Not Just for the Hippies...

There are two things that you may or may not know about me - I adore maxi dresses and I am always cold.  This slight obsession of mine has left me a closet full of dresses and not much else.  I still don't own the essential pair of white jeans, but I have the perfect maxi to wear to the playground, to a concert... even for an elegant evening out.

My biggest problem - what to wear on top.  Unfortunately I don't wear my maxis as much as I should because I am always cold and seriously lacking in the cute topper department.  Yes, I can wear my jean jacket.  Yes, I can wear my shrunken navy blazer or a colorful cardi.  But, I would like to step it up.  I want to give my dresses a little more style and personality.

What I have found is that it might not be as hard as I thought...

Take a peek at my new favorite ensemble...  this dress is from Zara.  I absolutely love it, but it is a wee bit sheer (hence the $90 price tag).

Zara Long Printed Dress

It's perfect for a dinner or possibly a wedding, and I have the perfect jacket...

A&F Libby Jacket

Yes, this is from Abercrombie & Fitch.  This is what happens when both your sister and sister-in-law work for the company.   I have visited the store much more often lately... Anywho, this jacket is super cute and very lightweight.

I am also newly obsessed with this jacket from Zara.  I do not own it, but I would like to...  I love the shape of the jacket and the casual feel would be perfect to dress down a more formal maxi.

Zara Studded Jacket with Pockets

I would wear it with a voluminous maxi to give it more shape - just like this dress from J.Crew.  Yards and yards of silk... the drape is amazing.

J. Crew Silk Maxidress

And speaking of structure, this coat from Club Monaco is gorgeous.  

Club Monaco Erica Jacket

I would pair this with a long slim-fitting maxi.  I love the idea of mixing this chic and sophisticated jacket with a boho tie-dye dress...

Young Fabulous & Broke Aphrodite Maxi

The only thing maxis don't go with... rain.  Too bad it is pouring today.

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                              - Allison               

*Photos courtesy of zara.com, abercrombie.com, jcrew.com, clubmonaco.com and shopbop.com.

NYFW: Lesson 2

Skirts and sweaters.  To be even more specific, pencil skirts and slightly oversized or chunky knit sweaters.  We all own them, we just don't have many ways to wear them.  It is hard to disassociate the pencil skirt from the corporate image and therefore they sit in our closet and get pulled out to wear to work... usually with the same blouse or jacket.  And I know those larger, bulkier sweaters tend to be saved for skinny jeans and snow boots.  So (straight from NYFW) a few new ways to put these underused pieces to work.

Remember that we are not going for Mad Men secretary look... i.e. the fitted sweater and skirt.  To keep this ensemble thoroughly modern, pair chunkier slightly larger sweaters with a fitted pencil skirt (*the bigger the sweater, the slimmer the skirt).  A model might be able to pull off baggy on top and bottom, but it doesn't always play out as well on the street. If you are feeling that you need a bit more shape, belt the sweater.  Do keep in mind that a chunkier sweaters may need a slightly heaver/wider belt.


For those of you with maxi skirts and dresses dying to be worn (especially when you get sick and tired of your jeans)... add a sweater and go.  With the longer length of the skirt, slimmer (i.e. not as wide) sweaters (they can still be long) work better.  Cropped sweaters or hip length also work well... it is all about experimenting until it pleases your eye.  The key with the maxi skirt is to make sure that the look skims your body (fitted on top, belted, etc)... you don't want to look like a blob.  Got it?!

Here are some looks straight from the runway to give you some ideas...

Theyskens' Theory

Rachel Comey

Tibi

Derek Lam

Timo Weiland

Carolina Hererra

I attempted my own skirt and sweater looks from what is already in my closet...

J.Crew black pencil skirt and platform pumps.  Forever 21 sweater.

Anthropologie skirt and Club Monaco sweater.

                                         - Allison

*Photos courtesy of nymag.com.

The First of the Fall Trends

I completely loved being a guest stylist at Neiman Marcus this past weekend.  Not only was it very exciting and a lot fun, but it also forced me to really narrow down my top picks for fall.  At the beginning of every season, I love everything.  I like to imagine how and where I would wear the various trends, until I come back to reality and realize that most of the gorgeous clothing available would not fit into my lifestyle.  This usually happens midway through the season... after I have either bought and returned half of my wardrobe, or ended up with pieces that just don't get worn.  I never thought that this event would be so helpful for me, personally!

The Wednesday before the event, I scoured Neiman's contemporary department with my rolling rack for about two hours.  After lots of contemplating, I came to the conclusion that there are about ten trends that are worth considering this fall.  Some can be combined, other's you may have covered or not be interested in this year.  I will discuss them all and let you decide.  For the sake of time, I will touch on all in the next couple of weeks.  Today, I would like you to consider one of my favorite looks... the maxi dress.

Many of you will remember that I have been taken with the maxi dress since earlier the spring.  When I saw this trend carried on through the fall (and even next spring), I jumped for joy.  I feel that the maxi (dress or skirt) is so easy to wear.  I liken it to putting on my yoga pants everyday... I slip one on in the morning, grab my flip flops or ankle booties and I am ready to go.  Granted, if you are heading to the playground or a conservative office, this may not be the ideal piece of clothing, but believe me it will take you far.  Oh, and I forgot to mention that the long line of the maxi will help lengthen you while disguising any problem areas (just play up your assets).

The beauty of some of my favorite maxi's this season (so far) is the drama and versatility that they possess. For example, I could put the dress on in the morning with my worn out leather belt, a pair of Frye booties... maybe add my fur vest if it is chilly.  At night, I would wear the same dress with a pair of gorgeous earrings, a fab ring and maybe a pair of platform booties or heels... maybe python, maybe something in color, or just basic black (depends on my mood).  Either way, it is a killer look!

I would literally die to own all of the dresses below... cut beautifully and understated enough to allow you to "play"!

Theyskens' Theory Long Silk Gown... I think the picture says it all... fabulous!

Sachin + Babi Vanessa Silk Gown... this is the one that I used at Neiman's!  I die!

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Bound Corset Maxi Dress... I love the simplicity of this dress.  It comes in 4 different colors, and I would like them all!

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Decollete Bias Maxi Dress... I have this dress in a green floral.  It fits beautifully.  I am dying to wear it with some sort of cozy black sweater... I just haven't found the right one yet.  I will keep you posted!

Your mission this week is to find your perfect maxi dress.  Happy shopping!

                                           - Allison

*Photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com and cynthiavincent.net.

Oh Là Là... the Color!

The Jil Sander Spring 2011 collection has quite possibly been the most photographed assortment of clothing that I have seen in a long time.  Why?  Because it is so refreshing!  Raf Simons, the designer behind the label, played with color, proportion, unexpected combinations and touched on just about all of the trends for the season... a-mah-zing!!!  When I think of this line, I keep hearing Bethenny Frankel... "go big or go home" and that is just what Simon did, literally!  There was no holding back and it is a good thing.  If he had second-guessed himself at all, we would not be able to drool over such a fabulous clothing!

I find this line very inspiring this season.  Especially now, as the weather really starts to change.  The temps are climbing, the flowers and trees (including my beautiful magnolia tree) are blooming, the vibrant blue skies are gorgeous... Spring is in all of it's glory.  This always reinvigorates me!  All, I want to do is get dressed up in beautiful clothing, especially long flowing dresses and skirts!  After several seasons of loading on jewelry, embellished tee's, and metallic everything... this is a much needed breath of fresh air.  Instead of loading on the jewelry or other embellishments, the color and the major pieces of clothing are the only statements needed (plus a pop on the lips)!  The original Jil Sander started her line based on minimalism and understated elegance, and Simons has stayed true to her aesthetic while also keeping the look very modern and "of the moment".

Most of us can't afford to buy this look exactly as it was shown on the runway, but we can at least try to replicate the feeling of line... maybe use some of the ideas to easily update our look this spring/summer.  Most notable to the collection is the use of color - wearing and mixing & matching bright colors -  and major skirts & dresses that make a statement.  Add a bold coat, dress, skirt to the neutrals that you already have in your closet.  If that is too much color, try a bright bag, belt or colorful shoes.  And, if you are more daring, play with your hemlines.  Indulge in a maxi dress or skirt... remember that it is all about your own personal taste and lifestyle.  A maxi does not have to hit the floor.  It can be ankle-length and worn with flip flops or motorcycle boots.  Or, you can it up with wedges or a cool platform heel.

Most importantly, have some fun with your clothing... it shouldn't be a chore!

                                        - Allison

*Photos courtesy of style.com.

Going to New Lengths

There is a certain skirt that I have been completely obsessed with since I first saw the Tory Burch Resort preview last summer.  It is a beautiful blue chiffon skirt with an Indian print... it is perfect and brings out my inner hippie (I will wear it and listen to the Dead - reliving the memories of the one & only Grateful Dead concert that I was able to attend)!  There is one problem, though, it is a maxi skirt... a floor grazing maxi skirt!  The question being, how and when am I ever going to wear this skirt that I have been drooling over for the last 6 months!

First of all, it is January.  It has been snowing every other day... the snow from right after Christmas still has not melted.  It isn't like I can wear the skirt while I am scraping off my car, or better yet, when I have to trudge through a slush covered parking lot.  So is it worth the purchase?  Well, in a couple of months the snow will melt, the temps will rise and it would look really pretty with a couple of layers and some boots... it would also look awesome with just a white tank and flip flops... Oh, and if I ever go to a party or to some exotic locale, it would absolutely perfect to wear!

So, my question to you... will you adopt the new length this spring?  Maxi dresses and skirts are everywhere - part of the 70's invasion!  We have been bombarded lately with all of the different ways to
wear them now and how to wear them later, but is it really practical?  Maybe if you live in LA or Miami, but for the rest of us?  The other problem is that trying to accomplish your daily errands or while you race to catch the train or subway, this might not be the best piece of clothing to wear... but, if you save this look for a lazy day, a party or just when you want to feel pretty, it might just work!

My advice to you, don't dismiss this trend until you give it some thought.  There are so many different styles available right now, you will probably find something that is perfect for you and your lifestyle!

                 - Allison

*Photos courtesy of toryburch.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, neimanmarcus.com & saksfifthavenue.com