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!

Summer Wedding Attire

First...sorry for the major lapse in blog entries.  I know you have all been dying for a new one!  May was absolutely insanely busy and just flew by.  We just got home last night from a week in Boston for my sister-in-laws wedding.  It was so beautiful and we had a blast!  And it got me inspired for a new blog.  Between the rehearsal and the wedding, there were so many dresses to admire.  I LOVED my bridesmaid dress and think I can even get a few more uses out of it.  But the rest of the summer, we get to just be guests and I found myself thinking what to wear when you aren't in the wedding party.  So as I am prone to do, I hit the stores and the web in search of new dresses!

If you are headed to an outdoor wedding, like a beach or park, this would be a fun twist on the usual cocktail dress.  Its a maxi dress, but it doesn't go all the way to the floor so that makes it perfect for an outdoor occasion.  It is printed, but the grey color keeps it muted enough that you wouldn't stand out.  And I like this one because you can wear it with heels or flats, depending on how dressy the wedding is.  Is is by Daniel Rainn  and right now it is only $70 on Piperlime.

Now, if you are invited to a fancier wedding, a LBD is always a safe bet.  But I wanted to look for one with a little excitement thrown in.  This Jessica Simpson dress is perfect.  It will flatter most body types because the blouson top will hide larger top halves as well as any tummy issues.  That keeps you free to eat and drink the night away with no worries about what I like to call my "food baby."  This dress is a bit more expensive at $188, but it can easily be worn for many different occasions.  

And if you are in the mood to be bold, try some color.  As long as you keep the style and length modest, wearing a bright color would be perfect for a summer wedding.  There are tons of styles out right now with summer just starting.  I love this one by Milly.  Its a little more expensive, but you can get it right now for $177 on sale.  This is another dress that can multi-task...just add black tights, pumps, and a blazer and you can wear it all winter long as well.  Keep your accessories simple with this dress so the print can be the focus.  If you wanted, you could also belt this at your waist for some more definition.  

Happy shopping!!!!

Bathing Suits

Tomorrow is May 1st...and that means summer is right around the corner.  (And so is my birthday!!!)  So I thought I would do a little digging into the bathing suit options and see what is out there.  My usual bathing suit style is a bikini, usually with a triangle top.  Last summer, with the twins at the beach all the time, I was getting really bad tan lines so I searched for a bandeau top that ties in the back.  Those of you who are better at filling up a bathing suit top could probably wear any bandeau, but my small friends could not so I had to find a tie back.  But in general, I like to stick with the triangle tops.  My usual go-to spot for bathing suits is Victoria's Secret so I started there. And if you are shopping on a budget, you can always find good options in their clearance section.  I got a bikini for $14 last month!

I really like this Tie-dye bikini from Victoria's Secret from the Beach Sexy Swim Collection.

For those who like a bit more coverage, this tankini from the Forever Sexy Collection is great.  Love the print!  And you can get any style bottom you like, from string to high waist.

If you are in the mood for a splurge on swimwear, I love Vix Swimwear.  It is a bit more than other stores and brands, but they are made so well and fit great.  I got my first one for my honeymoon :-)  I LOVE this one...but its $176 so be prepared before you fall in love too. I especially love this one because the print is gorgeous and the ruffle on the top is nice for us flat chested ladies!

And if you prefer a one piece, there are so many stylish ones out right now.  The key with a one piece is to make sure the fit flatters your body type.  I think it is harder to find a flattering one piece than a bikini or tankini.  The ruching is key for trouble areas. If you are well endowed, wear a v-neck suit to draw attention to the girls and away from your hips and tummy.  Show them off I say!  If you have the time, I think trying these style suits on is a better bet.  Or, find a website with easy and free return shipping.  I found this one at Macy's by Swim Solutions for $84, and its 15%off today.  

Oh, and self tanner always helps.  I found a great non-toxic one at Target. 

Clothes for the 'Regular' Woman

While flipping through a magazine with a friend who shall not be named (because she told me not to) she asked me to "teach her how to dress."  I told her to read this blog!  And she informed me that this blog is for "skinny bitched like you."  So...I am devoting this blog to her...even though I cannot name her.  And I used the term 'regular' because I was told 'curvy' would be wrong.  Love that I get to learn things through this blogging process!

First thing I thought of was this picture of Kim Kardashian we found in In Style Magazne.  Now, I really do not like Kim, but this look is great and I had to put my love of this outfit over my dislike of the person wearing it.  She claims to be my jean size and weight...yea right.  But regardless, she definitely has curves and this proves that anyone can pull off a pencil skirt.  So I went on a search to find this for you!

The skirt is by Trina Turk for $178.  I found it on both Piperlime and Nordstrom.  I also found one at Nordstrom by Halogen for only $59 and it comes in a ton of colors, including a teal one.  You could get creative with this look and switch up the colors to suit you and your skin tone.  The key here with a pencil skirt is tailoring.  It only costs an extra $10-$20 to alter a skirt and the difference it makes is priceless!  You can guarantee that Kim K got hers fitted to her body.

The yellow top is a tricky one to find!  If you like this color combo and want to stick with teal and yellow, this tank by Tinley Road is beautiful and comes with a built in necklace along the color for only $49.

If you are up for switching around the colors, this top from Ann Taylor is beautiful and it is 40% off right now!  It comes in this vibrant pink, as well as blue and white.  And I love the idea of pairing a bright top with white jeans so you could get so many outfits out of this shirt.  

Lastly, the shoes.  I love a nude platform pump.  The nude color makes your legs look longer and the platform adds height, making your legs look leaner and your butt look lifted.  Really, what's not to love about shoes like these???  I own a pair and they are in constant rotation...well they were before I fell off the porch.  Grrr.  Anyways, here is the pair I have by Jessica Simpson.  You can find them a lot of places, but I found them on Zappos for $89.  There are tons of nude platforms on this site, and they offer free shipping and free returns on all orders so there is no risk ordering online.  

Stay tuned for the next 'Regular Woman' blog...with bathing suits!  

Pointy Toe Flats...All Under $50

I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter this weekend!  I myself had a great time out East on Long Island with the whole Franklin clan.  It was my mother-in-law's 60th birthday and she requested we all be together.  So we invaded and took over this wonderful B&B called The Harvest Inn.  The couple who owns it could not be nicer!  And for those of you not familiar with New York, out east on Long Island is wine country.  It has a similar feel to up north Michigan, very country and rustic with TONS of wineries.  I think this trip I had some of the best wines ever!  Along with the best dinner I think I have ever had, complete with oysters and beef wellington (filet wrapped inside perfectly cooked pastry for those who don't know because I didn't either) and a red wine all the way from France.  It was amazing!  And the family time was great too...needless to say all that wine led to lots of laughter...and a little performance by 'Unique Pitch' late one night.

But enough about my trip...and on to shoes!  While in NY this weekend I got to debut my new flats!  I still can't get my ankle into a heel of any kind so I went out and got a pair of flats.  I intended to get this yellow flower Sam Edelman flats from my blog a couple weeks ago.  But then I found the same pair with a snakeskin pattern and I was sold!  I wore them all weekend!

But while I was showing off my new favorite shoes, my sister-in-law Liane told me that she could really use some new flats but that she prefers pointy toes.  So I made it my mission to find her some!  And here is the results of my intense searching! 

These are from ASOS and are only $35.81.  There is also a yellow pair with a red bow for the same price, depending on what fits best with your wardrobe.  

These are also from ASOS, for $44.76.  They have the studded toe detail, which makes them more exciting than a plain black shoe.  And they can be worn with anything!

These are from JCPenny and are only $30!  They were also featured in People Style Watch Magazine.  And if you sign up for JCPenny emails or their credit card, you can use a coupon to make them even cheaper.  I always get $10 off your purchase coupons in the mail.  They have these in a gold, peach, and white color as well. All for only $30!!!

My last suggestion is Nordstrom Rack, if you have one near you.  They have many of the shoes that were recently in Nordstrom stores, but for half the price.  They are sorted by size in the store so you can shop hundreds of different styles at once.  Last time I was there, they had tons of pointy toe flats.  If you don't have this store near you, try a TJ Maxx or Marshalls.  They don't have as many shoes, but they usually have a pretty good selection at really good prices.  

Next up, by request, is a blog devoted to any woman out there who is not (and I quote) a skinny bitch.  A.k.a. real women with curves.  So stay tuned!  And let me know if you have any requests!