Maxi Skirts = Figure Flattering

I don't know about you all, but it is hot here in Michigan already.  Summer is in full swing and that means some adjustments to the wardrobe.  I get so uncomfortable in the summer if my clothes are too tight, but sundresses don't always feel like an appropriate choice.  And lets face it...mini skirts are not for everyone. Enter the maxi skirt.  I bought one a year ago from Bebe and it is one of my favorite pieces of clothing.  I have worn it with a tank top and belt, a t-shirt and long necklace, and a long sleeve silk top for colder days.  It is so versatile, even with the snakeskin print that I bought mine in.  So I thought, why don't I own more of these???  And the bonus here is that besides being fashionably versatile, it is also flattering to all shapes and sizes.  I found a couple examples online of really cool maxi skirt looks.  These are all printed skirts too!

So I went searching for the coolest maxi shirts I could find!  I am a little behind on the summer shopping, so if you can get your size, you might get it on sale too.  I found this really pretty blue print skirt from Asos for $85.85.  That might seem like a lot, but you can get year round use out of this item.  Look above at how Olivia (far right) pairs hers with a leather jacket.  Add some booties instead of sandals, viola!  Colder weather outfit!  This blue skirt can be worn with a plain white tee or tank for an easy summer outfit (like Malin has in the middle photo).  If you feel like pushing the envelope, try a colored tank like the pink in the picture.  And belts are always a welcome addition to maxi skirts!

After much searching, I found this skirt at Bloomingdales that looks a bit like my snakeskin one.  This one is by Michael Kors for $120.  Yes, snakeskin prints are not for everyone, but this one is subtle enough for most.  And I like that its a neutral color print so you don't feel quite as 'check out my new skirt' like the brighter blue print above.  You can wear this one higher, like at your real waistline, belted or not.  You can also pull it down closer to your hips and have it graze the floor for a more relaxed feel.  For a curvier frame, I would recommend the higher waist to give you that hourglass shape.  Only those straight up and down folks should try the lower option.

If you like the idea of a maxi, but can't quite get on board with the prints, try this plain black one from Nordstrom by Halogen.  It is simple, but the material is dressy enough that you can still take it from day to night, flats to heels.  And you can always try a bold colored top with it for more fun!  And black and white together is always very chic...you can never go wrong there.

Now...for one last look...the really dressed up maxi skirt!  I found this picture of Cat Deeley and had to post it!  How amazing does she look???  I know...this is not the easiest look to pull off.  But if you can find the pieces and have the guts, this is awesome!  And if you do...the red lips are a must!

I found a similar style skirt on Bluefly.com for $105 by Love Sam.

I found the perfect top on ebay...but they say there are multiple sizes available.  Either way, ebay is a great place to go for outfits like this because you can always find something unique.  Here is the top I found.

Happy Summer Shopping!!!

Tulip Skirt with a Sporty Twist

Well hello there peeps!  I know...its been awhile again.  Life in the Franklin household has been crazy busy and I have not had any free time.  But I have been storing up inspirations and I am so excited to share!!!

I saw this picture of Zoe Saldana awhile back in one of my many magazines and instantly fell in love with it.  And then I found the perfect skirt so I bought it!!!  And I am working on the rest so I thought I would share with all of you :-)

Isn't this just the perfect mix of sexy and laid back? Its casual, yet unexpected and I so love it.  I found a very similar skirt on Victoria's Secret...clearance too for only $9.99!  And also comes in more colors than just this brown shown so you can play with the color palette, just make sure you keep in neutral or you will lose the easiness of it.

Now for the top.  It looks like hers is linen, but a cotton button down would work too.  The key to the look is the loose fit so it can't be fitted.  I found this one on Piperlime by Tinley Road for $30.  Also on SALE! It isn't linen but it looks loose fitting like Zoe's, and you can roll the sleeves up or down for weather.  P.S. How cute does this look with colored jeans?  Another perfect summer outfit idea!

And the sandals...another part I am so excited about because I found a great pair at DSW last week with my mom.  They were by Crown Vintage...but of course I didn't buy them because I didn't have the skirt yet and I cannot find a picture of them online to show you now.  So I found this pair by Matiko Aria on Piperlime for $110.  That seems like a lot for sandals...the Crown Vintage ones from DSW were $80, which I thought was a lot at the time but now I wish I had bought them.  I love that Zoe's match her skirt so perfectly so if you play with the neutral colors, make sure the shoes match too.

For some who don't share in Zoe's mile long legs, these ankle straps might not do you any favors but instead cut you off and make your legs look shorter.  If this is the case, try a wedge sandal with a lower strap that hits your below the ankle.  This one by Bandolino is really cute and gives off the same cool and sexy vibe as the others.

The finishing touches are the accessories.  I found this scarf on Amazon for only $10, but I am sure that a neutral color scarf can be found just about anywhere.  The same goes for a pair of aviators and chunky earrings.  Anywhere you shop for clothes and shoes will most likely have all these accessories.  Target, Forever 21, Aldo, etc.

Happy shopping!!!

Perfect Early Summer Outfit

Hello again fashion lovers!  I have the coolest outfit for us to try!  And its perfect for this time of year.  While I was surfing my favorite fashion sites, I came across this picture of Olivia Palermo on In Style's 'Outfit of the Day' site.  I am so in love with this look that I am determined to locate pieces that I can afford and wear it asap!  And I thought you all might like to try it too :-)

The main piece here is the tuxedo blazer.  I found a great version by Jennifer Lopez at Kohls and it was only $20 on the sale rack!  But in case they don't still have that available everywhere, try ebay.  I found some very similar styles to this one.  Here is the blazer I found at Kohls.

The next piece of this outfit is the striped tee under the blazer.  There are tons of options for this style tee.  I found three options at the Gap, such as this one.  And they are very affordable, like this one for $22.95.  Another place to look is Target or J Crew.  And if the fit is too tight to get the drapey look, just go up a size.

The shorts were a little more tricky for me to find.  The key to this look is that the shorts are loose and not too short.  I think silk shorts are the best bet, but they tend to be a bit more expensive, so if you can find a pair that fit loose like silk, that will work too.  I love these KRISA silk shorts that I found on Revolve Clothing.  They are $158, which I know is a lot for shorts, but they are cute and sexy all at the same time.  That's hard to find!

The last, and possibly best part of this outfit is the shoes!  The shoes Olivia is wearing are Manolos...the wedding ones from Sex and the City.  Until I can buy me a pair of those...I had to find another option.  And finding an option that is as cool as the Manolos...impossible.  But a close option is these blue pumps by Guess found on Endless.com.  They are on sale right now for $76.61 and there are still a lot of sizes available.

I am so going to be trying this outfit as soon as I can get shorts and shoes to complete the look.  Stay tuned for pics and send me yours if you try it too!