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

Lighten up, Denim!

Another '80s/'90s trend to make a comeback this summer is light wash denim. While dark denim is classic and universally more flattering, light denim is appealing because it has a fresh and casual look which is a great mix for summer. It may not be for everyone but if you like it and can pull it off, by all means, go for it!

Pictured below are light denim looks that were present on the S/S08 runways of Alexander Wang and Christopher Kane and also on the streets of London and New York.




If you like this trend, check out the light denim pieces that I found below.

Hydralic Premium Denim Shorts
Price: US$25.99
http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3065358

Snap Front Denim Circle Skirt
Price: US$58.00
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&navAction=jump&id=14651483&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS&color=40


Urban contour light wash wide-leg jean
Price: US$39.99
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=25789&pid=564585&scid=564585002&vid=-1


RyuRyu Two Way Denim Jumper Dress
Price: US$42.00
http://www.yesstyle.com/en/Product.aspx?pid=1010700106

High-waist corset short
Price: US$29.50
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=8U-219426&cgname=OSKEYCLOZZZ&rfnbr=4694

Shrunken Trucker Jacket
Price: US$29.98
http://www.levisstore.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2965479&cp=2069959.2082899.2107730&parentPage=family

Rampage Skinny Leg Sandblast Jeans
Price: US$29.99
http://www.rampage.com/rampage-skinny-leg-sandblast-jeans.htm

Vero Moda Short Denim Dungarees
Price: UK £30.00 (US$64.89)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/1/Vero-Moda/Vero-Moda-Short-Denim-Dungarees/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=283267&clr=Denim&SearchQuery=denim&sh=0

Patching things up with style

I'll admit it, when I hear the word 'patchwork' used in relation to clothing, the very first thing that comes to my mind is the quintessential country bumpkin in a modest dress made out of old pieces of cloth in many different colours and prints.

photo courtesy kindercottagekeepsakes.com

The next image I usually think of is the funky patchwork from the 70s. As the model in the photo shows us, wearing this look from top to bottom wasn't something out of the ordinary or intimidating to the eclectic and fashionably daring men and women of the time.

photo courtesy gettyimages.com

However, my mind is slowly beginning to see more possibilities with this style with the help of some fun and stylish pieces I've been noticing recently.

While browing the Spring and Fall 2008 collections, I realized that there was tons of patchwork on the runways including Dolce & Gabbana, Kenzo, Moschino Cheap and Chic and Matthew Williamson where the look appeared on both clothing and accessories.

photos courtesy elle.com and style.com

If you're feeling this trend, check out these affordable patchwork items that I found.

Patchwork Stripe Fringe Scarf
Price: US$18.80
http://bleudame.com/product_info.php?language=en&currency=USD&products_id=6191&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase

Catch my I Belted Patchwork Skirt (available in other colors)
Price: US$20.40
http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&storeId=301&langId=-1&productId=501541326

Blue Patchwork Top
Price: UK £12.00 (US$23.67)
http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=true&catalogId=20552&storeId=12552&categoryId=68417&parent_category_rn=51643&productId=670763&langId=-1

Insight Reversible Top Bikini
Price: UK £20.00 (US$43.26)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/1/Insight/Insight-Reversible-Top-Bikini/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=225645&clr=Patchwork&SearchQuery=patchwork&sh=0

Madden Girl Maggiee Shoe
Price: US$65.00
http://www.poppincollaz.com/madden-girl-maggiee-shoe.html

Tribal Tube Mini Dress
Price: US$15.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dresses&product%5Fid=2048921712&Page=all#

Leather Patchwork Clutch
Price: US$34.99
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp;jsessionid=FC23B58B024858783BCC388F34BFAD31.app11-node1?itemdescription=true&itemCount=60&id=14385363&parentid=W_ACC_SALE&sortProperties=+product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=84&navAction=poppushpush&color=

Maxi Dress
Price: UK £22.00 (US$43.41)
http://www.oli.co.uk/Web//main/productdisplay.asp?An=673&A=32S979_20&N=4294965638&Au=P_MasterItem&Nu=P_MasterItem&Ns=P_Colour%7C0%7C%7CP_Size%7C0&merch=You%20may%20also%20like

Sperry Women's Striper Laceless Shoe
Price: US$49.99
http://www.shoes.com/Shop/productdetails.aspx?catalog_name=web&pg=5058161&p=EC1079802&CMP=OTC-GoogleBase&partnerid=GoogleBase&cpc=GoogleBase&=campaign=Sperry+Top-Sider&category=W&cpckw=Sperry+Top-Sider+Womens+Striper+Laceless+Shoe+(Patchwork)&CAWELAID=168010080

Also, for those of you who haven't seen it as yet, check out the post below on the Dorothy Perkin's Summer Sale to get up to 50% off on clothing and accessories.

Capacious clutches

Does bigger really mean better? Not necessarily, but in this case, bigger is definitely a lot cooler. As we approach summer, oversized clutches are still a hot commodity for the season!

With the appeal of their smaller counterparts combined with a fashion-forward edge, versatility and extra space to hold more items, it's no wonder fashionistas can't get enough of them.

Ashley Olsen shows us one way to wear the trend with a tan Calvin Klein number at the premiere of the Sex and the City movie in May.

photo courtesy justjared.com

Get on board this trend with these super-sized options below.

Betseyville Cirque de la Betsey Clutch
Price: US$49.99
http://www.ebags.com/betseyville/cirque_de_la_betsey_clutch/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=108360

Oversize Oblong Clutch
Price: UK £20.00 (US$39.16)
http://www.warehouse.co.uk/fcp/product/-//OVERSIZE-OBLONG-CLUTCH/6981

Belt Wrapped w/ Zipper Accent Large Clutch
Price: US$29.99
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/cutesyshoes/Items/bag82015-white?sck=34995592&caSKU=bag82015-white&caTitle=Belt%20Wrapped%20w/%20Zipper%20Accent%20Large%20Clutch%20White

Colorblock Clutch
Price: US$15.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=handbags&product%5Fid=1044941030&Page=1


CL® By Laundry® Oversized Day Clutch
Price: US$29.99
http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=51471&CatID=51471&Grptyp=PRD&ItemId=1489913

Electric Clutch in I Love You Very Much
Price: US$40.00
http://www.karmaloop.com/products.asp?ProductID=30348&VendorCode=HAJ

Women's Envelope Clutches (Brown Print)
Price: US$10.00
http://www.karmaloop.com/products.asp?ProductID=30348&VendorCode=HAJ


Women's Amici Accessories Oversized Clutch with Mosaic Flap
Price: US$31.45
http://www.bagsbuy.com/amici-accessories-oversized-clutch-with-mosaic-flap/246600/528551?cm_mmc=frooglebags-_-none-_-none-_-none


Asos Oversized Woven Folded Clutch
Price: UK £15.00 (US$32.45)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Lindsay-Lohan/Asos/Asos-Oversized-Woven-Folded-Clutch/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=221398&clr=Tan&SearchQuery=oversized+clutch&sh=0

Private Label Lemon Yellow Oversized Clutch
Price: US$48.00
http://www.shopspeck.com/prlaleyeovcl.html

Fashion Inspiration - Fun Fab Fringe

The fringe has sprung up as a major trend for spring and summer and it's showing no signs of slowing down.

The decorative trim was seen a great deal in various S/S08 collections such as Gareth Pugh, Maurizio Pecararo, D&G and Zac Posen.

photos courtesy style.com

This is not a new style, however, as the fringe has been around for a very long time. It has been used during various eras and in many cultures to achieve different aesthetics on clothing .

I've observed that during two eras in particular, the 1920s and the 1970s when the fringe was popular, it seemed to be a symbol of independence. During the 20s, rebellious flappers often wore fringed dresses and in the 70s, the younger defiant generation also wore fringe trimmed clothing. Perhaps it was the loose movement of the fringe that was symbolic of freedom and breaking away from the norms of society.

Below are examples of the different ways the fringe was used. There was the military fringe, the Native American fringe, the flapper fringe, the 70s boho fringe, the Victorian fringe and the cowboy fringe.

photos courtesy www.flickr.com/photos/fcf_redcoat, native-american-market.com,
oodora.com, jamd.com, cwrl.utexas.edu, moonrakerqh.com

The fringe has also been seen on a number of stylish girls around the blogosphere recently.

A few include:

Jennine in her lovely DIY fringe tank (The Coveted), Susie Bubble in her funky fringed pink tights (Style Bubble), Rumi in her Western fringed jacket (Fashion Toast), Nonno in her black fringed ankle boots (Nonno's Chic Blog), Underthestares in her long fringed scarf (Underthestares' Chic Blog) and She's Dressing Up with her cute fringed purse (She's Dressing Up).




I've found some cool, fun fringed items that you might like.

Janis Flower Fringe Scarf
Price: US$21.00
http://www.lulus.com/products/Janis+Flower+Fringe+Scarf/8476.html

With Hearts in My Eyes 'Eden' dress
Price: US$134
http://www.bonadrag.com/shopmain/dresses/eden.html

Asos Leather Suede Fringed Sandal

Price: UK£40.00 (US$86.52)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Asos/Asos-Leather-Suede-Fringed-Sandal/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=259583&cid=4172&clr=Natural&sh=0

Cotton Candy Pink Fringed Skirt (available in other colours)
Price: US$65.00
http://www.takemedancing.biz/servlet/the-4/Cotton-Candy-Pink-Fringed/Detail

White Fringe Clip Pouch/Handbag
Price: US$39.99
http://leathercatalog.net/cgi-bin/html_web_store.cgi?page=bagsfrng.htm&cart_id=

Beaded Fringe Top
Price: US$68.00
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=8P-218523&page=1&cgname=OSCLOBLOVIL&rfnbr=3946

Enamel Fringed Earrings
Price: US$29.00
http://www.bebe.com/gp/product/B0013NAY2C/sr=1-1/qid=1213114861/ref=sr_1_1/002-2905817-5022443?ie=UTF8&fontColor=&node=&m=A2FMOXN01TSNYY&totalItemIn1Page=&startIndex=0&displayPageNum=1&bbBrand=core&field-clothing-size=&keywords=fringed&firstPageItemNum=0&title=&restPageHasColor=0&myViewID=results&displaySalePrice=1&displayItemNum=&standardPageSize=12&size=20&rh=k%3Afringed&page=&bgColor=

KG Fringe Moccasin Ankle Boot
Price: UK£26.00 (US$56.24)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Kg-By-Kurt-Geiger/Kg-Fringe-Moccasin-Ankle-Boot/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=235624&clr=Purple&SearchQuery=fringe&sh=0

Champagne Fringe Necklace (Copper)
Price: US$35.00
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12456274

Braided Passementerie Tie Belt (available in other colours)
Price: US$9.00

http://www.spiegel.com/shop/product_single.aspx?style_id=27038142

Give me the cold shoulder!

While doing my regular website browsing on Saturday, I came across this photo of Mary-Kate Olsen dressed in a white kimono style dress with cut out shoulder detail.

photo courtesy justjared.com

I instantly remembered a photo I recently saw in one of my old InStyle magazines of Charlize Theron dressed in a lovely Fall 2006 Bottega Veneta dress.

Charlize made a small but dramatic alteration to the runway look by pulling the fabric forward to show off her shoulders. This flirtatious look is allows you to flash a little skin in a sophisticated manner.




Also, a more recent sighting of this exposed shoulder style was seen on the always fabulous Rumi of Fashion Toast. The cut out shoulder detail of the dress adds a lot of interest to an otherwise simple look.



You too can get the cold shoulder with these lovely blouses and dresses below.

Zeti Sheer Open Shoulder Top
Price: US$28.99
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/cutesyshoes/Items/zeti-t8389fd-gry-?sck=61152011&caSKU=zeti-t8389fd-gry-&caTitle=ZETI%20Sheer%20Open%20Shoulder%20Top%20GRAY

Open Shoulder Blouse Top
Price: US$19.95
http://www.trendyoutfitter.com/opshbltop.html

One Shoulder Tunic
Price: US$58.00
http://www.ardenb.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=133&subCategoryId=147&productId=9941#ClosePopup

ASOS Dobby Frill Cut Out Shoulder Top
Price: UK £15.00 (US$32.72)
http://www.asos.com/Asos/Dobby-Frill-Cutout-Shoulder-Top/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=251491&cid=4167&clr=Black&sh=0

M by Marc Bouwer Geometric Print Cold Shoulder Top
Price: US$41.94
http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.A81066.tpl.sbnow.CM_SCID.coll

Away5th Open Shoulder Banded Dress
Price: US$28.00
http://www.yesstyle.com/en/Product.aspx?pid=1010908001&section=women&

Silk Tie Neck Blouse
Price: US$48.00
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=8P-218419&cgname=OSCLOBLOVIL&&rfnbr=3946&dispMode=STANDARD

Tiffany Cold Shoulder Top
Price: US$34.50
http://www.gbyguess.com/ProductDetails.aspx?style=RP823990&image=RP823990-EXR&mr:trackingCode=8B56EA27-F52F-DD11-AFF6-000423C27502&mr:referralID=NA

On an unrelated note, many of you may have heard the sad news about the passing of legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent. He was truly a great designer and his immense contribution to the world of fashion will always be remembered.