During my studio styling session with our BAACAL studio model, Jo Elizabeth, it dawned on me that many of our BAACAL babes don't immediately know that there's more to MAXINE than what meets the eye. 

As a stylist and style advisor at BAACAL, I love our offerings season after season- but I confess I also have my personal favorite styles and silhouettes that resonate with me most (You can see my favorites here and you can see Cynthia's favorites here!).

As a caftan connoisseur, I have a rival collection of caftans to Ms. Cynthia Vincent herself (it's actually how we met of course)- so I feel like my own category is being called when I'm asked to rate my absolute favorites.

From the Archives: Cynthia in one of her glorious, vintage caftans during her travels. 

When it comes to caftans and our favorites in the studio- it's a game of tug of war. HA!

For Cynthia it's always been (and always will be the JALLABA)- a caftan style inspired by her many travels to Tulum, India and Southeast Asia and her enviable collection of vintage caftans.

During the summer, Cynthia wears the JALLABA as her summer uniform in the design studio- some are custom bespoke pieces, and some are archival pieces from previous BAACAL collection.

Easy to style with your favorite Birkenstocks and a fun bag, and ta da: you're out the door. 

Lunch Date with Cynthia: Cynthia Vincent styles her limited run, archival JALLABA caftan from BAACAL with a custom overdye on linen. 

For me personally, I'm a devotee of the MAXINE. It's more diaphanous and billowy in contrast to her sister caftans, The JALLABA and the TALITHA.

I'm always surprised that many of you are hesitant with MAXINE. She's absolutely genius, but I do find a lot of our beloved babes are intimidated by MAXINE. Understandably so- as plus size women we're often afraid of anything that reads as "too oversized". I totally get it.

Faye is styled in Our MAXINE Caftan Dress in Crimson Red

However, what I find equally intriguing is how many of you have become converts to Ms. MAXINE after having a styling session or private styling appointment with me. At our recent Curvy Pop Up in Los Angeles and in our Sip and Shop + Sample Sale, we saw a few MAXINE's find their way into people's closets unexpectedly. 

My adoration of the MAXINE is simply put: she’s unofficially a convertible dress.

The MAXINE has been in my arsenal for numerous vacations and resort stays- but I’ve also worn her to numerous cocktail dinners and to the office. For caftans, she’s an “all year long” kind of vibe and I don’t find I’m limited to just summer season styling.

Cynthia is quite dedicated to cut, form and silhouette and this piece is no exception. 

Here's how I style THE MAXINE: 

ADD A BELT:

Yes, she’s a caftan BUT if you’re feeling a bit lost in the volume- play with shape and add a waist belt.

We styled with our signature cuban link belt in gold for opulent styling. 

HALTER DRESS:

The MAXINE is deceptively playful- she’s modest when she needs to be, but adjust the drawstring opening and convert to a halter, and pull the sleeves down the shoulders and you’re ready for date nite or for hang time by the pool. 

BACKWARDS?! 

Yes, “back to front” as we say in the BAACAL studio. I can be fussy with drawstrings - so I opt to style MAXINE back to front and let the drawstrings dangle in the back.

I pull one shoulder down for a touch of skin (and add bronzer to the clavicles for glow). This makes the draping more “grecian” style which I find incredibly alluring. 

During high summer, I’m all about a “one and done” outfit solution- something you can throw on and go and not have to be faced with decision fatigue when it’s sweltering hot.

ADD STATEMENT JEWELRY + ACCESSORIES:

Cynthia and I have also bonded over our shared love of statement jewelry. As an aspiring jewelry designer myself, I find that I personally love my jewelry and accessories to be the focal point to my outfits as that's how I make pieces feel the most like me. 

Cynthia blends her collection of vintage jewelry into her personal wardrobe- and I obviously love to style my jewelry like an early 90's rapper. 

You might find yourself somewhere in the middle, but even adding simple diamond or pearl stud earrings and a necklace and a charm bracelet or stackable rings can change the energy of any outfit.

Of course you can wear any piece on its own, solo- and that's the beauty of these pieces. They speak for themselves, but you are the sound engineer- you get to control the volume of how your outfits sing. 

Aria Sa'id (your favorite stylist + resident style advisor @ BAACAL) styles limited run + archived MAXINE caftans from her collection over the years in different ways. In Look 1, she styles the MAXINE as a "hi-low" top paired with the BAACAL x BECCA crop pants in cotton sateen stretch; Look 2 she styles the MAXINE solo with tennis shoes for the jazz festival; Look 3 she styles the MAXINE with a belt and a limited run BAACAL lace skirt; Look 4 she wears her MAXINE as a cover up and pajamas when she is on tour. 

I think the MAXINE is perfect for those diving into caftan land, especially if you’re self conscious about voluminous pieces- this one gives you the flexibility of restyling and playing around to see what silhouettes make you feel best.

Let me know if you’re a fan of MAXINE and be sure to discover our curated edit for High Summer at BAACAL. What other BAACAL pieces should I style next?!