It’s a sweltering summer day and you’ve got some errands to run. Your kids have a play date at the park, you’ve got a lunch date with the girls, some shopping of course, and then a romantic dinner by the water. You swing open the doors of your closet and the last thing you want to step into is your tight jeans — just then you make eye contact with your maxi dress and it beckons to be worn… you happily oblige. It’s cool, sexy, flowing and versatile for all of your errands and dates for the day!

how to wear a floral patterned maxi
A floral patterned maxi dress alone is perfect for a hot summer day when all you want is one, long, flowing piece to make up your entire outfit. When choosing a patterned maxi, don’t overdo it with tons of jewelry. Opt for simple, hanging earrings. You can also ‘accessorize’ with your hair. Pamper your locks with rollers, hot or velcro (which Jean swears by), to get those oh so fabulous grecian goddess tendrils. It will fall beautifully with the free-spirited flow and pattern of the dress. If it’s too hot out, you can opt for a loosely coiled bun or simple low side pony.

the transformable nature of the maxi
If you decide to wear your maxi into the night, trade those flip flops for a sexier, strappy gladiator sandal and you’ll be ready to come off the beach and saunter into a romantically candle lit cafe. A belt doesn’t necessarily make your maxi day or night time worthy, but it will refresh the outfit and accentuate different aspects of the dress. Enhance a simple, solid colored maxi with a woven leather or suede belt right under the bust or loosely draped around the hips. If your maxi has gathers around the waist or underneath the bust then that’s where your belt should go. If your maxi has lots of ornamental details, a busy pattern or lots of layering and gathering then a belt is a no-no; you don’t want to wear your entire wardrobe. Finally, add a simple cuff bracelet, to top off the look.

waistlines, shoes and panties, oh my!
While some maxi’s gather under the bust or at the waistline to accentuate a curvy waist or create a waistline, other maxis shoot straight down to accentuate a thinner frame. For those maxis that are long enough to gracefully sweep the floor (creating a game of hide and seek with whatever fabulous shoes you have chosen to wear) opt for a sexy, simple gladiator sandal that contrasts the full coverage of the dress. For a shorter maxi, an open, sexy shoe will do the trick as well because you don’t want to cut off the length of the leg. Another maxi dress necessity is seamless underwear that won’t interrupt the cascading and sometimes clingy drapery of the dress. A visible panty line may distract onlookers when they should really be focussing on the outfit as a whole. Top off the look with a unique cuff bracelet.

Keep in mind, your maxi doesn’t have to max you out!!
From Gap to Missoni, this summer promises to maximize the availability of maxi dresses!

Today’s the day, the day he gets to show off his mom to the world. The kids at school have been preparing for this celebration for over a week, and he can’t wait to share it with you. In his eyes it doesn’t really matter what you wear, but we think you should knock his socks off. After all, it’s a special day … A Mother’s Day Tea. Play up your feminine side, wear a dress or a skirt. He probably sees you in jeans or work clothes most of the time, so enhance your “tea party” look with the more feminine and dainty pieces from your wardrobe. A wrap dress in a pretty spring color, or a floral skirt will be sure to do the trick. Pair the look with patent pumps and shoulder bag to add some flair. The jewelry should either be delicate, or something he has given you or made for you. Stay away from anything too sexy, keep it elegant and appropriate. It’s your day, so enjoy being pampered, because tomorrow he’ll be back to shooting you with his water gun, and sticking goldfish up his nose. Happy Mother’s Day!!

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You’ve been cooped up all winter long, and now have severe spring fever. You can feel it, the bright sun beaming through your window on Saturday morning. It’s so inviting that you actually hop out of bed on the one day you get to sleep in. You fling open the window to let the fresh air in. Duke jumps up on the window sill wagging his tail, practically begging for a long walk! What better way to start off this beautiful day than a walk in the park with your old friend. You figure, a walk will probably lead to lunch with friends. So, while you want to be comfortable, you don’t want to look sloppy. First, you throw on a pair of comfy sport pants that don’t look ratty. Then, your favorite tee. Be sure to throw on a sweater over your tee, because there is still a morning chill in the air. It will also make the outfit look polished, and appropriate for lunch. Finish the look off with a fun pair of sneaks, and classic sunglasses. You’re done! Grab his leash, a poopy bag, and enough money for lunch. Drink this day in, it will replenish your spirit.

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