bracelet instead. It’s a stunning blend of leather and gold that will certainly add an air of mystery to your wardrobe.

Last, but not least, is your makeup. I know this blog is all about fashion, but it’s important that you are able to combine your wardrobe choices with the proper cosmetic colors. Otherwise, you’ll end up looking like a clown.

My absolute favorite cosmetics come from Smashbox. They have an incredible variety of natural color options and usually run some really great sales.

Every woman should have the Smashbox Eye Liner Cream Palate. It’s easier to carry than a handful of different color tubs and gives you options and variety, no matter where you go.

The double ended lip glosses and lip pencils are a hit as well. You can change your color as needed with a dark and light option. These items are convenient enough to carry with you, even in your smaller evening bag!

Remember, being fashionable is about more than your dress, pants, and blouse. Combine your outfit with your accessories and makeup and you’ll make a much more memorable appearance!

Check out some other great barrel purses, bracelets, and Smashbox cosmetics here.

Well the title refers to a conversation I had with my friend and neighbour Marie McNish. It took place in her lovely contemporary kitchen that she designed herself, which looks out to her beautiful sculpted garden, full of exotic greenery and curious plants. Marie also designed the garden herself. Back to Marie’s kitchen, which has stylish artwork and sculpture adorning the walls - all sculptured and painted by herself. As I sit at Marie’s kitchen table, I pick up a pretty handmade bookmark, made with shell pink and silky black ribbon (Dolce & Gabbana’s latest colour blend) made by Marie herself. The M in Marie stands for multi talented. You’ll see what I’m talking about when you visit her online shop - MMc Designz

Yet Marie doesn’t like her sense of style, she hasn’t noticed her cute curves and petite dolly like dimensions. She likes comfortable tops that she can slip on and concentrate one of her many talents. So with Marie in mind and for all of us who don’t feel like dressing for the catwalk every day, here is a selection of cute hoodies - versatile, feminine and most importantly comfortable!

Cool Hoodie by Obey -The Thrift Queen Hoody: $72.00

Be peaceful in this beautiful Peace Dove Hoodie from Lucky Brand: $89

Work it in this Short Sleeve Terry Hoodie from Juicy Couture: $98

Look sharp in this Reef Cadety Sweatshirt: $58

Sport this funky hoodie from Billabong Hailey Hoodie, only $20.00 down from $59.50!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Obey hoodies.
                                        Discounts on Billabong hoodies.

This should add a little ‘blush” to your fall wardrobe.  I love wallets that are big (but not too big and stylish enough that they can double as a clutch.  Not only does this “Well Coifed Red” wallet qualify as such, but the color will definitely help you stand out.  If it’s just too girly for you, it also comes in black.

Juicy Couture Women’s Leather Clutch Wallet: $93.75 (Was: $125.00)

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more clutch wallets.
                                       Discounts on Juicy Couture wallets.

Juicy Couture has made a lot of strides as of late. Before if I heard the brand’s name or saw it plastered across a velour-clad behind, I’d just roll my eyes, but this year they’ve made me reconsider. I like that cute red double-breasted coat that got everyone talking, and I think this bowler bag is luscious. The red and gold mix is sumptuous, no? And the ruching is a nice touch.

I think our little Juicy is finally growing up and learning that too much embellishment can look gaudy and cheap. It’s a lesson we all must learn.

Juicy Couture Small Bowler Bag, $233 (old price=$350)

As Jennifer Garner and Kate Hudson demonstrate, black and white is quite the current trend. The look is especially fresh for nighttime since white is so unexpected after dark. I’m particularly enamored by Jennifer’s Juicy Couture dress with it’s high waisted skirt, detailed with those deliciously large buttons. And those ruffled sleeves! Be still my beating heart. Too bad it goes for $1,900.

Here are some other, more feasible options in high contrast pieces:

Aqua Mod Ponte Shift Dress, $78

Milly Dot Wool Jacquard Colorblock Dress, $356

French Connection Sunrise Sweater Dress, $168

Adding a double breasted coat to your wardrobe is a savvy fashion move since the style brings a touch of polish to most ensembles. I’m especially fond of the shorter varieties with feminine detailing (like the Juicy Couture 3/4 Puffed Sleeve Jacket, $158 above), which take jeans and skirts to a whole new, more put together, level. Also cute is the pairing of a double breasted jacket with tweed or wool shorts or mini skirt with tights and flats. Layer with tees and up the chic factor.

Armani Exchange Crop Double Breasted Jacket, $89.99 (was $120)

Bloomingdales Peacoat Sweater, $64.99

Soia & Kyo Candy Plaid Coat, $315

Urban Outfitters Alpha Cropped Peacoat, $150

Double Breasted Jackets Tip: Always choose your best fit. If there is any pulling across the chest, go up a size because if its too tight, the look is no good.