I love a maxi dress, especially a printed one with so much styling versatility. I can’t wait for spring & summer to come to Long Island, so that I can float everywhere I go in a maxi dress! Naturally, I support a maxi dress that’s also inclusive!
With this dress, one could break out a bolero cardigan, crochet cropped sweater, or a long sleeve duster for cooler nights. The faded hues & timeless prints get me thinking about the 90s with chunky wedge sandals or lace-up boots!
With over two months left of summer, you’d think that stores would be fully stocked with the latest designs & styles for any shopper still looking to update their wardrobe for the season or investing in a fresh vacation wardrobe… but now that 4th of July has passed, retailers are clearing out merchandise to make room for incoming fall fashion. This means that it’s time to check those clearance racks for special finds that are perfect for the still-thriving summer season, but also to store for next spring’s rotation.
New York & Company is probably one of my favorite places to buy work & weekend clothing, but now that there are no longer any stores to peruse through, making online purchases that are final sale should be done carefully. When buying anything online, a shopper should always read the reviews & the product details, like garment material & care, along with checking a size chart for limited size availability, but for items that cannot be returned, taking the time to do this, especially for a dress that looks good enough to add-to-cart, is crucial. As New York & Company’s website is promoting their latest Into the Wild summer collection, most, if not all, short, midi, & maxi dresses from earlier in the season are reduced to $7.99, including the following bold & stylish short frock redlines:
If you’re a bargain shopper, like me, don’t forget to also check out New York & Company’s other redlines, including tops for $7.99, sweaters for $4.99, jeans for $7.99, shorts for $7.99, skirts for $7.99, pants for $7.99, outerwear for $7.99, & shoes for $7.99 to stock up on can’t-miss deals!
I’ve said it once & I’ll say it again… If there’s something that I love & it’s made in multiple colors, I’ll take it! This goes for cardigans, blouses, pants, ballet flats, & dresses too! So when I was searching Amazon for options to spruce up my summer maxi dresses, to wear to both work & for weekend or night occasions, I wanted something lightweight, classic, & effortless to pair with wedges or sandals, along with a cardigan or crossbody bag. When I happened upon this one-should midi dress from Zesica, I searched their Amazon store for more options, which included a Bohemian Spaghetti Strap Swiss Dot Sleeveless Smocked A Line Flowy Maxi Dress ($37.99) in 12 different colors: black, burgundy, dark orange, midnight blue, mint, navy, pink, plum, purple, rose, white, & green.
I’ve worn the midnight blue (which is more of a periwinkle) three times now: to a carnival fundraiser, a family dinner, & to work with a cardigan. The slit is only visible if you pose a certain way. Otherwise, I had no problem wearing it & liked the movement that the maxi offered. Additionally, I liked that the straps could be tied & bowed to fit my frame as I usually find that some straps are too loose, if they’re not adjustable, & then they tend to fall down. I bow for the straps is also a nice touch, adding to the Swiss dot, feminine feel. I paired this dress with metallic sandals, laser cut ballet flats, or flowered flip-flops, wearing a statement earring in a coordinating color. Also, I ended up ordering the plum color (which is more of a dusty rose) & have the mint & purple on my mind since I do love a bright hue, especially when there’s a $2 off promotional coupon applied to the purchase, but I may invest in those colors with other dresses that I have saved at the moment.
The only downside to the dress above is that Zesica only sells it in sizes S-XL. However, for plus-size maxi dress recommendations, check out: CARROTMOB wrap dress (available in 5 colors, sizes 1X-5X), The Drop tiered maxi dress (available in 7 colors, sizes XXS-5X), & LONGYUAN short sleeve maxi (available in 32 colors, sizes XL-6X).
Today, June 30th ends PRIDE month, but that doesn’t mean that #PRIDE style must end, by any means! Our love for the LGBTQ+ community, & for love in general, remains a constant as all people should always celebrate themselves, especially through style. As a part of New York & Company‘s Color of Love collection, I’m obsessed with these bold & summer-ready rainbow stripes in a variety of separates & one-piece items, all of which are currently on sale, in sizes XS-XXL, to show not only your true colors, but to express love & PRIDE, inspiring the world around us!
Consider adding any of these dresses, rompers, or tunics to your wardrobe with hoop or drop earrings, metallic sandals or bright pumps, & white quilted clutch:
Otherwise, these tops & toppers are perfect to match with any denim of your choice, crisp white linen ankle pants, a primary colored-maxi skirt, or cut-off shorts:
For a vibrant bottom option for work or weekend, choose any of these options, paired with a classic scoop neck t-shirt, crochet top & tank, or a chambray button-down:
Last summer, when my husband & I were planning our wedding, we included a basket of flip flops to give to our guests for those with tired feet after all the dancing & partying at our reception. Of course, we turned to Old Navy for comfortable, affordable, & colorful flip flops in bulk (& we couldn’t resist buying a few pairs for ourselves too). This summer, Old Navy continues its flip flop legacy with so many fashionable varieties, which brings us to today’s post!
Not only is Old Navy one of my favorite flip flop destinations (making traveling or packing for a quick weekend jaunt of errands so much easier), but there’s plenty of fashionable footwear to shop for if you’re looking for something with a little more flair this summer. Try out some slides, espadrilles, sandal flats, or wedges!
Try any of these shoe styles with a floral summer dress & denim jacket for a cool evening walk by the water, a t-shirt with layered necklaces & cut-off jeans, or ankle pants & a blouse while transitioning from work to play! Additionally, the below dresses are also available, perfect for styling (& super affordable) with these shoes!
While preparing for my long-awaited summer vacation, I’ve been scoping out dresses since they’re just so easy to wear & coordinate with all of my favorite summer shoes. However, I know that maxi dresses are a big part of summer fashion & I wasn’t always a big fan of them on me- worried about the length since I’m on the shorter side & concerned with extra volume where I certainly don’t need it.
The shopping fairies have been on my side lately since I recently picked up 2 stylish maxi dresses, which inspired me to surf for some more suggestions online. This includes the Speechless animal maxi dress ($23.99) from Kohl’s, which brings out the wild side of any Style Darling, especially when paired with metallic gladiator sandals or patent leather platforms. Next, the tie-back knit maxi dress ($24.99) from Charlotte Russe is perfect for paying homage to a Grecian-inspired look, as well as showing off your taste in accessories with a studded belt, stacked bangles, or glittery dangling earrings. I love the simplicity behind the Mossimo Supply Co. drawstring waist maxi dress ($24.99) from Target, as well as the summer-friendly hue, which will match with any nautical-inspired pieces like a canvas tote or boat shoes.
For my plus-size readers, I was so excited to find the garden goddess floral maxi dress ($24.80) from Forever 21, which makes a colorful & stylish statement with nude sandals & a patent clutch for a date night by the water. Lastly, I’m always a fan of classic black & white prints, especially the Love, Fire chevron stripe printed side slit tube dress ($19.99) @Loehmann’s, which will stand out in the crowd when coordinated with cork wedges, a beaded necklace, or studded envelope clutch.
The weather outside is pretty nasty here on Long Island & while I’m trying to keep my head up & attitude positive, I know with the recent personal trials that I’ve been through, I need a vacation. Unfortunately, I’m not in the position to do so, but a girl can dream when there are still some shreds of dreams left to ponder. Also, after some inspiring messaging with another Style Darling, I decided to just throw myself into the online retail forum & find some amazing & affordable pieces, perfect for a Spring Break vacation or much-needed warm-weather getaway in my latest post for The $100 Challenge.
Whenever the temperature rises, it’s always stylish to add a maxi dress to your wardrobe, which is why I picked out the chiffon tribal print maxi dress ($16.80) from Forever 21, which can be dressed up with beaded earrings & platform sandals, or made day-ready with a chunky leather belt & gladiators. I also always love checking out the latest in spring shoes, which includes the Brash Molly side t-strap wedge sandal ($19.99) in black from Payless. They’re also available in coral, gold, & white- perfect for mixing with a cotton spring dress, cropped pants & a blouse, or with cut-off jeans & a graphic tee. When spring rolls around, I’m happy to switch out my heavy wool & knit scarves for something lighter & more feminine, like the daisy print infinity scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe to wear with basics like a cotton tee & denim jacket.
Don’t forget that spring & vacations are all about embracing bright colors & while I’m not one to wear shorts myself, I love the shorts ($12.95) in red from H&M, which are also sold in powder pink, black, white, blue, pink, & yellow. For a nautical feel to your look, I recommend the striped roll-tab scoop neck tee ($13.47) in blue from New York & Company, which are a limited quantity item, reduced from their original $26.95 price tag. Also, florals are very popular this time of year, so if you’re headed somewhere chic, the a.n.a. ankle-length skinny jeans ($14.00) in all over floral from JC Penney are great for coordinating with different prints like stripes, polka dots, or plaids. Lastly, for some sparkle with versatility, I choose Old Navy‘s sheer sequin-chiffon tank ($11.99) in pink to wear with satin shorts & platforms for a night out with the girls, dark denim jeans & ballet flats for brunch, or a pencil skirt & boyfriend blazer when headed to an office meeting.
I’ve been keeping my eye on HauteLook for quite some time now, but since Fashion Week, I’ve been bombarded with the urge to share galleries from the catwalk in Runway Rundown. However, it’s been a while since I’ve spotted a great deal for Quickie Darling Deal & Steal that I just had to write about, especially since the barrage of fall favorites which have been trending all over the place. I’ve recently started a new job where the dress code calls for business casual, but all of my years in a professional office hasn’t afforded me a business casual wardrobe. I’m trying to find ways to blend both worlds, but I always recommend dressing for the job you want, instead of the job you have.
I love mixing up my summer dresses with heavier knits & mixing feminine tights with suede booties. It’s no secret that I’m all about the dresses, which is why my jaw dropped when I found these amazing deals @HauteLook for under $30.00. These 7 dresses scream summer fun, but with a few fabulous tweaks, these bargains can transform your fall look while at work, hitting up a bistro for lunch, or if you’re going on a date.
The Blu Pepper scoop neck sequin front dress ($27.00) in gold is currently 50% off & would look rich & flirty if paired with tights in a jewel tone & cut-out shooties. The sleeveless v-neck lace dress ($27.00) in navy is also available in ivory, but can look extra luxurious if paired with a sequin jacket or bolero, or can even be made work appropriate when worn with opaque tights, an embellished cardigan, & ballet flats. The studded neckline dress ($22.00) is in an adorable orange, which begs for regal neutrals in your accessories like a patent leather belt, slouchy boots, & stacked bangles with beads.
The cutout back short sleeve print dress ($22.00) is a date-friendly frock that can be coordinated with other belts in your arsenal, encouraging its wearer to alternate complimenting hues for emphasis. Also, trading in a corset-like belt will add some edge to the pretty pattern on the dress. The pleated colorblock dress ($22.00) is the ideal canvas for any time of the year. Colorblocking is one of the biggest trends & can work with multiple textures like embossed croc for a belt, argyle tights, & suede lace-up knee boots. Reveal your feminine side with an ivory lace jacket & some drop earrings.
Don’t be fooled by the season since you can still get away with maxi dresses for the cooler days! Take advantage of these prints in order to reinvent your basics, especially with the sleeveless waist tie print maxi dress ($22.00) if worn with a bomber jacket & flat boots. The spaghetti strap print maxi dress ($28.00) in olive will work with a tuxedo jacket & strappy platforms, as well as over a turtleneck with knee boots. Just look to boho chicqueen Nicole Richie for endless ways to make a maxi dress look chic.
Be sure to sign up with HauteLook to receive news on events & sales, & check out their Facebook page to see all the newest merchandise to add to your already stylish wardrobe for every season! Happy Styling!