Maxi Dresses: No Longer a foe

This spring, I finally gave into the maxi dress. Though I'm not a short person, I am by no means tall. As we know, from the rules of fashion: a solid color with no discernible shape can make you look short. Thanks dress, but I don't need any help with that.

Naturally, I have always leaned towards minis, because not only do short hemlines give the appearance of longer legs (thus making you seem taller), I also live in Florida. And it gets super hot here. But there comes a time in one's life when you need to start considering the appropriateness of your hem lengths. If you aren't at the height of your fitness or if you're over the age of 23, you might want to consider a mid length short or a dress that hits just above the knee.

But maxis are the focus here. How do you wear a maxi!? If you're over 5'7, don't even worry. Maxis are meant for you and look great.  For the rest of us who aren't build like super models, here are a few things to keep in mind:

- If you're petite, don't opt for an overly large pattern. They can overwhelm your body and make the dress look like it got hungry and ate you as a snack. 

- If you're busty, try not to go strapless - the ladies need support. 

- Alternatively, if you aren't as well endowed, feel free to look for ruffles or sweetheart necklines. 

- Consider your body type, what necklines work best on you? What about pencil, A-line, or full skirts? Same goes for your dresses, right? The rules still apply with a maxi. 

- Structure is key. Maxis are generally thought of as flowing summer dresses. So, look for ruching, darts, pleats, or my personal favorite anything you can belt.

If all else fails: buy a solid color, wear it with tall wedges and a few layered necklaces. Boho chic is here to stay.

Righty Runny, Lefty Lumpy

Some of you know what I'm getting into... And some of you don't. That's just fine because this a handy tip, just for you. 

When you're at restaurant and your table feels small and very crowded, and for some reason you can't figure out which water glass is yours or where your plate needs to sit, there is an easy solution. Thanks to one of my charming college roommates, I learned the easiest way to remember the solution to this predicament. Righty runny, lefty lumpy. Your drinks go on your right and your bread plate goes on your left. 

Easy as that. As long as everyone in your party remembers, there will be room for every plate on even the smallest tables!

High School Is Over.

A few weeks ago, while ignoring my DVR and trolling the interwebz (you know you do it too) I stumbled across a picture of a bunch of women, in what looked to be a glamor shot of sorts. The caption read "my friends are prettier than your friends".

Wow.

Okay, I will admit, your friends are all extremely pretty and the picture taken was lovely. I could only hope to take a picture near that nice (but alas, photogenic was not one of the traits I was awarded when they were being handed out.)

The caption is what got me. First, if you want to convey the message that your friends are beautiful, say that. There is no need to make someone feel bad to make yourself feel better. Second, however proud you are of your friends and how they may look, a little humility will win you a lot more points in the long run. Third, I'm fairly certain life isn't one big popularity contest, showing accolades in your yearbook. If that's what it's about, I suggest you take a wee moment for self reflection.

Your friends should be thought of as beautiful because of the people they are (Granted the more you know someone, the more good you see in them, the more beautiful they become to you). Kind, giving, caring, selfless... The kind of beauty that shines through even the darkest of days.

When you have appreciation for your life and can see the true beauty, you don't have to brag about how "pretty" your friends are, what a great car you have, how much money you make, etc. Your insecurity is showing, and it's not winning gaining you any points.

Good Etiquette

Etiquette is about making other people comfortable. It's not about you being prim and proper... But in a way it is, if being proper makes others comfortable, then, quite obviously that would be good etiquette.

Take a moment for reflection, what can you do to make someone's day a little easier? How can you make help have an easier day? ... That is true etiquette.

Lady Laws

Bro code, man cards... I get it. Be good to your fellow man, etc etc. I think it's high time we discuss the rules of being a girlfriend. They say men are competitive with sports... Women are competitive with EVERYTHING else. Who has the cutest shoes, who is dating the best guy, whose job is better, who gave to what charity. The list goes on and on. Some are material things and some are internal, all are judged.

Here's the thing, you can get so wrapped up in it, it can make your head spin or you can just refuse the game. I'm a proponent for doing what makes you happy. If you love your three year old shoes, wear them. If you want to give 5% of your salary to planned parenthood, I'm pleased to know you. Any way you look at it, girls need to stick together - especially you good girlfriends.

Here, by no means complete, are some of the most important Lady Laws.

In regards to style, you must:

- Notice different hair styles/colors.

- Compliment something if you legitimately like it.

- Tell someone if she has spinach in her teeth.

- Not copy everything a girlfriend wears, even if you love her style.

- Tell your girlfriend if an event/party you are going to has a specific dress code.

- Be honest when shopping together.

- Loan hair elastics and bobby pins if you have them to spare.

In regards to life decisions, you must:

- Not judge if called for a ride to or from somewhere.

- Keep your mouth shut if you don't like someone's significant other, unless asked.

- Open your mouth immediately if you think someone is making the wrong life long decision.

- Not "kill the messenger" if a girlfriend is honest with you.

- Be supportive in every way you can.

In regards to relationships, you must:

- Not disappear when you date a new person.

- Be accepting of the friend that disappeared when dating someone new.

- Make an effort to involve single and coupled friends.

- Understand that sometimes relationship/family activities have to take precedent. 

 

In regards to heartache, you must:

- Be supportive through heartache - involving, but not limited to, ice cream, wine, and lots of chocolate.

- Understand that sometimes a 2am phone call needs to happen.

- Tell your girlfriend when her self pity has started to effect her other relationships.

- Tell her when you ran into an Ex.

In regards to ex partners, you must:

- Tell her when you ran into an Ex.

- You must curse Ex's name if she needs to hear it.

- Under no circumstances, have relations of a sexual nature with an Ex, unless it was an insignificant relationship, a number of years (5 +), AND you have gained honest approval. And understand other girlfriends still reserve the right to place judgement. Basically, don't do it. 

It basically comes down to being a good person to one another... and going to the bathroom together in groups. Obviously.

Road Trip Crack Trail Mix

Quite name, huh? Well, I wasn't the one who named it (though it sounds like I should have!) Anyway... since I'm allergic to nuts, trail mixes are a tough one for me. But what's better than a trail mix when going on a trip (or trail?) A little salty, a little sweet. Yum! Well, I was at a wedding a few years back, my problem was solved!!! In the hotel gift bag was a nut free trail mix, called "crack". Seriously.

Here is what you need:
1 box of cap'n crunch
1 bag of gold fish
1 bag of m&ms
1 bag of pretzels
1 bag if bugles (I get the BIG bag)
2 bags of yogurt covered raisins

Take two gallon size zip lock bags and divide everything amongst the bags (Obviously a bag of raisins for each). Toss the bags around a little to mix... And you're done!!!

Here's my favorite part: substitutions!!! Don't like cap'n crunch? Use Cheerios or Chex. What flavor of gold fish are your favorites? Use them! Peanut m&ms? Go for it. Regular raisins and some other dried fruit? Yummy! I sometimes even add chocolate covered pretzels!

The possibilities are endless, and it's all so good! Just use what you like, or better yet, what you have around your house!

How To: Be a Good House Guest

After years of threatening and planning (not even joking, it's been since 2006), I finally made it up to the Windy City to visit my college roommates (who accidentally on purpose live 1 1/2 blocks from each other). We couldn't decide where I would stay, so we decided one night at one house, one night at the other - so I got a double dose of air mattress surfing & they got to deal with my incessantly chipper morning chatter. Everyone involved way terribly pleased - and by everyone, I mean my roommates and I. Their significant others... that remains to be seen.

Since summer is coming up, that means there will be a lot of vacations coming up - which means a lot of couch surfing with inevitably happen. Here, as always, are a few handy tips to make the whole experience easier for everyone.

- First thing's first: ask before you come to stay with someone. Even if it's totally cool with you to have every Joe on the street to stay with you, never assume. If you are bringing your significant other, it's imperative that you check with all parties involved. Alternatively, if someone asks to stay at your home, and it is truly inconvenient, say no!
- Discuss you trip expectations before hand. Are you expecting someone to play host for you or do you like to check things out on your own? Maybe you're there for work & they have tons of school.
- If you're a planner, make sure everyone is involved in the decision making for your daily activities. Don't do just what you want to do.
- When eating in, make sure your host is aware of any allergies. It's rather uncomfortable for all involved when they only snacks available are all nut-tastic and you become hive child, just looking at them (no, my allergies are not THAT bad, settle down).
- When picking dinner options, make sure you have a few choices with a broad menu and a variety of prices. You might want to eat at every Top Chef restaurant you can find in that city, and your friends might be in money saving mode.
- If you're having a night out, try to take everyone's temperature involved. You may way to be out until 5am, and they may not. You can always find a happy medium.
- Discuss plans for the following day, the night before. That way everyone has similar expectations to how the day will go - even if it doesn't totally go as planned.
- When waking up in the morning, unless you know your host sleeps in late, try to wake up at a reasonable time. Nothing is more uncomfortable for someone who is trying to play host to you and you keep awkwardly sleeping. Alternatively, if you are an early riser like me, try to be quite and start your morning. Take a shower, make coffee, and quietly entertain yourself. That way when your host wake up, they won't feel bad about having slept in.
- When it's the last day of your stay, clean up. Strip the sheets from the bed, deflate mattresses, refold couches, and pack your stuff up. No one likes a hurricane for a house guest.
- Consider an email, thank you note, flowers, or whatever is your style to show your gratitude. A written thought to show appreciation can really go a long way.

Not that we don't adore our friends and family, and cherish the time we get to spend with them, but as they say, house guests and Fish have a lot in common, after three days - they stink! Keep it short and sweet and you'll be sure to get an invite back.