Dear Girlfriends,

Wearing bright maxi dresses during the end of spring and beginning of the summer season is ideal! Bright colors feel good, are light and give you that extra “vibe” to take you throughout your day. 

Summer is the perfect time to make a style statement with a maxi dress.  We would recommend some of these options for you to consider. This chiffon long dress from Halston Heritage features a deep V neck and accordion-pleated overlays and offers 19″ side slits, hidden back zip, spaghetti straps tie at shoulders and its even lined.

From C&C California, this striped jersey long dress features a scoop neck and a racer back. Drawstring waist and deep side slits. Ribbed banding at neckline and arm openings.

Designer Rory Beca showcases this silk-chiffon maxi dress features ruching at the V neck and a drawstring at the waist with a 2′ slit at front and spaghetti straps.

Haute Hippie takes you from inner to outer, day to night, and metropolis to sanctuary by emphasizing the art of layering and by embracing eclectic style and sophistication. As a single destination for fashion basics, layering items, and loungewear with a designer aesthetic and contemporary price, Haute Hippie provides inspired everyday looks and attainable luxury. Look sexy, be confident, and feel relaxed with an air of independence, freedom and style.

This scoop-neck silk maxi dress features a drawstring tie at the neckline and a keyhole at the bust. Flounce hem. Seam at waist and hidden zip at side with 1″ straps and double-layered.

Maxi dresses are trendy, stylish and comfy pieces for the summer!

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Wearing black & white combinations this spring, we have researched and can help with this style trend! When it comes to wearing black and white, the rules are pretty, simple and fabulous, black and white.

Check out these ways to wear the always-chic color combo.

• Don’t tell me you’ve never seen those cows at the circus or the giraffes on the jungle gym! Well then, the Zebra on the Zip Line Strapless Dress is sure to show you a thing or two! With a padded strapless bodice and a scattering of stripes over bust and waist, this snazzy dress is sure to add some pizazz to your wardrobe! Darts and pleats add style and shape for acrobatic appeal.
• Give a nod to that stylish mouse in the Minnie Mouse Mambo Polka Dot Dress. This darling ivory dress is dotted with retro black polka dots from collar to slightly rounded hem, with a retro ascot-like neckline and elasticized puff sleeves for a little extra flair. Wear over a colorful tank and jeans, or pair with a black bandeau and cut-offs!
• Like your favorite airy treat, the Pillow Mint Strapless Ivory Dress is a sweet confection that will just melt in your mouth! Luxurious ivory fabric flows elegantly from lightly padded bodice to classic tulip skirt in a satiny embrace, while three lines of black piping run along left side of dress for a tailored finale. Delectable darts at front and back create the perfect silhouette, and removable black belt cinches for shape.
• If you want sassy and chic, then look no further; the Korina Black and White Striped Purse is here for your every fashion whim! A black and white striped canvas exterior is accented by a vegan leather fold-over flap in rich tan, with matching tan strips down sides and across bottom. Push in black metal lock to reveal a black-lined interior with three compartments.
• It’s going to be hard to put down your binoculars this year, with thousands of snow geese and the Back to Birdwatching Black and White Top to keep you interested for hours! This satiny short sleeve top has a flurry of black bird silhouettes atop an ivory background.

Some fashionistas just love attention, and you’re sure to get it wearing black and white!

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Dear Girlfriends ~

Are you ready for chic holiday gatherings and glam office parties?  From subtle sophistication to understated glamour, I have the perfect party dresses to suit every style and occasion.

Shop from this collection of strapless and body-conscious dress styles in silks and satins.

Midi dress by Vero Moda Very featuring a bandeau neckline with a drape front, tulip skirt and a double layer, semi sheer hemline.  Sequin dress by Rare. Featuring a round neckline, sheer mesh finish to the top and sleeve and all over sequin embellishment.

Vero Moda Midi Dress

Rare Mesh & Sequin Dress

Nothing says femininity like a pretty party dress. Whatever shape or size, all women look fabulous in dresses.

Pleated fan bandeau dress. Featuring fitted main, with pleated fan detail to the side, and concealed zip closure to the reverse.

Chiffon dress by TFNC. Featuring a scoop neckline, elbow length bell sleeves, layered hemline and mini length design.  Or consider this party dress – its unique! Asymmetric dress by TFNC. Featuring a contrast swirl print, single draped sleeves and a sheer overlay.

Fan Pleated Bandeau Dress

Open Bell Sleeve Chiffon Dress

Pleat front shift dress by Vero Moda. Featuring satin finish, and keyhole notch to the reverse with covered button fastening.

Pleat Front Shift Dress

Asymmetric drape T-shirt dress Featuring cap round neck, cap sleeves, and draped hemline to one side.

You’ve gotten all the style options for the best party dresses for the upcoming holiday – now its up to you to pick!

Until the next style adventure.

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Dear Girlfriends:

If you haven’t already thought about it; I feel its time for you to embrace the season in cool silhouttes and hot colors.  

For me a Saturday isn’t the same when you pair jeans with a chic top compared to wearing a cool dress!  These days you can go from a maxi dress to a racerback tank dress – its your decision.  Before you decide though I would like to offer you these style options!

Let’s begin this journey.  Start off with a sensuously soft cotton jersey tank dress, designed with a full, flared hem and finished with interior fasteners to ensure all straps stay neatly tucked in for a clean, polished look with sporty sophistication.  Or embrace your inner boho goddess and step out in this long, easy maxi. Add beaded jewelry for a totally earthy vibe. Featuring a removable adjustable spaghetti straps, smocked bodice and smocked tier at lower skirt, straight silhouette, lined at skirt and floor length.  This is what summer’s all about–a gorgeous floral print and the must-have maxi length.

Racerback Cotton Dress

City Style Floral Maxi Dress

Smocked Maxi Dress

Are you starting to feel the vibe of the season?  Dresses are easy – if not for me, do it for yourself try one today!  There are so many options out there and lots of dresses to be had!  Accessorize this modern-print dress with metallics for a must-have spring look.  This dress offers a V-neck and sleeveless, graphic sails print with contrast print empire waist. 

Printed Maxi Dress

You could even wear this boho-chic dress with gladiator flats and jewel-toned accessories for an of-the-moment look.  Going out for errands – Easterm Market perhaps?  Make a statement at your next summer soiree in this printed maxi dress.

BCBG Printed Chiffon Dress

Boho Chic Dress

This online exclusive is the epitome of laid-back summer style.  I think we all could wear this maxi dress – I love the royal purple-inspired hue – a “must have“.

Strapless Maxi Dress

And rounding off my style tips, this fabulous maxi dress is a flattering choice for any event, day or night.

Colorblock Strapless Dress

I’m a dress person and I am trying to convert every girlfriend and fashionista into being a dress person (smile).  Is it working? 

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends:

For many of us, white can be tricky to pull off even in summer.

I’ve learned that  even now designers are suggesting that fall should be a blanc slate like ivory suits or creamy toppers. In fact, the little white dress seems poised to give the L.B.D. (“the little black dress”) a run for its money.

Girlfriends we all need to learn how to make white work for us!  Once you see the dresses I have selected your next question maybe – what to wear under white!   To pull off the look without a big-name designer or personal tailor on speed dial, I suggest a nude trimfit slip, a nude boy short or a pair of Spanx.

I want at least two white dresses for the Summer.  There is soo much to choose from these days!

With a jersey halter dress with ruching we dream of a splendid summer.  A romantic style deserving of its own sonnet .. look at this poet mini dress.  I even like how designer Raissa Gerona takes eco-chic to a whole new level with this dress. 

Modal Halter Dress

Poet Mini Dress

Bib Dress in Red & White

On an outing with the girls, you could pair this chic sheath dress in cotton poplin and pair with some color-hue accessories.  And then I’m all about the nomadic gypsy look that’s so hot right now.

Pleated Chic Sheath Dress

Long Ribbon Dress

So I ask you girlfriend – is white really the new essential for you?

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends:

One of my girlfriends in a dilemma.  She was invited to a summer wedding the invitation says “semi-formal”.  Help!  She doesn’t know what to do!

Summer brings an endless parade of blissful nuptials, but while you’re over the moon for your engaged pals, you can’t help but be thrown into a fashion tizzzy at the thought of all of the events that surround each affair. Fear not. I can tell you just how to look picture-perfect throughout the “I do” season.

Since my girlfriend is freaking out on the “semi-formal” dress code.  I thought I should help you as well!  

For these not-quite-formal affairs, opt for a dress that would work well at a cocktail party — maybe one that has embroidery, lace or beading, or is made with a snazzy fabric that shimmers as you move. (We love anything in silk for the summer.) Knee length is perfect for this occasion — anything much shorter and you might look like you’re left over from the groom’s bachelor party, and anything too long (although tea length will still cut it) will have guests thinking you took a wrong turn on your way to the prom.  Here are a few pulled together looks for ALL those summer weddings!

Ruffle Dress

Black and Pink

Secret Kiss Dress

Milly

Tulip Dress

Don’t forget the accessories!  Accessorize with a delicate necklace (diamonds will work, but so too will pastel or colored beads and stones), and a groomsman will be begging you to dance in no time.

I know some of you are starting to wonder why you RSVP’ed to all those summer weddings. I know dressing for someone else’s Big Day can strike fear in the heart of even the bravest fashionista.  You should feel more confident now as I’ve shown you how to bring your personal style to the party without feeling like you messed up!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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A girlfriend called me this evening asking if she can wear her white jeans to work tomorrow for casual Fridays? First, can’t believe she is getting her clothes out the night before (isn’t that what tomorrow morning is far – smile).  And I thought to myself, ‘you don’t have to be a bride in order to wear white’.  Actually, just a hip gal wearing what’s trendy this spring.

I told her that wearing white at the start of Spring is perfectly fine.  White really is just everywhere, and everyone is going to wear it.  There’s a way to wear it for every person, regardless of how much money you want to spend, your body type and your style. There are so many ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe.

Even consider the 5-pocket Cheap Monday jeans in soft denim with spandex for movement. Or a classic Seven style just right for warmer temps. Ultra-skinny stretch jeans in a clean white rinse are styled with tonally embroidered back pockets for a clean finish.

Roxanne Skinny Jeans

Cheap Monday Fit Jeans

Ultra Skinny Jeans

So whether it’s a white eyelet sundress with white patent leather platform shoes, an all-white suit with a white belt or a pair of white pants and a white button-down, pale garments are all the rage.

Vida Long Dress

Sweetees Maxi Dress

I know fashionistas a lot of people really shy away from white.  I know some of us have our fashion myths and rules – its time to debunk the rules. Don’t be scared … it’s not scary anymore.  Wearing white is chic and fresh.  And it’s not just pure, bright white that’s making a splash. White’s cousins, including cream, off-white and ivory, are having a heyday, too.

Sound a little too blinding or just plain boring to you? No worries – I want you to  spruce up the white with a little something-something from the opposite end of the spectrum — as in black or color!  Wait … but fashion isn’t all black-and-white now that the weather is getting warmer. There are some actual colors that are in for Spring, like sunset orange, mint green, royal blue and pink, to name a few.

I’m just getting off the phone with her and I told her to make tomorrow one of those sultry days - go for it wear white jeans, colored top and wedge sandals!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Print Sheath Dress

Dear Fashionistas;

Today was a tough getting dressed for work day for me, not just because of the cold weather in April – its just sometimes I just don’t know what to wear to work!  I am sure we all have those days, right?

We I’ve learned that yes we can … stand out at the office by taking a few smart risks from Michelle Obama.

Don’t be afraid to bust out of your neutrals rut.  Find rich colors, like purple and ruby red.  Go for super-sleek sheaths.  They’re as authorative as a suit.  And the fit does matter as you need to be able to walk in it!  Considering sheaths, the back of a dress makes the last impression. And if done right, it makes a lasting one.

Pleated Sheath Dress

Fashionistas be sure to wear grown-up prints.  Feminine patterns even florals are fine for 9 to 5.  Like a delicate watercolor floral print enhances a slim sheath dress styled with low V-necklines at front and back.

Floral Print Dress

And of course, being the Accessories Guru I want you to know … pick “look-at-me” accessories.  Bold pieces … gum ball-size pearls, wide belts, a big brooch – will spike your style and confidence!

Show up for work with a multi-strand beaded necklace with satiny ribbon trim; ties in back.  A fringe of lustrous white pearls stationed on gleaming silvertone chain. Or a distinctive chain necklace featuring an ornate cluster of jeweled oblong filigree medallions.

Multi-strand Beaded Necklace

Faux Pearl Necklace

Glass Pearl Multi-Drop Necklace

And finally fashionistas simplify your beauty routine.  Don’t reinvent yourself daily … of course you can change your hair and your makeup from simple to glam but don’t overdo it!  You want to be the same person just a bit more consistently chic!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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