EBEW- Maxi Dress Challenge

The gals over at Everbody, Everywear are hosting the Maxi Dress challenge today. Because our weather has been VERY unpredictable for spring- (sunny and 70 and then snowy and 30 the next), I dressed my maxi down. The denim jacket gave some structure to the otherwise long and flowy-ness of the dress. Head on over and see how everyone styled their maxi at Everybody Everywear.

I don't wear skirts. I absolutely love the idea wearing a skirt or dress in public. I'd rather wear pants than a dress- even in the middle of summer. To be honest I've never really felt comfortable in dresses, too airy and too exposed. And gals- I have since forgone the v-strings for these days. My mild fears may stem slightly from kindergarten experiences, when boys declared Friday as "Friday Flip Up Day". Parents soon began sending their girls to school with shorts on under their dresses so as to not be targeted for their Barbie, My Little Pony, and Carebears panties... which in hindsight is still a really good idea. Now a days I rely on my nude spanx shorts if I'm feeling a bit over-exposed in the nether-regions.

I mean I've always loved the idea of dresses and skirts I've bought a few here and there, but most of the time they end up hanging in the closet for some special occasion that never comes. And I intend to change that. I bought this lovely maxi dress last summer while shopping with my fashion forward and fresh out of high school sister, Megan. "Mandy, the maxi dresses are all the rage- you should try a few on." With much reluctance, I took an arm load into the dressing room. I'd had it set in my mind for so long that short girls could NOT pull off maxi dresses. And I was wrong. All these things ran through my head.



Trying not to get caught up.



• Why buy a dress when I'm going to have to hem it before I can wear it?
• Do I really want to worry about my safety and well being because of the potential safety hazards my dress could cause?
• Getting caught in the car door as it's driving away.. dragging me behind it
• I'll get a flat tire on the way from point A to point B and have to fuss with a dress while I change my tire-butt in the air, dress billowing above my head
• Getting it stuck on the escalator at the mall

Oh the list of the scenarios went on. The reality was- once it was on the dress wasn't entirely THAT long. The material both clung and hung nicely over my curves. No bagging or sagging and no clinging and stretching. I actually appeared and felt much taller than I was, and the dress was confortable. I wore it several times over the summer and every time someone has stopped me to compliment my outfit. This gave me a new confidence in myself. Being noticed and getting positive feedback it made me feel good. I even walked with my head a little taller. I've since reconsidered maxi dresses and can safely say they are a great alternative to pants.

Silver and shell bracelets Cookie Lee, brown bracelets Target

This dress is the absolute longest length that my 5 foot half inch frame has been able wear easily. That means from hanger to out the door without being altered. It would be perfect a few inches shorter, and would allow me to wear flats or flippies come summer, but I feel quite lady-like when I hitch up my skirt a bit whilst wearing heels. Whether it's getting out of my low to the ground car, or walking up stairs.



I can't get over these shoes now. I've been wearing them so much more, now that I have a purse to match. The color is fun- so bright and springy. This outfit would have looked great with some open toed wedge sandals. I'm sure you'll be seeing this dress again once the weather warms up a bit.

Floor Grazing and Pollen Sniffing

Outfit Details:

Dress: L8TER via ROSS, spring 2010

Jean Jacket: ANA Petite,Thrifted

Shoes: XhilerationTarget

Purse: Nine West, Thrifted

Jewelry: Cookie Lee and Target

 Some great Maxi's to check out:



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 Love this bright floral number above! 

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The ladies of Sex and the City rock their Maxi's

What's your take on Maxi dresses? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Dress them up or down? Let me know your thoughts below.