Sky High in Stripes

I can feel the summer slipping away, and I'm not ready to say goodbye. Not just yet. I'm making the most of my maxi's before it comes time to pack them away and bury them in the depths of my closet until next spring. Particularly living here in Philly, the long stretches of cold and frost seem to drag on for eons. But enough of me getting ahead of myself.

The 'maxi' is such a staple in my summer wardrobe. This past year I've really embraced both maxi dresses and skirts for their ease and versatility. They are flattering to the figure - swishing and swooshing in all the right ways - they're airy and comfortable, easy to slip on, and allow for such ease of movement. I can't say enough good things about the maxi!

The maxi I'm styling is a particular favorite. I spotted it last summer at South Moon Under - Phillyphiles will be more than familiar with this shop - and didn't have the heart to leave without it. The B&W color block and chic stripes certainly enticed, but it was the plunging back line that ultimately did me in. Indeed, I caved. I've easily transitioned this piece from day to summer nights (pictured below), pairing it with a statement coral necklace from the LILA Luxe Jewelry Collection and Lancome's L'absolu rouge for a daring pop of color. For heels, I opted to style the maxi with my BCBGeneration black lace ups; I found these beauties recently on major sale at Nordstrom's Rack.

I also want to note the harmony between art and architecture that inspired these shots. The clean lines and symmetry of the building are echoed in the same dramatic pattern in the dress - melding together to create a profound 'whole' that is pleasing the eye.

Here I stand, as sky high as the skyscrapers towering above and before you. An architectural original.

Architecture stimulates fashion. It's like hunger and thirst -- you need them both. -Karl Lagerfeld