maxi | garden of glam

May 21 2013

maxi

Maxin’ Out

Maxi dresses are my absolute favorite for spring/summer, well really life. Maxis have made a big resurgence in the past couple of years and I am so grateful! They are the perfect seasonal transition piece and are flattering on everyone! I have found that a surprising amount people are intimidated by maxis and question whether they will ever wear them and where they will wear a maxi to. In reality once you discover the amazingness of a maxi you will find that it is all you want to wear. Maxis are uber comfortable and beyond chic, perfect for casual and formal occasions! They are the definition of a closet staple and elegance.

Dress: the Loft (similar here), Shoes: Nine West (old, similar here), Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs (found here)

One of my fav things about maxi dresses is that they add about 10 inches of height.

Rings: Margaret Elizabeth (found here) & She’s Unique (found here), Watch: Michael Kors (similar here), Bracelets: DIY & Roberto Coin (found here)

Another amazing thing about maxis is that they can be worn with flats or heels.

The final reason I love maxis is that I can sit like this on top of a couch in a dress and not worry about having a Britney moment.

Very special thank you to my amazing photographer, Maggie!

Tagged maxi, maxi dress, nautical, spring trends, stripes, summer trends

Mar 21 2013

2 Comments

InstaGlam, Street Style

The Varsity Jacket

After a brief hiatus I am bringing back street style InstaGlam. Today’s InstaGlam pic is courtesy of the fabulous Audrey Cotton, who I cornered and photographed at the Fundrise Investor party event. Audrey is flawlessly rocking the varsity jacket. The look is such a great success because she pairs the bulky classic piece with a sleek black maxi and cropped top (another one of my obsessions for spring). This look is daring and fabulous!

*Semi-disclaimer: the reason I took a mini InstaGlam break is because the quality of the pictures can sometimes be questionable because they are taken with my phone and normally in a setting with less than ideal lighting. So please forgive the shotty camera work, because this outfit was just too amazing to not share*

Jacket: Asos (found here), Top: Asos (found here), Skirt: T by Alexander Wang (found here), Shoes: ____ (found here)

Jacket: Asos (found here), Top: Asos (similar found here), Skirt: T by Alexander Wang (similar found here)

The key to pulling off a successful cropped top is moderation and only showing a little peek-abo of skin

loving the gold tipped heels!

Tagged black on black, cropped top, instaglam, maxi, street style, varsity jacket

Feb 11 2013

1 Comment

Giveaway, Wrap Dress

It’s a Wrap

Made infamous by Diane Von Furstenberg, the wrap dress is now a staple in every girl’s closet. The wrap dress is always flattering and always in style making it the perfect piece and it can be dressed up or down making it superb for any occasion. You can go bold with a print or bright color or use it as the canvas and let the jewelry pop. It is such a simple and classic silhouette, with the cinched waist and appropriately deep v, the wrap dress is truly perfection.

Also make sure to check out all of the jewelry worn in this post because one piece will be given away to one of my lucky readers! So get excited and check back this Wednesday for details and the official rules of entry for this super fab GIVEAWAY courtesy of Fornash!!!

Dress: Tinley Road (found here & on sale!) Belt: Vintage (similar found here), Shoes: J. Crew (similar found here), Jewelry: Fornash (found here), Watch: Michael Kors (found here)

Dress: Tinley Road (found here & on sale!) Belt: Vintage (similar found here), Shoes: J. Crew (similar found here), Jewelry: c/o Fornash (found here), Watch: Michael Kors (found here)

caught in the wind

Maxis are one of my favs and I love when they hit the top of the shoe so you can show off the super fab pump

Tagged accessories, bold colors, giveaway, jewelry, maxi, snakeskin, vintage, winter, wrap dress

Oct 31 2012

Maxing out

The star of street style this fall is the maxi! Everywhere I turn I see the maxi flawlessly paired with leather coats, utility jackets, and oversized cozy sweaters. The way to successfully pull off the fall maxi is to respect proportions and make sure the maxi is the centerpiece of the look.

bold pairing of red and chambray

Photo courtesy of shopwildbleu.com

so versatile and comfy!

Photo courtesy of fondlyandaffectionately.tumblr

fall nudes, so on trend

Photo courtesy of southerngraceandsunshine.tumblr

love the casual tee, mossy green, edgy leather and masculine briefcase

Photo courtesy of be-mod

in love with this sweater! i need it for fall!

Photo courtesy of carolinesmode

color blocking perfection

Photo courtesy of fashioneestar.tumblr

fab blazer and top knot

Photo courtesy of dressinterest

i am obsessed with every detail of this look–from the emerald maxi to the cropped top to the incredible necklaces this outfit is absolute perfection

Photo courtesy of harpers bazaar

Tagged accessories, color block, fall, lace, layers, leather, leather jacket, maxi, nude, oversized sweater

Oct 02 2012

Nude

Nude, creams, and neutrals can now be worn year round adding a much needed lightness to your fall and winder wardrobe! This palette is so wonderful because it truly allows you to take your ensemble in any direction allowing the focus to be on the accessories, the details of the clothes or most importantly you. Scroll for subtle sophistication and show stopping splendor.

Light fall look successfully achieved by mixing nude and white. I also love the wide leg trouser and the embellished collar.

Photo courtesy of fellt.com

The piping elevates the dress, which is already perfect for any occasion and would look fabulous with thick tights as it starts to get chilly.

Peplum, nude, sequins, need I say more

Photo courtesy of glitterguide.tumblr

Another successful white and nude combination. The gold clutch also adds a subtle splash of excitement.

Photo courtesy of fashionsquad

Simply obsessed with these pants!

Photo courtesy of misszeit.tumblr

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley smartly pairs nude high waisted trousers with a daring mint top.

Karolina Kurkova is an absolute show stopper in this Rachel Zoe design at the Met Gala.

Candice Swanepoel looks incredible in this full camel skirt (full skirts are also a must for fall)

Photo courtesy of skinn-nier.tumblr

Fabulous fall look! This neutral ensemble is the perfect back drop for a statement necklace.

Photo courtesy of thepinkpeonies

Tagged accessories, celebrities, cream, full skirt, gold, maxi, mint, neutral, nude, peplum, red carpet, sequins, wide leg, work wear

Sep 18 2012

Black & White

Black and white is a timeless color combination. Donning this classic duo, not only allows you to exude ease and class, but putting the look together is actually easy. Color blocking is very on trend, but can be tricky and can quickly end in disaster if you don’t have an eye for color. Black and white is the original color block and oozes sophistication. And because this is such an effortless pairing it allows you to mix fabric textures more freely.