Do you own a nice maxi dress? The thing is, the maxi dress 'thing' isn't really crystal clear until you wear one. Many women shy away from the silhouette, and truthfully, it's understandable. A maxi dress, if it isn't a high quality fabric and appropriately sized, can feel like a mumu. But, if you splurge on something really special, it will change your life. Not only is it flattering to almost any figure, it's a classy way to keep cool in the summer. Going out to dinner with your boss? Preparing for a picnic in the park? Accidently get a major sunburn on vacation? A maxi dress is the answer, we cannot stress this enough. The Matthew Williamson Leaf Print Maxi Dress is the perfect example. The initial reaction is 'Whoa, that's a lotta' dress!' but, take a deep breath, imagine it with thin gold sandals, a slick chignon, the most basic makeup, and you'll see the point. It puts all those mini skirts and babydoll dresses to shame, and we promise, you'll stand just a little bit taller as you glide across the room in this leaf print number. For more maxi dresses, see our spread below.
Who Wore It Better? Jenni Kayne Silk Tie Gown
A case of starlet versus stylist. Rachel Zoe donned this Jenni Kayne dress back in October for the designer's LA store opening, while Kristen chose it for the premiere of Forgetting Sarah Marshall; she wore it a good while later, I might say. It seems the prints are inversed, with Rachel's showing more white and Kristen's more of that stunning electric blue. Both chose chunky gold accessories, though Rachel let her hair down in long loose waves and Kristen went for an updo. I think they both bring something different to the dress in a good way. Who do you think wore it better?
Celebrity Style: Kristen Bell
At long last — after all of the notice-me advertising — Forgetting Sarah Marshall is finally here. Kristen Bell went all out in an appropriately tropical look for the Hawaii—set movie, choosing a Jenni Kayne printed maxi dress in an extra fresh cobalt blue and white palette. What really makes this special is the abundance of chunky gold accessories. They could have thrown the look into overkill territory, but with her beachy updo and casually glam dress, the overall effect strikes just the right balance.
Who Wore it Better? Diane von Furstenberg Printed Maxi Dress
Maybe maxi dresses really will catch on big time. They do capture that bohemian Summer vibe oh so well. Miss Molly Sims debuted the bold dress at Diane von Furstenberg's dinner I attended back in February, and Garcelle Beauvais Nilon selected it for a Saks Fifth Avenue event yesterday. They both wisely chose bare necklines and upswept 'dos, paving the way for the dress to make the main statement. It fits both of them like a dream, but I'm liking the shoulder cutouts on Molly's a tad bit more for that extra flash of skin. Who do you think wore it better?
The Look For Less: Gwen Stefani's Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Maxi

An adorably pregnant Gwen Stefani recently played in the park with Gavin and Kingston. While Pop was examining her baby bump, I was more focused on what was covering that growing belly: Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent's ruffle maxi dress ($372). Mile-long maxis grazed the Spring runways; now let's have them sweep the streets without massacring our wallets!
To see the look for less, read more
Look of the Day: Maxin' It Out
Rabbit88 is maxin it out in a hippie-inspired summer frock. The rich colors and subtle tiers in the dress are lovely and the relaxed suede tote perfectly complements her look.
Here's what she has on:
- Dress: Victoria's Secret
- Sandals: Henry Ferrara
- Tote: Lucky Brand
Congrats to Rabbit88!
Everyone else, submit your looks and I might feature you on FabSugar! If you live overseas and have a Fab outfit to share, join the Overseas Fashionistas Group, to submit a Look in this group learn how to post a blog.
Paris Hilton in Diane von Furstenberg: Love It or Hate It?

Paris Hilton has been quite a loyal fan to Diane von Furstenberg lately. First she wore the designer's yellow Naro dress and now she's traveling the world in Diane's designs. I am in love with her latest crop of ethnic-inspired frocks, especially this Diane von Furstenberg Ora Patchwork Dress ($585). Though I'm hesitant to deem Paris a style icon, I have to admit this dress works particularly well with her slim figure and height. Do you agree?
March Shopping Madness: Mile-Long Maxis

Maxi dresses are the ultimate way to exude a stylish laid-back look. Just look at Stella McCartney's Spring '08 collection, which was filled with feminine floral maxis. Also take cue from Nicole Richie who recently frolicked LA in a paisley maxi dress. There's something to be said about a dress that can make you look put together and feel comfy at the same time. Do what you will with the neckline but make sure your maxi is floor length. After all, anything shorter wouldn't be a mile-long maxi.
Celebrity Style: Mary-Kate Olsen
Mary-Kate looked classic bohemian Mary-Kate for the Annual Winter Dance at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC. Leave it to MK to Olsen-ify the floral trend by wearing fur and a snakeskin clutch. Even though her friends Margherita Missoni, Derek Blasberg, and Arden Wohl are towering over her, she still manages to steal the spotlight.

Sneak Peek! More California Casuals From Lauren Conrad's Spring '08 Collection

The first batch of Lauren Conrad's Spring '08 collection was rather simple, but the reality star has added new and more interesting pieces. This collection, named Bella, includes a jersey maxi dress (left), a fun full skirt, and a handful of Dolly-print frocks. I admit that LC's designs aren't anything groundbreaking, but they're good for gals who like loose-fitting, comfy fashions.
Oh and I guess this is an appropriate time to tell you that I'll be attending The Lauren Conrad Collection Fall '08 runway show at LA Fashion Week next week! I'm really excited to see what LC will bring us for autumn. Stay tuned . . .
To see more from LC's Bella collection, read more


