The TOP TEN for spring recap!

Last month I counted down the TOP TEN items to own this spring... and since that was weeks ago and the weather is (finally, hopefully, already... depending on where you live!) warming I figured I would review the list to make sure your (and my) closet is spring-ready.   The TOP TEN list that I put together each season is focused on the most wearable and versatile styles that the season has to offer.  It's what I plan on putting in my own closet this spring and I hope you find a few pieces that you are pleased to put in your own closet as well.  I always work to stick to the "easy" trends that are easy and fun to wear  for the season.

I know I personally still have a few gaps to fill in my own closet this spring like pastels, floral and colored denim that I am working on shopping for, slowly but surely.  Do you have any gaps or pieces you are still shopping for?

1. pastels: mint top (or see all the 'pastels' looks here)

2. gingham: blue gingham top (or see all the 'gingham' looks here)

3. stripes: striped top (or see all the 'stripes' looks here)

4. metallic accessories: gold belt (or see all the 'metallic accessories' looks here)

5. floral: floral denim (or see all the 'floral' looks here)

6. colored denim: yellow skinny jeans (or see all the 'colored denim' looks here)

7. relaxed chinos: peach chinos (or see all the 'relaxed chinos' looks here)

8. eyelet: red eyelet pencil skirt (or see all the 'eyelet' looks here)

9. bright flats: pink flats - on sale! (or see all the 'bright flats' looks here)

10. colorful handbag: teal satchel (or see all the 'colorful handbag' looks here)

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TOP TEN for spring: gingham!

Here we are at number TEN!

Over the past few weeks I have rounded up the TOP TEN pieces to own for spring this season.  These trends are easy to wear, easy to style and easy to integrate into your lifestyle. If you are just checking out this list... here are the other nine:

florals | bright flats | relaxed chinos | metallic accessories | stripes | pastels | colorful handbags | eyelet | colored denim

The final piece is gingham... it's a classic pattern to have in your wardrobe all year long, but for spring I love the bright yellow, pinks and greens!  They are perfect for layering under a spring sweater or on their own. They offer a pop of color and texture to any look.  Here I picked my favorite pieces and gave a few examples on how to style them.  Check it out!  

(above: red gingham top, green gingham top, yellow gingham top, pink gingham dress, gingham handbag, black gingham shorts)

(get the look above: shorts, red gingham top, hat, necklace, bracelet, sandals)

(get the look above: pink gingham dress, swim top & bottom, sandals, sunglasses, iPhone cover, tote)

I hope you have enjoyed this series... I know it has helped me organize my (every growing) spring wish list.  What were your favorites? Is there one of these trends that is new to you that you may try? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

TOP TEN for spring: colored denim!

We are nearly done with the top ten countdown for spring... and at this point it would be impossible not to mention colored denim! It was a staple last spring and summer and even through the winter and fall.  It's here to STAY and no wardrobe is complete without a little (or a lot!) of color this spring.

I love colored denim because you can just throw it on with a simple top and you are stylish and out the door in no time at all! It's perfect for weekend wear and for busy moms alike.  Colored denim is so widely available these days that there is a color and price point that will work for every gal.  Here I pulled together a few of my favorite colors and a few simple ways to style them!

(above: pink, coral, yellow, mint, lilac)

(get the look above: pink jeans, sweater, necklace, sandals - so cute and less than $20!, clutch)

(get the look above: coral denim, lace tank, jacket, sandals - so simple, but cute!, nail polish, clutch)

I currently own pink, mint and red jeans... I'm still deciding what new colors I would like this season!

What colors do you have your eye on this season?

TOP TEN for spring: eyelet!

Eyelet is a sweet and feminine fabric that is perfect for spring as it is so light and airy.  This spring eyelet is making it's appearance at all your favorite stores in simple and classic silhouettes.  From sweet dresses, to pencil skirts and shorts there is sure to be an eyelet piece that catches your eye this spring.  My eye is instantly caught by pink, navy or white eyelet - but really it comes in all sorts of colors. Or as a sweet trim to this unique and casual sweater (so cute, right?).

Here I am highlighting my favorite pieces and then showing you a few fun ways to style these pieces as well!

(above: mint top, red tank, pink dress, white dress, wallet/clutch, navy pants)

(get the look above: jeans, mint top, shoes, watch, hat, tote)

(get the look above: pink dress - or swap this pink dress out for this white dress!, denim jacket, necklace, shoes, clutch)

So far in our TOP TEN we have covered:

florals | bright flats | relaxed chinos | metallic accessories | stripes | pastels | colorful handbags

TOP TEN for spring: colorful handbags!

You can instantly update your spring wardrobe with a colorful handbag this spring.  They are available in just about any color of the rainbow, at all price points and in tons of styles.  What I love about this trend is it takes your classic spring staples (think: white denim, striped top, simple tees) and instantly adds a little pizzazz to them!  I mean, how easy is that?

Here I chose my favorite styles and colors at all ranges of prices - then I paired them with the basics, because who doesn't love just pulling out their classic stand-bys from the closet each morning?

(above: pale purple/mint clutch, pink studded clutch, floral tote, coral tote, neon yellow/beige tote - this bag is SO cute in person!)

(get the look above: jeans, flats, top, necklace, floral tote)

(get the look above: sunglasses, white jeans, floral flats - these are quite versatile!, chambray top, bubble necklace, mint satchel)

Do you have a bright and bold handbag that you are going to be using this season? Or do you have your eye on a new one?  Do tell!

TOP TEN for spring: Pastels!

The IT color for spring is anything pastel... pastels seem to be just EVERYWHERE. And to be honest I can't stop thinking about them.  This isn't the first time they have been mentioned on the blog in the past month or so (guilty as charged).  The reason I'm all pastel-crazy is because they are a trend that I am very excited to try myself this spring... I don't have a lot of pastels in my closet (yet!) and I am excited to give them a try. The last true time I remember wearing pastels on the regular was probably junior high (the late eighties or early nineties).  So everything old is really is new again.

Here I outline some of my top picks for the pastel trend and how to style them... nothing says spring like pastels, truly.

(above: mint dress, pink jeans, colorblock oxford, mint clutch, floral flats, earrings, nail polish: from left, purple, pink, blue)

(get the look above: jeans, colorblock oxford, sunglasses, earrings, floral flats, cork clutch)

(get the look above: pink jeans, floral top, necklace, purse - seriously love this!, flats)

Are you loving pastels this spring too?

TOP TEN for Spring: Stripes!

Ahhh.... our favorite trend of all: stripes. And while it seems that this "trend" or "staple" (however you prefer to reference it) is season-less, I didn't feel like I could do a spring round up with out including it.  Stripes are everywhere... here I pulled together all sorts of stripes that are perfect for anyone no matter their style or budget.

The perfect dress to layer over or wear on it's own... a pastel striped top and a simple pair of kickin' around shoes are just a few of my top picks.  This trend really is so easy to wear and adds interest interest and a modern look to any outfit.  You just can't go wrong with stripes!

(above: dress, striped tee, belt, scarf, purse - LOVE!, shoes)

(get the look above: belt, jeans, striped tee, shoes, necklace, bag)

(get the look above: dress, trench, sunglasses, scarf, flats, Essie spring nail colors)

I know I am kind of leisurely rolling through these ten... that is about the pace my life can go right now! 

Here is a reminder on what we have covered so far:

florals | bright flats | relaxed chinos | metallic accessories

TOP TEN for spring: metallic accessories!

Metallics are another fun trend for spring and while this trend can easily go overboard (think gold lame - yikes!) a touch or two of metallics in your spring wardrobe will keep your look on trend and fresh.  I recommend getting your metallic fix with accessories to keep the trend simple.  A gold or silver sandal or flat, a bag with a touch of silver or gold or even some fun metallic accessories.

A little bit goes a long way so just add a dash of metallics and you are set to go!  I personally love these sandals and just ordered them for myself... I'm excited to pair them with bright colors, shorts and maxi dresses for spring and summer.

(above: pink necklace, white necklace, sandals, bracelet, clutch, tote, belt)

(get the look above: maxi dress, denim jacket, sunglasses, necklace, purse, sandals)

(get the look above: jeans, sweater, sunglasses, bracelet, flats, clutch)

I'd love to hear your thoughts on metallics for spring!  Chime in!

TOP TEN for spring: relaxed chinos!

If you ever wondered if the colored bottoms (jeans/shorts/pants) trend is here to stay... we have a firm answer this season.  Brightly colored and relaxed chinos are one of my TOP picks this spring for a lot of reasons.

I love that they have a super relaxed cut, a cute little cuff and they are available in just about every color you can imagine.  They can be perfectly paired with flats, sandals or even little tennies for a relaxed but pulled together look all spring and well into the summer.

This trend only has me asking one question: what did we wear before all of these fun colors? It's unimaginable!  Today I pulled together two simple spring looks that will be easy and fun to wear all spring.  Spring is definitely the time to add some color to your wardrobe and these pants are just the trick!

(above: mint, pink, navy, neon yellow, olive)

(get the look above: pink pants, striped sweatshirt, necklace, purse, nail polish, sandals)

(get the look above: navy chinos, blouse, necklace - so pretty & under $20!, clutch, leopard sandals)

What are your thoughts on this chinos for spring? I honestly can't remember the last time I owned a pair of "khakis" but I am excited to try some this season!

spring TOP TEN: bright flats!

The TOP TEN continues today with some serious eye (or foot!) candy... bright flats!  Bright flats are so eye catching and fun and are available in every color of the rainbow - so there truly is something for every one.  I love that you can wear a pair of these flats to brighten up your basic jeans and a tee or be daring and go color overboard.

(above: pink with red, orange, blue, yellow, neon pink)

(get the look above: sunglasses, white jeans, mint top, necklace, tote, orange soludos)

(get the look above: lip gloss, jeans, striped peplum, tweed blazer (also available in white & black for under $40 - so cute!, neon pink flats, purse)

Will you be wearing bright flats this spring? I'd love to snag a pair, but I am having a hard time deciding - I love them all! What are your favorites?

spring TOP TEN: florals!

Today I'm kicking off the TOP TEN countdown for spring... each season I pull together the highlights of the seasons trends with affordability and ease of wear in mind.  What good is a trend if it's hard to wear? Here I show you the top wearable trends for regular gals like us and how to style these trends.  It's your absolute spring style resource!

Florals are fun and fresh and they instantly make any wardrobe ready for spring!  You can effortlessly incorporate these flirty floral pieces into your existing wardrobe by pairing them with classic staples that you already own.  Here I show you how!

(above: scarf, printed denim, t-shirt, necklace, button front top, flats)

(get the look above: sunglasses, printed denim, striped top, clutch, pink scarf, flats)

(get the look above: boyfriend jeans, bracelet, top, scarf, loafers, bag)

Check back throughout this week and next  as I continue to countdown the TOP TEN for spring... what do you think of the floral trend? Are you hoping on with this fun trend this spring?

Pastels for Spring with #targetstyle!

Over the next couple of weeks I have the amazing privilege of working with Target to feature some of their amazing #targetstyle for spring right here on the blog!  Seriously, who doesn't love shopping at Target for fun clothes, especially this time of year!?  I am notorious for popping in to Target for the necessities and walking out with a few new tops or jeans as well.  Please tell me I am not alone!

This is the one time of year that you can unapologetically dress like an Easter egg and it feels amazing! We are all so ready to shed all of our heavy winter boots, jeans and sweaters - so why not replace those heavy pieces with these bright and light as air pieces from Target?  Pastel dresses and blouses, jeans in every color and print possible and of course, the swim section... my favorite to dig into each year at Target!

Here I highlighted a few of my favorites that you are going to want to be sure to check out.  Have you seen Target's adorable spring clothing yet? Swoon!  You absolutely must!

lavender dress

This dress is perfect for spring weddings or to wear to the office with a blazer or trench!

mint blouse

 This top is just gor.geous. I would pair this top with jeans and heels and a beautiful pair of earrings. So simple and pretty.

high low open weave sweater

This little sweater looks so comfortable and cute for throwing on with a pair of shorts for sunny spring days!  

floral jeans

Printed denim is hot, hot, hot for spring. I absolutely love the subtlety of this print... it could go with SO much in your closet (think stripes or chambray or even a bright t-shirt in a contrasting color)

swim suit (top & bottom)

 I buy all my swimsuits at Target, they are so cute and inexpensive and since the price is right I can always pick up a handful of them at a time!  I especially love the ruffle detail on this top.

mint flats

I have a feeling this shoe will be a must-have this spring - it's so versatile!  Mint is so popular this season that it can easily be used as a neutral. 

It's time for springtime at Target!

(disclosure: compensation was provided by target via glam media. the opinions expressed herein are those of the good life and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of target)

thoughts on spring!

I sometimes feel like a broken record saying this, but as time evolves my personal style seems to become more and more simple and classic.  I've been combing my favorite online shops and even went on a little 'research' trip to the mall yesterday and now I think I have an idea of my "spring style" nailed down.  And it all comes down to just a few things: classic & simple.  

My goal for this season is to invest in simple basics and classic staples. In the end I want an uncomplicated wardrobe that makes getting dressed ultra simple while still leaving me feeling feminine and comfortable in my own skin.

Here are just a few pieces from my wish list to give you an idea...

(eyelet top, striped top, luxe baseball tee, denim shorts, boyfriend khakis (aren't these adorable? they come in really fun colors!), tote, sandals)

Have you started thinking about your style plan for spring? Next week I will launch the TOP 10 for the season... it's a series you gals always love and I'm excited to bring it to you. So if you are still working on your spring style plan, I will be here to help!

wear now and later: the classic trench!

March will have FINALLY arrived later this week and I, for one, am ready to put February in the books!  We are supposed to get pounded with snow (again) this week and then maybe (just MAYBE) we will be done with the worst of winter.  It's dreamy to think about.  :)

One piece that is always quintessentially spring to me is my trench coat.  It's classic and simple and is the perfect layering piece for rainy and cool spring days.  But why not whip that baby out right now to get in the spring mood? Simply layer it with a sweater and a scarf now (and a pair of boots, can't ditch those yet!) and then this spring wear it with a sweet tank and your favorite boyfriend jeans and sandals.

Voila!

(above: trench coat, sweater, scarf, boots, belt, black pants)

(above: clutch, boyfriend jeans, peplum top, necklace, sandals, trench coat)

(or check out this less expensive trench... so cute also!)

spring obsession: neon + black and white!

This post started out as 'how to style neon jeans for spring'... because boy do I have a hankering for a pair of neon jeans! (or neon anything...) But as I started to pull pieces and inspiration to write and format this post I realized I have a stronger obsession growing for spring... neon with black and white... or just really bright pants within black and white ensembles.

It's a bold and graphic look but one that is really easy, in fact, to pull off.  Colored jeans are EVERYWHERE again for spring this year and black and white should be hanging around your closet already... and of course, I pulled together some fabulous looks to get you extra inspired! (come on spring... we want you here now!)

(above: jeans, glasses, chambray top, tote, leather jacket, shoes - can I just live in this look from now until eternity? sure? k.)

(above: sunglasses, jeans, gingham top, sweater, necklace, flats, clutch)

(above: jeans, striped sweater, bracelet, 'xo' earrings, nail polish, flats)

What do you think of this fun and fresh (and simple!) trend for this spring? 

two-tone to love!

A spring 'trend' that is also super classic? Two-toned pieces in black and white.  Pair them with simple jeans, black trousers or your favorite bright colors for spring and you are set.  Plus, can you imagine these gorgeous pieces ever going out of style.  Not me?

Here I pulled together some great pieces under $150 (and many are even less!) that will long be classics in your wardrobe.

(above: scarf, bag, bracelet, nail polish, dress, top, shoes)

(above: clutch, pants, sweater jacket, striped top, Marc Jacobs Sunglasses, Kate Spade flats)

Are you excited about this trend for spring? Will you be snagging any two-tone pieces? 

I would love to hear!

a pop of neon!

Neon is here to stay people. And while it can be a difficult color to wear depending on your skin tone or your style... just a POP will set off your whole look and is easy for anyone to do!  First I rounded up some fun neon inspirations... from just a touch on a shoe to a whole skirt and everywhere in between. There is a neon-style for you!

image sources: skirt, scarf, shoes, bag

Here I rounded up some seriously fun neon budget finds that you are sure to love. I know that I would love to add any of these pieces to my spring and summer wardrobe (or just wear them now!).  The few neon pieces that I already own definitely get some good play time in my outfits, so a little more couldn't hurt... right?!

(above: top*, bracelet, scarf*, watch, pants, bag - LOVE!, sandals*, flats)

So are you planning on adding a pop of neon to your spring wardrobe? 

*under $25 picks!

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