Maxi Dress-ed Up or Down

So, I’ve finally done it!  I’ve finally found a maxi dress that I absolutely love!  I know that maxis have been a chic and comfy trend for a few years now, but I have had the hardest time finding maxi dresses that work for me…they have been unflattering, too revealing up top, too long, too tight on the bottom…you name it, I’ve struggled with it!

But my struggles are over!  This weekend my mom and I took an outlet mall trip that we have been planning for months.  I LOVE outlet shopping and a trip to my favorite outlet mall with my favorite (and only) mother made for a spectacular day!  I’m looking forward to sharing all of my lovely finds with you, starting with this marvelous maxi!

The fit of the dress is what makes all of the difference and the empire waist of this dress really works for my body.  The print is really fun and almost animal-esque without being too crazy!  I like that the print is done in neutrals because it provides a fun base for some creative remixing.

My first maxi dress look is a bit dressy with coral heals and a chunky coral necklace.  The second look is more casual with black sandals and a jean jacket.

Have you ever been frustrated because you can’t quite make a look you love work for your body?

What I'm Wearing:

• Maxi Dress: Banana Republic Outlet (similar, similar, similar)

• Coral Necklace: Premier Designs (similar, similar)
• Coral Heels: DSW (similar. similar)

• Jean Jacket: Hand-Me-Down (similar, similar)
• Sandals: Bata (similar, similar)

Let's Link Up! One Piece Many Ways

Today I am oh so excited to participate in my very first link up hosted by Audrey at Putting Me Together!  Audrey has challenged her readers to choose one piece of clothing and incorporate it into several outfits…”one piece many ways!”

For my featured item of clothing, I chose a knee-length navy and white printed skirt with an elastic waistband and pockets (who doesn’t love a skirt with pockets?!?).  This skirt has been one of my favorite purchases of the summer because it is super comfy!  Also, navy is one of my favorite neutrals and I have been having fun remixing it with different tops.   Here are a few of the outfits I’ve been wearing!

This first look is a casual, every-day ensemble.  This is also one of my first experiments with pattern mixing.  I find pattern mixing to be pretty scary because I’m worried I will do it horribly wrong and consequently will look like a crazy person.  I think this skirt works with the purple, striped tee because the print on top is big and bold while the print on the bottom is smaller and subtle.  What do you think?  Does my pattern mixing attempt work for you and why?  I’ve added a jean jacket, cognac sandals and my amber necklace to accessorize the look!

I think that my second ensemble would make for a fun summer date-night outfit!  I’m wearing a slim-fitting pink tank top and a pink bubble necklace for a monochromatic look.  Add some fun printed wedges (mine are covered in tiny pink flamingos), and you are ready for a hot night on the town!

My third and final look can be worn on breezy summer days and into the fall.  I will definitely be wearing this outfit to work when I go back to school!  I’ve combined my go-to skirt with the ever-versatile chambray shirt.  I added the belt to lend a different structure to the skirt and the coral heels for a pop of color!

Don’t forget to visit Putting Me Together to see lots of ways that readers have worn “one piece many ways!”

What I'm Wearing:

• Navy Printed Skirt: Target (exact)

• Striped T-Shirt: Old Navy (exact)
• Jean Jacket: Hand-Me-Down (similar, similar)
• Amber Necklace: Gift (similar, similar)
• Cognac Sandals: Target (exact)

• Pink Tank Top: Gap Outlet (similar, similar)
• Pink Bubble Necklace: Francesca's (exact)
• Printed Wedges: Gift (exact)

• Chambray Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
• Belt: Eastern Market D.C. (similar, similar)
• Coral Heels: DSW (similar, similar)

Monday Fashion Challenges

Over at one of my favorite blogs, Greater Than Rubies, Caitlin hosts a fun weekly fashion challenge called Remix Rewear Refashion.  Each week Caitlin gives us a theme, whether it be stripes, statement necklaces or shorts, et cetera.  All readers (bloggers and nonbloggers alike) are invited to send-in pictures of themselves wearing an outfit that features the theme of the week.  Each Monday, Caitlin posts reader pictures of the weekly fashion feature.

The Remix Rewear Refashion challenge motivates me to try to incorporate new pieces or ideas into my look that I might not try otherwise.  This really helps me to freshen-up my style!  You never know, you may find that you can totally rock a striped shirt when you thought that stripes weren’t really “you.”  The challenge also serves as a reminder not to get stuck in a rut.  Maybe there is a great statement necklace hiding in your jewelry box that you’ve forgotten about! 

Speaking of statement necklaces, run and grab your favorite because they are the fashion feature of the week!  Here is a sneak preview of the outfit I submitted to Caitlin for tomorrow’s challenge!

So don’t forget to visit Greater Than Rubies!  I hope that the reader photos will inspire you to spice-up your style and to perhaps participate in the challenges yourself!  

What I'm Wearing:

• Tank Top: Gap (similar, similar)
• Jean Jacket: Hand-Me-Down (similar, similar)
• Pink Bubble Necklace: Francesca's (exact)