Several trends stole the spotlight and cluttered our closets this summer. Some were great and others were…cringe-worthy and I’ll-regret-looking-at-that-photo-by-2012. That’s why it’s time to clean house and get ready for fall.

As you’re prepping your closet for the new crisp weather, here are five summer looks to say “no” to this fall. Read More »

In this part of the country (Chicago) It’s been hot in herre. Cue Nelly.

And the last thing I have the energy to do when it’s this hot is think about an outfit that makes me look hot, but feel cool. The Maxi Dress is always the best option for a summer wardrobe — it has versatility, style, and a breeze drifting up the skirt! Bonus Points! This season, there are countless styles of the maxi — from one shouldered to strapless, florals to bold prints, light weight materials (think gauze) to dressier materials you could rock at a family wedding…there is a maxi for every occasion!

So your trusty Budget Stylista- (cough cough, moi) rounded up 10 of the best, most affordable maxi dresses out there. So no matter what your occasion, I’ve taken the thinking out of it. Wake up, throw on, add an accessory and off you go.

I’m like your maxi dress fairy godmother.

Bibbity. Bobbity. Boop!

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: Read More »

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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! Read More »

Maxi dresses are everywhere and are not only super cute and stylish (in that boho kinda way), but they’re a perfect look for everything from shopping, museum hopping, or BBQing in the park, to a glamorous evening on the town. And all you need are a few quick changes.

You can find maxi dresses in all sorts of price ranges, but if you’re looking for less expensive versions, your best bets are Target , Wet Seal ,Charlotte Russe or Forever 21.  I love the colors and style of this dress, and the halter style works well for those of us who are on the bustier side (I would also recommend wearing a tank or a tube top underneath if you’re not wanting to Leave it to Cleavage).

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