Red, White, and Stripes

"She is quick, and playful, and curious, and strong."

--Kate Spade

There is nothing more 50s inspired than red, high-waisted, capris.  It also doesn't hurt that they're made by ModCloth, a notoriously vintage site.  Yet, what's amazing about pants like these is that you can play with their kitchiness- making them completely period, or adding a modern twist.  I chose, for once, to mix up eras.  The fuzzy, white sweater is fairly 80s esque and the shoes, though pointed, are fairly modern.  It's an amalgamation of inspirations that create a completely unique effect; me.

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Sweater: Aqua

Pants: Modcloth

Shoes: Tesori

Necklace: Out of Print

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It's All About J.Crew

"If you're suggesting I'm going to be less interested in pattern mixing you're really wrong"

--Ellen Durnal

OK, this is my first go at pattern mixing, so bear with me.  One of my best friends, quoted above, is a huge fan of mixing patterns, and does so really well... So I finally caved.  It's mild, I know, but I actually think I like it... Sh.  Don't tell Ellen.  But in all seriousness, I think there is a delicacy to floral that does give you some room to play.  Polka dots are loud, and really the only reason why I think this works is because of balance.  The sweater is bright in color, but sort of indistinct in print, while the shorts are bold in print, and a very neutral color.  Also, they're both accidentally from J.Crew, and god knows everything from that store can go together in some way.  This is a seriously momentous day for me.  

GET THE LOOK:

Sweater: J.Crew

Shorts: J.Crew

Shoes: Nordstrom

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Legally Blonde

"Whoever said that orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed"

--Elle Woods

Yes, I'm blonde.  It actually used to be my natural color before I died it a multitude of different colors, but regardless, I am now a true Californian.  Except I don't have blue eyes.  Tangential!  Anyhoo, I always seem to forget how much I love pink!  I love this dress because it's actually made up of a bunch of little hearts, and then the torso (which actually has wonderful boning structure reminiscent of a corset) is in the shape of a heart.  It's a perfect Valentine's Day dress... but not really warm enough for February.  Pink is a power color, ladies.  It is ultra feminine, and should be worn with pride.  Never shy away from owning your femininity!  Women are strong, powerful creatures who can wear pink and pearls... but still kick just as much ass as Lucy Liu in Kill Bill.

GET THE LOOK:

Dress: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Vince Camuto

Sweater: J.Crew

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Flowers in Your Hair

"When we were younger we thought

Everyone was on our side

Then we grew a little

And romanticized the time I saw

Flowers in your hair"

--The Lumineers

It's been a while, but Spring Break called!  Of course that means (FINALLY) the end of winter clothes!  You never think you'll tire of plaid, burgundy, and knee socks... but somehow you really do.  I forgot how much I missed floral.  God, nothing beats floral.  To kick off spring, I wore a very 1920's structured shift dress, that is slightly pulled in at the waist but drops.  I matched my nude wedges with a very Coachella-esque flower hairband that hangs on the side like a necklace.  It has a very "free love" 70's feel, so it pops a little next to the classic quality of the dress.  Spring forecast?  Floral, floral, and oh, yeah, more floral.  

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Dress: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Michael Kors

Headband: South Moon Under

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Glamorous Gladiator

"What we do in life echoes in eternity"

--Gladiator 2000

Okay, not the best film, or even the best worst film, but if the shoe fits... Wow, I'm just full of puns tonight.  But in all seriousness, every girl needs a good gladiator sandals.  I mean, they are simply a spring essential!  Not only are they incredibly comfortable, although they sort of look like medieval torture devices, but they make anything an outfit.  At the end of the day, this is really the key to all fashion success: it's not about quantity, it's about quality.  Staples are they essence of any wardrobe and they're truly what make the style guru.  Now, obviously a pair of sandals won't exactly make or break your closet, but they can seriously turn an ensemble from drab to fab.  So, style tip: find bold pieces that you can pair with absolutely anything, and begin to flesh out your own style that can be easily identified in these few items.

GET THE LOOK:

Romper: Cotton On

Belt: J.Crew

Shoes: Chinese Laundry

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It's Not All Black & White

"I think in black"

--Gareth Pugh

Beyond my obvious obsession with a black and white ensemble, it also happens to be a current trend.  This Spring, alongside those wild colored tutu skirts and animal prints, you can always pair some black and white in there.  The great thing about these colors, or non-colors, is that they are such staples.  Seriously, stock up on as much of it as you can because I can assure you, it will not only resurface as "trendy," but will remain a classic accessory in your closet for years to come.

GET THE LOOK:
Dress: Cotton On

Belt: J.Crew

Shoes: Via Spiga 

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