Summer Trend: Maxi Dresses

Long maxi dresses seem to be back this summer.  I see them everywhere in the city, but I can't seem to make up my mind about them.  My favorite part about summer is being able to stay cool in light dresses and skirts.  It appears that maxi dresses kind of counteract that idea in being so long.  Many appear to be made of a thick cotton material, so it's hard for me to imagine how actually light they are.  In my search for a possible dress, here are some of my finds:

(From left to right)

Retro Print Maxi Dress Available at Wet Seal for $29.50

Fab Braid Strap Maxi Dress Available at Forever 21 for $14.50

Contrast Brushstroke Maxi Dress Available at Forever 21 for $24.80

Heart & Soul™ Colorblock Halter Maxi Dress Available at Kohl's (on sale) for $33.60

Some girls can pull this off amazingly. As for me, I think I'll stick to my shorter summer dresses.

What's your verdict? Are you a fan of maxi dresses?

Summer Trends: Full Skirts

We've all seen them. Some of us hate them and some are utterly obsessed with them. Personally, I don't own any, just yet! I think the key to full skirts is that they should be the center of your outfit. I love them with just a tee or tank tucked in and a great belt. Simplicity. Jason Wu and Michael Kors were among the designers to include full skirts in their Spring 2009 RTW collections.

[Courtesy of Style.com]

Keep this trend a la Jason Wu with solid colors in the following two picks.
How cute is this skirt? The Matter & Motion Skirt from Anthropologie is flirty but work appropriate. Something you can probably wear to your summer internship or job, at the very least on Casual Friday. Best part? It's on sale for $39.95!

Available at Anthropologie for $39.95


This BDG Pleated Knit Pull On Skirt from Urban Outfitters is available in four different colors. So pick one that suits you and dress it up for a Saturday night or down for a summer lunch.

Available at Urban Outfitters for $38.00

If you prefer bold prints, these next choices may be for you.

I love Urban Outfitter's Kimchi Blue Printed High-Waisted Skirt. If you want to have a print but keep it versatile choose this skirt in the Potato Woodblocks color (shown). The print manages to be sophisticated and bold at the same time, for a classy and trendy look.

Available at Urban Outfitter's for $58.00

These skirts from Forever 21 are perfect for summer. Their length and light airy material makes them great for those hot days. For under $15 a piece, you can get them both!

Shawna Cotton Skirt Available in Cream/Mustard at Forever 21 for $12.80

Eva Abstract Print Skirt Available in Navy/Purple at Forever 21 for $14.80

How do you feel about Full Skirts? Are they a Hit or Miss for you?

Sales and Deals/Summer Trends: Victoria's Secret's Swimsuits

Today’s weather had me wishing I was at the beach. New York City’s high temperature was 88 degrees. As a big fan of summer and warmth, I was thrilled. Naturally, my thoughts were filled of beaches and swimsuits. I’m in dire need of a new swimsuit and luckily, Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale is going on (strictly online for now). Below, I’ve listed my favorites from this year’s collection. I’ve tried to include a variety of swimsuits so everyone can find their perfect swimsuit!I love the twist feature on this swimsuit. In addition to the push-up padding, the twist detail on the top creates an enhanced bust. It also comes with a removable halter string if you’re not comfortable with a tube top.

Available at Victoria’s Secret here.


This two-piece comes with an underwire top and a skirted bottom. The underwire provides ultimate support while its ruched detail makes it flirty and fun. Its matching bottom comes as a skirt in case you want a little more coverage over your backside or legs.

Available at Victoria’s Secret here.

Tankinis are super flattering around the tummy. The detail on the neckline and around the bottoms provides a subtle edge that makes this bathing suit stand out amongst others on the beach.

Available at Victoria’s Secret here.


If one-pieces are for you, this Magicsuit is made of figure-shaping fabrics to create an instantly slimmer you! The deep plunge provides just enough of a reveal, while its ruched detail makes it cuter than the typical one-piece.

Available at Victoria’s Secret here.

My favorite part of this swimsuit is the bottom’s ties. The double-string bottom offers the ultimate protection. I really like the white-to-color fade in, and its halter top provides great support for a full bust.

Available at Victoria’s Secret here.

What kind of swimsuit is your favorite?

Summer Trends: Safari

Safari is back and a raging summer trend. This past spring, runway shows including the likes of Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren had a prominent safari theme. Keep this trend sweet and simple, or dare to be bold in loud prints. Below are some of my favorite simple choices.

Banana Republic
I love the Silk Safari Top paired with the Safari Pencil Skirt. It makes a perfect ensemble for this trend. The top’s bold print against the soft silk texture matched with the soft cotton pencil skirt creates an ideal summer outfit. I especially love the simple twist detail of the neckline.

Silk Safari Top Available at Banana Republic for $69.00

Safari Pencil Skirt Available at Banana Republic for $59.00


Forever 21

This Knit Safari Shirt is a simple take on this trend. I’d use this piece as a soft light cardigan for those summer nights over a simple tank or cami. Pair it with a great accessory and some jeans and you’re good to go.

Available at Forever 21 for $19.80

Kohl’s

The Sonoma Zebra Disc Drop Earrings are a perfect way to mix in this trend to just about any summer outfit. Its simple colors are perfect for the bold zebra print.

Available at Kohl’s for $8.08

Charlotte Russe
If you’re looking for updated flats, these Satin Giraffe Flats may be just the pair. It even comes in purple and light brown if you want to brighten up for summer.

Available at Charlotte Russe for $18.99


New York & Company

New York & Company currently has one of the largest collections of (as they call it) “Fierce Prints.” They offer everything from tops to belts to shoes following this safari theme. This City Style Python Print Scarf is one of their simple accessories. They also offer it in a fun turquoise color. Best of all, it’s on sale for $13.56.

Available at New York & Company for $13.56


Are you a fan of the Safari Trend?

Summer Trend: Fabulous Florals

Diane Von Furstenberg and Nanette Lepore are among the designers who have featured floral pieces in their recent runway collections. Bringing these amazing looks to everyday wear may not always be the simplest thing to do, but the next few pieces are some of my current floral favorites.


Urban Outfitters

The MINKPINK Floral Strapless Dress is fitted on top, creating a flattering look to the upper body. It tightens at the waist, accentuating it, and then proceeds to flare out. Its pattern is appealing and cute without being overbearing. The mix of colors makes it the perfect summer dress.
Available at Urban Outfitters for $88.00


I love the Urban Renewal Cotton Floral Skirt. The white flowers pop against its bright color. Paired with a simple white tank and cute sandals creates an everyday take on the floral trend.
Available at Urban Outfitters for $48.00


Forever 21

Forever 21’s Ruffle Front Floral Chiffon Top has a great color palette. Its soft watercolors blend with the ruffles creating a flirty summer top. The top can be easily dressed up or down and at $19.80, you couldn’t ask for a better deal!
Available at Forever 21 for $19.80


For anyone who wants take part in the floral trend without diving in headfirst, try a pair of the Rose Bouquet Earrings. The earrings are available in four different colors. If you want to be bright and bold (it is summer after all), buy a pair of the light blue or yellow earrings. Otherwise, try the pale pink or white to easily mix and match these earrings into your outfits.
Available at Forever 21 for $4.80



Liz Claiborne

If a floral accessory is your calling, but you’re not in for a new pair of studs, try Liz Claiborne’s Floral Pendant Necklace. Its simplicity makes it easy to use, while its vivid color makes it a great summer necklace.
Available at the Liz Claiborne website for $32.00



Nordstrom

Matty M 'Graffiti Floral' Halter Top is a great summer blouse. Due to its silky texture and vibrant watercolor floral pattern, this top has a feminine feel. Its elastic waistband and halter neck tie makes it an elegant and flattering piece.
Available at Nordstrom for $88.00


Charlotte Russe

I’ve always got my eyes out for a great pair of flats. The Painterly Floral Flats takes a closet staple and brightens it up with this floral trend. The flowers are subtle, allowing the bright colors to really stand out. These flats are an easy and fun way to liven up a summer outfit.
Available at Charlotte Russe for $18.99