Welcome Style Guru: Beth Thomas

On this 1st day of summer, I am happy to welcome Beth Thomas to my little part of Bloggerville, Canada. Beth is a Personal Stylist and Wardrobe Consultant in Kingston Ontario and she also happens to be a great friend......

Beth believes that "style can be taught, shopping shouldn’t be hard, and getting dressed should not be work. Beth knows first hand what it is like to struggle with body image issues and believes her experiences enable her to truly understand the needs and issues of her clientele".

I asked Beth if she could give us her #1, "keep cool and stylish", summer 2011 must-have. Here it is!

The Maxi Dress


[Victoria's Secret]

If there has ever been an item of clothing that you should own in every color and pattern, it’s the maxi dress. The maxi is effortless to slip into, breathable and easy to wear, and ever so stylish in its simplicity.

Whether willowy or wide, skinny or short, no matter your frame, with careful selection of styles and fashion accessories, every woman can feel feminine and glamorous in a versatile (and comfortable) maxi dress.

With so many styles, patterns and colours to choose from, shopping for a maxi dress will be top on your list! Bold floral prints, bright colour blocking and animal prints are all out there for the picking this season. Better still, with companies like H&M and Sears making an effort to go green, there’s a plethora of fairtrade, recycled and organic options on offer. Regardless of what style you select, you’ll be sure to look elegant and chic this summer.

There are few rules on how to wear the maxi dress, or for what you can wear it for; it looks as good on the beach as it does for a summer wedding, or a night out on the town to a day out shopping with your friends. -Beth

A Maxi Dress I'm Coveting: The Organic Ombre available at The Trend Boutiqueor Gypsy '05 online.



Constructed from eco-friendly organic cotton, the dress works for every body type thanks to its fluid maxi dress fit and elasticized empire waist seaming. Details include its twist straps, V-neck bodice, and ombre tie-dye toward the hem. Loves it!

While we're at it....here are a few eco-friendly, super stylin' sandals for summer:
From Ecouterre.


"If you're seeing more vegan footwear on the front lines of fashion, thank Elizabeth Olsen of Olsenhaus and her inimitable flair. Her clean and modern Panama sandal is primed to hit the beach, yet it's sophisticated enough for fancy summer soirees."



"Designed to provide near-infinite interchangeable options, Mohop's handmade sandals comprise sustainably harvested cherrywood from Pennsylvania, a black sole derived from natural rubber and rice husks, and a padded footbed made from faux leather. The Cherry Square is a facsimile of the Mohops that designer Behnaz Sarafpour chose to complement her Spring 2011 collection at New York Fashion Week."



"As seen in the pages of Marie Claire, this updated gladiator by Cri de Coeur easily takes you from city to beach. Fitted with twisted rope and faux leather, the braided sandal is made in a sweatshop-free factory in China—just the footwear for a free spirit bursting with personal style."

For more on Beth Thomas and her Personal Stylist services, visit her website HERE.