A Soft, Feminine Spring!
Spring is in the air! You've all seen it in the stores and boutiques! Soft colors, romantic inspired cuts and beautiful dresses! I have been buying up dresses like crazy lately and plan to live in them all spring.
Gorgeous emerald green dress I love this cherry pink dress.
This cut & style looks great on so many body shapes! The plunging V neckline is beautiful & feminine.
Nudes & skin colored pinks A beautifully cut, ivory/nude tone outfit.
are all the rage this spring! What a hot look for date night & weekends!
This dress is easy to wear & could be paired
with a myriad of colors!
Another trend this spring {that was also around this time last year} is the patio dress also known as the maxi dress. I decided to reach out last year and get a little history on the patio dress. Here is what the lovely Jen, from Penelopepup's Vintage, emailed me.
That particular dress is a style that was once (and sometimes still) called a "squaw" dress because of it's Native American influence. However "squaw" is now considered a derogatory term so most folks prefer to call them a patio dress these days. In general, a patio dress is a step above a day dress, but not overly dressy. You would perhaps wear them to a casual party like a cook-out on the patio or drinks with friends. 50s patio dresses have the typical fit and flare style with a fitted waist and very full mid-length skirt. Beyond the 50s most patio dresses are of a maxi length with a full skirt. These days it's a bit of a loose term though as I've seen some simple house dresses called a patio dress.
2 vibrant examples of a maxi length patio dress. Many women choose the wear these dresses with flat sandals which is a great way to keep the look casual and comfortable. One word for petites, PLEASE wear them with a heel! You will look lost in a maxi dress and need a little extra height to be able to really look good in this style. You could wear a tall wedge, a casual pump or a sandal, just be sure it offers you a boost in height. If you are uncomfortable with these guidelines then forgo the patio/maxi dress for a shorter dress that comes above the knee. The more leg we see, the taller you appear!
{All dresses shown today are available online at Bergdorf Goodman.}
Ladies, I know some of you are buried in snow and freezing temperatures this morning. Never fear, spring will be here and soon I hope! So, dust off last years dresses to see what you have to work with this spring & summer and always remember that most pieces can be "reworked" for a fresh new look! Take clothing to your tailor and see what he/she can suggest as far as updating it and tailoring it to fit you better. A talented tailor works miracles!!!
Until next time...
Embrace the beautiful, feminine lady that you are!
Kelli
Working with a dress I purchased last week.
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Categories: Trends, Dresses, Spring Fashion, Spring 2009, things I love
Hi Kelli!
I'm loving that last nude look you showed. It's super sexy to wear something like that to a patio date....ooohhh...summer can't come fast enough!
Thanks for all your compliments on my last post! It means a lot to me
xoxo
Mimi
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Chère Mimi,
I too think that ensemble is so sexy, you could totally rock that!
xo,
K
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I ADORE that cherry red dress with v-neckline... ooooh la la!
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Isn't it just precious! I love the subtle pattern on the dress and the color!
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Bonjour Kelli!
J'adour the pink cherry dress above. I wish I have the figure to wear a dress like that. One of these days, I have to meet with you so you can help me find my style.
-marie
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Salut Marie,
Isn't it so fabulous!??! Many body shapes can easily pull off this dress, it isn't as tricky as it may appear!
I would be delighted to work with you!
Kelli
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Kelli, Love all these!!! The nudes and the soft skin pinks, Très Magnifique! Oooo...with patio season fast approaching, lots of great ideas!
Your dress best out of the bunch, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!
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Thank you Kris, you are too kind!
Shhhh, don't tell anyone but I picked up that dress at Nordstrom Rack in the lingerie department!
And yes, AMEN to the seasons of spending much time outdoors.
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Hi Kelli,
I love the look of the long patio dress but can't wear it as I am to short. I would probably do what you suggested and wear a shorter length dress so that I would look taller.
Kris
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Hi Kris,
As for the length, just be sure that we can see at least 1/2 your knee cap if not more. Nothing should be longer than that for petites and certainly NO cropped pants/capris {for anyone}!!! They look horrible on everyone & stunt your height.
If you can wear skirts and dresses that hit one inch above the knee with a kitten heel or thin wedge that will also help add mileage to your legs!
Kelli
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They look lovely
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Hello May,
Thanks for stopping by! I am glad you like this selection of inspiration looks for spring!
Kelli
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Found you on SITS. I LOVE that cherry pink dress. And since it has been snowing and cold here, I appreciate your reminder that spring is just around the corner. Need to get motivated to lose my 20 pounds of leftover pregnancy weight so I can do the new sexy dress styles justice!
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Cari,
Thanks for stopping by! I am sure you look great as is and this dress is easier to wear than many would expect. I am glad that I could help be a reminder of the soon coming Spring!
Kelli
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I love all of the dresses
Wib.
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I LOVE spring dresses! I'm so excited!
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I LOVE this dress. Do they have my size?
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Thanks Julie! I found it on clearance at Nordstrom Rack and yes, I would be happy to call for you tomorrow!
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Very nice dressses. They really speak spring
And love your dress.
xoxo
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