Trend Search: The Maxi Dress

If you have opened any magazines lately, you've noticed the overwhelming surge of maxi dresses making appearances.   Completely smitten with the look, I attempted to find a maxi dress of my own... who knew so many versions would be hideous on the body???

I tried on multiple designs...everything from DvF and Theory to Eighty Six at Lord & Taylor and even some teeni-bopper-ish styles from Guess.  WTF???  Each one was worse than the last... either too frumpy with WAY too much fabric or too long and lean (on a less than long and lean frame!)

Finally, Tracy Reese's line Plenty proved me victorious.  Ladies - the maxi dress is a tough find but oh so worth it when you find "the one."  The bust, waist, fabric, and hem detail all work together in this style for me.

From bloomingdales.com

Here's what to look for....

• The dress must hit/gather you at your narrowest point, which for me is slightly under the bust.  Other waist lines such as dropped or empire were not flattering for me.  Perhaps a natural waist is best on you... 

• The dress must actually fit.  Let's be realistic - how many of you will go out in public in a dress that doesn't allow for a bra, but has that bohemian loose-fit on top?  Sure, the idea and look is fantastic...on a runway or in a magazine.  

• The dress pattern must not be overwhelming.  I ordered a bright and summery Rachel Pally number and the blue starfish were my thigh's worst nightmare.

Bottom line: this is not an easy trend to pull off flatteringly.  Make the time investment to try on a few styles, and remember not all trends have to work for your body or personal style! 

Color on the Ceiling...Oh my!

Have you ever noticed the difference between a white ceiling vs. a painted-color ceiling?  And no...I don't mean an over the top Versailles-type sky painted ceiling.  I mean COLOR; whether it be neutral, wall-matching, or totally bright.

I am a 100% advocate of painting the ceiling and here's why...

It's so FUN!  What a fantastic way to add a pop of color without purchasing a hot pink love seat...or something you will regret a few months later.

It makes the moulding pop!  I could write numerous posts on crown/decorative moulding (probably will) and how fabulous it is.  Look how even the most calming colors can make the moulding really stand out..

Phew :::deep breathe:::  Here is a shot from my work in progress kitchen/dining room.   I painted the ceiling a shade lighter than the slate gray walls to really accentuate the moulding we picked out.  Just about every room in my home has some variation of a color-painted ceiling.  Finished room photos to follow shortly...

Wall paint color:  Charcoal from Restoration Hardware

Ceiling paint color: Gravel from Restoration Hardware





In the meantime, here is a shot of the "before" to help demonstrate how dramatic the painted ceiling can be...

And finally, just to show that this site is truly dedicated to discourse....here are some examples of monotone ceiling, moulding, walls....which when done correctly, can also be stunning.

So let's hear it... which are you a fan of?

Favorite Resource: shopbop.com

Since this site is dedicated to all things stylish, I want to switch gears a little and spotlight one of my all-time favorite inspirations for fashion...  shopbop.com.  

I ordered my introductory Juicy Couture track suit from this website back in college (ah-hem, more than 5 years ago now!)  For the women out there that can remember when Juicy first arrived on the scene... this was the equivalent of a first pair of Jimmy Choo's or Louboutins for a college chick!   Anyways...this company's story is really what keeps me coming back...inspiring not only for beautiful style but also for entrepreneurship.  When I placed my first order, there were only a handful of brands sold on the site and now....

From shopbop.com:

Since its launch in 2000 as a modestly sized online boutique specializing in hard-to-find denim lines, Shopbop has grown to become one of the leading fashion retailers in the world. Curated with a chic, modern woman in mind, Shopbop offers a comprehensive collection of designer apparel and accessories to suit every style and occasion.

Called "the editors of what's cool" by Daily Candy, and recognized by The Wall Street Journal as having "the best customer service," Shopbop's commitment to staying ahead of the curve and providing a personalized shopping experience continue to be driving forces behind the company's success. A champion of new design talent and pioneer in the magazine-meets-boutique approach to online shopping, Shopbop showcases its fashion-forward point of view in editorial lookbook features and receives frequent mention in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle.


In 2006, BOP LLC was acquired by Amazon.com, Inc., the world's largest internet retailer, enabling Shopbop to expand its services to enhance the customer experience. Shopbop operates from its original Madison, Wisconsin-based headquarters.

What's so great about this site?  Well, besides the fact that your order arrives in 3 days or less...many things...

The Lookbooks!  Need to know what is hot for the season?  Maybe what to splurge on for your go-to piece? All the trends are demystified from runway to reality and broken down by item. My favorite Lookbooks right now are the "Sophisticated 70s"...

"Great Style, Great Price" 

"Desk to Date" 

The Sales! There's no getting around the facts:  this is a high end retailer with expensive items.  I always watch their sales and usually there are plenty of sizes and items left (if you are diligent, of course).  All of my beloved Frye boots (more on that to come!) have been purchased for at least half off from Shopbop!
They even have Uggs listed on sale! When can you ever find that?!

The Accessories!  Not only does Shopbop have fantastic clothing, they also have one of the BEST collections of cocktail jewelry.  Some of my favorite designers include Kenneth Jay Lane and House of Harlow. 


The Full Gamut!  This site carries the best basics as well as speciality items... almost every jean designer and style you can imagine, lounge wear, t-shirts, cocktail dresses, outerwear, underwear, shoes and everything in between!

Check it out for yourself!  Happy styling!

Shopbop.com

Object of My Affection: Mercury Glass

I simply adore the look of mercury glass. 

thedesignfile.net

Mercury glass is also known as "silvered glass" and contains neither mercury nor silver. It's actually clear glass, mold-blown into double-walled shapes and coated on the inside with a silvering formula, which is inserted though a small hole that is then sealed with a plug (per Marthstewart.com)

I think it has a fantastic vintage appeal and works as a neutral for decorating with versatility! 

Some of my favorite items:

Soft light paired with the warm glow of the glass makes for incredible mood lighting...in the form of pendant lights or candles.  I think the pendant lights would make a great addition to a powder room or breakfast bar.  The candles will work just about anywhere...in any season!  

PotteryBarn.com

Other asscessories include everything from tiles to door knobs and accent tables...  

Evadesigns.com

I am eyeing these Crate and Barrel accent tables for one of my next decorating projects. 

Now let's see some mercury glass inspiration spaces...  

CountryLiving.com

...Did I mention I love these items paired with antique looking mirrors?










I am fairly certain that if I ever have the opportunity to completely renovate my kitchen, these cabinets would make their way in somehow.   The tile backsplash in the photo below is glass and the mercury glass accents atop the counters really set off the chic glow of the entire room.

KraftMaid Stock Photo

Elledecor.com

Loving how the accents work in this room...








So tell me - do you have any mercury glass items?  Have you used it all to decorate?