Fatal Attraction 2 - The Maxi Dress

There are many reasons why women all over the world love wearing this floor-grazing dress style.

These dresses have a no-fuss appeal and are feminine, graceful and versatile. Also, the looser varieties have the wonderful ability to camouflage problematic areas along your lower half.

Beautiful maxi dresses were an omnipresent fixture on various Spring and Fall 2008 runways including D&G, Roberto Cavalli, Elie Saab and Gucci.

photos courtesy style.com

Maxi dresses are as popular as ever in Hollywood, especially with expectant celeb mothers.

Blake Lively, Eva Longoria, a pregnant Gwen Stefani and Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon prove that maxi dresses can flatter different body types and be suitable for both casual and dressy occasions.

photos courtesy justjared.buzznet.com, eva-longoria.net and thefashionspot.com

Some of you may think that maxis only look fabulous on tall model-like figures but with careful selection, it is possible to find a style that flatters other shapes. Knowing your body type is the first step in figuring out what looks best on you.

Petite women should look for more form fitting maxi dresses that will visually elongate their short frames. Women who want to disguise wide hips and large thighs should wear maxi dresses in darker colours with enough fabric to easily drape over these areas. Large-busted women should find V-neck or halter-neck dresses with thick straps to adequately support this area.

Below are a few lovely maxis that caught my eye.




#1: Flounced-Hem Maxi Dress - US$29.99 http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Flounced-Hem-Maxi-Dress.aspx?PfId=126157&DeptId=9701&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G

#2: Bisou Bisou® Ombre Maxi Dress - US$59.99 http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?ItemID=14cd0d6&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=PRD&ShowMenu=T&ShopBy=0&SearchString=maxi+dress&RefPage=SearchDepartment.aspx&CmCatId=SearchResults&Search1Prod=True

#3: For the Love of Autumn Maxi Halter Dress - US$48.00 http://www.lulus.com/products/For+the+Love+of+Autumn+Maxi+Halter+Dress/9249.html

#4: Tropical Floral Strapless Maxi Dress - US$27.80 http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=DRESS&product%5Fid=2052588150&showBACK=OK

#5: Tiered Maxi Dress - US$26.99 http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3163830&cp=&sr=1&origkw=maxi&kw=maxi&parentPage=search&searchId=

#6: Lux Daydream Dress - US$78.00 http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&navAction=jump&id=14664379&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS&color=10

Fatal Attraction 2 - White Handbags

What's not to love about a bag that's always fashionable, fresh, and fun?

photo courtesy picasaweb.google.com

White handbags are a great wardrobe staple because they look fabulous in every season, especially summer! With their ability to reflect the sunlight, they are perfect accessory for setting off the colours and prints of your favourite summer outfits. They will make you look so radiant and chic without overpowering your whole look.

Just like the basic black bag, the white handbag is also versatile for an array of outfit styles, so you can just throw it on and go!

I found some great white handbags that will make wonderful long term additions to your collection!




#1: Faux Leather Handbag - US$27.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=handbags&product%5Fid=1048446863&Page=all#

#2: Julia Tote - US$22.99
http://www.payless.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?&TLC=Accessories&SLC=AccessoriesHandbags&BLC=AccessoriesHandbagsWomens&Width=&ItemCode=60468&LotNumber=063220&Type=Adult&Popularity=29&DescriptiveColor=White

#3: Criss Cross Doctor Bag - US$39.99
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&navAction=jump&id=14952188&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS&color=10

#4: Sag Harbor Portofino Shoulder Bag - US$33.60
http://www.ebags.com/sag_harbor/portofino_shoulder_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=112004

#5: Mossimo Side Drawstring Satchel - US$24.99
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-3327897-6759000?ASIN=B000Y1JEFC&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000Y1JEFC|Mossimo_Side_Drawstring_Satchel_White&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000Y1JEFC&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

#6: Classic Padlock Detail Bag - UK £22.00 (US$$47.98)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Asos/Classic-Padlock-Detail-Bag/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=268484&clr=White&SearchQuery=white+bag&sh=0

Fatal Attraction 2 - The Little Black Dress

We hear it all the time; every woman should have at least one little black dress (LBD) in her wardrobe. Another classic item popularized by the great Coco Chanel, the LBD has been around for decades. Early styles were simple and effortlessly chic, with full skirted and shift dresses being common choices.

photo courtesy vintagetextile.com

These days, while many women still opt for the classic LBD, modern versions have been updated to different silhouettes and include eye catching details to suit the times and the personal style of the wearer.

Actress Emmy Rossum attended the Metropolitan Opera on April 21 in a Fall 2007 YSL black ruffled minidress. While the shape of the dress is simple, the gorgeous details of the dress add more than enough interest.

photo courtesy justjared.buzznet.com

Below are some great LBDs that will stand out even in a sea of black.




#1: Stenay Sequin Dress - US$67.90
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2951358/0~2376788~6002242~6007533~6007554?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6007554&P=1

#2: Oasis Puff Sleeve Shine Dress - UK£30.00 (US$66.03)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Oasis/Oasis-Puff-Sleeve-Shine-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=226302&cid=4166&clr=Black&Rf-200=4&sh=0

#3: Asymmetrical One Shoulder Dress - US$34.95
http://www.chicstar.com/storefront/listproducts.aspx?idProduct=4940

#4: Michelle Dress - US$54.50
http://store.delias.com/item.do?categoryID=1773&itemID=49417&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

#5: Ruffled Shift Dress - US$29.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dresses&product%5Fid=2049062967&Page=all

#6: CAGEY Rosette Accented Minidress - US$26.99
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/cutesyshoes/items/item.aspx?itemid=5100057

Fatal Attraction 2 - Tweed

Tweed is a classic style item introduced to the fashion world by Coco Chanel in 1926. Since then, tweed has seen many shapes and forms and is still popular today. Until recently, however, tweed has been associated with a much older, high society crowd but now the younger generation is mixing it up to give it a younger, fresher look.

I've always been a fan of tweed and I bought an amazing blue-green mix tweed blazer a while ago from ebay and I love it so much. In order to make tweed look more modern, it should be worn one tweed item at a time and play with brighter colours and contrasting textures such as silk. Also, when wearing tweed clothing, try to wear form fitting shapes so not to look matronly.

Here are a few tweed items you can be creative with.




#1: Women's Regular Long Sleeve Twill Tweed Cardigan - US$59.99
http://www.landsend.com/pp/LongSleeveTwillTweedCardigan~182052_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::XEH&CM_MERCH=IDX_00008__0000000086&origin=index

#2: Soundgirl The Josette Dress - US$80.00
http://www.amazon.com/Soundgirl-Josette-Dresses-Medium-Metallic/dp/B000YCTLVS/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1207484656&sr=1-9

#3: Lux High Waisted Tweed Pencil Skirt - US$19.99
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&navAction=jump&id=13705371&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS&color=20

#4: Rosetti Tweed Satchel - US$19.60
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/handbagswallets/satchelstotes/PRD~325197/Rosetti+Tweed+Satchel.jsp#

#5: Newport News Tweed Pump - US$20.00
http://www.amazon.com/Newport-News-Tweed-pump-BLACK-MULTI/dp/B000WP05E4/ref=sr_1_74?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1207483487&sr=1-74

Fatal Attraction 2 - Statement Jewelry

Oh, how I love statement jewelry! I love it, I love it, I...okay, you get the point. I was born in the late 80s, so technically I cannot be called a child of the 80s since I didn't experience very much of it. The one thing that seemed to have rubbed off on me while I was there, however, is the love of big, bold jewelry. Anyone else out there like me?

I recently purchased this pair of white and gold flower earrings from a garage sale for $2.

I asked my mother, who would remember the 80s vividly, what she thought and she said "they are a bit old fashioned." Maybe they are, but I think they're lovely. Or maybe I was blinded by the beauty of a total bargain. In any case, that's the nature of fashion; many things that seem to be dead and gone make a trendy appearance a few decades later.

You can wear the absolute simplest outfit and pair it with a cocktail ring or a big, sexy earrings and it makes everything a whole lot more interesting. Trust me, statement jewelry can be one of the best conversation starters. With anyone who is willing to listen of course.

Incorporate some bold jewelry into your collection with the pieces below.

#1: Framed Wood Drop Earrings - US$9.99
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&navAction=jump&id=14343552&search=true&isProduct=true&color=07

#2: Jewel Earrings - US$3.99
http://store.alloy.com/item.do?categoryID=557&itemID=48192&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

#3: Antic Teardrop Earrings - US$3.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=casual+tops&product%5Fid=1049391530&showBACK=OK

#1: Large faceted stone ring - £8.00 (US$17.34)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Kate-Moss/Asos/Large-Faceted-Stone-Ring/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=226240&cid=4175&clr=Jade&Rf-100=Rings&sh=0

#2: Zad Matte Tree Ring in Silver - US$8.00
http://www.lulus.com/products/Zad+Matte+Tree+Ring+in+Silver/7434.html

#3: Flower Ring - US$4.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=casual+tops&product%5Fid=1038336488&showBACK=OK#



#1: Short Wood Detail Necklace - £10.00 (US$$21.67)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Asos/Short-Wood-Detail-Necklace/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=254252&clr=Brown&SearchQuery=wood&sh=0

#2: Metal and Epoxy Necklace - US$9.00
http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=177&subCategoryId=200&productId=9328

#3: Lucite Petals Necklace - US$4.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=necklaces&product%5Fid=1045608992&Page=all



#1: 3 Piece Bone Bangles - US$9.00
http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=177&subCategoryId=202&productId=8708

#2: Green with Envy Bangle - US$10.00
http://www.lulus.com/products/Green+With+Envy+Bangle/8120.html

#3: Rounded Wood Cuff Bracelet - US$5.00
http://boutique.bijouxluck.com/product.php?productid=1475&cat=0&page=1

Fatal Attraction 2 - One Shouldered Dresses

The simplicity of this style is what makes this trend so dramatic. With its Ancient Greek origins, this style of dress makes any girl who wears it look like an instant goddess. Keeping earrings and neck accessories to a minimum will only boost the effortlessly chic look that this style brings. Remember, this style is all about showing off the neck so you don't want that area too cluttered.

Have a look at the five beautiful, budget conscious options below. Wear sexy heels and a bold chunky bangle with your dress to make an even bigger statement and turn some heads wherever you go.


#1: Love Label one shoulder dress - £29.00 (US$58.67)
http://www.additionsdirect.co.uk/rf/add/navigation/product.do?Ns=prod_in_stock%7C1%7C%7Cprod_min_base_price%7C1%7C%7Cscu_id%7C1&Nao=105&groupId=418256249&Nu=this_product&SNtk=&Np=1&SN=151+4294967078&Ntt=418256249&D=418256249&Ntk=group_search&Dx=mode%2Bmatchall&thisprod=418256249&N=151+4294967078&Nty=1&Mis_item_id=15&Mis_item_loc_id=1&product=418256249

#2: ASOS Twist One Shoulder Dress - £8.00 (US$17.34)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/1/Nicole-Richie/Asos/Twist-One-Shoulder-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=205863&cid=4166&clr=Bronze&sh=0

#3: VSCT Dress - € 29.90 (US$46.62)
http://www.dress-for-less.com/tmpl/en/detail.tmpl?count_art_sel=42;art_id=13161;pg=109;cat=1;id=Q7w3D1V406pikB5R6e9WBA;count_cat_sel=2;main_cat=1

#4: Marilyn Dress - US$29.99
http://store.delias.com/item.do?categoryID=1560&itemID=48304&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

#5: Red by Marc Ecko One-Shoulder Print Dress - US$29.50
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=287479&CategoryID=24313&LinkType=SiteAd&LinkLoc=118&AdID=30060