dresses


Maxi Dresses for summer are the new go-to wardrobe item

Maxi dresses were shown by designers for spring/summer 2011 in Milan, Paris and New York as part of the boho-chic trend and also as a stand-alone trend for the warm weather months. The maxi dresses were shown in simple, sleek solid colors as well as with complicated patterns and flowing fabrics such as on Roberto Cavalli’s runway. The maxi dress or skirt styles which have gone from the runway into reality are a combination of everything designers imagined for the season.

The one rule for the maxi dress this season is that there is no rule! Maxi dresses and skirts are shown in slim styles which hug the body from the waist down to the ankles, as well as gathered, pleated and flowing; reminiscent of the hippie movement from the late 1960’s and 1970’s.

Maxi dresses are easy to wear and offer a breezy way to stay cool in the warm summer months. The one challenge a Fashionista may have with maxi dresses or skirts is that the length is hard to pull off when one is petite.

For the 5’5” and up set, maxi skirts and dresses are easy to wear and can elongate one’s silhouette. For those of us who are 5’4” and under, the ankle length can make us short and stubby. There is a solution for petite women who would like to rock the maxi trend; slim silhouettes. The slimmer silhouettes work better than the fuller skirts when one is less than 5’4”, making the maxi trend accessible for those of us who are, shall we say, challenged in the height department?

maxi dresses boho chic by bayareafashionista featuring red feather earrings

LHC Couture is San Francisco’s fashion treasure

The San Francisco Bay Area has a fashion secret that will not stay quiet for long-LHC Couture. Created by Bay Area native Lauren Hyde Crafford, the line is unique and perfect for the West Coast climate. Lauren Hyde Crafford uses only the highest quality modal jersey and matte jersey for her designs. The high quality jersey fabrications allow LHC Couture designs to be elegant, slim and drape well while being comfortable enough for everyday wear; fabulous!

Designer Lauren Hyde Crafford grew up in the Bay Area, in Los Gatos, Ca. After high school, she ventured south to Loyola Marymount to earn her undergraduate degree. After earning her bachelor’s degree, Crafford enrolled in FIDM in order to earn a degree in merchandise product development. Crafford’s keen eye for design landed her a prized position at Bebe where she worked in textile design. After Bebe, Crafford worked for Levi Strauss in the Dockers Division. While working for the legendary inventor of denim jeans, Lauren Hyde Crafford began working on her own line. Eventually, she left her full time position in order to concentrate on the launch of LHC Couture. 

LHC Couture launched its’ first line in fall of 2010 with a second collection in spring 2011. The incredible line offers prêt-a-porter as well as full-fledged couture. LHC Couture is all hand-made by either Lauren herself or by highly skilled seamstresses who work in her studio. The designs by LHC Couture take inspiration from Grecian fashion as well as taking avant-garde looks from the European runways and bringing them into reality. Love it!

The fabrications used by LHC Couture are the highest quality jerseys on the market. LHC Couture uses modal jersey and matte jersey; the new line for fall will include silk modal. LHC Couture also creates incredible bridal attire for both the bride and bridesmaids. The bridal gowns are couture and the bridesmaid dresses can be customized to suit the taste of the bridal party.

LHC Couture is priced between $75-$120 for tops, $120-$200 for gowns and couture gowns vary by design. To learn more about LHC Couture, please visit LHCCouture.com. Click on “Contact” to request a couture consultation.

*Special Thank You to Lauren Hyde Crafford for taking the time to speak with me. She is truely an inspiration!

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