Bewitched and bewildered by the maxi dress
Ever see a trend that you love but can't quite figure out how to pull off?
That's how I feel about the maxi dress. The long, flowy look made a big splash last summer and, like gladiator sandals, managed to stay on the "in" list for summer 2009. It seems like every store carries them (Macy's alone offers 27 online) and every A-list celeb has at least one in her closet. (Check out Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Katie Holmes wearing the same dress.)
What's not to love? The maxi dress brings out a gal's inner hippie, right down to the fact that you can skip shaving your legs that day and no one will know. They come in vibrant colors and pretty patterns. They don't stick to your thighs like shorts on an intolerably hot Florida summer's day, or to your belly when you're feeling bloated.
But here's the rub: The look isn't always all that flattering. Even girls with sculpted arms and stick-straight figures can end up looking like tents in certain maxi dresses. And those of us who don't come anywhere near that body type have to worry about people whispering, Is she pregnant? Sure, shapewear would help, but that sort of defeats the allure of maxi dress as comfort clothing.
Argh. Is it just me? Has anyone else shied away from this trend, or have you found a way to rock it? Please, do tell.
~ Deal Diva Colleen
(Photo: BCBGeneration maxi dress from Macy's. Gorgeous right? But unless you are as skinny as this chick, will folks wonder if you have a bun in the oven?)
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Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at 850) 224-7263 or 
Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or 
A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or 
From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or 
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