The Craze: Maxi Mania

The Craze is a trend report bringing you the latest (and, duh, the greatest) in beauty and styles.

What’s not to love about the maxi dress? It’s comfortable and can either be casual or dressed up and comes in a variety of solid colors and prints. Tube top, halter and racer back are all available. The maxi can be crafted with cotton to silk fabrics contributing to the versatility this dress offers. These flowing fabrics were seen down the Spring 2011 runways of Jill Sander and Alberta Ferretti among others.

Alberta Ferretti

Jill Sander

Wear it to the beach or wear it out to an evening affair. The possibilities are endless. You can pair it with flat sandals or a great pair of espadrilles. The maxi is a great go–to dress for any occasion. Check out these affordable finds below and join in the maxi mania!

Anthropologie

asos.com

Forever 21

Free People

–Kate Ahrendtsen

The Craze: A Pop of Bold Color

The Craze is a trend report bringing you the latest (and, duh, the greatest) in beauty and style.

In the spring 2011 collections we saw the rebirth of color. Even though nudes and neutrals still remain to be in the fashion forefront, bold hues are making a bold statement in spring.

You don’t have to wait until weather starts warming up to add them to your fashion wardrobe. Amid the heavy layering and structural cuts, bold colors are popping up for the fall 2011 leading collections.

Get ahead of the game and start mixing colors whether it’s greens, turquoises, fuchsias, oranges or vibrant reds; there is a color for you that will guarantee stares of jealousy.

Here are some style tips for going bold:

- If you’re wary about going too bold with the colors, wear two colors of the same family. For example a light lavender and magenta.

- Use accessories to add bright accents to your wardrobe like a scarf or necklace. Even colored heels are good for making your outfit stand out.

- Don’t forget colored skinnies! They are making their way back into the fashion circuit.

Color is a great mood booster. It’s a sure way to lighten up your spirits and complexion. Make sure you find a color that looks best on you and, most importantly, have fun mixing these vibrant colors!

Gucci Spring 2011

Mulberry Fall 2011

Haider Ackermann Spring 2011

Jill Sander Spring 2011

- ASOS offers a slash neck knitted dress in a vibrant blue. Wear this look to a lunch date or an outing with friends.

- Get these hot orange suede platform heels from TOPSHOP, if you want all eyes on you!

- ZARA has narrow leg trousers that come in a variety of color from a vibrant pink to a royal blue.

– Ivie Igbeare