Maxi Strikes Again

Good news folks! I finally found my old point-and-shoot camera, so no more having to bug the roomie to take pics of me when I want to post. That means that I no longer have to feel narcissistic and annoying in order to procure photos for my blog, so I'll definitely be making more frequent blog posts!!

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Ok, so as you can see above, today's post features another maxi! This dress was an incredible find. It's the most comfortable stretch fabric, and while it is designed to be tight it isn't so clingy that it shows every little imperfection. The pattern is certainly outgoing - I mean, you're covering your entire body in leopard print - but the colors are warm and the overall effect isn't overwhelming. And the kicker? I got it at Dots on sale for what had to have been less than $15. Can't complain there!

I think one of my favorite things about this dress is simply the mixed message it sends. An aggressive print and a tight fit combined with a modest neckline, 3/4 length sleeves, and an ankle-length hem creates this everything yet nothing effect that I think gives the look a lot of its power.

When styling this maxi, I decided to go for a Rachel Zoe-esque over-accessorized feel. I chose 3 different gold tone necklaces (a shorter owl pendant, a mid-length chain with key charms, and a long single gold chain that used to be my grandmother's), a brown leather and zipper bracelet, 5 different animal-themed rings (a buck, 2 foxes, an owl, and a bunny), 2 of which I stacked on one finger, and a fedora purchased on South St. that I absolutely adore. Plus my Tahari sunglasses that just go with me everywhere at this point.

As you can see below, I have a huge obsession with all things related to woodland creatures. Who wouldn't want to wear cute little animal friends all over their fingers??

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For shoes, I opted for a heel despite the fact that the maxi is a little on the short side. I normally agree that a maxi's hem should just graze the floor, but with this look the high hem actually didn't bother me. I wore these super comfortable wooden and brown leather strappy chunky heels, and I enjoyed them being visible.

The visible heels

This is a look that is so easily replicated. You don't need a leopard print maxi to get this same kind of vibe going. Pair similar accessories with a tank and a pair of denim shorts and you'll still have a great semi-boho look. This one is simply dressed up, a little more chic. It can be dressed up or down depending on your comfort zone.

Coco Chanel may have said that a lady should remove one accessory before leaving the house, but sometimes you have to put one on instead.

On a slightly unrelated but colorful note, while it's not normally the kind of makeup I'd wear with this look, I already had on some pretty fantastic product by Urban Decay (their Electric Palette is fantastic) and couldn't bring myself to take it off for the shoot. The possibilities are endless!

COLOR ME HAPPY 

To sum: sometimes more is more.

~ Devin

Black & Gold to the Max

I can taste summer.

The sky is actually blue. It's humid. I don't wear a jacket. I smell grills. I unexpectedly get caught in the rain. I sweat. Roof decks. Dogs, everywhere.

Some of these are better than others. But a personal favorite of summertime arrivals is the beloved maxi dress. No matter how casual or dressed down they are, they are statement pieces. You notice a girl in a maxi dress. However, I'm finicky with my execution of them. I can appreciate the laid back chic of a grey cotton maxi with flat sandals and oversized black sunglasses, but that's not my style. If people are going to notice you, you might as well make people see something worthwhile.

That's where this maxi comes in. It's made by Guess, and I lucked out and found her at Gabriel Brothers for an extremely discounted price. Gabriel Brothers is a very large and impressively inexpensive chain of stores that stocks a large variety of clothing, shoes, and accessories, most of which are overstock or out of season items. It's far from a glamorous shopping experience, but they carry a lot of popular, easy-to-wear brands, such as:

J Brand - purchased $200 jeans for $20
Urban Outfitters - skirts and pants around $15, tops $10, I've benefited from 3 for $9 deals before
Guess
Jessica Simpson
Express - most items $10-$15
The Limited - same as Express
New York & Company - most items $8-$15

This list is very abbreviated, but it gives you an idea of the great quality you can find for next to nothing in terms of monetary investment. So when I found this gorgeous Guess maxi dress, I didn't care that it wasn't the most practical. For the price, I was willing to buy a piece that I would probably only wear a few times per season.

The dress is made of a snug stretch fabric, and it's very comfortable. There is also a slit on the side of each leg, giving you increased mobility while showing a little extra skin. The actual dress goes into a racer back neckline, and the sheer beaded section (beads that are sewn on, not glued, demonstrating good quality) hangs loosely around it giving an easy sophistication.

Now when I went to style this dress, I originally attempted to dress it down. Flats, sandals, you name it. I had very little success. Granted, this could be due in part to my heels selection far outweighing that of my flats, and also my short legs not making the combination very flattering. However, my experiments led me to the conclusion that this dress didn't want to settle for being less than its glamorous self. With that in mind, this is what I ended up with:

The combination:
Guess maxi dress
Michael Kors black leather strappy sandals with gold grommets and cork soles/heels
Tahari sunglasses with gold frame
New York & Company white, gold, and pearl stud earrings
H&M gold chain headband

As for my hair and makeup, my hair was already in a messy bun and I somehow thought that worked in order to keep it from being completely overdone. I mean, it'd look fantastic with some billowing loose curls, but I wanted a little contrast to the glamour. For my makeup, I did a slight Cleopatra inspiration (thanks to all the gold accents), just in terms of the eyeliner going all the way to the inner eye and extending slightly.

I'm pleased with the look. It presents as expensive (even though it wasn't!) and thoughtful, two things I'm more than happy to convey. If anything, I probably would have added a little more jewelry, such as a large gold cuff or stackable gold - or maybe even white enamel for contrast - bangles. However, the dress is detailed enough to stand on its own.

TIP: If you ever want to add sophistication to a look, or make it seem more expensive, I highly suggested adding in gold somehow. A gold accent on a shoe, gold jewelry... Up until recently, younger people (myself included) had been sticking to silver over gold. While gold always looked good on classic pieces, it had a dated feel. It was rare to see even engagement rings worn by younger generations rocking a yellow gold band. But gold has had a huge comeback in casual style, and it is showing up everywhere from high end designers to Forever 21 and H&M. Take advantage of this return!!! The accessibility and affordability of beautiful gold tone accent pieces is amazing, and my favorite way to wear them is with subtlety, such as the grommet details on my Michael Kors heels. Just that hint of something extra...those are the details that show people you know what you're doing.

  

I think I would most likely wear this for a nice night out, such as a girls' night to a tasty and expensive restaurant. It could also be suitable for a weekend date, although definitely not a first date (it's not effortless enough). I would also wear this on a big chic boat, while drinking champagne. Just because that would look fabulous. Anyone have one they'd like to take me on? Please? Pretty please? No?

Girls' night it is.


~ Devin