Many celebs are wearing a spring and summer staple: a long, flowing maxi dress. Cool and breezy, you can wear a maxi with flip-flops for a casual shopping day or don a strapless version with stilettos for a dressier event. However you wear it, maxi dresses ensure an eye-catching look and effortless style.
Brandy wore a striped halter maxi dress with flat sandals for a day of shopping:



Read on for 10 affordable options under $100.
The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!


6. Aqua Aztec Print Tube Dress, $88. 7. Hurley Tomboy Singlet Maxi Dress, $90. 8. Delia's Brenna Maxi Dress, $49.50. 9. Soprano Tie-Dye Striped Maxi Dress, $39. 10. Forever 21 Ornate Woven Maxi Dress, $30.




Comments: (13)
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By: "DimePiece" on 4/30/2009 11:51AM
I like the halter maxi dress what Brandi is wearing but not the print. I am loving the exotic maxi dress Teairra Marie is wearing and her friend Danielle that's on the right. As far as the other Maxi Dresses's that are featured above with the prices, I like all except for 9 & 10. I don't like the tie-die Bohemian look in the Maxi Dresses. I'm sure, there are discounts stores out there that will have the same dressess but for less. I like the look becuase it looks comfortable, fashionable, and it moves when you move with elegance.
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By: "DimePiece" on 4/30/2009 12:01PM
I like the halter maxi dress what Brandi is wearing but did not like the print. I am loving the exotic maxi dress Teairra Marie is wearing and her friend Danielle that's on the right. Estelle's awful grey dress didn't do anything for her. A different style and color would have made a difference. As far as the other Maxi Dresses's that are featured above with the prices, I like all except for 9 & 10. I don't like the tie-die stripes and the Bohemian look in the Maxi Dresses. I'm sure, there are discounts stores out there that will have the same dressess for less. I like the look becuase it looks comfortable, fashionable, and it moves when you move with elegance.
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By: Lavett on 5/01/2009 5:18PM
Love the Maxi Dress - I own a few and they are very comfortable - I will be rockin them this summer .....
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By: Ruth Blocker on 5/01/2009 12:24PM
I like the dress that Brandy is wearing. All the other dresses are nice, but I would have to see them in person to judge them. I bought a few of these Maxi Dresses last year but was not able to wear them because the weather had changed. I will definitely be wearing them soon.
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By: dranessa on 5/01/2009 3:17PM
i like maxi dresses this is a style that pretty much any body can pull off. the extremely skinny the very very fat, & those that r regular. it also work 4 those who can't dress there r some out here & it work 4 them 2 all they have 2 do is get their hair done & they r in there lol
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By: Delee on 5/01/2009 6:20PM
Dresses are great anytime of the year. Lately though, dress designers appear to be neglectful of the Fem' taste. Some of the colors are absolutly hideous. Warm soft colors like lilac, lime green, look great against black skin. Also, vital features such as the side seam pocket, are gradually disappearing from the female garment. I for one am having to go back to the sewing machine with old patterns to get the designs that I love.
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By: coco on 5/02/2009 1:31PM
I luv this look. Its so easy and comfy yet very feminine. I cant wait to wear mine this Summer.
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By: Ariana on 5/02/2009 12:13AM
i love the maxi dresses even tho it has a funny name maxi pads lol but yea their cool very comfortable, fashionable and sleek two thumbs up=)
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By: eric on 5/03/2009 4:00PM
I think this maxi trend dress thing is a good thing for black women, because it's allows you "NOT" to see black womens "WORSE" asset...their legs!
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By: "DimePiece" on 5/04/2009 10:32PM
eric,
that was so IGNORANT and DISRESPECTFUL to black woman. This is totally IRRELEVANT. People like you are desperate for attention. People like you get off subject and are DISTRACTIONS! Too bad we can't see your CHICKEN LEGS.
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