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Top 12 Summer Dresses of 2012

One of our favorite things about being a lady is getting to shop for dresses. One of our favorite things about summer is getting to wear them! With a month and a half left of the warm season, we've compiled the top 12 summer dresses of 2012 to help you take full advantage of the opportunity to sport the finest maxi or mini before it's time to bust out the jackets and scarves... 

1. Alexi Shirt Dress

Alloy has an amazing bold shirt dress that can be a hit for any occasion! The hot pink color goes along perfect with this summer’s bold color trends, and gives you an opportunity to dress it up with the right accessories. You can wear this style with a pair of wedges for a day time look, or a cute pair of stilettos for a night on the town! The possibilities are endless!

2. Pebble Crepe Embellished Maxi Dress

This style by Nicole Miller is one that we absolutely love! The bold colors along the neckline accompanying the white floor length maxi, makes this a great look for the summer giving you a pop of color to add to this fun look. This we would recommend for the fashionista who isn’t afraid of a little bold color in her life!

3. Ali & Kris Ruffle Peacock Tube Dress 

Tilly’s has this adorable dress that is perfect for that summer time beach weather. With the added texture of the ruffles in the front you can be sure to make a bold statement in this dress when you’re hitting up any of your summer activities. This dress will look great with a cute pair of sandals as well as a comfortable pair of wedges. 

4. Edith V-Neck 

Banana Republic has created the ultimate look for the working woman on the go. Their Edith V-neck dress has made our top 12 list of summer dresses for its versatility to go from a look in the office to a look on the go! With the right pair of shoes and accessories the navy blue Edith V-neck can go from looking work ready to a fun summer night on the town!

5. Navy Floral Lucca Couture Dress

RedemptionStyle.com has created the ultimate summer couture look with their Navy Floral Lucca Couture dress! This dress has made our list for its unique style and couture favoring. The floral print makes it a great dress for the summer time and the front gives you a glimpse of sex appeal, while creating the illusion of a long dress in the back. It’s a great summer trend for the girl who likes to be bold and chic.

6. Cross Printing Double Strap Exposed Shoulder Dress

This Oasap homage to mod dress has made our list of the top 12 summer dresses! Its bold color and pattern and the hint of sexy makes it the perfect summer dress if you’re trying to make a bold statement, and shy away from the floral prints and flowy maxis. Stay ahead of the trends with this dress by creating your own look for summer.

7. Love Struck Maxi Dress in Powder Pink

This Grecian style dress by PinkMascara.com is a sexy summer find and one of our favorite looks for the summer! The cut-outs in the back show just enough skin, while the chiffon see-through bottom gives the illusion of legs, without having too much exposed. This dress has made the list for top summer dresses for its sexy design and sheer bottom, creating a hint of sexy while staying covered up!

8. Color Striped Flutter Dress 

This colorful style by DJ Premium Boutique is one of the hottest trends for this summer. The bright bold color blocking in the dress is one of the latest looks that’s come straight from the runway to your closet! This dress is not only stylish, but comfortable with its roomy and flowy design and texture. You can dress this look up with your favorite pair of stilettos or keep it casual with your comfy flats. Whatever look you’re going for you can be sure to capture the eye of everyone in the room with this bold number!

9. Dear Creatures Women's Garden Dress- Khaki

This dress from Dear Creatures summer 2012 collection was made for the retro girl in all of us! The contrasting green with the signature khaki has modified this retro style and made it a hot summer look for 2012. This dress is chic, cute, and subtly sexy, perfect for a warm summer night, or a daytime stroll! You can find this look on 80spurple.com, along with a wide selection of other great looks!

10. Vest Dress

Stay comfortable and stylish in this cute vest dress from SuperDry.com. This style can be dressed up with the right accessories, or dressed down with a pair of leggings and flip flops. The stripes add just a bit of flair to the cotton-knit dress, making it stand out just a little bit more. 

11. Divine Wear Black Zipper Dress

You can never go wrong with a little black dress, especially one as adorable as this one. Easily can be dressed up or down with the right shoes and accessories, and is an appropriate length for any event or occasion. Match this dress up with a cute blazer or a cute pair of wedges to get a versatile look that you can never go wrong with. This dress by Divine Wear can be found on Modnique.com along with some other amazing styles and deals on top name brands.

12. For Love & Lemons Good Times Dress in Gold

Turn your sexy all the way on with this gold leopard dress from For Love & Lemons! This dress is for the ladies who love to make an entrance. With its loose and draping materials and sexy cut-outs there’s no way you won’t be turning heads in this number. The sexy style and ferocious pattern makes this dress one of our top finds for the summer!  The dress can be found on ShopTheTrendBoutique.com along with other amazing dresses and styles to choose from, take a look!

There are so many dresses from sweet sundresses to fierce cutouts available this season- don't stop your shopping here! Find more Designer Dresses and Discounts from CouponWinner.com!

 

Kiara Brown
CouponWinner.com Contributor

Lauren Conrad: Beauty & Fashion Goddess

Since starring in Laguna Beach and The Hills, Lauren Conrad has written a New York Times best-selling novel, created two fashion lines, and currently runs one of the best beauty websites we've seen, LaurenConrad.com. 

On top of all that, she just released the gorgeous cover of her latest book entitled Beauty. Lauren says, "My number one goal when putting Lauren Conrad Beauty together was to make it your go-to-guide for all things beauty. This book is an opportunity for me to pass on all the things I've learned along the way (and share some of my missteps). In the book you will find everything from my favorite beauty tips and tricks to step-by-step tutorials..." If these tutorials are anything like the awesome and easy to follow info on her website, then we are all about to get seriously glam thanks to LC.

(Lauren's latest post is How to Get Skirt-Ready Legs...who knew majestic bronze extremities were a possiblity for mere mortals!? It's a must-read with summer quickly approaching.)

We also love that Lauren Conrad's fabulous taste in fashion is easily accessible at Kohls.com. She has so many stunning styles that it's tough to narrow down, but if we had to choose a favorite from each category we'd recommend...

The Sundress: LC Lauren Conrad Polka-Dot Pleated Dress

The Sunglasses: LC Lauren Conrad Square Sunglasses

The Shoes: LC Lauren Conrad Peep-Toe Wedges

Images: Style.MTV.com

It may be hard to believe, but these sweet styles are all less than $50.

And because of that (along with the fact that she's just incredibly adorable)...Lauren Conrad is officially our Fav Fashionista of the Month.

Show her some love by visiting LaurenConrad.com and then stop by CouponWinner.com to get great discounts on Kohl's clothing.

Lauren Conrad Beauty will be on shelves October 16, 2012. Pre-Order available from Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.

Summer Weddings Made Simple

While summer films, such as “Bridesmaids” or “Hangover 2”, have made it easy to express amusement at the pre-nuptial jitters and preparative stressors surrounding holy matrimony, most individuals can agree that planning or attending a wedding is no laughing matter. Because many of us are destined to go to at least one marriage ceremony this summer, here are a couple of pointers to ensure that attending a wedding won’t be as stressful or financially hard-hitting as planning one.

Steamy Wardrobe Decisions: Instead of sending your best wedding-appropriate chiffon or silk dress out to be pressed or steamed at the dry cleaners, take a shower with it. Seriously. Hang your dress on a hook or towel rack while taking a warm shower to receive the same wrinkle banishing results at absolutely no cost.

The Greatest Gifts are the Memories: Purchasing the expensive china sets, home appliances, or Egyptian cotton sheets that the happy couple has selected via their registry is not always your only gift-giving option. Framing an old picture that defines the happiness leading up to their marriage, and accompanying it with a heart-felt, honest inscription will surely mean more to them than embroidered hand towels.

Dress to Impress: While it is integral to choose an appropriate ensemble for the ceremony, going into debt is not. Thanks to eDressme.com’s 30% off all orders sale (code: SUMMER30) you have until June 22 to not only purchase the perfect dress for the bride and groom’s big day, but you’ll also have enough left over to buy yourself some new shoes to go with it!

Naz Papen

Naz Papen is a frequent contributor to CouponWinner.com.

Colors for a Fall Transition

Are you shopping, but worrying about what to do for fall? Don't worry, that's certainly not uncommon! These tips will help you choose colors that don't just look great now, but that will help you save money in the long run. Get shopping!

Dark Purple

A rich purple will look stunning when paired with dark brown and navy. It's a rich color that brings to mind harvest times and tasty berries of late summer/fall, so this color will keep you looking for accents and accessories to complement it. Dark purple is also killer when set into sweet stripes of your choice.

Cream

Cream is fall's answer to summer white. Cream blends well with forest green and eggplant, and it's a lot easier to care for than your traditional white. It's warm, it's fresh, and it's easy to match with patterns, so you can find a selection that perfectly in-tune with your taste and your aesthetic.

Gray

Gray jersey, gray wool blends, gray everything! This sophisticated color can span the seasons and leave you looking super fresh. For end-of-summer shopping, look for dark grey clothes flecked in white, paired with anything from black lace-front shoes to brown leather gladiators. Grey is an easy color to accessorize as well.

Raspberry

Another harvest-ready color for the picking! Red raspberry is a romantic color that's perfectly suited for fall fashion matching, and it looks great in the summer, too. If you want to simply accessorize a basic and move on, raspberry is a nice choice if you own jet jewelry and silver pieces. Wear a huge silver ring and some delicate earrings for an excellent contrast.

Red

Bold red never goes out of style. Whether you're wearing something complicated or simple, or a piece with just a touch of red mixed in instead of a ton, red is the right way to go. You may find that red mixed into a complicated pattern gives you a more elegant look than you're used to.

What's your favorite color to wear in fall? I'm also a huge fan of green and brown, but that's more on a personal note.

Ouch! Little Trinkets to Keep You Going

I went to ASOS.com today and woah! the site has changed dramatically! I love an upgrade as much as the next customer (as long as it's a good one and it works), but that came out of nowhere. Since things were looking oh-so-good, I decided to take it for a spin and do a little shopping-- that I didn't mind at all.

Without further ado, here are some steals and deals that have me smiling. These are all "last chances to buy," so they won't be up on ASOS for long. Oh darn, we'll have to go shopping this weekend. :)

(Lepel Athena Brazilian Thong)

This cute little pair of panties means that you can throw out another boring thong and go for something far more interesting and fun! A delicate pattern doesn't indicate granny panties, and guess what? This set is marked at 50% off right now, so you can stock up for less.

(American Retro 3/4 Sleeve Dress)

Sometimes you go on the search for the best retro or vintage piece at the shops, but you turn up empty-handed. Instead of getting down for not being lucky on your vintage shopping trip, try ASOS for good choices with flair. This lurex dress smacks of '70s style while still being figure-flattering. Meow!

(Arrogant Cat Tailored Shorts)

Tailored shorts can be hard to pull off, but there's no reason to show them off in their high-waisted glory if you don't want to! You can also select your tailored shorts to wear with a blousy tee and heels-- good for early (but hot) nights out on the town.

(Ella Moss Cashmere Kimono Dress)

Have amazingly drapy sleeves, will travel! This Cashmere Kimono Dress is high quality for elss, and I think it's only on sale right now because of the weather! This creamy little number is bound to be super soft, and getting it on a deep discount is very much welcome.

(French Connection Sequin Halter)

Sequins are totally trendy! Drape yourself in plenty of sparkles and look totally pleased to be twinkling in the lights. . . wherever you are! I do love myself some glitz, especially when it's on sale. I recommend pairing this with deep, dark, and night-appropriate colors.

(Embellished Waist Dress)

I adore this fabulous little item, and it's just icing on the cake to a fab day out shopping and scooping up new finds.

Found anything good this season?

Six Great Dresses From JCPenney

Since when does JCPenney stock high-fashion selections? Apparently they've been going strong the whole time, and I've only recently re-discovered them. Even brands that sound pretty standard, like American Living, have something to offer other there, and then you've got all the more predictably stylish brands like a.n.a. and Nicole by Nicole Miller to browse through!

I went crazy in their LBD department; check it out!

(Shutter Pleat Dress)

This dress has hidden slim-making qualities, even though it uses texture as a way to add detail. These gorgeous horizontal "scales" are just perfect when you need a dress that's highly detailed but affordable. High-gloss fabric adds rich detail and makes this dress even more evening-appropriate.

(Flutter Sleeve Dress)

Need a dress that has some body camouflage built right in? This clever flutter sleeve dress employs delicate ruffles to hide the upper arm area, but the real kicker is the fact that is does it very subtly. The flutters are just smartly-placed ruffles on a sleeveless dress, but they are in the right place for all of us looking for a body-conscious dress with style.

(Shutter Pleat Dress in Black and White)

This item is another permutation of my favorite black item positioned at no. 1, but I think it's far more understated while still managing to be fashion-forward. If you have so many black dresses already and you need something just slightly different, this dress would certainly qualify! I daresay that the cross-wrapped bodice look is even more flattering than dress number one, too!

(Scoopneck Chunky Bead)

Definitely a more modern selection, this dress has a touch of Grecian appeal with its long, vertical lines and its lower neckline with encrusted jewel details. It's great to look at, but it's ever so slightly prim for the more cautious dresser. I'd wear this piece with a pair of more daring heels, like one with a wrap ankle strap and ribbons, or a high heeled, bejeweled item.

(American Living Topstitched Dress)

Does this dress seem like something Michelle Obama would wear, or is it just me? This notch-neck sheath had a First Lady vibe could apply to the '60s just as much as it could apply to current trends. Classic pumps will serve it best, but the great thing about dresses like this is that you can definitely get a little crazier with your selections, and nobody will be the wiser!

(Jones Wear Cowl Back Illusion Dress)

This princess-y piece will find a home next to more cutting-edge selections, I assure you! We're all looking for dresses that you can wear to even the most upper crust-y event, and let me tell you: this one certainly passes muster!

ASOS Finery for the Party Season

I love dressing up for parties, but that doesn't mean I'm not hit with "black tie anxiety" or "semi-formalwear jitters" when it comes to dressing up. With a few fancy dresses in your repertoire, you're going to feel stronger and more powerful than ever--and be able to just possibly "Rock Around the Clock." My top dress-finding tips await! Steal yourself a deal to wear during January and February, because I can think of a party or two I've been to that hits after the holiday season. . . for some reason, they can be a lot more trying after we've dressed up for event upon event. Let's make this easy on ourselves, shall we? Abstract Check Tulip Dress

1. Suit Your Personality: Don't buy a dress, even if it's on sale, if you know that it's going to be a stretch to wear it. Weird plaids, funny prints, and strange little patterns that don't strike you should be put back or zipped [ast. If they don't strike you at first, you'll never be inspired to wear it. As for this plaid above. . . I liked it at first sight!

2. Comfort-- Still Important! Party dresses are not always uncomfortable, even though the ones we usually purchase might be. Do your best to slip into clothes that keep some semblance of daytime comfort, such as a jersey-cotton blend, wide straps, or a perfect knee-length hemline.

3. All-Season Colors Are a Deal: Purple, green, and blue are all examples of colors that we don't pin to a particular season. While that red and green dress might look tempting, it's not a bargain buy if you only wear it once.

Metallic Low-Back

4. Pick the Perfect "Every Dress Shoes": Save yourself time matching with a pair of perfect wedges, shapely heels, or leather pumps. . . and buy them in a color you'll know will match with everything. That doesn't need to be black, either: chocolate brown, deep navy, and grey are all winner, especially when you can simply affix a Shoe Jewel to make them seem different each time!

5. Don't Be a Wilting Party Petal: Wear a dress that'll go the distance, and that you feel comfortable in. To save this season-- since we're all doing our best to stay positive in trying economic times-- buy a dress that you don't have any questions about, that you appreciate wearing and that poses no comfort problems!

6. Trust Your Instincts: Does the dress look too short? Too slippery? Too slinky? It probably is. Move on to something more comfortable, and more wearable!

Pleated Prom

7. Consider the Partner (Just a Bit): A fabulous meeting of the minds... fashion style! If you know your dinner date has a certain fashion flair, try your best to complement it, because it'll make you look better, too. If he wants to wear a white silk scarf, let him--and choose pearls to accent the deal.

8. Know if the Underthings Will Cut It: Bad underwear most often tank the sweetest dress: say no to overspill and invest in a few long-line pieces that will trim and shape with the best of them. I recommend pieces from Connie Elder, who manufactures the only strapless bra I've worn to stay up.

9. Keep Your Eyes Open Post-Purchase! Don't pass up good deals post-holiday just because you have purchased "the" dress of the year. Deals are deals, and if the dress will in more than one season, you are all set!

Holiday Savings for You: Dresses For Every Shape

1. Chic Styled Dress (NY & Co): This holiday dress is soft and pretty, with a hit of shape thanks to a tie-waist style. It's a little bit Grecian in design, but I can totally imagine someone like Padma from Top Chef wearing it with aplomb! Best suited for those with a smaller bust.

2. Isaac Mizrahi Pencil Dress (Target): Simple and classic, this holiday dress will probably find its way back out of your closet to accompany you to special occasion gatherings and possibly dates as well. All you need is a great strapless bra and an amazing pair of pumps to be ready for the night (fine, and some earrings).

3. City Style Strapless Dress: Another strapless beauty, but this time slightly more edgy. A contrast belt in black makes this dress easy to match with staple accessories like a black clutch and bag, and you can skip the necklaces if you like for a cleaner look.

4. Mossimo Black Tie Neck Baby Doll Halter (Target): A sweet look for a younger holiday partygoer, this halterneck dress is available in a vibrant pink color in the Mossimo Black label. Expect high quality and consider this a dress that will make its "cost per wear" very attractive indeed! Soft sheer outer shell is floaty and great for warmer holiday climates.

5. Retro Shirt Dress (Couture Candy): Sometimes you need something a little more "buttoned up" to meet with the in-laws or with your grandparents. This is it-- the red floral is rather festive and the overall look lends itself perfectly to a wrap, cardigan, or cropped jacket.

6. Mossimo Black Smocked Keyhole Dress (Target): A blousy dress can look super-sexy when you pair it with high leather boots, and you can even experiment with patterned tights and old-fashioned hats to set this look apart from others. A waist tie defines and shapes.

7. Goddess Cocktail Dress (Couture Candy): Show off a little cleavage in this shiny halter dress--I recommend Spanx as an underlayer to avoid any strange seaming underneath, and consider the use of some sticky Hollwood Tape to avoid any unwanted bust escapage.

8. Studded Dream Dress (Couture Candy): Love the adorementioned dress by need more edge? This studded dress in turquoise has a tough look and incorporates the same shoulder-baring look as the other, but without coming up and over the neck. Perhaps you should add both to your shopping list?

9. City Style Velvet Dress (NY & Co): Velvet is a holiday classic and one that we love to see in classic shapes. This dress is almost sleveless and has a deep v-shape that's alluring but tasteful.

Shopbop.com for Spring Trends

Shopbop.com has got some great new spring selections in! All of these blue-green colors are looking oh-so-tempting right now, and when I went over there to do a little late-night shopping, I found pieces to fit in with every spring trend under the sun. You'll be very impressed, too-- check out what's current over at Shopbop.com.

When shopping for trends, you can get overwhelmed with what's "in" if you concentrate on separate pieces. Instead of getting bogged down with random jackets and dresses, try to find pieces that you can easily mix in with your current wardrobe, such as tunics that you can pair with jeans or dresses than stand alone with all your favorite pumps.

Bohemian Style

This Yaya Aflalo dress is not for those of us who are afraid of bright colors like pink and purple. You'll be feeling like the star of the show in this vibrant piece, even with a Bohemian vibe that helps set you apart. Solid satin banding is perfect for women with a tiny waist and a bust that they'd like to highlight.

Is sweet and simple more your thing? I fell in love with this Kathleen Tunic from Young Fabulous & Broke. Subtle tie-dye spots go undercover across a crisp white canvas with just a sprinkle of lemon yellow at the upper yoke.

Retro Tones

These DAVIS by Ruthie Davis Ford Peep Toe Pumps fit the spring '70s trend so well. They're high--just right for a miniskirt come nighttime--and they've got a chrome metal two-tone detail that's as unusual as it is stylish. A new must-have.

A Rock n Roll Vest from LaROK is totally tempting. I'd love to see it paired with the non-trad version-- a skirt and a cute top instead of the usual trousers. But you know what else I'd like to see? This vest with a pair of tuxedo trousers. . . uh oh! Maybe I'll need to get two.

Feminine and Romantic Versions

The Diane von Furstenberg Saffy Top is a deliciously feminine confection that you'll fall in love with for spring. I love it when trendy pieces are so attractive and cute. Shopping just gets so much easier. . . I'd wear this with light-colored blue jeans and strappy sandals.

This <Alice and Olivia Pleated Sleeveless Dress might be the last on my list, but it wil just get you started on a Spring/Summer trend search that might lead you to similar sources like Pink Mascara and more. Have a great time getting yourself kitted out for spring. ;)

Great Dress Shapes for Spring

1. Try Them Swingy:
Easy shapes are a cool and simple way to add comfort and style to a spring look. Embrace bodice tops that hug your midsection and flare out against your hips, like a sweet shift from bygone days.

Tip: You can modernize a look like this easily with the right current colors. This season, try unexpected pinks and a cool blue like the featured Stretch Bow Dress above by Jean Paul Galtier.

2. Get Feminine Slim Shapes: Do you feel uncomfortable when you wear slim-fitting dresses? One way to make you feel more at ease is to choose a dress with creative strap lines. Thicker straps allow for layering of shapewear or a comfy bra, so you’ll feel supported and confident when you’re out and about.

3. Slip on Creative New Lines:
Look for pieces that push the boundaries. Are you the type who must wear a cardigan over her dress, or needs to for work? Consider a shaped jacket this spring, possibly in a cropped style to show off that waist! You can also go for slouchier shrugs with kimono or dolman sleeves if you like that look better.

Another option is simple layering for early spring. You can slip on a long-sleeved top under your dress, or buy it already layered for ease, like this Darimeya Layered Sleeve Circle Print Dress, above, from ASOS.com.

4. Find Cool Featured Elements:
Raw silk, painted-on flowers, and drawstring halter necklines are just new ways for you to explore fresh style this spring. From softer silhouettes to the ultra-modern, you’ll see that spring is here and very fashionable indeed.

5. Pocket It:
Dresses with pockets may be unusual, but they’re oh-so-handy. When you slip your hands into roomy pockets that are easily filled with goodies, you’ll be giving yourself a treat—one more way to lighten the load on your purse!

The Vince Painte Brush Shift Dress, features deep, wide pockets that looks right at home. You can stuff your hands into your pockets as you sashay across the parking lot-- how novel--and perhaps even avoid carrying your usual clutch purse.