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!

It looks as though the headband trend is making a resurgence! No surprise given that it goes perfectly with the of the moment bohemian style. It’s an earthy, yet urban, way to wear your hair. It’s reminiscent of the flower child of the 60’s, but modernized and glamorized. I have a feeling people either totally love these headbands or think they are completely awful. Personally, I am a huge fan. Similar to when the jumpsuit trend presented itself earlier this summer I’m sure some of you are saying, “are you kidding!”, but why not give it a try! The other fun thing about this hippy-like trend is the possible “do it yourself” factor. Head over to Michaels, A.C. Moore, or your local mom and pop fabric store, locate your favorite ribbon, lace, leather or elastic and a few bucks later bring home this stretch of wonderful headband-to-be and stitch it heavily where the ends meet. Even easier - simply knot it and, Viola! You’ve got yourself a headband! Now, the trick is to wear it out and keep it on your forehead all night. Pair this bandeaux trend with some comfy jeans and a peasant top for the ultimate laid back hippy look or you can opt for an Olsen type of feel by donning one of these with a boho chic ensemble or a goddess-like maxi gown. Other celebs that totally rock the bandeaux band - Mischa Barton, Molly Sims, Sienna Miller, and Nicole Richie.

free-spirited headgear in this observation:

Top Row:

Middle Row:

Bottom Row:

Is the sneaker wedge, in some odd way, the same as when peanut butter met chocolate? Am I missing some great combination, like the one that created the Reeses peanut butter cup? Although, chocolate and peanut butter I completely get. High heels on a sneaker… I simply don’t get it. I have tried very hard to understand the wedge sneaker, but have come up with nothing. I was under the impression that, for the most part, people wore sneakers for sport or comfort. Are the designers hoping it will be the most stylish and comfortable shoe out there? Or is it an attempt to be funky? And, is it funky? Or is it a shoe one of the slutty nurses at the nursing home would wear? And on that note, what nurse can afford Christian Louboutin? I would love feed back on this shoe, especially if you embrace the trend.

Every store you come across right now is having a major sale. I recently walked through one of the high end department stores, and it looked like it had been ransacked by thieves. There were racks and racks of messy clothing strewn throughout the store. Even the Chanel sale rack was a wreck. Who’s going to buy a Chanel dress (even on sale is $2300.00) that is stuffed onto a rack without any care for the article of clothing? The shoe department looked like a garbage truck had dumped piles of Choo’s and Manolo’s all over the place. It took my breath away, and I was completely turned off by the state of chaos. I’m not usually one to shy away from a sale, but there was a sense of desperation that was lacking in earlier years. It’s obviously a representation of the state of our economy, but I think the retail stores have it all wrong. If they really want to sell the merchandise, then they should do a better job with the presentation. Maybe they should hold back the pre-fall collections, and properly display the summer sale merchandise. That way, they may actually unload more and still provide the customer with a good shopping experience. What have you experienced in stores lately?

For the past few seasons I’ve walked through the doors at The Gap and felt pleasantly surprised. I was excited that they were finally starting to get it. Their pieces were classic while still managing to stay on trend. This season, I’m sadly disappointed. The colors for summer are dark and drab. The styles are back to boxy, and border on androgynous. Why? … I had just been to the Gap in April and the clothes were looking so good. The palette was pleasing, the styles were feminine, and the textures were soft. How did they go from that to dark purple and red plaid? I love the Gap, and usually find at least a couple of things, but this time I walked out empty handed. I spent a little time on their website today, and I was actually able to find a few things that could speak to us all. Let’s hope this is just the pre-season lull, and that they will be back on track soon. Come on Gap, we know you have it in you! You should represent the essence of American style.

Gap items that we observed and spoke to us (clockwise):

It’s no secret the symbolism that accompanies the image of the beautiful butterfly. I can’t help but stare in amazement as this stunning creature flitters past. It’s not just their fairy-tale like beauty that strikes me, it’s the the journey the butterfly has taken to emerge so glorious. It’s the hope we all have for ourselves, that when it’s all said and done we debut as a superb being. The butterfly signifies change, rebirth, growth, and grace. Designers have officially been pulled by the power of the butterfly. They are everywhere from hair pieces to jewelry, t-shirts to lavish dresses. This summer is the perfect time to grab onto the magic of the angelic butterfly. If you have an appreciation, then it will be a timeless piece that will never go out of style. Butterflies are always welcome in the fashion world.

butterflies in this observation:

Let’s play a little bit with color this summer. Bold colors have been everywhere all spring long, it’s no surprise it’s a trend that translates right into summer. A watch is great place to show some color and you don’t have to spend a lot of money either. Tons of companies have a bold colored watch in their collections. You can go ultra-feminine with a more delicate watch, or a sport watch in a big bold beautiful color. We love to see a brightly colored sports watch, because it’s a masculine watch in a feminine color. It becomes a more unexpected and intriguing piece. Grab a blue watch that’s the color of the summer sky. Or a yellow one that is as brilliant as the sun. There’s even candy colored pink, and tangerine orange. The colors are refreshing and completely cool for the summer. I’m considering the Gino Franco with the yellow band and the pink face. It’s like a combination of lemonade and pink grapefruit juice - love it!

watches in this observation:
1st Row:

2nd Row:

3rd Row:

Have the power of pearls caught our attention once again? Or is it just that Carrie Bradshaw wore them with almost everything in the new movie? I saw many different styles in Sex and the City, but only a few I felt I could realistically work with. One of those things was a single strand long pearl necklace. Aside from Chanel, we haven’t seen many long pearl necklaces since the 80’s. I think it may be time to revisit it. They’re glamorous, sexy, and very feminine. The new take on pearls is that they go with almost anything. In the movie, Carrie wore them with everything including her pajamas. I imagine the day when I can sit on a chaise lounge in my bedroom wearing silk pj’s with a long pearl necklace draped from my neck, but that image quickly gets squelched when my two boys come crashing into my room. Oh well! I will just have to think of other ways to embrace my new found love for perfectly pretty pearls. So, do we really think that one movie has the power to pull pearls out of the attic? Yes! This particular movie can take what once was considered a granny necklace to an edgy, but glorious place. That is the whole point of the styles in Sex and the City, to show us new ways of putting things together. It opens our eyes, and gives us a fresh take on fashion and style. The magic really happens when each one of us translates those ideas into our own personal style.

check out the Majorica extra long single strand 8mm pearl necklace @ Nordstrom

Embrace your femininity this summer by stepping out in ruffles! This girly embellishment enhances the look of any outfit.

Going to an event? Try a sexy, sophisticated puff dress with pleats, dramatic in color, texture and design. Pair a ruffled sensation like this with some basic, but edgy, pumps. The bag should compliment the edgy nature of the shoes.

Meeting the girls for a poolside brunch? Choose a loose, comfortable ruffled dress in neutral colors. This dip dyed silky dress is smooth to the touch and balanced with ruffles from front to back. (Dip dye & ruffles! How fun!) With its lightweight and flowing nature, any woman will feel comfortable and fashionable in a sexy and feminine piece like this. It also makes a sophisticated cover-up!

If you need to run some errands and pick up the kids, but you just can’t resist the urge to look really cute, then go for a basic but stylish look. (Don’t you always end up running into someone you know?) Pair some dark skinny shorts with a pastel colored, ruffled top, some ruffled sandals and your favorite leather tote. Pop on your favorite shades and you’ll be the talk of the town… Get going!

Enjoy a summer picnic in a sexy, ruffled, sleeveless halter top, and some plain white sateen shorts. This is how the city girl does a picnic - toss some white with her standard black. The keyhole in the back of this halter permits a peep of what lies beneath in a very classy manner. Compliment the black and white theme with some black and white peep toe espidrilles and a striped hobo. This outfit works well from day into night.

items in this observation (clockwise):

going to an event:

meeting the girls for brunch:

Running errands:

a Summer picnic:

Are you over the moon for stars?
Ever notice those fleeting fashion concepts? One month every woman’s got it on and the next month, that “it” thing makes itself comfortable in the back of your closet. The good thing about this month’s star trend is its impeccable timing with Memorial Day Weekend. You can be patriotic and fashion forward all at once. More importantly, we’re going to help you figure out a practical, affordable, and fashionable way to approach this shiny trend.

Over the top stars: If you want to grab on to this trend with full force, keep the price point on the low end. That way, when it’s out in a couple of months you won’t have buyers remorse. Check out the cute top from Asos. It makes a bold starry statement. Or give your stars a little color with a red strapless cotton dress. It’s a great piece for daytime or a family BBQ.

Subtle stars: Jewelry is an easy way to embrace this trend. Have the stars fall from your ears, cascade down your neck, or adorn your arm. A blouse with a subtle star print will keep you on trend, but will also stand the test of time. It’s a top that will always look great with jeans.

Funky stars: There are even stars out there for the edgy girls. Bring the stars over your knees with a fun pair of tights. Go for the gold with the YSL sandal. Or be mysterious with the Superfine tank, the stars have their eye on you with this one.

While this starry trend won’t be around for long, it’s certainly fun and oh so “au current!” So, grab a bit of it before it shoots away!

stars in this observation: