The Summer Maxi

I love today's look.  I recently nabbed this dress on-line from Lane Bryant while ordering a few bras.

Dress:  Lane Bryant (Sold out on-line)

After literally a year and a half of trying on (and trying out) every bra out there, I finally found a bra that works well for me - Lane Bryant's back smoothing bra.  Seriously that thing is magic, and I haven't had a bra so comfortable in probably a decade!

But wait, I'm here to talk about the dress...

Sandals:  Target (Kids' Department)

Glasses:  Valentino

Necklace:  Shoxie.com

I have already professed my love for the maxi dress, and the bold color palette of this one is perfect for summer! 

It's one of those great maxi dresses that can dress up or down well.  I wore it to dinner and a showing of "The Avengers:  Age of Ultron" with the family this past week, but I would also wear it to the beach, out shopping, for a casual wedding, and a ton of other places.

Watch:  c/o JORD Wood Watches (Available here)
Bracelets:  LOFT and New York & Company

Earrings:  Torrid (I seemed to have lost one during the shoot - it was sitting on my shoulder :-))

I'm not usually much of a fan of Lane Bryant's clothes, but this piece was a real winner!!

Purse:  Target

Do you shop at Lane Bryant?  Are you a fan of their clothes?  Their bras?  Would you wear this dress?

Black for Spring: Peter Pilotto Mixed Prints and Sporty Details

While I love rocking all black looks in the spring and summer, on hot days, it is usually best to keep black as an accent color.  Pops of white, bright orange, and blues combine with black and mixed prints for a bold casual spring/summer look.

Tank:  Peter Pilotto for Target (Available here)

Skirt:  Peter Pilotto for Target (Available here)

This look combines the athletic, mesh, floral, and graphic black and white trends all in one look!  The skirt and top are perfect together without the cardigan, but the mesh cardigan is a great lightweight topper for chilly air conditioning and breezy spring days.

I finished the look with black gladiator sandals and a straw clutch to help anchor the colorful look.  This outfit has a LOT going on, so the black accessories and cardigan really help keep the bold look more wearable.

Cardigan:  The Limited (Available here)
Clutch:  Target (old)

Mixed bangles and bead bracelets add a fun touch without being overpowering.

Bracelets:  The Limited, Express, Target, eBay, LOFT

Heels:  Target (old)
Earrings:  The Limited

Would you wear a mixed print look?

For this top in another look, see here.

Dress Week: Tribal-Inspired

Global-inspired fashion was a huge trend on spring runways (see more here). 

I've long been inspired by everyday clothing and costume from around the world.  I'm particularly inspired by tribal clothing and jewelry - the rich textures, vibrant colors, and interesting metal work have influenced my home decor, and today, they influence my fashion choices.

Dress:  LOFT Petites (Available here)

Purse:  Target (Available here)

I added a tribal-inspired necklace and zebra print bag to a bright orange dress for a fun evening look.  I especially love the bright orange of this dress paired with the bright citrine bag.  I tucked the strap into the bag to use the bag as a clutch, giving it a slightly dressier feel.

Necklace:  LOFT
Cuff:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Jacket:  LOFT Petites (Available in regular sizes here)

I purchased this strapless dress recently from LOFT.  The fit was a little off, and the dress kept sliding down in an unflattering way.  Since I needed the dress hemmed, I decided to use the extra fabric to add straps to prevent slippage.  

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

Little tweaks like adding straps are an inexpensive and easy way to make pieces work for you.   

Do you like tribal-inspired fashion?  What are your fashion inspirations?

For this jacket in another look, see here.