Choosing Kitchen Appliances

With so many available style, feature, quality and technology options, selecting the best appliances for your new or remodeled kitchen can be overwhelming, even if you’re working with a design or building professional. Creating a design plan and conducting informed appliance research before you start shopping can ensure that you create a stylish, functional kitchen for your family and lifestyle while remaining on budget.
Start with a Plan
Evaluating your needs and goals for your new kitchen in several key areas will help you create a realistic appliance-purchasing strategy.
Layout and Budget
Whether you’re working with an existing kitchen layout for which you need replacement appliances, remodeling to change your current design or creating your dream kitchen as part of a new construction project, the layout of your kitchen dictates a lot about the appliances you’ll need to purchase. Be sure to consider how you use your kitchen and the flow and traffic patterns it creates with adjoining rooms, as well as any architectural or structural constraints. Take a look at Common Kitchen Layouts for tips and insights on space planning — the layout you choose can either enhance or limit the types and sizes of appliances that can be accommodated. And be aware that you may have to make some compromises.
The budget you establish for your new kitchen will greatly influence the appliances you select, so it needs to be realistic for the size and scope of your project. And, as you choose appliances, be sure you or your trade professional prioritizes this established budget and function over aesthetics. For example, commercial-style appliances that are not correctly proportioned for your kitchen layout may offer the look you want but end up requiring budget-straining structural modifications that you didn’t anticipate.
Function and Lifestyle
When planning for your new kitchen, you’ll also want to take into consideration your family’s lifestyle and design it around the way you live and entertain. Be sure to make notes on not only how you currently use your kitchen but also how you might like to use it in the future. If you like to entertain, consider adding specialty appliances like a warming drawer or ice maker or installing a larger capacity oven. And busy families might want to add a speedcooking oven to save time. Drafting a comprehensive wish list will make it easier to match your needs and wants with appliance features once you start shopping.
Whether on your own or with a design professional, try to visit retailers or showrooms for product demonstrations — there’s no substitute for actually using the appliances to determine if they will be a good fit for you ergonomically or for the layout of your kitchen. For example, you may want to consider a range or oven with larger time and temperature displays, depending on the size of your kitchen. Or you may find that certain knobs, buttons and other tactical features offer greater accessibility. You can locate retailers through the manufacturers’ web sites or by using Find A Showroom. If you’re not near a retailer, your wish list will still be helpful in narrowing your search based on the features and specifications on the manufacturers’ web sites.
Style and Finishes
Once you’ve established your appliance budget and functional requirements, you can further narrow your choices by selecting the style and finishes that complement your kitchen design. In today’s luxury kitchens,stainless steel is the most popular finish option — in addition to being long-lasting and durable, stainless steel’s sleek surface is also easy to clean. Another luxury trend is integrating appliances with cabinetry using custom panels. This involves having panels custom made by a cabinet maker according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
When selecting appliances, you’ll also want to consider how their handles, knobs, touchscreens or illumination add to the overall look you want. If you’re struggling with any of these choices, try creating a mood board that integrates all the finishes you’re considering to help you visualize how they all work together.
Buy Smart
When you buy appliances, choose your retailer wisely. The sales representative you work with should be familiar with all the unique product features across multiple brands to aid you in your selection. Plus, retailers can often help with any complicated installation requirements unique to your kitchen design.
Also, knowing when and where to buy can benefit your budget — in the American retail market, for example, deep discounts can often be had as part of seasonal sales and promotions oriented around major holidays. And promotions and rebates are often available through the manufacturers’ web sites, with local dealers offering additional discounts as well.

The Coat you need – Women Wool Coat Guide

With so many different coat models offered to us women, you might find yourself, struggling with knowing which coat model to choose and how to wear it. That’s why we put together this guide for you to help to clarify some of the most common women wool coat models.
The Collarless Coat
A collarless coat is classy and timeless coat choice. It’s one of today’s dressier wool coat type and it enhances any look.
Wear it with a dress for a sophisticated style, or with a top, pants and a cardigan for a formal, yet stylish, look.
The Standup Collar Coat
A standup collar coat, also known as Funnel neck coat, is a trendy coat model. It’s the perfect choice when you want a coat that gives you extra protection and helps you stay warmer around the neck without adding a scarf.
The Pea Coat
Today’s caban jacket isn’t what it used to be. The caban jacket has become more and more popular in recent years and can be combined with almost anything thanks to its simple cut.
The Wool Trench Coat
A wool trench coat, also known as overcoat, is a warmer version of the regular trench coat. Some call it the winter version of trench coats. A wool trench coat / overcoat is long, classy and always has its signature detail – the belt. Just like a trench coat.
The Duffle Coat
The Duffle Coat a stylish, casual coat option. You will easily recognize the duffle coat by its distinctive horn toggles fastening and a hood. It’s typically short length and often seen with patched pockets. The most common, or traditional, duffle coat fabric color is khaki and brown but you should choose a fabric that fits your personal style.
The Classic Double Breasted Coat
The Double Breasted Coat is perhaps the most traditional, and slightly formal, of the coat options. Choose a grey, brown or beige fabric for a formal option. Even though this coat type is slightly more formal than the other options, it is very versatile and can be dressed up by wearing a suit underneath it, or as an everyday coat paired with jeans and cardigan.

How to Maintain Healthy Hair

To condition or not to condition, to oil or not to oil – when it comes to your hair you’ll find all kinds of advice. Mothers’ will tell you to “oil your hair” while your hair dresser will recommend the new IT thing “hair spa, Moroccan oil, strengthening not rebonding and all.” Before you pick your choice of treatment, here are a few things you must know.
The first step in hair-care is your diet and the two most important things in your diet are iron and protein. The hair cells are the fastest growing cells in the body but they are also the first ones to be affected you don’t eat right or suffer with deficiencies because they are not required for survival.
Try and include iron-rich foods like leafy vegetables, fish, pumpkin seeds, beans, chickpea, soybeans and cereals in your diet. Doctors suggest that you consume around 12 mg of iron daily. You also need protein because that’s what strengthens your hair. Include complete proteins which are also rich in amino acids: like cheese, milk, soy, lentils, peas, quinoa and yogurt.
How to Maintain Healthy Hair: A Few Basic Tips
1. It’s normal to lose 100 to 150 strands of hair a day so don’t panic when you see a small bunch crawling across your tiled floor.
2. Comb wet hair with extreme care because they’re fragile and prone to breakage. Take a broad toothed comb and run it from the roots to the ends of your hair as gently as possible.
3. Trim your hair every few weeks to get rid of those brown and rough split ends. Cut about 1/4th an inch of your hair every 6 to 8 weeks to avoid the split ends to grow out again.
4. Don’t wash your hair everyday and whenever you do, apply some conditioner on the ends. Try and use the same brand of shampoo and conditioner.
5. Rinse the conditioner off with cold water as it is good for both strength and shine.
6. Unlike the labels on the back of our food items, the labels on the back of our shampoos are mostly left unread. In the last few years, there has been a lot of focus on sulfate in shampoos. What are sulfates? They’re the reason your shampoo lathers the way it does. They clean your scalp and hair, departing the dirt from it. But some researchers also suggest that they strip your hair of essential oils. They’re also why your eye stings when shampoo runs down the side of your face. If you feel any kind of irritation on the scalp or find your hair drying up over time then try and buy a shampoo that’s sulfate-free.
7. If you’ve got dry hair then it’s best to avoid colouring. However, if you can’t resist that gorgeous shade of brown, especially under the winter sun then follow this clever advise shared on the blog. Use lemon, chamomile tea or honey as they work as great hair lighteners. You can add lemon juice to water and spray it over your hair when you’re heading out. You can rinse your hair with brewed chamomile tea after you wash them with shampoo or add honey to the water you use to wash your hair.

What type of pan can I use on my hob?

Firstly, establish what type of cookware will be suitable for your hob or cooker by reading our quick guide below. Many manufacturers put symbols on the bottom of their cookware to indicate its compatible hob or heat source. If in doubt, ask a store assistant or check the product specifications online.
Ceramic
On a ceramic hob, you can use any pans except copper, stainless steel with an exposed copper base, and glass. Make sure the pan has a smooth, flat base to provide the best contact with the hob ring. Traditional cast-iron pans can be used, but be careful not to drag them across the hob as they may cause damage.
Electric
Electric hobs are compatible with any type of pan except copper.
Gas
You can use any pan on a gas hob. Choose a lightweight pan – pans with thinner bases don’t retain heat as well as thicker-based pans, meaning it’s easier to switch from a rapid boil to a simmer quickly. Regulate the flame to stop it extending beyond the base of the pan, which can damage the handle and waste gas.
Halogen
On a halogen hob, you can use any pans except those with exposed copper or reflective bases. Choose a set with dull or dark bases – if they’re too bright and shiny, the thermal limiter may cut out to prevent the glass from overheating.
Induction
Induction hobs are increasingly popular but they aren’t compatible with all saucepans. If you’re using the wrong pan, it’ll either not heat up or the indicator light will start flashing. The only suitable pans are those with a magnetic base, such as cast iron or stainless steel. Pure aluminium or copper pans will only work if the base is bonded with a magnetic metal.
Range cookers (for example, Aga or Rayburn)
Check with the manufacturer. Heavy-based pans, like those made from cast iron, are usually best.
Sealed plate
Pick whatever you like, except pans made from copper.
What should I look for when buying pots and pans?
Decide if you want saucepans that are dishwasher-safe and think about where you’re going to store them. Some new pans have removable handles for stacking in cupboards.
Some people like to hang their pots and pans on a suspended pot rack over an island or peninsula. This can look stylish, but you may find they collect grease and dust and need washing before each use. Try arranging your cookware in a line on the wall using a linear rack (a shelf with hooks that you can hang pans from), or install a carousel into a corner unit to keep them neat and easily accessible.
Aluminium
Many aluminium pans have an enamel coating on the outside and a non-stick coating on the inside. This makes them tough, easy to clean and resistant to scratching and staining. You can also get hard-anodised or cast aluminium – this looks like cast iron but has the weight and superior heat conductivity of aluminium. Uncoated aluminium pans are not suitable for cooking acidic foods.
Cast iron
This material heats up slowly but retains heat well, making it good for slow, even cooking on a low heat and achieving the perfect sear on meat. Just remember that your food will continue to cook for some time after the heat has been turned off.
Cast iron rusts easily on its own, so pans usually have a non-stick interior coating or a thin protective layer of porcelain enamel. Uncoated cast iron is not dishwasher-safe but most cast iron pans have enamel exteriors and enamel or non-stick interiors to avoid this problem. Uncoated non-stick cast iron pans will need to be seasoned to build up a patina.
Copper
Copper has excellent heat conductivity. Good copper pans are expensive but should last a lifetime. Copper can react with acidic foods, fish and meat, so these pans are normally lined with tin or stainless steel to act as a barrier. Unlined copper pans must be kept for display only.
Hard-anodised aluminium
Distinguished by their deep grey or black colour, the surface of these pans has been electrochemically treated to produce a hard finish that will not chip, crack, peel or react with acidic foods. You can use metal utensils, but they may mark the surface. These pans aren’t usually dishwasher-safe, but their surface is stick-resistant. Hard-anodised pans are reasonably lightweight and heat up rapidly, eliminating hot spots. They’re expensive, but should perform well and last you years. They work with all types of hob except induction.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel pans should last a lifetime, but they can be expensive. Food tends to stick to the bottom, so you may have to use more oil. This material is liable to hot spots, so copper or aluminium is often incorporated into the base of the pan to improve heat conductivity – it’s typically sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. Cooking on a low heat also helps. Stainless steel tends to be dishwasher-safe and won’t react with food. Overheating and minerals in water can cause a ‘rainbow’ effect, but a good stainless steel cleaner will remove this.

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Natural Hair Conditioners For Every Hair Type You Can Make At Home

Dry, frizzled and rough hair calls for taking proper care; which includes oiling, shampooing and conditioning them until they are good to go. Using a good conditioner is a priority for people who have an uncontrollable frizz, unneeded texture and split ends. Conditioning is a process that helps keep your hair hydrated, making it smooth, soft and frizz-free. However, loading your tresses with chemical-laden conditioners can be unhealthy in the longer run. What if we tell you there are natural ingredients that act as amazing conditioners, such that you wouldn’t have to turn to synthetic ones anymore?
Here are some of the best natural hair conditioners you can make at home.
1. Vinegar and egg conditioner
To make this hair conditioner, you just need to have eggs, olive oil, honey, vinegar and lemon juice by your side. Whisk two-three eggs and add a tablespoon of vinegar and two teaspoons of lemon juice in it. Mix well. Add about one and a half teaspoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of honey. Mix it well in a blender and make a thick paste. Apply the paste on your hair tips and leave it for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with water.
Egg acts as an effective conditioner and adds shine to your hair. Olive oil is an amazing elixir for making your hair stronger. Honey helps keep your hair hydrated and vinegar is responsible for treating hair loss. So you can use them regularly to make your locks a lot stronger and healthier.
2. Banana hair mask
Take one banana, three tablespoons of honey, three tablespoons of milk, three tablespoons of olive oil and an egg. Mix all of these ingredients well and make a paste. Apply the paste on hair and leave it for 15-30 minutes and then wash it off.
Banana is one of the best hair conditioners that are beneficial for hair damage and works wonders for people with rough and frizzled hair.
3. Coconut oil and honey conditioner
Take one tablespoon of coconut oil, one tablespoon honey, one tablespoon lemon juice, two tablespoons of curd and one teaspoon of rose water. Mix all of them well and apply them on your shampooed hair. Leave it for about 10-15 minutes and rinse off with running water.
Coconut oil not only helps your hair become smooth and soft, but also helps in making your hair grow longer and thicker. The essential minerals and fatty acids in coconut oil nourish the scalp well.
4. Apple cider vinegar conditioner
Take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar along with one tablespoon honey and two cups of water in a bowl. Mix all the ingredients well. Once you have shampooed your hair, pour this solution on your hair tips; avoid exposing it to the scalp. Do not rinse it any further.
Adding water is an essential step in order to dilute the vinegar. The acetic acid in ACV helps smoothen your hair.
5. Yogurt hair conditioner
Take a bowl and beat an egg in it. Add about six tablespoons of yogurt and mix the ingredients properly. Massage the mixture onto your hair and keep it covered. Leave it for about 15-30 minutes before you wash it off with normal water.
Yogurt comes to you as an easy solution; thanks to its protein content and lactic acid that helps cleanse your scalp.
6. Aloe Vera hair conditioner
Take one tablespoon lemon juice and at least four tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a bowl and mix them well. Apply it on your shampooed hair and wait for five minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Aloe vera is said to stimulate hair growth and bring a shine to them. It helps restore the pH balance of the hair.

10 Tools to Transform Your Treats

Baking is a science and every scientist needs the right tools for the job. Here are ten basics that will take your baking game to the next level.
1. Sturdy Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precise measurements are the foundation of successful baking. I prefer metal for my dry measuring cups and spoons because it’s nearly unbreakable and won’t melt if you leave your set a little too close to your oven vent. Oops! Liquid measuring cups come in both glass and plastic, but I prefer glass because it resists staining and doesn’t absorb odors and flavors.
2. Offset Spatulas
Offset spatulas are a great all-purpose tool for the pastry chef. They can lift fragile cookies from a baking sheet, perfectly smooth cake batter in a large pan, and delicately dollop frosting onto your favorite birthday cake.
3. Portion Scoops
It’s impossible to perfectly bake treats when they’re all different sizes! Perfectly portioned cookies, cupcakes and muffins are more than just pretty, they’re a must!
4. Scrapers
We use bench scrapers all the time in our cooking classes at The Chopping Block. They’re a safe way to move food around the kitchen, clean your work surface, and make it easy to divide doughs. Bowl scrapers help you eek every last bit of batter out of your mixing bowl – no cookies left behind!
5. Flavor Enhancers – Juicer and Microplane
There is no substitute for fresh citrus juice in a recipe, and a lemon squeezer is the easiest way to get it. I used a citrus reamer for years, but have been totally won over by the squeezer. It’s mechanical set-up makes it a lot easier to extract juice from really firm citrus fruits without resorting to rolling it on the counter or zapping it in the microwave. The Microplane allows you to add lots of citrus flavor to recipes where juice isn’t an option. By removing just the oily, thin outer skin of the fruit it adds a ton of flavor without a lot of acid or moisture.
6. Pastry Blender
I like to use a food processor to make our Perfect Pie Crust (for our Famous Apple Pie) but if you don’t have one you will need a pastry blender for all of those beautiful summer pies. The thin metal blades are perfect for cutting fat into flour for fabulously flaky crusts.
7. Straight Rolling Pin
A rolling pin is a staple for most home bakers, but not many are familiar with this simple version loved by professionals. Because this pin has no handles, it has a much wider rolling surface (great for covering large cakes with fondant!) and gives you a lot more control because your hands are directly on the rolling surface.
8. Pie Weights
A lot of pie and tart recipes call for “blind baking” an empty bottom crust, but it’s hard to keep a good crust down! Crust alone will rise up and create an uneven bottom and take up valuable space that should be occupied by tasty filling. Keep things under control with pie weights, these metal or ceramic beads provide just enough weight to keep your bottom crust where it belongs and can be reused over and over again.
9. Circle Cutters
These cutters can be used on everything – cake, cookie dough, fondant, gum paste, and to make almost anything. Get a set with a wide variety of sizes and you’ll be making petits fours and mini quiches in no time.
10. Piping Tips
The only thing better than a sweet treat is a sweet treat covered in frosting! While there are hundreds of specialized piping tips out there, you can do miracles with two simple graduated sets: star and plain round. These two basic shapes in various sizes will go far.

How to Choose Your Business Dress Shirt

Are you a working woman? And you’re looking for a professional women’s business attire? Here’s your guide about all you need to know about women’s business shirts. To look good is just not enough. You need to look like a pro. Your attire is a representation of your working aptitude. Formal dress-up is a key to achieve more and better in your workplace. Women’s business shirts are the basic dress-code for professionalism. So, all the working ladies out there step up your game with this brief article.
Types of Women’s Business Shirts:
There’s a lot of variety for women to choose their shirt styles for their day to day office routine. Here are the top shirt styles loved by working women all over the world:
1.Formal shirts with round collar
2.Contrast panel shirts
3.Short sleeve formal dress shirt
4.White formal shirts
5.Pinstriped office shirts
How your professional look can affect you?
As mentioned above, the professional attire matters for a working lady. It greatly affects her personality and position in her workplace. Here are some of the benefits of women’s business shirts:
The first impression is the last:
Going to give a big presentation in your office or having a job interview? Your personality speaks before you. Your formal dress-up will convey a professional working attitude of yours to the receiving party. Women’s business shirts are an easy way to manage your attire for him the big day.
A proper dress Shirt brings a sense of confidence in you:
These women’s business shirts bring a sense of confidence in you. If you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing, you’ll be able to give your 100%. It also shows your commitment to your work. Hence, your dress-up is a symbol status for you in any working place.
Individuality:
Your formal dress-up portrays your individuality in the workplace. It brings a sense of fashion in professional women. It also creates a sense of freedom in them. As it allows them to express themselves in an attire which is not too casual for them and not too formal. They can easily perform their tasks in such shirts. Custom business shirts will make you look exclusive.
Customized Business Shirts for Professional Ladies:
You can show some uniqueness at your office by having customized business shirts. You can have customized business shirts designed by yourself. You can add your monogrammed initials on the shirt as well. This innovation is great for the ladies who find women’s business shirts all the same and cannot find anything new. So, basically, they can design their customized business shirts as per their requirements.

How to Choose the Right Coat for Your Dress

Wearing a dress in the colder months can be a bit tricky. First, you want to pick a dress that you won’t freeze in. Secondly, you start to wonder if you should wear tights—nude or black —or just go bare leg.
Just as you’re about to run out the door, you remember that you haven’t selected a coat or jacket to wear to complement your dress. This is always a challenge: What kind of coat should I wear to stay warm but also match my dress? To make this task a bit easier, here’s a guide on some dress and coat combinations that will never fail.
Blazer
Never restrict blazers to just professional events. Blazers can be quite fashionable when paired with the right outfit. It’s the trick to instantly polishing your look into something more sophisticated.
With all the different cuts, length, and styles of blazers, you can definitely have fun bringing in a different element to your outfit. A more cropped blazer will flatter your waist, but a longer blazer can also bring more attention to the silhouette of your dress.
Leather Jacket
You can never go wrong with a leather jacket—no matter the outfit or season. Throwing a leather (or faux leather) jacket over your dress brings in a certain cool and effortless vibe that can really change the look of your outfit.
Make sure you have one that hugs your body well and flatters your waist. You want to wear a coat that accentuates the shape of your dress, not hide it.
Faux Fur Coat
Throwing a faux fur coat over your dress is the best way to immediately take your outfit to the next level. No matter the color, texture, or length, a faux fur coat brings a certain boldness and confidence to your outfit unlike anything else.
Depending on the style you’re chasing, go for an oversized coat for a more effortless look or a fitted one for something more glam. You’ll be surprised by now versatile a faux fur coat can be
Wool Coat
The wool coat is your classic go-to. You’ll never look out of place at any event wearing one over your dress. A wool coat can immediately pull look together your look and elevate your outfit to something very chic and classy.
Depending on the length of your dress, you can choose a maxi coat or a mid-length coat. Playing around with silhouettes can also bring more interest to your outfit, whether it’s fitted, flared, or boyfriend-style.
Suede
Suede is the more subtle alternative to leather. With a softer but trendy touch to your outfit, bringing in this fun texture can totally amplify your look. With so many different styles of the suede coat, you can definitely find the perfect one for your dress. If you want an option with a bigger statement, select a rich, dark-colored suede to complete your look.
Puffer Coat
If you’re looking to make your outfit a bit more casual and even a bit grungier, topping off your dress with a puffer coat will do just the trick.
To balance out the boxier look of this coat, wear a body-hugging dress or a shorter dress to bring more appeal to your look. Playing around with the different lengths of a puffer coat can also quickly change the look of your outfit.

The Pros and Cons of Silicone Bakeware

Silicone bakeware is still a little mysterious to many home cooks. Many of us regularly use silicone spatulas and other kitchen utensils but when it comes to bakeware made from silicone we are a little less familiar with them.
Silicone bakeware is a lightweight material with rubber-like qualities made from a pure form of very fine sand. Not only is it heat-resistant but you can also use it in the fridge, freezer and microwave, which means that it has great versitility – think moulding frozen desserts among other uses.
My experience with silicone bakeware has shown me that it is particularly suitable for baking small/individual cakes and those that are quite delicate in nature (such as flourless cakes) as the flexibility of the pans allows you to easily ‘push’ the cake out or peel the silicone away once they are baked. Remember though that you won’t get the same golden crust you will with traditional metal bakeware.
Many brands claim that silicone is non-stick but I have found you will get better results if you grease them with a little melted butter (not oil spray that will leave a sticky residue on your bakeware before filling).
When filled with mixture their flexibility can actually make them a little tricky to get in and out of the oven so always pop them on an over tray for support before baking.
Silicone bakeware is considered to bake slightly more quickly than its metal counterpart. However, I have found this to be so minimal it is barely worth taking into account, if at all. I would suggest that you note on particular recipes the time it takes to bake in your silicone bakeware so you can refer to it next time around, making adjustments if required.
Silicone can either be thrown into the dishwasher or washed by hand in hot soapy water – just don’t use abraisive cleaners or scorers. Also keep them away from open flames, and don’t place directly on heated hotplates or under grills.
When buying silicone bakeware make sure the label states that it has been made from ‘food grade’ silicone and buy the best quality you can afford – obviously the better the quality, the longer it will last.

Spring Dresses for Every Budget and Occasion

The sole reason I get excited about spring is because I can wear a dress again and not catch a cold. After months spent confined to sweaters and fleece-lined leggings, my legs are begging for sunlight and my arms are ready to be bronzed.
Gingham Shirred-Sleeve Wrap Dress
For those who like to keep it short and sweet, you’ll appreciate this puffed shoulder-sleeve minidress from Madewell. The gingham print paired with a wrap dress design is classic for nice spring days. And since it’s made of a linen-blend, you don’t have to worry about overheating in this little number.
Double Breasted Linen Blend Sheath Dress
This sleeveless, double-breasted dress is a good example of how to look buttoned up but not stuffy in the spring. You can wear this to work with pumps and then change into open-toe flat sandals for that much needed after-work drink. Wherever you’re headed, this sheath dress is designed for you to throw on and go.
Francesca Hemp Wrap Dress
Mara Hoffman’s signature puff-sleeve dress is worth me carrying a little Tide to Go pen everywhere. Not only is it environmentally-friendly (the fabric is made of hemp, which can be recycled, reused and is biodegradable), but it’s also the definition of resort chic. For those seeking the perfect white dress to pack, this comes pretty damn close. Wear with shell embellished sandals like these.
Limited-Edition Cross Strap Dress
You have some fancy events coming up and you need a black dress that works for the warm weather. Go for this sleeveless number with crisscross straps in the front. You can’t see it in this photo, but there’s even a sexy thigh-grazing slit on the left side. However, the dress still feels elegant and classy because of the dark hue and a completely covered up back. The party’s all in the front.
Ruched Maxi Dress in Foral Embroidery
This dress has all the makings of a springtime trendy piece, from the puff sleeves to the way the ruching gathers down the dress. This will help highlight your figure underneath the busy tangerine floral print. Need a place to wear this to? Try a friend’s outdoor wedding. It’ll look perfect in the sunlight on the ‘gram.
Coffe Bean Ruffled Bib Midi Dress
The whimsical coffee bean print on this ruffle bib dress has me craving a mid-afternoon cappuccino. Though the print has completely won me over, what truly sold this dress are the useful front pockets. The perfect place to hide snacks.
Zora Croc-Effect Vegan Midi Dress
If you’re thinking about finally investing in a piece from Nanushka, consider one of its buttery soft vegan leather pieces. The label just released one of its most popular dress silhouettes in a dusty pink croc-effect vegan leather. Iconic details include a row of asymmetrical buttons trailing down the front and a sweet belted waist. Wear with these delicate strappy heels.
Amazonia Short Dress
Brazilian brand Farm Rio has finally come to the states and I couldn’t be more excited. Not only are the clothes affordable, like this dress, but every piece comes in eye-popping palm leaf prints and colors. The rich hues will help to break up your wardrobe of neutrals for spring.
Nevaeh Smocked Midi Dress
Once you slip on this free-spirited vintage floral dress, you’ll feel like skipping to the nearest flower field (or flower shop for us city folks) to create your own fragrant bouquet. It’s loose, comfortable, and effortless to wear. Style with open-toed heels or sandals.
Split Neck Maxi Dress
This dress will remind you of a specific nostalgic childhood sweet: candy buttons. Dots of all rainbow hues appear in a line across the dress and are textured for that touch it kind of detail. The woven maxi dress is perfect for picnics or as a casual-fancy dress to wear on vacations.
Sandrine Safari Dress
Fashion influencer Chriselle Lim made the perfect day-to-night dress and this piece has sold out several times, so get it while you still can. The flap pockets and belt are sophisticated touches for the office whereas the sleeveless style works for more casual settings, like meeting up with your SO for dinner after work.
Floral-Print Chiffon Dress
You can thank Michael Kors for creating a hibiscus-printed dress that works for multiple occasions. The lightweight chiffon will sit comfortable on your skin for that outdoor wedding and will just as easily transition into a work dress the following week—just add a belt and blazer. Unfortunately this dress doesn’t come with the white belt, but here is one should you want.
Max Denim Minidress
You’ve worn jeans four times already this week. Switch it up, but stay in the denim realm, with this minidress. The utilitarian piece nips in the waist and is more formfitting than you’d expect for a denim dress. Wear with ankle socks and sneakers to show off your sporty side or lace-up sandal for a more feminine touch.