Hasta La Ideas

When summer actually hits – in all its sunny, sweltering glory – I’ll only actually end up wearing the smallest possible fraction of my new clothing, opting instead for whatever’s most comfortable, familiar, and flattering … and saving the rest for the rare special occasion when I€™m willing to branch out.

That’s why this time around, I’m attempting to narrow down my seasonal shopping to investment pieces that are stylish, comfy, and totally versatile … and what’s more versatile than a convertible skirt-turned-maxi-dress?

I spotted this Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent floral skirt/dress at Bloomingdales and instantly fell in love. It’s romantic and pretty, but unlike many of this season’s show-stopping maxi dresses, it’s not the kind of outfit that you can only take pictures in once and then must keep in hibernation until everyone forgets you wore it. It’s pretty without being too conspicuous, and can easily be dressed up and revamped into a totally new look, whether you’re rocking it as a skirt with a pretty blouse, as a halter or strapless dress with a pair of platform espadrilles. Or even over a swimsuit at the beach or poolside!

With so many different ways to wear it and dress it up or down, a convertible skirt/dress like this one can easily become your summer 2011 style staple!

Brought to you from our friends at Couture in the City!

Tribal or ikat print is a stimulating pattern that looks great head-to-toe, like as a maxi dress, or in small doses with accessories like a summer scarf. You can go as bold as you like with a tribal print in bright colors, or keep it simple with classics like nude or white and black.

Take a look at our five tribal print picks, all at different price points so we can all participate in this pattern trend and give it a try-bal! (get it??)

Boden – Printed Silk Scarf, $58.00

Sequin – Ikat Chains Bracelet, $24.99

Parker – Blackwave Shorts, $165.00

Zero + MariaCornejo – Lulu Tribal Print Linen Maxi Dress, $511.00

All Saints – Aztec Vest, $270.00

From simple solids in bold, vibrant colors like tangerine and turquoise to punchy prints in florals and ethnic inspired tribals – Shorts are surely a key item for your warm weather wardrobe … and there are plenty to choose from!

A favorite of the Hive’s is from every fashionista’s favorite cheap and trendy boutique … Forever 21. Their high waist floral belted shorts are the perfect pairing of casual and chic.

In a comfy knit fabric, the shorts feature a pleat front and come with an elastic and faux leather belt. A bright royal blue background is made lively with pops of red and turquoise florals! In a word … CUTE!

Where to Bu – Forever 21

Price – $16.90

Who – Melimeli was the first to add the ‘High Waist Floral Belted Shorts‘ to the Hive.

Go for the fail-safe nautical look with navy and white, the eye-catching contrast of black and white, or really make it interesting with unexpected colors! We’re loving multi-colored stripes or something bright like a pop of yellow for a really fun look, or if you’re wanting something a little more subtle, try heather grey and white or a washed out beige.

Plus, the best things about stripes is that it’s a pattern that will stay in style year after year and season after season (just add layers)!

Check out the slideshow to see some of our favorite striped pieces!

Color-blocking is everywhere right now and we love this cool trend. Very Sixties mod, Twiggy, Warholian. Again, dress home run. Everyone from Marc Jacobs to DVF to Gucci walked a color blocking look down the runway this spring. We’re on good company.

We love the color blocking on this dress. The white is warm and the rust-hued contrast fits almost any skin tone. Plus, it’s about one millionth the cost of its runway doppelgangers!

Twiggy would be proud.

Where to Buy – Topshop USA

Price – $100.00

Who Found It – BrookeElisabeth was the first to add the Topshop USA Rust Colour Block Tee Dress to the Hive.