12 spring/summer trends to try!

As much as I love wardrobe basics and pieces that mix and match - there is always some wiggle room when it comes to trying new trends.  Especially for spring and summer, when it's fun to try new things and have some extra fun with your wardrobe.

Here are twelve fun trendy styles to try for this spring and summer that I think you will like!  Many of these pieces are on my own personal wishlist this season and I bet you'll add a few to your wishlist as well!

Off the shoulder tops & dresses are super trendy for spring and summer! I'm loving this off the shoulder dress in pale blue. Wouldn't it be perfect for a summer wedding or pool party?

Flowy tops are a favorite of mine to wear with jeans or shorts in the spring and summer.  This striped flowy top would also be perfect for throwing over your bathing suit all summer too!

Rompers are big for spring and summer - with the ease of a dress and the practicality of shorts this black romper is perfect for dressing up or down this season.

Lace accents are all the rage this season and are a perfect way to conservatively show a little extra skin.  I love this white lace accent short sleeve top - plus it's on serious sale!

A wrap back tee like this one is sweet and sexy for warm summer nights... pair it with jeans and sandals for a night out or throw it over your swimwear for a day at the lake.

A pastel handbag like this pale blue handbag is a fun addition to your spring and summer wardrobe.  Picking a neutral color like pale blue helps it integrate seamlessly into your closet.

Anything eyelet is perfect for summer... this sweet white eyelet top with fringe detailing is absolutely adorable for summer picnics or outdoor concerts.  I love the idea of pairing it with flare jeans and wedge sandals.

Add fringe or a tassel to just about anything these days and it's hot!  These fringe/tassel sandals are SO adorable and would be comfy and easy to wear all season.

I am super intrigued by this new denim trend: the crop flare jeans!  I've got a pair of these on my wishlist this spring for sure.

Lace up sandals are another huge trend... actually any lace up shoe is, these days.  This pair looks comfortable and practical.

This fun and flirty ponchos are a fun boho trend for spring and summer.  They are perfect for the beach or throwing over a tank this summer.  I really love this open front fringe poncho! So cute, right!?!

Like I said, anything with a tassel is the thing this summer... this cute tassel shoulder bag is so darling and is UNDER $35!!!

Shop the post here...

bring in the burgundy...

Fall gives new life to styles and colors that have been dormant in my closet over the summer.  Burgundy is a fall color that I love and each fall it seems new and fresh to me.  Jewel tones like burgundy are a great way to bring your wardrobe into fall… you can pair them with the shorts, dresses and even white jeans that you have been sporting all summer for a great summer-into-fall look.  Then once the weather cools burgundy pairs well with jeans, greys, blacks and plaids.

These are a few of my top burgundy picks for fall… I especially love this purse, hat (and I'm not even a hat person!) and these gorgeous boots.  What burgundy pieces do you have your eye on this season?

shop the pieces: hat, scoop neck dress, d'Orsay flats, mini tote, nail polish, leather moto jacket, striped sweatshirt, infinity scarf, cardigan, pull on drapey pant, hunter boots, cross body bag, earrings

Or shop the pieces (and some extras!!!) here: 

in (with) the army (green) now...

Army green is a classic fall color… so it's no surprise to see it popping up in retailers left and right as fall approaches.  I personally love army green because it can be a great neutral in your wardrobe.  It pairs well with denim, black, white, leopard and even pattern and bright and bold colors… you can't go wrong with adding a little of this hue to your closet this fall!

I just snagged some army green pants (check out this video to see them!) and I am, as always, I am in love with this coat. I wear it year-round.

Here are some fun army green picks for fall… I would gladly have any of these pretties join my closet for the season.  What about you? Are you loving this color for fall? Have some already? Can't wait to add more?

jumpsuit, or less expensive option!

cross-body bag, or less expensive option!

sleeveless top, or less expensive option!

watch, or less expensive option!

trench coat, or less expensive option!

pumps, or less expensive option!

scarf, or less expensive option!

camo sweatshirt, or less expensive option!

vest, or less expensive option!

heart clutch, or less expensive option!

pants, or less expensive option!

sweater, or cable knit option!

boots, or less expensive option!

it's stripe season...

Let's be honest, I wear stripes year round… so to say that there is a "stripe season" is a little silly. But during the summer I can hardly go a day or two without sporting stripes.  Summer time is a stripe state of mind.

And with the Fourth of July celebration coming up this weekend, what is more patriotic that sporting some stripes?!?!  This week will have a decidedly patriotic theme here on the blog (and over on Instagram too… check me out for in the flesh patriotic inspiration all week as well!).  Today I have stripes, stripes and more stripes and check back for tons of inspiration for the Fourth all week!

one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

12 spring bags to love!

In fresh and fun silhouettes and candy colored hues… a new spring handbag is the ultimate indulgence!

top row, from left: graphic blue tote, camel saddle bag, striped tote, camel bucket bag

middle row, from left: citron tote, white bucket bag, mint tote, 'oh la la' pouch

bottom row, from left: pink tassel tote, pink/chili color blocked satchel, pale pink zipper top satchel, cream tote

12 spring sandals to love!

Sandals have to be one of my favorite wardrobe pieces to buy each spring.  It's so liberating when spring arrives to pack away the heavy shoes and boots and break out a few fun pairs of sandals to wear.    I always love to find that one pair that makes my heart go pitter-patter… or the one pair that is such an absolute steal you feel like you found the bargain of the century!  Either way the thrill and the rush of finding cute sandals for spring is real.

While sandals are definitely a summer staple, I love to mix them into spring outfits weather dependent.  Maybe a little sweater and jeans and a pair of sandals, I especially love them with boyfriend jeans this time of year or I definitely want to have a new pair or two on hand for spring break. Today I've got a slew of new spring sandals for you at all price points. I think you are really going to love these picks this season!

$

top row, from left: blue flip flops, black double strap, jeweled ankle strap, cross strap

$$

middle row, from left: cream multi-strap, leopard cross strap, silver cross strap, black single strap

$$$

bottom row, from left: black and gold toe strap, jeweled/buckle strap, black and white toe strap, silver double strap

spring obsessions...

Spring is fair game when that calendar flips over to March (can I get a praise the Lord that it's March!?!?)… Winter is over in my opinion.  Sure the temps aren't exactly cooperating (but it has been a touch warmer here!) - but I don't care, I've got my mind solely on spring and that puts me in one heck of a good mood!

This spring I'm crushing on pale pink, florals, neutral bags (always!), lacy accents, stripes, delicate details, frilly finishes, and the simple standbys like chambray and stripes.

get the pieces: floral dress, nude leather tote, pointed toe mules, tortoise iPhone case, beaded sweater, tassel earrings, pale pink jeans, chambray blazer, frilly slip-on flats, lace tank, striped shorts, turkish towels (totally obsessed with these!!!), new charms by Kendra Scott (so cute!), pale pink ray ban sunglasses

bejeweled!

I have a serious obsession with anything bejeweled lately. See exhibit A and exhibit B.  Could it be the holidays? Or the grey winter days?  It must be.  Either way, I've been drawn to any sparkle I find these days.

Here are a few of my favorites these days…

(click the photo to shop!)

1. jeweled sweatshirt 2. jeweled dolman top - on sale! 3. jeweled raglan - on sale!

4. grey jeweled hat 5. jeweled fingerless gloves - on sale! 6. white jeweled hat - on sale!

7. tweed jeweled flats 8. jeweled d'orsay flats - on sale! 9. gold jeweled flats

10. ice crystal drop earrings 11. climbing earrings 12. noir statement earrings

Or shop the pieces below!

currently obsessed: burgundy!

I'm obsessed with burgundy these days… I've purchased a few new burgundy pieces for myself, which you will see later this month (stay tuned!).  In the meantime, here are a few other pieces that have been catching my eye.

(sweater, scarf, vest, plaid jacket - less than $50!, boots, bag, vans sneakers)

Are you loving this color lately too?

how do you feel about the "athleisure" trend?

The athleisure trend is one that has been on the brink of emerging for years now… think the Juicy Couture sweatsuits that Oprah raved about, or the hundred dollar yoga pants that women swore they could wear to the office because they fit so well when Lululemon first launched.  I've never seemed to really subscribe to those notions.  Work out apparel is for the gym, not for days when I don't feel like getting dressed.

But lately the athleisure trend has really morphed into something different.  Leggings with cozy sweaters is kind of my jam… but tanks and compression pants for everyday wear isn't.  But now the line between those two ends of the spectrum has really blurred.  Absolutely stunning pieces is are now being introduced into the market as "athletic wear" so it's no surprise ladies are saying that they don't just want to wear those pieces for working out.  What do you think of this trend? Do you subscribe to the athleisure trend? Do you still think work out clothes are for the gym or can you see wearing them everyday too?

My opinion is that if you take the athleisure trend seriously and dress that way for day time that is fine… but leave the sweaty yoga pants at home after gym class. (although I do admit the other day I ran errands in my gym clothes because I had such a busy day).  Hey, rules are meant to be broken, right!?!

orange drapey top, stirrup black leggings, grey cashmere sweater, grey tee, floral pop print pants, shiny crackle print black leggings, nike sneakers, pirouette tie back top

So I would love to hear your thoughts on this trend!  

fall must haves 2014: the hottest handbags!

There is nothing like the thrill of a new handbag in the fall!  When it comes to handbags I really like to go for quality over quantity and invest in a new handbag a couple times a year.  Fall is a great time to switch up your handbag and invest in a new one.  This season beautiful neutrals are where it's at for handbags which makes investing in one so easy because these beauties won't be going out of style any time soon.

Here I chose a few of my favorites and then styled them up for you for inspiration… just add crunchy leaves and a pumpkin spice latte and you are set for fall!

above: one, two, three, four, five, six

above: jeans, sweatshirt, jacket, rings, shoes, bag

above: jeans, sweater (or less expensive option), boots, headphones/earrings, bag

the beloved birkenstock… yay or nay!?

The blog world has been quietly rumbling about the return of the beloved Birkenstock sandal for a few months now… but with the weather warming, your favorite bloggers wearing them and even J.Crew carrying them I think they are here to stay.  Are you a fan? Yay or nay?

I'm still a little on the fence… while I love relaxed style and fashion I do tend to think this one is a maybe a little overly casual for me.  But when I see these lovely ladies wearing them (sources found here) I almost can't help but be a little swayed by them.  Plus, when the style gods hand you a "trend" like sweatshirts, sneakers and comfy sandals like Birkenstocks it almost doesn't seem right to turn away from them (while on the other hand stilettos are a trend I am fine passing on).  Am I right?

top left, top right, middle, bottom left, bottom right

I think my favorite would be the classic black suede… what about you? Have a favorite? 

Can't wait to wear them? Won't be caught dead in them?

Do tell!

see you around...

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(on a completely different note… I wanted to let my fellow book lovers know that I just launched a new little side project to chronicle my challenge to read 50 books this year.  If you are interested, you can check it out here!)

a fresh crop of chambray for spring!

Whoa! It feels great to be back on the blog again today… a huge welcome back to you ladies too! A million thank you's for being patient while I took a little break and for joining me back here today.  I had the most relaxing (and quick!) week off enjoying the California sun and my family.

California gave me the most wonderful taste of spring… and thankfully the weather here in Michigan might almost be getting the hint as well.  I have a feeling spring is finally here! Chambray is a definite favorite for spring and summer… and  this new crop of chambray for spring are all the perfect addition to any spring wardrobe.  How fun are these pieces?

1. chambray tunic 2. chambray shirt dress 3. chambray skirt 4. light blue cross body bag 5. chambray espadrilles 6. chambray shift dress 7. chambray tie-waist top 8. chambray colored bag 9. floral chambray shorts 10. light blue nail polish 11. chambray scarf

(And would you wear chambray pants? They are pretty cute I think!)

see you around...

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scallops for spring… a recent obsession of mine!

A dainty scalloped hem-line is a recent obsession of mine.  After purchasing this bathing suit for spring break I am hooked!  Then I started doing a little digging and found a few more gems that I sure wouldn't mind adding to my closet this spring and summer… it's such a feminine and flirty style that I can't wait to wear.

While you can find scallop hems on all sorts of wardrobe pieces I especially like a scallop on black clothing and accessories. It seems to be the perfect juxtaposition between the overtly feminine and the bold.  Paired these picks with white tees or jeans, pastels or even a fun pattern like polka dots or stripes for simple and fun spring and summer looks.

skirt, clutch, tank, tote, dress, shorts, sandals, tee

get the look… frayed denim!

Denim is my first and my forever fashion love… and since it is such a beloved staple in my closet I always love finding fun variations of it to keep it feeling fresh and fun.  This is probably the reason why I love distressed denim so much.  My newest denim obsession is frayed hem denim.  I remember chopping off a pair of jeans a while back and since they didn't fit great (the reason why the got the chop in the first place) they didn't stick around long - although I still definitely love the idea.

Then I was in the GAP recently and they have a whole slew of frayed hem denim available for spring and I am IN LOVE!  I found some fun inspiration on Pinterest featuring this style to inspire you as well… then where you can find your new pair (I know I've got a pair on my wish list!) or of course, you can always just chop off a pair you already own!

one, two, three

Will you be wearing the frayed hem denim trend this spring? Do tell!

see you around...

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10 new striped styles you are sure to love!

I never would have imagined that this glorious stripe trend would still be going strong (what is this 2? 3? years later) this long.  It's my dream come true… one, because my closet is still full of stripes and I love wearing them and two, because stripes are my number one no-brainer-go-to wardrobe piece.  Don't know what to wear? Stripes.

I tend to prefer them in black and navy blue mixed with white (that's not to say I don't love them in all colors) so here I peeped out a few of my favorite styles that are JUST hitting the stores.  Stripes are always a great spring pick and they also work great for late winter with layers like jackets, cardigans, scarves and blazers.

1. boat neck sweater 2. drop waist dress (perfect bathing suit cover up for summer!) 3. clutch 4. bow bracelet 5. striped scarf 6. striped pants (love!) 7. triple stripe elbow patch sweater 8. stripe hand bag 9. striped blazer (very, very cute!) 10. striped soludos

see you around...

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heavy metals.

A few gorgeous metallic pieces have been catching my eye here and there and reminded me how much I love a dash of shimmer in the winter.  Gold, rose gold, silver and bronze tones are great for sprucing up denim or chambray, our favorites the winter whites and even black for a night out or a daring day time look.

This dress or jeans just scream New Years Eve to me... but the flats, tote or jewelry would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving outfit next week. In writing this post I realized that my closet is quite devoid of metallics. That will have to change soon!  What about you... are you a fan of metallics for winter?

bracelet, iphone case, dress, tote, hair ties, "pop fizz clink" necklace, silver flats, earrings, chunky necklace, gold flats, gold jeans (!!!)

see you around...

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fall wish list: big cozy sweater!

I've got a few things on my personal wish list for fall... and a big cozy white sweater is one of them! I could see wearing one of these gorgeous options with jeans and leggings and boots all fall and winter.  You know? I already own this white sweater... but I would love one that is bulkier and a little more oversized.  So I took to the internet to see what I could find...

... now to choose!

one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight

see you around...

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leather accents to love...

One of the hottest trends this season is leather (or pleather) accents on everything from pants to dresses to tops to jackets.  These fun little accents add a dash of daring and edge to any fall look.

Although leather accent pieces are popping up at a lot of high end retailers today I brought you 10 gorgeous pieces that are all from Target... I know right?!?! These pieces are so great and the even better part is that they are all at the $40 price point, so it's a great way to try a new trend without putting a huge dent in your shopping budget.

1. jacket 2. tank 3. dress 4. blazer 5. sweatshirt 6. dress 7. tunic 8. tank 9. pants 10. blazer

What do you think about leather accents for fall? I would love to know what you think of this edgy trend!

see you around...

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how to style a camo jacket for fall!

Welcome back from a nice long weekend... I hope you enjoyed yours! Mine was quite lazy... sleeping in, lounging and general relaxation before we dive into an action packed back to school week here! How was your weekend?

I'm so excited to dive into fall fashion around here... which we have been doing a little of from time to time, but now that my kids are back in school I am in full on fall mode (apple pie anyone?).  The temps are a still a little warm but the nights and evenings are cool. September is one of the best months ever... wouldn't you agree?

Last fall I snagged a camo jacket from Zara (seen here) which was going out on a limb a bit for me style-wise.  And I am glad I did as it's a fun print that is still enjoying it's time in the spotlight.  At first glance camo can seem to be a more masculine print, which is fine if you are enjoying boy-inspired style - which is also having a moment in the spotlight this fall. But here I tried to find the perfect balance between femininity and the camo print with two looks for fall that you will love!

(above: boots, vest, top, purse, ponte leggings, earrings)

(above: jacket - only $35 LOVE!, tee, sunglasses, boots, bracelet, boyfriend jeans)

see you around...

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