Those Baby Phat designers really know how to flatter a woman's body.

I have to be honest, I used to be a little scared of maxi-dresses. Okay, not waking-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night scared, but just a little nervous. They were always one of those trends that I thought looked great on other people – usually tall, gorgeous people – but I’d always been too nervous to try. I also wasn’t really sure if they were my style. While I tend to keep things pretty girly, I also like to go a little edgy with lots of leather and blazers, and I’d always found it was girls with that effortless Nicole Richie boho thing going on that pulled the maxi-dress off best. Then, of course, there was the issue of length and height. I am average height, but I always consider myself a bit of a shortie and I was worried I’d be overwhelmed by this much material.

But then I decided to face my fears head on (and procrastinate studying for exams), so I got myself a maxi-dress and went to town in my closet mixing and matching pieces to make a ton of different looks. And much to my surprise, the dress was not only totally flattering on my body, but also a really versatile piece. You really can do so much with these dresses….the dresses that will now officially be my spring and summer staple (partly because it doesn’t require me to shave my legs).

So, for those of you who’ve also feared the maxi-dress, here are just a few different ways to style ‘em up for every style and occasion:

dress/jacket/heels/bag/sunglasses

This is totally how I plan to wear my hot, new dress. I love the edginess of the stripes – which are also figure friendly – so I wanted to embrace that with lots of leather and red heels. Adding a leather jacket and great buckled leather bag really rocks out an otherwise basic dress, and the red heels? Is there anything hotter? This would be great for drinks with the girls or dinner.

cardigan/wedges/belt

This outfit is one way of adding color to this dress- which is almost like a perfectly versatile LBD. Pinks, oranges and yellows are huge this season and this is a great way to reflect that without going too overboard. You could swap the pink belt for a black one and belt it over the cardigan if you like, or even add a denim jacket instead of the cardigan. It’s fun, it’s girly and it’s a great outfit for any day or night.

Now, maxi-dresses come in all sorts of styles/colors/patterns and after having so much fun with the stripey one, I thought I’d go ahead and dabble in some florals that are a bit girlier. The floral print is perfect for the beach, a day hanging out, or even a formal event. Because maxi-dresses are so, well, maxi and striking, all you need is a pair of great shoes and you’re ready to go!

dress/jacket/shoes/bangle/hat

This is a perfect boho-inspired maxi look. I love denim jackets as soon as it starts to get warmer- they always feel so fresh and light. I kept the rest of the accessories simple to show off the pattern of the dress. A great tip for wearing maxis is to keep the rest of the outfit neutral and simple; just the length of the dress makes a statement in itself so don’t add anything too extravagant or clashing.

cardigan/wedges/necklace

This second look is a little more sophisticated for the evening and plays on the black accents in the dress. You could even swap the cardigan for a blazer to make it a little more formal (a shrunken tuxedo jacket would be great here too), or swap the heels for flats (just make sure the dress doesn’t drag!) Another fun idea? Using the belt over the cardigan to maintain that hourglass shape.

dress/shoes/clutch/bracelet/hat/shawl

The subtle colors of this dress would make it perfect for a summer wedding or any more formal-ish event. Shades of orange are huge for this season, so I paired it with orange shoes and an orange shawl. I also added this adorable straw hat and cute nude clutch.

sandals/hat/sunglasses

And just to show how versatile this dress is, how about a simple beach outfit? Maxi dresses are so comfortable they are the perfect cover-up for over a bikini or swimsuit, and I added a huge floppy beach hat to protect you from the sun!

All of these dresses are under $75, and with so many different ways to wear them they are perfect for the summer.

Will you be wearing a maxi dress this summer? How will you be styling it?

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2011/05/06/the-many-ways-to-style-a-maxi-dress/feed/ 6 britishxgirl IMG_4561.JPG_effected bp1 bp4 bp2 bp3 bp5 bp6 http://collegecandy.com/2011/03/29/8-under-20-maxi-madness/ http://collegecandy.com/2011/03/29/8-under-20-maxi-madness/#comments Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:00:29 +0000 Laura - St. John's http://collegecandy.com/?p=96055 this season's emphasis on '70s fashion, and their easy, effortless style makes them perfect for the spring and summer.]]>

Maxi dresses have been popular for several seasons now and this year is no exception! Maxi dresses fit in with this season’s emphasis on ’70s fashion, and their easy, effortless style makes them perfect for the spring and summer. Plus, they’re the perfect lazy girl’s outfit choice: they cover up your legs when you forget to shave, they transition seamlessly from day to night, and you only need to pull on one piece to look instantly put together.

And there’s more great news about maxi dresses: they’re affordable at any budget! Check out this great selection of maxi dresses for only $20 or less each!

Facial hair is physically attractive to me in every way. I’ve ended things with a guys who’ve shaved it all off (shallow biotch, I know).  I’ve even made up nicknames for my man-friends based on their beard situations (i.e., Chinstrap).  But one thing’s for damn sure: facial hair is a man’s game until the end.

Well, except for one well-known woman…

Besides Frida Kahlo being known for those tightly wound locks on her head, she’s also known as the only woman with a mustache and unibrow who had men and women lusting after her and her artwork.  Now that’s some kind of sex appeal I will never know.

For the less informed, Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter during the first half of the 20th century.  She’s best known for her (sometimes morbid) self-portraits and being the wife of artist, Diego Rivera, which wasn’t the picture perfect marriage most girl dreams about. And her life wasn’t such a fairy tale either. Frida contracted Polio at a young age, making her right leg look thinner than her left leg; was openly bisexual and was bumpin’ uglies with men and women behind her husband’s back; and was in a serious trolley accident that severely ruined most of her body and kept her in and out of the bed for the majority of her life.  Oh and let’s not forget her mustache/unibrow combo (sorry, I just can’t get over it).

Frida has a tough life – there’s no doubt about that – but despite it all, you never saw her throwin’ on a t-shirt and sweatpants and calling it a night. (Though I’m sure it also helped that they didn’t make hoodies during the 1940′s.) She had something to say, either through her paintings or her clothing, and she wanted people to know it.

Frida had many different elements to her style, from milkmaid braids and flowers, shawls and scarves, chunky jewelry and long, long skirts (to disguise her legs).  It didn’t all mesh together perfectly, but it’s what she liked and it worked.

What I love most about Frida’s personal style is that, despite it all, she really was a lot like the rest of us. She knew what she liked and what she didn’t like about herself and dressed to accentuate the good and camouflage the bad. Got a bigger tummy?  Wear a more flowy top.  Tiny boobs?  Push-up bra.  Deformed leg from Polio? Maxi skirt.  I know you do it. I do it.  Frida did it.  Cleopatra probably did it.  Trends come and go, but dressing so you’re comfortable is one fashion ‘do’ that will last forever.

Dress, Turquoise ring, Silver ring, Shoes, Headband, Scarf

The maxi-dress is something you’d see Frida wear for reasons previously mentioned, but you don’t have to have awkward legs to rock a maxi-dress.  It’s perfect for the end of summer weather, especially if you add the scarf (or shawl, however you prefer it) to warm up the look on the chillier nights.  And if you want to keep the look a little more relaxed and chill (it is the end of summer, after all) a pair of flat sandals are a comfortable alternative to wedges or heels (and I’m just loving the more ethnic vibe!).

As for accessories, the chunky rings work better instead of a big necklace, which would conflict with the scarf (too many neck accessories = no-no).  And when it comes to your hair, if milkmaid braids aren’t your thing, Frida wore flowers too.  A simple headband with a flower attached is just enough to channel Frida and add an extra splash to the overall look.

Now just let me reiterate one last time: tweezers are your friend. A unibrow is not an accessory you want to rock.

What’s the one thing you should have in your closet before moving to school?  It’s definitely not a pair of sweats or an oversized tee. But, if you do it right, this very special wardrobe essential can feel just as good.

I’m talking about the cotton dress. The kind of dress you can put on no matter how many pints of Ben & Jerry’s you ate last night and still look like a million bucks, without sacrificing comfort.  This dress is ESSENTIAL for college life.  It can be dressed up with your hottest pair of heels, or dressed down with a pair of flip flops or flats.  Really, it should be called the Endless Opportunities Dress.

If I haven’t sold it enough already, think about this:  Maybe you start to put on some frosh 15 and the band of your kind-of-tight-pre-college skinny jeans are cutting into your flesh.  While you could look like a schlump in a pair of sweatpants with your school team stamped across your tush, you could INSTEAD slip on this dress, a pair of leggings and some cute boots, and look and feel super hot.  Yes, this dress is that amazing.  And the absolute best part? The cotton or jersey material making up these frocks makes them super comfy AND easy to wash.  Which, once you’re doing your own laundry, is a definite MUST.

Word on the runway is the color for summer is turquoise. Yay! I am more than happy about this fate. Turquoise looks so glamorous with glowing skin and a mojito. And something else I’ve noticed about the color? The exotic hue never looks cheap, not even when you’re loading up on it for under $20.

Although I’m obsessed with this color yum-yum, I barely have any of it in my closet, so this summer is a perfect time to start weeding out the black and letting the turquoise shine.  Here’s a jump start to a closet full of the color of the summer:

This bag is full of chic and sauciness.  I definitely think it is too good of a deal to pass up and not fill is with tampons and lip gloss your own touch of style.

Like Kate Hudson, I love my bohemian. And nothing goes better with it than turquoise. I can’t believe this gorgeous top is under $20. It looks like the cool, airy blouse Ms. Hudson would have picked up at some expensive boutique in Hollywood.

Terry cloth and summer are BFFs like PB and J or Blair and Serena.  And as the sun sinks beyond the horizon and you are chilly and sunburned, this vibrant zip-up will be a perfect fit for the occasion.

Uh, my favorite color and my favorite on-screen boyfriend? Sign. me. up.

Officially obsessed. Can you believe these adorable jeans are only 19.99?! It’s the find of a lifetime! For all of those summer nights out in the town, pair these with a white tee and some coral jewelry and you have yourself a night.

Ok, drum roll please. This dress is…. from Walmart.  OK, one more drum roll… It’s $12.99. Two things I thought I would never say about a to-die-for maxi dress.  It’s also slimming and incredibly comfortable. Perfect for a beach day or happy hour with the besties.

I like the embroidery. I like the turquoise. I like the cut. I like the skinny rope tie. I like imagining myself wearing this at a picnic with my former crush from Rhetoric class, with a bottle of wine and grapes cute pair of studded sandals. Moral of the story? There is nothing not to like.

This casual summer scarf is detailed and spicy. Click on the link and see how intricate the design and tassels are. It really does not look its modest price at $8.80.

Side Note: The color coral mixes with turquoise as harmoniously as Sunny and Cher. Time to get accessorizing!

By now, everyone is looking forward to the summer. Thoughts of a pool, a raft and a cold beer are about the only things getting us through the hell that is finals week. But while I love me some summer sundresses and the prospect of a steamy summer fling, summer isn’t all rainbows and butterflies for me. Yes, this whiny girl with a Jew-fro has a bit of a bone to pick with summer.

Actually, I’ve got ten bones to pick. Not that I really understand what that little phrase means anyway. It’s sorta gross, right? Picking bones? All I can think about is that graveyard the hyenas hung out at in The Lion King.

Anyways, back to the list:

10. It’s really hot
Great for a day at the beach, not great for a day in New York City when you’re running late to your internship and have to stand in a 100 degree subway station (that always smells like pee) with zero breeze and you can feel the sweat start pooling on the back of your neck and between your boobs. By the time you get to work, your armpits are completely soaked through and you have to manually pull your thighs apart as they have molded into one thunder-thigh on the train.

9. It’s really humid
I don’t know about you, but my Jewish hair gets along with humidity much like Spencer Pratt gets along with anyone. Now that I think about it, Spencer Pratt’s hair might have the same issue.

8. Cars are HOT
You know that moment when you’ve taken a bite of pizza and as it hits/melts the roof of your mouth you realize, a little too late, that it’s really effing hot? Yeah, that’s about the same feeling as getting into a car that’s been sitting in the summer sun for awhile.

7. There’s no good TV on anymore
Every show worth watching (or at least scripted shows that you’re not embarrassed to tell the boy you have a crush on about) ends in the next 3 weeks. 30 Rock, Modern Family, Glee, The Pacific (if you haven’t been watching this mini-series on HBO, watch it OnDemand now!), Gossip Girl…. And what are we left with over the summer? Sunset Daze and Dance Your Ass Off?

6. Two words: bathing suits
Vom.

5. Sunscreen in my eye
It doesn’t matter how careful I am, I have not gone a week in the summer without getting sunscreen in my eye. And that sh*t BURNS. Oh my god, how it burns.

4. I spend all of my money
There’s something about a beautiful, sunny day that just makes me want to shop, shop, shop. (Perhaps it’s the promise of A/C in the store?) And if I’m not shopping, I have a hard time turning down al fresco dining or drinking. All lovely activities, until I realize all that hard-earned summer cash is gone, gone, gone.

3. My friends are not with me
My best friends are from everywhere from California to Boston…. and that’s where they returned to this summer.

2. But my annoying, overbearing parents are.
As are my 2 older brothers who still find “pull my finger” and “throw Lauren over the couch” funny.

1. Skin, skin, skin
Sure all the shorts, mini-dresses, bathing suits and tank tops are totes cute, but with that cuteness comes a whole lot of shaving and waxing. And more shaving. And more waxing. And a lot of cellulite exposed. Thank god for maxi-dresses, am I right?

Baby’s got back my friends. And by baby I mean the term of endearment I now use to call all of these amazingly sexy dresses. This summer, dresses with some sort of fun/sexy back detailing or cut-out are all over the place. Sure you might think that cleavage is where it’s at, but when you think about it these dresses make total sense.

Enter Exhibit A: You see cute guy at the bar, from the front you look put together, sophisticated and classy – the girl you can take home to mom. Then – BOOM – you turn around to walk away and there is one (sexy) party going on with your back. Va va va voom! Business in the front, party in the back doesn’t just apply to mullets anymore, ladies.

Here are some of my favorite options for summer and the back details mean you don’t need much else (except a great back workout!). A fun bracelet, a simple purse and shoe, and off you go. Oh, and the best part: Since you want to show off the back there’s no need to waste time straightening your hair in the humidity (we all know how that ends up). Just throw it back in a sleek bun or try a low side pony. Sounds like the perfect excuse for a simple ‘do to me.

[Click on the image for all the shopping details.]

Urban Outfitters, $58

Lulus.com, $33

Urban Outfitters, $58

Lulus.com, $36

Forever 21, $29.80

Victoria’s Secret, $88

Urban Outfitters, $58

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2010/05/14/budget-stylista-business-in-the-front-party-in-the-back/feed/ 10 Jill - University of Wisconsin back 4 back 1 back 7 back 2 back 3 back 4 back 5 back 6 http://collegecandy.com/2010/04/30/budget-stylista-4-dresses-to-get-you-through-the-summer/ http://collegecandy.com/2010/04/30/budget-stylista-4-dresses-to-get-you-through-the-summer/#comments Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:00:45 +0000 Jill - University of Wisconsin http://collegecandy.com/?p=60016 ]]>

If there’s three things you need for summer it’s a cute sundress, a great sandal, and a cute tote. Luckily, I’ve got you covered with four (yes four!) stellar options. From solid to floral, long to short, summer time lends itself to great dresses for all occasions.

And the best news is – they’re a go for any event. Swap the sandals for stilettos and the totes for a totes cute clutch and you’re ready to go from beach/street fair/day drinking to dinner/karaoke bar/night drinking.

So get those closets (and sunscreen ready!). It’s dress season, bitches!

Bright Dress:
Pink and silver is such a cute combo for summer. There’s something about the silver that just jazzes everything up. I’m loving this look over a cute swimsuit for a day at the beach, or for fro yo and window shopping on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Product Information: Dress – Lulus.com, $36; Sandals – Forever 21, $10.80; Tote – Target, $15.

Floral Dress
Love the vintage feel with the Forever 21 price tag! And thanks to that gorgeous print, you don’t need much to accessorize; sandals, a fun bag and some vintage sunglasses will do. This look is perfect for a Sunday brunch outside. Nothing says summer more than pancakes, iced coffee, a porch and a fabulous yet comfy sundress.

Product Information: Dress – Forever 21, $19.80; Sandals – Lulus.com, $18; Sunglasses – Forever 21, $5.80; Tote – Forever 21, $24.80.

Strapless Dress
The perfect day-to-night ensemble. Throw a black tank under in the day to dress it down even more, and pair with with a cool leather jacket on a cooler summer night. All around greatness.

Product Information: Dress - Nordstrom, $44.50; Bag – Lulus.com, $42; Sandals - Old Navy, $9.50.

Long Dress
For the days you feel like you should look cute but don’t want to put in any effort (read: shave your legs), throw on this tribal look, pull your hair back and look instantly put together.

Product Information: Dress – Charlotte Russe, $28; Sandals – Old Navy, $19.50; Straw Bag – DSW, $34.95.

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First the maxi dress, now maxi skirts?

So, long skirts were in style at some point in the last 5 years and you somehow have, like, 12 taking up space in the back of your closet. You’re obvi more into the show-off-your-legs kinda skirts these days, but you can’t bear to part with them. You don’t have to – in fact, they could be the most versatile pieces in your entire wardrobe!

Did you know that your skirt is not just a skirt? That’s right, a long skirt doubles as a strapless top or even as a dress! Stop wasting money buying new things when you have plenty to work with already. And in a variety of ways!

A skirt that has an elastic waistband can easily be worn as a dress or top. If you think the silhouette looks a little too funky, add a belt at your waist to pull it together. Accessorize with long necklaces and a killer pair of shoes, and you’re ready to go.

Here are three outfit ideas:

A skirt that is longer than 30 inches in length is similar to a mini dress. That means you can wear it as a top with jeans or as a dress with tights or bare legs. Cinch the look with a belt to make the fact that it’s a skirt less noticeable.

Athletica Narsara Skirt $59
Arden B Double Pull Through Belt $19.50

For skirts that are shorter (25 inches), you can wear them as a top with jeans.  Just remember: since skirts aren’t form fitting, make sure to pair them with a pair of skinnier jeans to prevent looking dowdy or worse, pregnant. Jazz up the look with a sparkly necklace!

LA Made Skirt from Urban Minx $39
Forever 21 Leslie Frayed Skinny Jeans $29.80
Guess by Marciano Carla Chain Necklace $48

You can also experiment with pulling skirts up a bit and pairing them with a tucked in basic tank and a funky belt for the shape and style of a mini/maxi dress.

Just block off some time, dive into that closet and start playing around! You will definitely discover looks with your old skirts that you never thought possible.

For more fashion tips, follow me on Twitter or read my blog.