Maxi to Cocktail.

Maxi dresses are wonderful pieces and by far one of my favorite wardrobe staples. However, when you come across an incredible maxi with bold colors, prints, embellishments, or just excellent drapery, chances are that people will notice. The "wow" factor makes it difficult to pull off wearing over and over again.

Today, a woman at my favorite boutique, Ooh La La, in Del Mar told me a fabulous trick to fixing this problem when I was in to pick up a few new additions to my closet. I was raving about the last maxi dress I had bought, a Cavalli jewel toned halter maxi with gorgeous brown leather detailing and cut-outs around the ribcage. I then told her my only complaint was that I rarely could bring out the beautiful dress I was so proud of finding because EVERYONE remembers it. She told me to wear it one more time, proudly, and if I was ready to take the plunge, crop the bottom of it and turn it into a revamped cocktail dress.

I've scheduled a time this week to take in the dress to my local tailor.

Belief.

Belief is a beautiful armor,
But makes for the heaviest sword.
Like punching under water,
You never can hit who you're trying for.

Elie Saab

I have never been all that familiar with Elie Saab, up until this point of course. I came across one of the dresses in Neiman Marcus earlier this week dress shopping and had to do some further research. His pieces are just stunning. I went through the Spring 2011 Couture Collection in sheer amazement. Words to explain the collection do not do the pieces justice, so I wanted to share with you the 42 looks:

Elie Saab
Spring 2011 Couture

Spring Closet Cleaning.

Spring is probably my favorite season to bring out of the dark corners of my closet. Away with the dark and heavy colors and fabrics, and in with the vibrant hues and materials that actually show some motion.

Now, if you know me or have seen me out ever, you know that I am perhaps one of the biggest advocates for the blackest blacks and most savage furs. However, there is something so hopeful and mood lifting about Spring fashion.

Today I went ahead and moved all my coats and fur and dark pieces that were blowing like jack frost to the back of my closet, and brought forward the yellows, blushes, and beautiful floral prints to cheer up my wardrobe.

My favorite maxi dresses for this Spring:

"You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters? She's not perfect, you aren't either, and the two of you may never be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break, her heart. So don't hurt her, don't change her, don't analyze and don't expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she's not there."
- Bob Marley

Wear Your Support.

Tory Burch Japan Relief T-Shirt

Help support the American Red Cross Japan earthquake and Pacific tsunami relief efforts by snagging this exclusive Tory Burch Japan Relief T-shirt for only $29.00 through RueLaLa.

100% of the net proceeds WILL be donated to the American Red Cross.

This boutique closes 4 days from now, so be sure to act fast. Your support can never come too soon.

Click below to wear your support:

Wedge Yourself Into Spring.

The 'Puzzle' Peep Toe Wedge Pump by Lanvin

I've officially found my first wedge purchase for this Spring. I'm always very picky about buying wedges because I honestly think a heel is just so much sexier and flattering to the leg. However, this peep toe wedge is TO DIE. I love it because it can be worn casually or dressed up. The ankle bow is an adorable touch, and unlike a typical banded strap, it doesn't cut off your leg completely at the ankle and make you look like your legs are two tree trunks. The way that the wooden wedge is slightly hidden within the shoe makes this wedge graceful and lengthening.

You can find this adorable wedge by Lanvin in black patent and a rosy beige patent as well, if you're not feeling like sauntering into Spring with a snakeskin print.

“I was born with an enormous need for affection,
and a terrible need to give it.”
- Audrey Hepburn