A Feminine Twist on Utilitarian Style...

When it comes to spring trends this year, the possibilities are endless... but one trend that stands out and is a MUST for my spring wardrobe this year is the military inspired fashions. Whether you are a novice when it comes to stepping out of your comfort zone, or your a pro-fesh-ional...army-inspired clothing and accessories can make your fashion forward chic-ness pop, and with very little effort required. For instance, one of the biggest trends that has repeated year after year is the VEST. Utilitarian vests can add rugged appeal when thrown over a pretty little dress (preferably one with bright spring colors or a bold pattern, s/a spring flowers). Add a belt or just let it flow, pair it with gladiators or open toe shooties and you're good to go! Can you say gorg? Want to go for a bolder military-inspired look? Pair an olive or khaki menswear or poplin shirt with some bold printed shorts -or- "flip it and reverse it" and do a floral print shirt with an olive or khaki pair of mini shorts. Not into shorts? Try the look w/ a military inspired skirt and let your gorgeous gams do the talking. Interested in trying these styles out, but not sure if you're ready? Try seeking out military inspired belts to add a twist to your bell-bottoms and flowy top ensembles, or summer shorts and tanks and see the compliments you'll get. One of my fave go-to outfits is cinching one of my pretty dresses with a rugged belt. Simple and stunning! Not sure where to snag the latest and greatest, and on a budget? Goodwills and Salvation Army's are always great spots, but locate the nearest military shop in town for old school uniforms, patches, and BELTS and let your imagination do the work. Don't be afraid to grab a pair of scissors and cut-away. No one ever said you have to know how to sew. Some of my best dress-creations are simply cut at the knee, no hemming required. Demand a hem and don't own a sewing machine? Take the clothing to your nearest alternation shop. Most shops charge minimal fees for hemming dresses or skirts. The best thing about trends is the fact that you can make them you're own. I like to think that I follow the latest trends, but always add a pop of myself in all of my outfits. The key is to wear what makes you comfortable and let your own personal swagger turn those heads. :)
Here are some examples to inspire you...

















*OBSESSION THIS MONTH*

J Brand "Houlihan" Cargo Skinny Pants
Ah-MAZING....need I say more? Top these with a drapey top like Hilary Duff, or pair with a button down like Khloe Kardashian. Either way you choose to wear them, they are HOTT!!

[pic from Denimology website]


[pic from glomming.com]







*Current Beauty Obsession*
EOS Smooth Lip Balm
$3.49 a piece or 3 for $9.99 @ Walgreens
First and foremost, this lip balm is SO fun to put on. No more worrying about squeezing a tube or twisting the bottom, just screw off the top and glide on! :) The shea-butter and vitamin E formula is so smooth and gives long lasting moisture. And the scents? To die for! Choose from Honeysuckle Honeydew, Summer Fruit, Pomegranate Raspberry, and Sweet Mint. Another great thing about this lip balm is that it's 95% organic and 100% natural. Ya can't beat that w/ a stick! ;)








*Beauty find I can't wait to try*...

Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Tint in Carlotta Pink


Every girl knows how difficult it is to find a happy medium between a pretty lip tint and bland lip balm. We want color without the chapped aftermath. Well, our prayers have been answered with Clark's Botanical's Ultra Rich Lip Tint. I cannot WAIT to try it. I've only heard wonderful reviews about this product, and how can you not when this product moisturizes with all natural ingredients (like aloe, shea butter, and jojoba) and delivers that pretty punch of color our lips crave!







My Latest-n-Greatest Vintage Find...




Those who know me, know that I am OB-SESSED w/ costume jewelry. The bigger, the colorful, the eye-catching, THE BETTER! Case in point, my newest addition to my e-normous collection of eclectic necklaces: a vintage gold elephant head necklace. When I saw it, I gasped in awe. It's terrific. I wore it the exact day I had purchased it and I paired it with my latest 80's vintage romper (full of colors) and it was the shining star...made the outfit rock! Some of you may say "gawdy" I'd like to think it's pretty much amazing. To each her own I suppose. :)