Fashion: Maxi Skirts for Summer

Being 5'2", I took one look at the maxi skirt trend taking over fashion magazines and the internet and knew it wasn't for me. I've never met a formal dress I didn't have to hem, and I live in the world of petite pants. But when I moved to Paris and saw so many women absolutely rocking the ankle-grazing trend, I took a $10 gamble on a black, cotton maxi skirt from H&M and never looked back. It's so great for an all-day look because you can wear one for morning coffee and then out that night with just a few styling tweaks.

Solid and pattern maxi skirts for any budget.

Some of my favorite maxi skirts on the market right now.

Add heavier make-up and a pair of heels to dress up a maxi skirt for night.

Examples of day-to-night maxi skirt styling.

Chic celebrity styling.

Jennifer Lawrence, Selena Gomez, Olivia Palermo and Jessica Alba rock their maxi style.

What do you think? Are maxi skirts fab or drab? What's the best way to style a maxi skirt for summer?

Apartment Decor: Inspired by Versailles

Tuesday, I was able to visit the Chateau of Versailles, the ostentatious palace built by Louis XIV. It was massive, the outside austere but the inside lavishly decorated. Rich reds characterized some rooms, while others were accented by a cool blue. Most of the rooms had large chandeliers and dark wood furniture. But one theme screamed at the mobs of tourists making their way through the salons: gold. Every piece, including the walls and ceiling, was adorned by gold. The doors had intricate gold carvings, and the fabrics were embroidered with gold thread. It really gave the place the feel that I'm sure King Louie intended: I have money, and I have style.

Photos from my visit to Versailles.

While most of us apartment dwellers and owners of four-bedroom houses (as opposed to Versailles 700 rooms) can't afford to coat our homes in gold leaf and burgundy silks, we can draw inspiration from this castle to add a royal, elegant touch to our abodes.

Gold pieces to bring the vision of Louis XIV to your home

For an even more budget-friendly Versailles makeover, use gold spray paint to transform a lamp, bookends, or even a small piece of furniture. Inspiration below.

Besides Louis XIV, Versailles had another resident obsessed with style: Marie Antoinette. The queen incorporated soft pastels into Versailles' gold-and-white palette, bringing a feminine touch to the chateau perfect for a bachelorette apartment.

Pieces inspired by Marie Antoinette at Versailles.

If you ever get a chance to visit this fabulous chateau, don't hesitate to go! And take tons of pictures, because you're definitely want to give your home a taste of French elegance.