Trend: Take it to the MAX-I

Now here's a trend we should all be "Woohoo'ing!" In a definite nod to the '70s vibe, the maxi skirt and dress are in full force this season. They just look so great on so many body types. Had to share it with you after seeing it so perfectly illustrated in an understated way in the March Nordstrom catalogue. Do you get that catalogue by the way? It's a must. Call, email, tweet, do whatever you have to, and then prepare for major drooling (followed by a fast trip to their web site or store! hah).

As for the maxi, why am I even more excited? I'm totally digging out my summer 2009 maxi dresses I lived in when I was pregnant! Is 2009 considered vintage yet? Hah. I digress. None of them were maternity, an illustration how much "give" these dresses have. You'll see me in one soon enough... I took it out for a test drive recently to rave reviews! Will post the look very soon.

A solid color or bold all-over pattern are best for shorter, more petite gals, and consider wearing them with wedges to give yourself some extra height. Try the DV for Target I just blogged about for an affordable, fashionable option! Pile them on with loads of necklaces or an armful of bangles, and add a belt if you want to give your waist some definition. Also consider layering a cardigan in a contrasting color for a more modern look.

Here are a few styles, and inspiration, to get you thinking about how you can take it to the... max-i!

Nordstrom, Splendid Knit Maxi Skirt, $84.00

Forever 21, Psychedelic Maxi Dress, $27.80

Anthropologie, Whispering Forest Maxi Dress, $138.00

Mossimo Supply Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $15.39

Express, Maxi Skirt, $39.90

Anthropologie, In the Abstract Dress, $248.00

9 Under $100: Grey Greatness

Forget dreary black this winter: add a fresh dose of grey to your winter wardrobe (and spring and summer, for that matter).

Especially when paired with color, it really, really POPS! I kind of have a love affair with this glorious neutral. There's so many shades to play with. Go for the light, almost silver options, the 'burnout' faded looks or dark ones that border on black.

I recently scored grey heels (and purple studded ones, but that's for another post! tee hee) and am obsessed. They go with everything! I love pairing them with my jeans, my navy work pants and am can't wait to mix them with black tights and skirts. I also own the short-sleeve sweater cardigan from Express shown below, on sale now for a measly $29.99!! Grab it and just wear it with a basic long-sleeve shirt (try color! Mine keeps getting paired with purples), makes you look totally current during a quick run to the grocery store or to the movies.

Have I convinced you yet?? Here's nine ways UNDER $100 (yay!) to add this neutral in your wardrobe.

Divine Deals: Lots of options

Good day, and happy Friday! What a happy Friday, indeed. Not only am I typing hardly able to contain myself because my gorgeous, sweet little daughter is turning one tomorrow (!) but there's so many deals around town that I just want to start shopping. Eek, don't tell the hubs!

Here's a few deals that you should know about:

APPAREL
For those that live near a Nordstrom Rack, get excited: spend just $25 for $50 worth of shoes, apparel and more at this totally fabulous designer discount store. The deal is available for purchase through Groupon until Monday, and you can use the gift certificate until Dec. 31. Perfect for holiday shopping (for you or someone else; don't worry, we don't judge!).

Another Groupon perk? They've extended another national deal where you can get a $50 gift certificate to American Apparel for just $25. Perfect spot for basics (think layering pieces) and I hear their thigh-high socks are out-of-this world. Wear under high boots, with short skirts or for a lazy night on the couch. The Groupon certificate expires Feb. 19, 2011.

New to Groupon? Click here. Already a member and want get today's deal, click here!

SHOES

One of my favorite online discount shoe retailers, 6pm.com has some swoon-worthy sales this weekend. Boutique 9 is up to 75 percent off. There's adorable flats as low as $30 and check out these heels for just under $60? Tell me you wouldn't get a million compliments on these puppies and wear them for years? Great purchase, I'm kind of obsessed.

6pm also has boots Under $50 and Under $100, depending on your price point. Shop early for the widest selection of sizes and styles.

EAT
If you don't buy restaurant gift certificates online for yourself, you're missing the boat. I'm frequently eating at my favorite restaurants for 50-80 percent less than the peeps sitting next to me. Many cities have local options -- for example, I'm always taking advantage of South Florida Dines (use promo code FOOD for an extra 20 percent off this weekend!) -- but Restaurant.com is one of the best options for a discounts at restaurants around the country. Right now, get certificates for hot spots in your area for  80 percent off, just use GOBBLE at checkout. Yes, that's $2 for a $25 gift certificate!!!!

OK... last but not least, just check out your favorite store, and visit our holiday shopping tips for more ways to save.

Why spend full price when you get exactly what you want for less?! -- the average gal. xo