Love Your Maxi Dress

Ah the maxi dress. A summer essential to every woman's wardrobe, and a great alternative to jeans as your legs are covered, but you will feel much cooler. 

For the modelesque-

If you have height on your side, choose a dress with horizontal stripes or a natural waist to highlight your figure.

For the petite-

Select a dress with an empire waist to elongate your shape, pair with espadrilles or wedges for extra height, and be wary of large prints that will overwhelm your small frame. You will also look great in a tea length maxi.

For the mature-

Over 40? You can still rock this trend. Choose a maxi dress with sleeves rather than layering a T-shirt underneath. Opt for a silhouette that is flowy, not clingy.

Another great option for over 40-

The Skipper of the maxi dress, the maxi skirt.

For the littles-

No rules for little girls, but I love this maxi dress available at Nordstrom.

For everyone- You can take the dress out of the beach, but you can't take the beach out of the dress. In other words, the maxi is now acceptable as mainstream wear, but keep styling simple and fresh. Accessorize with sandals or wedges, beachy hair, minimal make-up, and bohemian jewelry.

                      

Dresses in order or appearance: Dillard's, Gap, Old Navy, Nordstrom, Chico's, Ann Taylor, Nordstrom, 

Styling Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4

Love Your Swimsuit

Barbeques, flip flops, the passing of Memorial Day, summer is here! And with summer comes the dreaded and celebrated swimsuit season. . . ready or not.  So let's discuss a few tips to not only get you through the swimsuit season, but enjoy it! 

Get a spray tan.

A wrinkle-friendly option to a real tan and the best way to camouflage imperfections and make you look leaner. If you're going on a big beach trip, or have an important event, invest in a professional. For everyday, I have heard good things about Fake Bake and Jergens.

Exfoliate.

A pre-curser to a great self tan, exfoliating will remove unwanted dry skin and leave your skin with a natural radiance. Use any exfoliating wash as long as it doesn't have almond shells in the ingredients (which cause microfiber tears in the skin) or my favorite option, granulated sugar mixed with water to create a natural exfoliant.

Mani/Pedi

Don't underestimate the power of well-groomed hands and feet to your confidence. Whether going to a professional or DIY at home, don't forget to remove unsightly calluses and choose a polish color that will make you happy to look at. Candy colors or neutrals will keep you on trend this summer.

Essie- mojito madness

Essie- it's in the bag

Drink water.

Drinking water will keep you hydrated for all your fun swimming activities, help cleanse the body from toxins and cellulite, and give your skin a healthy glow.

Try on in the store.

Don't be tempted to online shop. This inhibits you by only trying on one at a time, and being disappointed when it doesn't work. It is best to plan an uninterrupted outing for the sole purpose of swimsuit shopping. Find a store with several style and fit options (I love Dillards' swim collection this year). Trying on in-store will secure your chances of finding something that will work, purchasing with confidence, and moving on to less evasive shopping, like sunglasses.

Turn it into an ensemble.

Glasses, hats, a killer cover-up, and sandals will take your swimwear and your confidence to the next level.

Choose the right one for you.

Remember that light colors and bold patterns emphasize while dark colors and solids minimize. Don't be too hard on yourself and remember swimwear always looks better in action and natural light than the unforgiving dressing room lights and 180 degree mirrors. 

Come back tomorrow for 2012 swimsuit trends!

Photos 1 2 3 4 5 6 

Love Your Skinny Jeans

I hear a lot of people say "Oh I love that style, I just can't pull it off." Skinny jeans is probably number  one. Well I'm here to tell you that you can wear skinny jeans and look great! Here are a few tips that will help you work this look into your wardrobe.


If you have a curvy figure:
1. Choose a body skimming, not skin tight, fit.
2. Invest in quality jeans.
Skinny jeans have become mainstream and won't be going anywhere for a while. Do yourself a favor and buy a pair that will last and look polished.
3. Pair with a tunic top or long cardigan.
Practice balancing your body proportions by pairing tight pants with a flowy top. Covering your derriere just might give you the confidence you need to showcase your legs.
4. Purchase jeans that extend past the ankle.
They will elongate your leg and make you look taller. Pairing with heels or wedges will achieve the same look.
5. Go for a simple, dark wash.
Try cobalt blue for something different. Stay away from light colors and embellishments.

Polyvore

If you have a straight figure:
1. Choose a close fit.
2. Belt it.
Wrap a belt around your top to emphasize or create a waist
3. Bring it on!
The sky is the limit for you on this one. Try a light mint wash or a bold pattern for something new.

Polyvore