I'm a 43 year-old hip woman and mom who enjoys your site. What I'd like is advice about getting a maxi dress. I'm rather busty (38D) and like the look but spaghetti straps just won't do. I need some substantial straps without any seams that either shape or support the bust because they simply won't fit! —Hip Mom from Calgary, Canada

The maxi-dress trend is still going strong, and regardless of your shape or height, the key to pulling off this look will be finding the right cut and style for your figure. Since you have a larger bust, you'll want to avoid spaghetti straps (as you wisely noted) and look for a style that will let you wear a supportive, full-coverage bra underneath. You'll also want a maxi-dress that cinches beneath the bust, then drapes to skim over the tummy and create a flattering line. A v-neck is especially flattering, but you'll want to steer clear of plunging necklines that can lead to overexposure. Now let's find that dress!

First up, I'd like to introduce you to Rachel Pally White Label, a plus-size line from designer Rachel Pally whose known for feminine shapes and sumptuously soft and fluid jersey knits. This label is not cheap, but for those rare occasions when you want to splurge and you can't find what you're looking for anywhere else, I highly recommend checking it out. Here's one example of a brilliant blue maxi-dress from the Rachel Pally White Label line that will accentuate and support a larger bust and show off your curves ($248 at Nordstrom.com):



Next up: This Knot Front Maxi Dress from Lane Bryant features a centered knot detail which creates a cascading effect down the front of this flowing maxi dress finished with a wide ruffle hem. Dress it up or down with your favorite accessories. ($79.50 at LaneBryant.com)



Kmart has a great selection of maxi dresses for summer and carries most sizes, including harder-to-find plus sizes. I was a little iffy about this halter-style maxi-dress but a guest on the Kmart site gave the dress 5 stars and says she has a 38D bra size, so I'll take her word for it! Besides, the island-inspired print is to die for. If nothing else, you can always layer a white tank underneath this dress which will give it more of a fashion-y edge. (Attention Mini Stripe Halter Maxi Dresses, $24.49 at Kmart.com)


Finally, leave it to Target to deliver the right style at a great price. This is my personal favorite, I actually saw it in the store and was so bummed it didn't come in my size. It's just $39.99 and features a subtle tie-dye print in a deep ink blue hue. Bohemian yet contemporary!


What tips would you share for large-busted ladies looking to rock the maxi-dress trend? Where have you found the best styles to fit your figure?

These Libby Edelman "Mayes" gladiator-style sandals feature crisscross woven straps with metallic accents. Regularly priced at $79.99, you can pick them up on sale at FamousFootwear.com for $29.99.


If you can't find your size at Famous Footwear or just want to save a few extra dollars, Payless offers this look-alike—the "Purr" sandal by Montego Bay—for just $19.99, available in either brown or white. These look so comfy and I'm loving the low wedge heel.

I am a teenager, and am attending my cousin's wedding in July. I really have no idea of what type of dress to wear to a wedding. I have to take into consideration my age (teen) and it will probably be very hot. What are some dresses that I could wear? —Kathryn

A wedding is a family affair, so think fun, festive and semi-formal when picking a dress. Unless the invitation specifies black tie (in which case you'll need a floor length gown) or a beach wedding (in which case you'll want a flirty maxi dress and sandals), the following three outfit ideas should work for your cousin's wedding and beyond. P.S. I'm loving all the dresses at Lulus.com right now, so for anyone else out there looking for the perfect dress to wear to a summer wedding, definitely check them out. Click any set for details on the individual items shown.


[1] A yellow satin dress with red accessories is flirty and classy—perfect for a summer wedding.


[2] A chic black dress is always right for a formal occasion. Wear it over and over again by changing up the accessories.


[3] This brilliant blue dress with floral detailing mimics the happy mood of a wedding celebration. Pair with nude accessories and a pink cocktail ring for a look that's sexy yet sophisticated.

Today marks the launch of the Gap CFDA Design Editions khakis collection designed exclusively for Gap by finalists of the 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund—Alexander Wang, Vena Cava and Albertus Swanepoel. The launch coincides with last night's CFDA awards, aka the Oscars of fashion, where Wang won the 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award while Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai (the ladies behind Vena Cava) along with Swanepoel were runners up. The collection, which ranges in price from $39.50 for a khaki fedora to $88 for a printed khaki dress, is available at www.gap.com and select Gap stores nationwide.

My two cents: I love the detailing on the Vena Cava dresses and could use that khaki moto jacket. But Alexander Wang's pleated, high-waist, tapered khaki trousers aren't exactly something my wardrobe needs at the moment. Nor am I clamoring to get my hands on one of five khaki hats. What do YOU think?

See the whole collection after the jump...

Earlier, I posted this exhaustive list about how and what to pack for a summer cruise. Now, here are three outfit "formulas," if you will, that show how you can take the same fashionable accessories and just mix-and-match different clothing basics to create casual yet cute looks. Click any image for product details. Which outfit would you wear?


[1] Pack jersey sundresses, lightweight cardigans and stylish yet versatile accessories to create looks that work on- and off-shore for day or night.


[2] Swap out your jersey dress for cool shorts and a drapey tank for another casual look. Add heels and layered chain necklaces for a going-out look.


[3] Pair a boho top from Ruche with cargo pants for yet another casual and cute combo. Rich colors add warmth while the black accessories keep it polished.