Don’t you just love when you find something so perfectly you at an amazing price?  This skirt was a return at work (did I mention I am now working part time at Anthropologie) that immediately caught my eye.  What’s not to love about an a-line shimmery, lace skirt?  It is a tad wintery, but when I saw the price ($10) I knew it was worth purchasing even if I had to wait nine months to take it for a spin.  Low and behold, though, we are currently enjoying a bit of a cool spell, so I figured why not wear it at least once before it has to be officially retired until fall returns to the valley?

In an attempt to not veer too far into wintery terrain, I opted to pair the skirt with a light weight, sleeveless chambray shirt, purple ladylike purse, and some peep toe kitten heels.  (The cardigan was an after thought that morning when I walked outside to a crisp breeze!)

Style Notes: Gap cardigan (ancient; similar style) / Anthropologie shirt (spring 2013) / Anthropologie skirt (spring 2013; purchased on major sale; love this) / Enzo Angiolini shoes via Last Chance (winter 2013; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Forever 21 bracelet (fall 2012; great for spring) / Coach bag (spring 2009; love this)

With the Kentucky Derby right around the corner I thought it the perfect time to showcase this lovely hat I received as a birthday present in the fall.  While it isn’t the kind of hat one turns to for all sorts of occasions, I wholeheartedly embrace the idea that fashion doesn’t always have to be practical.  Every once in a while it’s okay to indulge and buy, or better yet request as a gift, something you l-o-v-e but don’t have a ton of occasions to don.  For me, this hat, while rather regal, is such a find.  It’s so feminine and so quirky that I can’t help but smile and feel instantly ten times more glamorous than I really am whenever I wear it.

When it came time to style the hat, I knew I wanted to embrace my inner regal lady and go with an all black ensemble. While spring is all about bright, bold colors, in my (fashion) book there is always room for black.  In the right silhouette, an all black ensemble is timeless, seasonless, slimming, and the perfect balance between sophisticated and sexy.

Since the hat is such a show stopper, there really was no need to go overboard with accessories.  I kept it simple with a necklace that is a modern take on a traditional strand of pearls and small, statement earrings.  The peplum top, tuxedo stripping, and bow pumps add a little more visual interest, but because of the all black palette they are not too distracting.

Style Notes: Dillard’s hat (fall 2012; similar style) /  Target shirt (winter 2013) / Ann Taylor pants (fall 2012; similar style) / Anthropologie necklace (spring 2013) / Anthropologie earrings (spring 2013) / Kate Spade shoes via Last Chance (spring 2013) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this)

Apparently I wasn’t kidding when I mentioned that I was feeling a strong draw towards graphic florals this spring because when I spotted these pants on sale at Anthropolgie I was beyond delighted. 

What keeps these pants from taking a turn for the saccharine is the graphic floral and leaf prints in hues that are not overly feminine but still utterly perfect for spring!  After a long dreary winter who needs bubble gum pinks and soft blues?  Bold pops of color are what’s necessary to enfuse our days with a little energy and whimsy!

This orange peter pan collared shirt is the perfect compliment to the pants.  I love the way the collar and button tab play off the various tones and shades of orange in the pants while the rest of the shirt remains neutral enough to keep the overall look from going overboard! 

Style Notes: Anthropologie shirt (spring 2013) / Anthropologie pants (purchased on sale; spring 2013; similar style) / Gap Belt (fall 2013; similar style) /  Classiques Entier shoes via Last Chance (spring 2012; love these) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this) /  Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (spring 2012; love this)

Style Notes: J.Crew Factory Factory Printed Pleated Shift Dress $79.50 (currently 30% off) / Modcloth A Class Act Flat $29.99 / Gap Striped chambray mini $54.95 (30% of until 4/7) / Stripe by N Bonjour Tully Pullover $89 / Anthropologie Piped Peplum Blouse $88

Another day; another peplum top!  What can I say, I was serious when I said this top is really flattering.  While the black version lends itself well to dressier looks, this striped version is an excellent way to infuse a little casual fun into your spring wardrobe without compromising on style.

I know some fashionistas advise against buying multiples of garment pieces, but, in my opinion, if a piece is well made, flatters you, and is at an affordable price point (the trifecta of clothing) why not buy a couple different versions you can work into your wardrobe for a variety of occasions?  I think one reason fashion intimidates so many women is because they simply don’t have the time to scour the internet or run all over town trying to assemble a wardrobe unique piece by unique piece.  So I say, save yourself the stress and the hassle and when you encounter a piece you fall totally in love with go ahead and scoop it up in a few different colors or patterns.  Trust me, on those mornings you overslept, the kids are cranky, and you simply don’t know what to wear, having some go-to pieces you know look great on you can be a real life saver.  It’s safe to say this peplum top has become just that kind of garment for me!

Never one to shy away from pattern mixing, pairing the peplum’s stripes with the dots on these skinny jeans was like second nature.  The quirkiness of the stripes, the peplum, and the dotted pants all work together because at its most basic level the outfit is based off of three colors (white,dark blue, and yellow), so even though the prints differ they compliment one another nicely instead of standing in stark contrast to one another.

I’m such a sucker for the bright yellows of spring, but because of my personal coloring I have to be really careful about wearing them or I can look completely washed out.  One of the easiest ways to get around a color that you adore, but that is particularly tricky for your personal coloring, is to incorporate the color into your look through accessories. In the case of this outfit, I just love the way the bold pops of yellow stand out against the dark navy stripes and skinny jeans.  The bits of yellow here and there help add another dimension of fun and style to the overall look!

Style Notes: Gap cardigan (ancient; like this) / Target peplum (winter 2013) / Gap jeans (winter 2012; purchased at 50% off; great for spring) / Jinny Kim heels via Last Chance (spring 2009; similar style) / Kate Spade bag via Last Chance (summer 2012; similar style) / Banana Republic bracelet (spring 2012; like this) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this) / Modcloth necklace (fall 2012; similar style)

In other news: Please vote for us in Arizona Foothills Battle of the Blogs.  Voting is UNLIMITED and ends on April 15th.  You can vote for us here!

Ever since I have been old enough to make my own wardrobe decisions, I’ve avoided florals at all costs.  Far too many years of my youth involved Christmas and Easter dresses from Laura Ashley, which was probably the sole proprietor of floral textiles in the mid-late 80s. However, the floral prints that are cropping up in stores have taken such a refreshing turn for the modern with a variety of hues, shapes, and applications that I find myself toying with the idea of incorporating some in my spring wardrobe!

Style Notes: J.Crew Floral-Stripe Tee $49.50 (20% off through 3/8) / Sabine Cabachon Floral Bib Necklace $44 / Madewell Silk Boyshirt in Pansy $89.50 / Madewell Skinny Skinny Ankle Jeans in Sungarden $74.50 / Xhilaration® Juniors Peter Pan Collar Lace Top $15 / Gap Floral Sateen Dress $69.95 / Anthropologie Floret Rope Necklace $58