maxi dress

maxi dress - the perfect christmas day outfit

Ah.... christmas that very special time of year when you tell yourself, "I'm not going to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle", but you do anyway. I always say that christmas is for children and I do enjoy watching my young ones open their gifts with excitement and vigor.  The joy and in some cases the disappointment on their faces is absolutely priceless.  I remember my daughter commenting "silly Santa, I told him I wanted a wand", as she flung the book she got from Santa's grotto. We all knew it was a book but poor thing she is only little so it was a good thing we backed up Santa and put a wand in her stockings. 

The kids like their toys, me on the other hand, I like outfitting myself for christmas.  Whether I'm staying in or going over to friends and family I do like to have something new and special to wear.  It does not have to be terribly formal or expensive but comfortable for relaxing and eating without looking like I've made much of an effort.  This ribbed maxi dress really ticks all those boxes for me.  It's simple, chic and can be glammed up with a cashmere or wool cardigan and a statement necklace.

A perfect dress if you are hosting christmas dinner as you want to look like a relaxed food goddess. The good thing about hosting christmas dinner is that you're at home so I feel free to wear some warm cosy slippers or strappy leather sandals as I don't have to go out to brave the weather.  Don't mind a bit of snow as long as I'm not out in it.  Click here to view more maxi dresses for christmas.

cruise wear wardrobe

Summer shopping may be over for many of us as we have started layering up for the cold dark mornings in  preparation for the cold winter.  We can only hope that it is not as terrible as the last winter.  But if the old wives tales are anything to go by the saying is that if there are plenty of berries on the trees then it is going to be a bad winter.  Only time will tell, though there are an abundance of berries on the trees.  But for those of you planning a winter cruise holiday, winter can't come soon enough and shopping may only have just begun.  Great time to shop too as there are still some amazing online clearance bargains to be had like this ornate neck maxi dress.  You are sure to turn heads in this maxi dress with enough wiggle room for eating as much as you like. 

Selecting your cruisewear is all part of the excitement in the build up to your cruise holiday.  You look forward to dressing up for dinner every night and dream about all the food you are going to eat hmmm. The idea of a cruise always awakens memories of the Love Boat series with the heart breaking love stories where love always conquers in the end, the days out in Acapulco, dining with Captain Stubing.

Taking the time to plan your wardrobe ensures that you have what you need to strut your stuff on deck and more importantly that you are camera ready for the ship's photographer.  Ladies, remember you need both day wear and ladies evening wear. If you like dressing up for elegant evenings out then here is your opportunity to look like you just stepped off the catwalk and stand out from the crowd in your cruise wear.  Perhaps if you dress to impress you may end up at the Captains table - you never know.

Packing a few key and unique fashion accessories to complete your outfit or create different looks is all you need to ensure that you turn heads. 

chunky necklace
drop pearl earrings
evening bag or purse
stunning ring
leather belt
sunglasses
bandanas and headbands

Halter jumpsuits and the nude trend in classic movies

A friend posted a video clip from the movie The Way We Were starring Barbara Streistand and Robert Redford which flooded me with so much memories of how much I had loved that movie that I got myself a copy off amazon so I could  watch it over and over again.  That's the thing with classic movies, you are happy to watch them over and over again, like the sound of music and chitty chitty bang bang.  No doubt you have your favorites as well.

Last night I took in The Thomas Crown Affair  (1968) starring Faye Dunaway and found myself more engaged with the fashion than the story lines.  These classic movies are a great reminder of how fashion reinvents itself decade to decade  from the catwalk to the highstreet to our wardrobes. 

I loved Barbara Streistrand in her halter jumpsuit and Faye Dunnaway in her peachy nude ensemble and flamboyant hats - both trends which are with us now. While fashion can be fickle, if you stick to the timeless designs your cost per wear can  be maximized not to mention you will be building a capsule wardrobe that could be worn time and time again. 

That said, last week I wore a maxi dress that I've had over 10 years.  This tie dye maxi dress was a gift from my husband before we were married .......with such great taste how could I not marry him.  Apart from the fact that it still fits .....whoopee for me!!!!! ........ it's so timeless that I can reach for it summer after summer and still look current and fashionable.

Layering up the summer day dress

There are just some days when you feel like wearing a summer dress despite the weather outside.  Since it is still chilly for spring, I am going to have to layer up my day dress to keep warm.  Light weight long sleeve jerseys worn under your dress usually does the trick and a pair of jeans under your summer dress is always practical and creates that tunic dress look. 

 I am in need of some day dresses including a maxi dress which no wardrobe should be without.  I do have one white summer dress which I absolutely adore but I was saying yesterday that while I have turquoise jewellery, I do not have much turquoise clothes. So I'm going to make an effort to include turquoise dresses in my short list or at least some dresses with a splash of turquoise and some ethnic prints.   Oh by  the way, Debenhams is having a whooping 25% off right now plus free delivery so I will be taking advantage of this offer.  I've had a good look at their range of day dresses, so many gorgeous dresses to choose from but looking for a splash of turquoise really helped narrow down my choices.  Finally here's my short list.

This brown embellished day dress just screams "garden party here I come!!!!".  I am simply drawn to the turquoise floral print in this dress from John Rocha's collection.

When I'm looking for casual elegance then this blue printed day dress is just what I need.  It looks absolutely comfortable the way it drapes over the hips into a flare.

Well what can I say about this maxi dress.  Great combination of prints, lovely vivid colours and sexy style.... certainly ticks all my boxes. 

I know this strappy dress is no where near turquoise but I do love the colours lime green and brown and the african inspired print ....  very ethnic indeed.

And last but in no way least is this aqua lily print dress.  I have to say I do love them all so how do I choose?  Would love to hear which is your favorite.  When I have decided on a dress or dresses then I can sort of summer leather sandals to complete the look.

Live Life to the Max

Maxi dresses are back again for spring summer 09 and I can't wait. The maxi dress is the piece of clothing that most symbolises long, warm, relaxed summer days and sunny garden parties. They are great for adding a bit of glamour for day or evening. If you are tall, there is no shortage of maxi dresses that will look amazing on you.

You can wear a maxi dress with flat shoes or sandals for an easy to wear but stylish outfit. For shorter people or petites, the maxi style can be a bit more tricky, but can still look great. Look for a style of maxi dress that is not too full in the skirt and wear with chunky wedge heels for a look that will lengthen your body.

The maxi dress is a very feminine style but can also be used to create a boho, folk or seventies inspired outfit by accessorising with a fringed bag and lots of chunky bangles.

By Malene Birger Grape Print Maxi Dress - this dress just radiates style. It will look amazing for summer teamed with these Bronze Leather Sandals.

This romantic Rene Dehry Dress has beading under the bust and straps that crossover at the back. It would be perfect for a Valentines night with the man you love. This Copper and Brass Humming Bird Pendant will really complete the look.

New Years Eve Party Wear

Deciding what to wear for that New Years Eve Party is easier than you think. Narrow your search by first determining the dress code for the evening. Is it a formal New Years Eve Ball? Or is it a semi formal or casual affair? Once you have identified the dress code, realistically decide how much you are prepared to spend on dress/clothes, shoes, accessories etc.

Knowing the type of outfit you are looking for and your budget will narrow your search and save you time.

For a formal dinner party you want a dress that will make you feel special and offers the additional feature of comfort especially if you intend to eat and enjoy yourself. Go for luxury fabrics like satin and stunning looks like elaborate sleeves with embellished detail. Or if you really want to think out of box and be eco friendly at the same time try this Maxi Dress by Ecoskin.


You will feel amazing in this Lodestone Maxi Dress by EcoSkin. This dress has off the shoulder sleeves and waist sash. The waist sash adds rich texture to this simply elegantly draped gown which is loose enough to allow for comfortable eating. Made in USA, of bamboo. Team up with Munique's rock crystal bracelet for a dazzler of a night.


Alternatively go for this
satin wrap dress with Chiffon waist tie by Amanda Wakeley.

For the more casual look, step out in true bohemian style in this printed tunic dress from Savoir

Accessorize this tunic dress with this Bali Girl Bracelet from Munique Fashions.


Compliment these looks with the perfect Apaca Wool Wraps in brown or black to keep you warm.