It’s mid-April and this means – either you have your entire wardrobe ready for the warm months ahead or you still need to put away your coats and fall boots. Don’t worry, I’m on the latter end too. If you don’t have the time or resources to ‘spring’ for a new spring wardrobe, don’t fret, because here are five simple tips that will help you make the perfect spring outfit. You might have some of these items in your closet already. But if not, all you need to do is invest in one staple piece. Like I did with this fuchsia skirt.

1. Add Stripes

Nothing reminds me more that spring has sprung than stripes. It’s the classic spring look, and this season it’s especially popular. You can wear stripes in a variety of ways and they’re available in an endless amount of colors, fabrics, and garments. If you have a striped top in your closet consider wearing it with shorts, a skirt, under a blazer or to the beach. You can pretty much play with the options and see what works and looks best on you. One sure thing to avoid is wearing a top and bottom that have stripes in the same direction, unless it’s a jumper. This is because the stripes should line up, and most likely, if you’re wearing separate pieces they won’t.

2. Wear Brights

If you want to instantly add some spring spirit into your outfits, wear brights. Bright shoes, accessories, tops or bottoms. I particularly love bright pants, skirts, and shorts. Having bright bottoms brings such a fun spin to an outfit and really perks up your day.
 

3. Wear Open Toed Sandals

The weather is finally warm enough to let your toes see the light. Make an appointment to get a pedicure because you’re going to want to wear open toed shoes, like now!
 

4. Get a Bright Manicure

I know barely-there French manicures were all over the runway but I’ve always had a thing for bright nail polishes. When I get a manicure, I want my nails to stand out and for everyone to notice them, it’s spring after all. If you don’t want very bright hues, try pastels, like pale blue and dusty pink.
 

5. Let Your Hair Down

Give your hair a tousled effect, a loose and natural wave. It’s the ultimate spring “cool-girl” look, giving the impression: “I spend no time on my hair, I just wake up this way.”
 

Bonus – Nike Shorts

I’m guilty of not always having the proper under garments. You know, spanx. So what I usually do is wear my Nike compression shorts. They’re comfortable, tight enough and there is no underwear line.

You can try this tips individually or all together, like I did. I would love to know what you’re doing to get your outfits spring ready! Let me know in the comments!

Stay Stylish,
-V

Photos @peterlang

Spring Essential: The Chambray Shirt

As you might have noticed in a couple of my previous posts, How to Wear a Chambray Top with a Spring Dress & How to Wear Chambray & Stripes, I’m loving chambray this spring. Last year I didn’t hear a peep about chambray but this year it’s everywhere. I believe this casual and cool shirt will be a staple in lots of wardrobes this spring and summer.

The chambray shirt is versatile and easy to wear – ideal for almost any casual day. Pair a chambray top with floral jeans or coral shorts, under a blazer or as a bikini cover-up, buttoned-up and tucked in or with rolled up sleeves and unbuttoned. The possibilities are endless. I particularly like the unbuttoned and tied at the waist over a dress look, take a look at this outfit post so you can see what I’m talking about.

What’s great about this springtime favorite is that the price options vary – you can splurge or save. Depending on how many times you’re going to wear it, you’ll want to make sure the quality is good or it just might start loosing its luster after one wash.

Here are 10 chambray options that will get you excited about days at the beach, picnics in the park or late night strolls. I’m getting goose bumps just thinking about it.

1. Eden in Ava Chambray
2. Chambray Cargo Shirt
3. Brooke Chambray Shirt
4. Indigo Chambray Shirt
5. Tin Haul Western Chambray Shirt
6. Keeper Chambray Shirt
7. Bleached Ombre Chambray Shirt
8. Chelsea Denim Shirt
9. High Road Chambray Shirt
10 Chambray Boyfriend Shirt

Stay Stylish,
-V

Casual Spring Outfit

I can’t say I remember the last time I wore sneakers, I mostly wear flats and heels. I think I might only have one other pair of sneakers, which are converse, that I’ve had for years. This sneaker void brings me to search this spring for cute pairs of sneakers, shopping post to come.

Just because you’re wearing very comfortable sneakers, like I am, doesn’t mean you have to dress down. I added a bit of glam by sneaking in a statement necklace which was partially covered by the striped sweater.

Give your outfits your own flare and personal touch even if you’re trying a new trend or wearing things out of the norm.

I’m excited. I’m going to be attending Lucky FABB next week, I hope to see some of you there! Leave me a comment or send me a tweet so we can meet!

Stay Stylish,
-V

2013 Spring Fashion Trend – Stripes

This spring/summer stripes trend is not to be missed. It’s in every store, window display, magazine and commercial. It’s been tailored to suits and added to accessories and whether you choose thick or skinny, horizontal or vertical, this is an a look that can easily be integrated into your spring wardrobe.

This tricky trend can be a little difficult to wear. Wearing horizontal stripes might make someone look wider than they really are. But paired with the right complimentary pieces this spring trend will not only keep you looking up to date but also enhance your figure.

The key to wearing spring stripes is to wear it with a solid. For example, I’m wearing a somewhat thick horizontal striped top balanced out by solid bright bottoms. If you decide to wear vertical stripes this rule also applies. Also, vertically striped pants look great with a solid blouse and can even make you look taller and leaner.

If you don’t feel like wearing stripes on your clothes consider a striped handbag or heel. Like this striped Kate Spade handbag I have my eye on.

Daily Style Tweet

The key to wearing spring stripes is to wear it with a solid. For example, striped blouse with solid colored shorts.
 

How do you feel about this spring trend? Are you looking forward to wearing it?

Stay Stylish,
-V

Photos: @peterlang

Spring is approaching and with that comes the search for a new spring handbag. If you have yet to find your trendy spring purse, this post is for you. From mini to transparent, this spring handbag trends offer something for everyone. So continue reading then decide which trend you’ll be wearing this coming spring and summer.

Mini-Bags

Mini purses are a big trend this spring and summer. With a variety of options available these cute little beauties are one trend that I’m looking forward to wearing. It’s all in the detail, so make sure the mini bag you choose for this spring pops with attitude! Radley London has many wonderful spring handbags to choose from, I’d suggest taking a look, the first one on this list is my favorite from their spring collection.

Totes

I think totes are a consistent trend. They are easy to carry, hold lots of things and easily worn with a variety of outfits. What’s not to like about totes? Do you notice the difference in size? This spring’s tote aren’t the normal super large, they are more refined and wearable.

Clutches

One can never have enough clutches. Since they’re available in a wide variety of sizes, colors, materials, and finishes, clutches are always compliment any outfit no matter the occasion. Just remember you need to change the style to match the occasion. If you‘re attending a fancy dinner think embellished and small, but if you’re plans are a picnic in the park consider something light and fun like the yellow one below.

Snakeskin

I’ve never been much for the animal prints or skins but I might just give it a try this spring.

Prints and Pattern

Prints and patterns have been all over our clothes and are now making their way to our purses. From florals, to checkered to stripes these fun spring purses are here to make a statement. If you’re going to be rocking this trend make the handbag the center of your outfit. Keep your outfit neutral because if you’re going to invest in such a eye-catching bag why not let it stand out.

Laser Cut

These intricate bags are a beaut! The delicacy of the structure make them perfect day bags. Since these purses are for spring and summer they are available a wider variety of colors from pastel to vibrant yellows. Just keep note that these bags are also a little see through so it’s important to have the items in your bag organized and don’t carry anything too small because it might just fall out.

Transparent Bags

I’ve always been a little weary of owning a transparent handbag because, to be quite honest, I don’t keep my bag very organized. But these transparent handbag might help me keep things a little more neatly since the bag contents are on display for the world to see. How do you feel about transparent handbags, would you try this trend?

Which handbag or handbag spring trend is your favorite?

Stay Stylish,
-V

Trend Forecast and Color Direction

Throughout the Sourcing floor of MAGIC there were large displays on upcoming trends for Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer and of course I had to share them with you.

Spice Trail:“For Spring 2014 we travel East for exotic inspiration from the spice market alleyways to the silk routes. Rick hand spun fabrics with delicate beading and traditional eastern embroideries are the essence.”

Consider colors such as gold, beige, mint, teal and pinks. The key items for this trend is the asymmetric skirt, tunic and of course printed silk shirt. This spice trail trend has great embellishments and prints consist of paisley, Indian and a wonderful dye effect.

Provincial Picnic: “A perfect day for a picnic- fresh country air and rolling green hills, crisp linens and polish cotton. The simple life embraces classic comfort, a mix between the French countryside and American pastures.”

The key items for this trend is the woven tee, colored blazer and shirt dress. Consider colors such as power blues, bright reds, pinks and navy blues. This countryside relaxing pieces would have patterns such as gingham, toile and delft blue. This makes me want to run in fields of wheat. =)

Mod World: “An explosion of pop colors and bold geometric prints, we look to style icons like Edie Sedgwick and the youth movement of the 60′s for inspiration. Fun, fresh and fearless, the inspiration here is anything but shy.”

This is a trend that I am very excited about and you are able to see traces of it starting now.

With bright primary colors, this trend will make you stand out from the crowd. Look for patterns such as checkerboard, jailbird stripes and geometric and contrast taping and mod pockets for details and trim. If you’re interested in wearing this trend look for mod mini skirts, a-line shift dresses and color-blocked parkas.

Glam Grunge: “A revival of the 90′s musical genre turned lifestyle movement – Grunge is huge for Spring 2014. Layered and relaxed, with a touch of sophistication and muted colors palette, this trend is laid back and chic at its best.”

This is my least favorite trend out of the bunch mainly because I’ve never been a fan of grunge no matter how chic it’s translated to be.

With the main prints being plaid, moody florals and a somewhat paint splattered erosion effect on items like sweatshirts, maxi chiffon dresses and cropped tops, mock my words, this trend will not make it into my wardrobe.

What do you think of these four encompassing trends? Which one is your favorite?

Stay Stylish,
-V

Photos: @peterlang
Source: Fashion Snoops

I know orange can be a particularly difficult color to wear and some people can pull this color off beautifully but than there are those that aren’t so lucky. Personally, I believe I’m in the category that doesn’t look fabulous in orange so I stick to mainly accessories. As you can see from the selection above there are some beautiful orange accessories that would look great with many outfits. But if you’re a little more daring and orange looks amazing on you than the BCBG Asymmetrical dress is a must.

My favorite piece and one that I’m hopefully going to order, before they sell out, is the orange Calvin Klein ‘Vivian’ sandal. Don’t go searching until I order mine.

Which one is your favorite?

1. Calson Shirred V-Neck Tee
2. Mini Legacy Shoulder Bag
3. Calvin Klein ‘Vivian’ Sandal
4. Avery Asymmetrical Dress
5. Solid belted silky crop pants
6. Tabithaa Orange Suede
7. Seed-Bead Necklace

-V

If you’re looking to add a little feminine touch to an outfit selecting a piece with a scalloped edge will do the trick. In the black bikini above the scalloped edge transformed the piece and if it wasn’t for that beautiful detailed finish it would have just been another black bikini.

The scalloped edge can be in hemlines, necklines and on accessories. As you can see in the small detailed scalloped headband or the large BCBG waist belt. The scalloped edge can be very dramatic or very subtle depending on the item and the look your trying to go for.

If you have yet to add a scalloped clothing or accessory item to your wardrobe I hope this list helps you find one. Let me know which one is your favorite.

1. Lipsy Scallop Edge Short
2. Twinkled Scallops Headband
3. Scalloped Waist Belt
4. Co-ored Scallop Edge Shorts
5. Antibes Scallop Bikini
6. Scalloped Embellished Top
7. Scalloped Laser Cut Top

-V

Wedges for Spring/Summer 2012

During the summer and spring months I prefer to wear a wedge over heels. Wedges are easier to walk in and they are prefect to wear with a lovely dress, skirt or shorts. Wedges are a cyclical trend and I’m happy that they continue to show-up every year. Though the design might change over time the wedge will continue to pop up every spring/summer. As with so many renditions of this shoe, there is something for everyone. Whether it is a chunky platform, casual espadrilles, wooden wedge, or a slim and sleek wedges the colors and shapes available to us are endless.

Here are the ten wedges I wish I had in my closet right now. Which one is your favorite?

1. Wedge in Elah
2. Laura Metallic Wedge Sandal
3. Silvia
4. Leather and patent-leather wedge sandals
5. Lisbon Buckle Wood Heel Sandals
6. Woven Leather Wedge
7. Contrast-wedge leather sandals
8. Patent Crisscross Wedges
9. Goldy
10.Nelly

-V

Printed Pant Mania

So far I’ve written about peplum, floral, pastels and color-blocking and now it’s time for the printed pants. Geometric, floral, tie-dye, animal – it seems you can find just about any print your heart desires this spring. There are varieties of prints but also a wide variety of cuts – wide-legged, skinny, tapered trousers, palazzo. Finding the perfect printed pant that fits your style isn’t going to be hard because you have so much to choose from. Whether you’re daring with a bright floral or a little reserved with a muted ikat print there are many prints that can be perfect for you.

These are my ten favorite printed pants for spring. Which of these prints is your favorite?

1. The crop skinny in toffee ikat
2. Star Trousers
3. Trousers In Floral Print
4. The skinny second skin legging in garden party
5. Blue Printed Pants
6. Cherie Skinny Pant
7. Floral Thompson
8. Anemone trousers
9. Abstract Print Wide Leg Pants
10. Zara Printed Trousers

-V