A March Favorite - Spring Scarves

I am an accessory girl.  Now I'm not the person who loads up all of her accessories on one outfit, but I do like to spice up an outfit with 1-2 fun pieces.  In the past few years I've been addicted to scarves, but being petite I have a hard time finding scarves that aren't too bulky or too long.  Therefore, I love the spring scarf trend because they are airy, light, and normally the perfect length!

One of the great things about spring scarves are the variety of colors that they come in.  Sometimes you don't see certain shades on thicker scarves but on the lighter fabrics brought to you in the spring scarves you get every color and pattern imaginable.

Currently, my favorite is this Burberry one.  Obviously, this item is a splurge because for $275 you want to be in love.  However, the silk, cashmere blend still makes it incredibly soft and the signature check pattern in gorgeous spring shades adds a little something extra to any outfit - allowing it to still be a classic for years to come.

I'm also a big fan of some of the styles Tory Burch has come out with for her Spring 2011 collection.  She has tons of bright colors for the girl who wants to make an outfit pop, and some neutrals when you just want to accent your look.  At $95 you will want to make sure you are going to get plenty of use out of this piece!  

And of course, for those of you looking for a steal here are some options that I love.  They have the same concept as the high end designer items without breaking the bank!  

Target has some amazing spring looks ranging from $10-30 from brands like Merona, Global Girlfriend, and Xhilaration.  I really love this look from Global Girlfriend.  It is available in several shades and is a great buy for $17.99.  It's a classic piece with enough detailing to make it stand out from some other scarf options. 

My other favorite stores for great fashionable items on a budget are H&M and Forever 21 - especially for accessories.  They have great items for hair, jewelry, and of course scarves.  I love this look from H&M - it definitely mimics the look of the Burberry. And for about $15 it's a great deal!  Unfortunately, it's only available in stores; so if you have an H&M nearby hit it up!    

There are several options from Forever 21 that need to be in my closet ASAP!  And for under $10 how can you resist!  These two are my faves.

Tri Striped Scarf, $7.80

Ikat Woven Scarf, $8.80 

(I love how this looks Missoni-esque)

So there you have it - a variety of spring scarves to tickle your fancy!  And if you haven't jumped on the scarf trend yet what are you waiting for?  It's the easiest way to dress up a look and appear effortlessly chic while doing so!  Plus, it's a great way to hide those love bites... ;)

XOXO, Allison

Hats - you either love 'em or you hate 'em

Before I get into the topic of this post, I wanted to let everyone know that I made it to Memphis safely!  So far I love the apartment and the area that I am in.  I will be only 10 minutes away from work and there is a McAlister's across the street!  Now back to the post...

Some people are hat people.  My mom claims that I look great in hats and that she can't pull them off.  I tell her it's because I have a very large head and therefore more to work with!  Either way, when you invest in a hat you have to be a little more critical than some other apparel purchases simply because you have to consider how much use you will get out of it.  For example, I am always purchasing hats to wear in the winter time, and then I never wear them because I don't want my hair to be flat that day or I just forget.  Even though I got a great deal on the hat it ends up being thrown into the donation pile the next winter.  Therefore I wasn't critical enough when I purchased it.

However, there are some occasions when a hat is more than worthwhile.  I have to have a hat for the beach.  My forehead ALWAYS burns and wearing a cute hat is the only way to prevent it in style.  I'm so glad that the trucker hat trend is over because I had a hard time pulling that off.  Fortunately, hats with a floppy structure and an airy fabric are the big trend right now - making them perfect for those summer months.

Now when I say large floppy hats I'm not telling you that I think you should get a hat that's fit for the derby.  I mean, if you're going to the derby I certainly encourage you to buy a hat that is derby and summer appropriate.  However, the best approach in looking for these great hats is to find one that can be worn on many occasions that you love!  With hats, if you don't see yourself in it on more than one occasion, you probably shouldn't buy it.

One of my favorites is this Eric Javits hat.  His hats always have the best structure but are a little pricy.  If you choose a style like the one below, you can wear it for years to come.

Eric Javits Squishee Swinger Hat - $350

On a budget?  I also love this alternative from Target.  For only $12.99 it doesn't break the bank and you don't have to feel bad if you only wear it on a beach trip or to a summer outing.  

Merona Wide Brim Floppy Hat, $12.99

And who could forget the easiness of the fedora and trilby styles?  For several years these looks have emerged as a trendy way to dress up any outfit or beach attire.  It's a look that you will get lots of use out of if you opt for the right style.   This Burberry look does just that - it has a classic, fitted structure that you can pair with a white top and jeans, or your favorite swimsuit.  

Burberry Woven Trilby, $250

And for the savvy girl who wants to create the same image for a fraction of the price, there are these great options from...you guessed it, Target!  

Merona Floral Band Straw Fedora, $12.99

Mossimo Black Straw Fedora, $12.99

So there you have it - whether your hat is extravagant or simplistic...you've got to work it right!  It's all about the attitude!  

XOXO, Allison

Blazers - Not just for the Working Woman

I feel like blazers used to have a reputation that only working professionals wore them.  Like, when you would think of a blazer 10 years ago, you would think of a business suit or jacket.  At least that's what I thought.

However, in the last couple of years blazers have become the statement piece for every girl.  Their versatility allows you to pair them with jeans, a dress, or a cute sweater.  They add a layering factor that looks anything but dumpy.

If you find the right blazer, it will do wonders for you.  That's why it's important to find the right fit.  An appropriately fit blazer will be tailored to come in at the middle, making you look sleek and skinny.  Additionally, the blazer should be comfortable.  In some cases, you will have to go up a size in your blazer to fit your shoulders and arms.  If you have a large bust, you may have to go up a few sizes in order to close the blazer.

In addition, you want to pick a classic shape, color, and material.  The silhouettes that you can wear years later are the styles that you want to splurge on.  You're also looking for a material that is durable and seasonless.  A great time to look for blazers is in the fall or spring because they are normally medium weight material and can be worn all year round.

I love this classic cut from Ann Taylor (as seen on spokesmodel Katie Holmes).  It comes in two neutral colors (Limestone and Black) and is a classic, fitted jacket.  The location of the seams is very slimming, and for $178 it's an affordable jacket that you will be wearing years on down the road.

I'm also digging this Elizabeth and James linen blazer.  The piping detail adds a pop to the gray color and it's a versatile style that you can wear to work, on the weekends, or over a white dress.  It's a little expensive at $395, but if it fits you perfectly it is going to be worth the investment.  

Personally, my go to store for workwear and blazers is J.Crew.  They are more expensive than Gap and other stores targeted at the same "Woman" but there fit and quality is amazing.  Plus, if you find items towards the end of the season you can get great deals.  In the last two years they have come out with various versions of their schoolboy blazer and it is my favorite!  It's got a feminine cut with some masculine detailing.  It sells online and in stores for $158.

And here's one more look for all of you ladies looking forward to spring as much as I am - the white blazer.  I like the detailing that White House | Black Market has added to this jacket.  There store is definitely hit or miss for me, so I was happy to see some hipper blazers in their spring line.  As shown here it looks great with a dress, black pants,  or jeans.  It's also machine washable which is great for those of us who worry about white!  For $148 it's another affordable, classic look.  

So get out of your sweatshirts and frumpy sweaters and head to the mall for a fitted blazer.  It's a must have for any wardrobe and will help you "spring" into warmer weather!  

XOXO, Allison

Wedges, Platforms, and Espadrilles - Oh my!

Those sunny spring days are just around the corner, but before you head to your closet and pull out those flip flops why not head to the mall and get something with a little more edge...and a lot more height!

I've always been a wedge girl, because I love the illusion of being taller (I'm a measly 5'4" on a good day) and still being comfortable.  I can wear wedges all day long and not suffer the consequences from those mile high heels.  That's why when I was searching through all of the spring trends and realized that the wedge was the shoe of the season, I was beyond excited.

Wedges this season are not just your standard rope bottom with cotton details - there's definitely a 70s edge.  Wooden platforms have emerged with more geometry than normal.  Check out this Diane Von Furstenberg Opal Leather Wedge Heel.  I love the dimensioning on the heel and the ankle strap makes it's so slimming! Wear them with a summer dress, shorts, or even jeans.  These shoes are so versatile, which means you'll be getting more use out of them then your standard heels!

DVF Opal Wedge Heels, $295

Not too fond of the ivory color or the canvas?  No problem - this heel is available in leather and in black, beige, or dark brown.  Maybe you'll like it so much that you can buy more than one!  

Now for some of us, we may not want to invest $295 in a wedge.  So that's why I love brands like Steve Madden who offer a great looking alternative for a third of the price!  

Steve Madden Riddgge Sandal, $99.95

Here are some of my other favorites in a wide variety of price ranges from some of my favorite shoe brands: 

Stuart Weitzman Alex Espadrille, $365

Tory Burch Elastic Wedge Espadrille, $175

DV by Dolce Vita Toni Espadrille, $79

So seriously, get that pedicure, make plans for a night on the town and show off your espadrilles.  You'll look tall, gorgeous, super fashionable...and be comfortable!  Plus, all of the girls in their sky high heels will be envious of the fact that you look amazing and won't be limping to your car at the end of the night!  No one wants to be the girl without her shoes on in the club - and we've all been there!  Now look effortless and chic without the pain!

XOXO,

Allison