This week, we’re welcoming a new face… Rebecca from The Plus Side of Me! She chose the theme for this week’s Five Take and we’re styling maxi dresses.
I’m cutting it close with my post – today I went with some friends to the park because it was a beautiful day with perfect weather. Even though I should have been working, I figured I deserved a break and it was a good opportunity to test out this dress… and more importantly – my awesome hat. Which got made fun of but what do they know!
Dress – Merona, Target
Cardigan – Kmart
Hat – Target
Sandals – Evans
Necklace – Forever 21
Bangles – Torrid
Now I have a small confession. I’ve never really been a fan of maxi dresses, at least on me. Over the last few years, they seem to pop up every spring and summer but I’ve had terrible luck finding one that I’m happy with. I just feel like a cylinder or a column of fabric. Which is interesting because I like experimenting with both fitted and oversized clothing but something about maxi dresses just didn’t appeal to me. I own a lot of dresses but nothing longer than just below the knee.
I’ve tried on a lot of maxi dresses and ended up deciding they were not for me. But when the 2011 spring/summer collections started popping up, something changed. I wanted to find a dress that I liked enough to buy and I’d try it out through spring and summer. You know, by forcing myself to wear it.
And surprisingly it hasn’t been too bad. I found this dress at Target in a 3 but ended up ordering in online in a size 4. I figured black was a safe bet – though maybe not the best choice for summer. Black clothes are hot! But at the very least, I figured I could chop off the bottom if I wasn’t happy with it.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve worn the dress and it has been okay but I’ve noticed a few things.
- Jersey maxi dresses are hot.
- Fabric near my feet is not a good thing – I’m a klutz.
- They are hot… uh, I said that but it is worth mentioning twice.
Okay well, I know there are more but those are the only two I can remember – but they are the important ones!
When I walk in this dress, I feel the need to hold the front up so I don’t trip. It hasn’t occurred yet, but this is me – it is bound to happen at some point. I’m sure the temperature/warmth has to do with the fabric and the fact that it is black… but still. Maybe I’m used to the spring breeze on my legs with shorter dresses? Used to dresses made out of lighter cottons? Who knows.
I do not anticipate wearing this dress when it is 100 degrees outside, that is for damn sure.
But I could deal with sitting on the beach, with my hat, glasses and a good book. And definitely sunscreen. 20 minutes in the sun makes my lily white skin go lobster red!
Oh, I thought I might mention that last night I put my hair in curlers again… the results for the first time (a-typical) can be seen here. This time is more what I’m used to dealing with… curlers in overnight, combed them out like last time… a little wind, some humidity and bam – back to flat! Plus a little hat hair for good measure.
I had my hair done earlier this week to get it cut and colored – very similar to what I had before but keeping some of the length. It looks really red in sunlight for a week or two then settles down. The worst thing about hair dye is that my hair REEKS for ages. The smell is awful and I’m wimpy.
After wearing this dress a handful of times, I think the maxi dress has won me over. That being said, it is rare that I find a dress off the rack that I love and I’d like a cooler alternative.
So, I’m planning to solve that by making one. Yes, I’m crazy. The fabric should show up later this week… so hopefully I can get it sewn up soon. This is very optimistic since I’m jumping far beyond my sewing skills. Gotta learn somehow!
What are your feelings on maxi dresses? Love or leave them?
Don’t forget to visit Beth, Elizabeth, Monkey and Rebecca, to see their outfits!
