We’ve all heard how popular maxi dresses are right now. Everywhere you look, people are writing about how to wear them. So, why is it that every time I try one on - I feel like I’m wearing a nightgown? It always seemed to be too much fabric for me to manage, I was practically sweeping the floor as I walked across it. At first I thought I was too short to carry off the trend, but as I watched other women wearing the maxi, I began to question who they are actually built for? They look smashing on the tall lean girls of the world, but where does that leave the rest of us? They have been promoted as the dress that is built for all body types, but we’re not convinced. I’m not completely panning the maxi dress, because it has its positives too. For starters, it’s really comfortable and easy to throw on. On the right person, it’s a seriously chic look. How many of you out there have a hard time making the maxi work? If you can make it work, please tell us how. Send us a photo of yourself making maxi magic, and you could be the topic of a post!

The skirt to have for Fall has a sassy silhouette. It’s full but fitted at the waist, enhancing our womanly curves. It’s a skirt that you’ll feel confident and comfortable in all day long. It looks great with opaque stockings, ankle boots, tall boots, or even ballet flats. The best part about this skirt is it’s flexibility. You can dress it up with a silk blouse or throw a belted cardigan on for a more casual feel. If you’ve got great stems, go for it in a mini. If you’re not as confident about your legs, choose a knee length version. It will come in all sorts of fabrics for fall, but we’re loving it in a tweed. Tweed is a substantial fabric that captures the feeling of Fall. Go grab your Fall skirt before they all sold out!

Fall skirts and more in this observation:

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He refers to himself as “an outsider artist”, but I think he’s the purest form of an artist that there is. Jordan Betten may not have any formal training, but his absorption of life and all the characters in it helped him find an outlet in his raw talent. It’s his experiences that have given his art existence, and the utter reveal of his core in his work has brought him great success. The free-spirits of the world were among the first to feel the magnetizing nature of his designs. So, it’s no surprise that the Rock & Roll culture loves his stuff. Jordan has created a label that is perfectly suited for some of your favorite bands. Lost Art is sexy, earthy, edgy, and cool. When you look at his work, you become intent on seeing more. It is soon obvious that you’re seeing more than Jordan’s art, and for a moment you’re a voyeur looking into his soul. That is the kind of experience you only get when someone becomes one with their craft. You may be wondering how you can become part of the magic that he creates… grab one of his T-shirts or Tank tops. That way, his art can serve as an inspiration to you daily.

You’ve got another party to go to, and you’ve run out of Summer ideas. Don’t be afraid to pull out your favorite black dress. The way to work a black dress into Summer style is with accessories. Go for a Grecian sun-kissed look. Black will simply glow with brushed gold accents. Pull your hair up with modern edge, and now this dress works from the suburbs to the city. Another way to dress your black dress for Summer is to kick it up with some color. Bring the color of the sea to the dress by popping on some refined turquoise earrings. Mix pieces of white and gold in for a polished look. A creamy white clutch will give it an elegant summer edge. Pull your curled hair back loosely so the pieces fall gracefully from your face. You’ll be relaxed and refined, and people will naturally be drawn to you. It’s not always about buying something new to wear. Sometimes it’s about redefining what you already have.

2 examples in this observation:

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At first, I was speechless. Now, I’m wondering what designers were thinking when they designed the high-waisted skintight short shorts. There are very few woman who can wear them, and millions who really shouldn’t wear them. A basic rule of thumb is, if it looks bad on the model then it probably won’t make you look great either. I actually like a high-waist. I think it accentuates curves, and emphasizes one of the best parts of the female body. However, it doesn’t have the same appeal when it’s paired with a tight short. It goes from elegant to trashy in an instant. The proportion of a high-waist should be paired with a wide leg pant, because it makes the waist look even smaller. The shorts emphasize the widest part of a woman’s leg, and because they are so tight they cut into the skin making the leg appear fatter than they actually are. So, I’m back to my original question… what were designers thinking? Let me know what your thoughts are, and point out if I’m way off base with my assessment. How many of you would embrace this look?

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We’ve all been there, too busy to get dolled up after we hit the gym. So, how do we do it without looking a mess? Easy… plan ahead. Pack a bag with a fresh pullover or wrap shirt, include some flip-flops, so you can get out of your sweaty sneaks, face wash, and your favorite make-up. Don’t go overboard with the make-up, you want to look sporty. Remember to choose pieces that dry easily and quickly. Wear sleek bottoms that work as well outside the gym as they do in. Or, you could always change into a pair after the workout. With all the new yoga clothing out there, you’re bound to find a perfect pair. Toss your hair back in a low pony-tail, throw on some shades, and you’re good to go - for a few hours anyway.

gym clothes in this observation:

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1. The Slouchy Boot
This sexy style boot looks great going into fall. Tuck in a pair of jeans, and throw on a long cardigan and you’re understated gorgeous.

2. Patent Leather
No need to put away your patent leather from spring, unless it’s in a spring color. Designers are shining up wool and cashmere with a pop of patent for fall.

3. Leather Bomber Jacket
The leather bomber jacket is also going strong into the fall. It will look great with a pair of jeans, a tee, wrapped with a scarf.

4. Ruffles
Ruffles remain! A ruffle top will look great under your leather bomber, or a long cardigan. Pair it with skinny jeans, some slouchy boots, and you’re on it!

5. Skinny Jeans
At times we all wish the skinny jean would go away, but you’ll be glad they’re around when it’s time to tuck them into your tall boots. So, don’t burn them yet!

6. The Clutch
Clutch it, because it’s clearly a trend that’s going to stick.

7. A Long Cardigan
It’s an easy style that’s low key and can work over anything. We’re seeing it well into fall. It looks great over jeans, or belted over a dress.

Happy Fourth of July! Before you rush out to the BBQ, think about what you’re going to wear. Today is the day to whip out your red, white, and blue. As well as your stars and stripes, in favor of our country. Show flag colors on top, supported by some All-American Levi’s on bottom. Mix that with a celebratory star quilted bag, and classic Ray-Bans. While you’re certainly not looking like you’re at a costume party, you do look festive! Have fun today, enjoy the fireworks, and belt out “Born in the USA” with the Boss!!

patriotic items in this observation:

It’s time to accessorize those bright, bold items in your closet - this is your mix and match challenge! Now, don’t get overly excited and leave the house looking like you just played dress up with a trunk of grandma’s old clothes! Instead, walk out looking like you rose to the challenge of coordinating a well-rounded look. It’s not necessary to match exact colors and fabrics or textures, but rather try to think of an outfit as artwork - giving yourself the opportunity to create a piece, which emphasizes colors and textures that compliment each other. With this outfit, suede grey pumps and a red jersey dress happen to look fabulous together. Choose a clutch that is somewhere in the middle - like the detailed, grey one here with slight red undertones. Mix up jewelry, but stay within one ‘family’ - so if you are going to go with varied textures - romantic script on a cuff, a smooth, simple ring, bumpy bangles, and tiny, yet bold earrings, stay with all gold. Finally, top it off with some oversized shades that are in the same color family as the greys and browns and… Bam! You have just used clothing as your medium to create a well-rounded outfit full of complimenting texture and color!

mixed and matched items in this observation:

Don’t let the placid, gray undertones of this outfit fool you, there is nothing quiet about this ensemble (although it is quite mysterious and intriguing!) Wear this type of outfit when you feel like being a mystery - when you wanna be that gal who looks like she just threw together the most perfect outfit in less than a minute - the woman that everyone would love to watch get ready in the morning. This season’s jumpsuit is a little intimidating, but if you compliment it with just the right pieces then you are looking at an outfit sent from heaven. Pop on some vintage inspired shades, that will add to your unique and mysterious presence. Fill up a soft, piglet-pink, feminine hobo, and slide your feet into a pair of darling shoes, topped off with a giant statement bow. Finish off the look with an “I just don’t care” toss of the scarf around your neck. These scarves look best when they’re messy and tangled.

Voila! You are a mystery girl with an eye-catching, minute-made outfit, or at least they’ll think it only took a minute!

mysterious items in this observation: