Looking for a simple way to spice up your outfits this season? Try adding a splash of color! Spring is the perfect time to shy away from dark, harsh hues in favor of new neutrals, pastels, and brights. These five colors are set to be the trendiest of the season.

1. Pink Champagne

Pink champagne is the epitome of femininity. This delicate shade of nude pink has only a hint of color, making it perfect to wear as a neutral. There’s something a bit glamorous about pink champagne too, however, as a bit of shimmer or sheen usually finds its way into the mix. Dresses in this hue are super trendy, especially when paired with black, while pink champagne-colored accessories have more of a vintage feel. If you’re not into this particular pink, try it’s edgier sister shade, rose gold.

Hot Picks

Product Information: Passion No 1 Sweat Shirt, New Look. Boyfriend Blazer, Forever 21. Peep Toe Wedges, Mod Cloth. Tri Color Mini Skirt, Wet Seal.

2. Turquoise

There has never been a better time to wear this stunning hue: turquoise is set to be THE hottest color for spring. Reminiscent of tropical islands and bright ocean water, turquoise is one of those rare colors that, although intense, is universally flattering and extremely versatile. If you’re feeling adventurous, turquoise is a great color for dressy pieces, and can look downright elegant in silk or sheer chiffon. Turquoise accessories are also great for adding a pop of color to an otherwise monochromatic outfit.

Hot Picks

Product Information: Ruffle Stream Tube Top, Forever 21. Oversized Stretch Cocktail Ring, Asos. BC Footwear Bicycle Built Flats, Piperlime. Grandeur Bow Headband, Forever 21.

3. Light Army Green

Expect to see light army green a lot this season in menswear-inspired pieces: it works perfectly for cargo shorts, trench coats and harem pants alike. The color itself is mix of grey and green that, when combined, creates a flattering, easy to wear shade. This particular hue is laid back and effortless, perfect for us college girls!

Hot Picks

Product Information: Cuffed Twill Camp Shorts, Old Navy. Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Natasha, Piperlime. Oversized Jersey T-Shirt, Net a Porter. Belted Bloomer Shorts, Top Shop.

4. Coral

A gorgeous blend of pink and orange, coral is hot not only for clothing but also for beauty products this season. The color instantly warms up an outfit and adds instant pretty to a made-up face. Coral can be bold or feminine depending on the amount of orange or pink in the blend or simply what it’s worn with: dark colors, leathers and metallics will create a bolder look, while nudes, whites and pinks lean towards femininity. Keep your corals around for summer, too–this shade looks gorgeous against tanned skin!

Hot Picks

Product Information: Panier Clutch, J. Crew. Frilly Bandeau Bikini, Topshop. Coral Peep-Toe Ballet Flats, Saks Fifth Avenue. Love Label Belted Dip Hem Dress, Very.

5. Lilac

Take a cue from Zoe Saldana at the Oscars and try super-flattering lilac this spring! This shade of purple is luxurious and romantic without being heavy, perfect for warmer weather. The soothing, floral-inspired hue does double duty as it warms any skintone and adds a pastel punch to your look. Like coral, lilac’s trademark sweetness can be downplayed when you wear it with edgier pieces.

Hot Picks

Product Information: Amber Wedge Sandal, Michael Kors. KAIN Label Pocket Kimono Tee, Piperlime. Crop With Knotted Tie, Topshop. Grecian Drape Dress, Lipsy.

What’s your favorite spring color?

Which shades are you going to be wearing this season? Did your favorite color make this list? Are there any other colors that you’re excited to wear this spring? Let me know with your comments!

Abbey Lee Kershaw is about as anti-fashion as a model can get. If she wasn’t a model, she would be an art therapist covered in tattoos. She has a nipple and nose ring. She tongued Freja Beha for Terry Richardson’s camera. Her idea of a good time is drinking beer, eating salad and listening to music in her underwear. She posed nude for the infamous Pirelli calendar. And the thing she misses the most about Australia (her home country) is walking barefoot.

This isn’t, of course, the side of Abbey Lee that we see on the runway. She has walked for Alexander Wang, Chanel and Rodarte (she refused to walk in Alexander McQueen’s final show because of the heels) and she’s graced the pages of V Magazine, Numero and Vogue Italia. But it’s the clothes she wears and the things she says off the runway that make Abbey Lee so refreshing. Her style redefines the model off duty trend.

Here’s a look at Abbey Lee’s style and tips on how to get her look for yourself.

Lovely in Lace

Abbey Lee wears lace more than most models. On its own, lace is romantic, sweet and demure, but Abbey Lee gives lace grunge-appeal by pairing it with leather boots, sandals, distressed jeans, scarves, long cardigans and jackets, and a hint of a bra. Abbey has a very slim frame (for obvious reasons) so her lace dresses hang a little loose. When you decide to try on a little lace, make sure it’s looser rather than tighter.

Product Information: 1, 2, 3

Clashing Colors, Patterns & Textures

Whether its her top clashing with her handbag or her skirt clashing with her washed-out jean jacket, Abbey Lee always has something “off” about her look. She loves to mix colors, patterns and textures. You can too, just make sure that you don’t clash more than three colors, patterns or textures. And make sure to throw on something solid to balance it all out. As always, go for loose rather than tight.

Handbag Lookalikes

Abbey Lee sports the same two (or four) handbags in these photos. One, a pale pink with a floral strap. Another, a black leather shoulder bag. The third, a fringy brown with studs. And the fourth, a colorful print. Here are four similar bags to help you get the look.

Product Information: 1, 2, 3, 4

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

What do you think about Abbey Lee’s style? Would you wear any of the pieces in this post? What are your rules for clashing colors, textures and prints? Let me know with a comment.

* All photos from this website.

New York Fashion Week has come and gone, leaving me in a fantastically fashion-forward tizzy (say that three times fast). With so many amazing looks, it’s hard to pick the ones I love the most. But I’ve sorted through the good (and not so good) from the Fall/Winter 2010 collections and categorized them in some of this season’s most prominent styles. Whether you’re a cardigan wearing prep, rock n’ roll goth, or peace loving flower-child, there’s a look for everyone this Fashion Week.

Interested? Read on to check out some of the best looks this Fashion Week, as well as a breakdown of how to get similar looks.

(Above: Bensoni, Zac Posen, Lacoste, BOY by Band of Outsiders, Y-3)

When you think “preppy”, collared shirts, black blazers, and black knee skirts probably come to mind. But put that bland, boring look out of your mind my friends. Just ’cause they button up their collar doesn’t mean the preppy don’t like to spice things up. Next season’s Prep puts that librarian look up in the attic with Grandpa’s stamp collection. Instead of basic blacks and whites, pops of color litter outfits like little bursts of sunshine.

Preppy Trend Essentials

While many of the essential aesthetics of the Prep look are classic (cardigans, blazers, trousers), that doesn’t mean they are boring. Here is a list of wardrobe essentials that every studious prep should have in their arsenal.

• Mini Skirts- A basic black one is a classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment with colors like green, red, or next season’s biggest colors-electric blue, and purple. If you stay neutral with the rest of your outfit, these colors will make you stand out, in a good way.
• Cardigans- If you want the preppy look, it’s good to own a cardigan in any and every color in the rainbow. A prep is never complete without a cute cardigan layered on top of a well-ironed blouse.
• Oxford Flats- These shoes will be big again next season, and they’re already available in stores everywhere. Why not pick up a pair? They’re cute, classy and comfortable.
• Blazer- The blazer will still be a wardrobe must-have next season. And like the cardigan, blazers come in an array of fun colors, so instead of sticking to that basic black or blue, why not try experimenting with a nice red one- or like the brown one pictured above? You’ll feel daring and still look proper.
• Trousers- Trousers aren’t just for work anymore-I’ve been longing for a pair of black ones myself ever since I saw Michael Kor’s Pre-Fall collection, but I digress. Trousers will be big next fall, so if you want to buy a pair now, look for slim cuts that are skinny but not skintight.

Get the Look

(Cardigan, Skirt, Ring, Shoes, Tank)

To get a “Prep” look, I stuck to the basics, while incorporating lots of color into the outfit. First I chose a cute racerback tank in a happy yellow color. Tuck that into a cute mini skirt like the one I chose from Forever 21, and then throw on a colorful cardigan like the green one above. After that, slip on a pair of cute oxfords. Finally, put the icing on the cake with a sparkly ring- it will add that last hint of color while not getting too crazy.

(Above: Helmut, Georges Chakra, Preen, Alexander Wang, Alexander Wang)

Do a complete 180 from the Prep look and you have “Goth”. This black-on-black trend is going to be hot again next fall. Whether it showed up on the runways at Alexander Wang, Preen, or- my personal favorite, threeasfour, black was a prominent and statement making color this season.

Gothic Trend Essentials

• Black Shoes- Whether they are flats, boots, or lace ups, if you want to get the dark look, you’re gonna need some black kicks to keep your look looking cool. Look for shoes that have an equestrian vibe or lace-up details.
• Lace- Lace items in black and white are going to be hot for fall so stock up on anything lace. Just make sure it’s tasteful- meaning your mom wont have a coronary if you walk outside in it.
• Sheer- Sheer and flowy garments in colors like black or nude are important to maintaining your edgy look. They’re great because you can layer them up to keep warm while still looking sexy and cutting edge. Just stay away from bright colors and florals if you want the goth look!
• Bold Lips- Wearing all black head-to-toe makes a statement, but you know what puts a topper on it? A bold red lip. Look for lipstick in dark shades to vamp up your outfit; it’s an instant look upgrade as soon as you put it on.

Get the Look

(Ring, Boots, Top, Lipstick, Tights, Skirt)

A “Goth/Vamp” look is pretty simple to achieve – all you have to do is wear an outfit that is- surprise, surprise: all black.

I dressed up the look by choosing a cute lace top with ruffles, which keep the top from looking trashy. I also chose a cute black mini skirt that should be tucked over the blouse. Because the top is lace, I also chose some black stockings to pair with the look; you want to make sure you don’t show too much skin when you are wearing lace, and the tights make the look less risque. After you pull on your tights, tuck them into some cute boots, slip on a statement-making ring, and then swipe some red lipstick. Sexy, bad-girl chic was never so easy.

(Above: Anna Sui, Zac Posen, Zac Posen, Zac Posen, Karen Walker, Betsey Johnson)

Oh 60’s boho, you’re so cute and easygoing. Lucky for us, so is obtaining the look. With ethereal, floaty garments and pops of color, the always-popular 60’s vibe is still going strong in fashion. My aura is vibrating at the mere thought.

60’s Trend Essentials

• Floral- As always, floral is a prominent part of hippie-chic style. When choosing a floral look, go for things that breathe. The hippie look is always floaty and free. When choosing a print, make sure it is detailed but not too out-there. Stick to earthy, natural colors for best results.
• Color- Greens, browns, purples, blues, and reds are all big colors in the boho-chic family. But it is important to stick to one similar color family, so if you choose blue, stick to mostly blue and then chose other statement pieces to make that blue pop (see Karen Walker above).
• Statement Jewelry- For the boho look, the jewelry you wear is almost- if not more important than the clothes you wear. Boho style is known for its layering of trinkets and extravagance: so pile it on.
• Headgear- Whether it’s a furry cap or a slouchy knit beanie, a boho 60’s look is always enhanced by a cute topper. Throw one on over your gorgeous floaty hair and you’ll look straight out of Woodstock.

Get the Look

(Necklace, Shirt, Pants, Ring, Beanie, Belt, Shoes)

To get a 60’s style look, all you have to do is find the right garments. First slip on a breezy floral top and then tuck it into a pair of black trousers. Belt that with a brown belt and then add a pair of flat shoes like sandals, ballet flats, or oxfords. Then put on some jewelry – I’m loving the gold chain necklace and the stone ring I chose above, but wear what you love. Lastly, if you feel like looking extra boho, throw on a cute knitted cap. This look is very simple to do when you have the right accessories, so don’t stress, it’s bad for your chi.

Thoughts?

What were your thoughts on New York Fashion Week? Did you have a favorite line? What kind of style do you usually gravitate to, and what did you think of the looks I put together? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Hoodies and zip-ups are foolproof garments when it comes to warmth and comfort. However, sometimes it’s all too easy to look like you’re wearing sweats or gym clothes when you’re rocking a hoodie. Fortunately, there are lots of stylish ways to make hoodies work as part of a fashionable wardrobe – you just have to get a little creative.

Option 1: Layer, Layer, Layer

Layering is an easy way to make your hoodie look less athletic and more chic. If your sweatshirt is thin enough, it’s easy to layer it under a fabulous jacket to add just a hint of sporty chic to your ensemble.

Tips for layering with style:

• Make sure your hoodie is not too thick. While warm, heavyweight hoodies are practical, they’re difficult to layer because of the bulk factor. Thinner or worn-in hoodies are best for layering under your cute jackets.
• Be creative! Try out lots of different combinations for maximum layering success. A hoodie under a jacket works well, but what about a pullover hoodie under a zip hoodie? Or a hoodie under a blazer? The options are endless – you just have to try things out to find out what looks best.

Product Information: Hoodie- Uniqlo, Faux Leather Jacket – TopShop, Tee- American Eagle, Skirt- French Connection, Necklace- Fossil, Tights- Gap, Purse- Piperlime, Wedges- TopShop

Option 2: Zip-Up/Dress Combination

I saw a girl on campus the other day wearing a zip-up hoodie with a super girly dress, and I thought it was really inspiring how she juxtaposed the athletic with the romantic. It’s super easy to rock a similar look yourself.

Things to consider:

• How does it look when its zipped? Does your dress look like an awkward skirt? Is it better to just leave it open? If so, do you need to add a scarf or something for added warmth?
• How does the fabric of the zip-up compare with your dress? Be careful about mixing patterns. I think it can be done, but for me personally I go with either a patterned dress with a solid zip-up, or the reverse. If you are interested in mixing patterns, check out this CF article!

Here’s an example outfit to get your creative juices flowing!

Product Information: Zip-Up- Forever 21, Dress- H&M, Tights- Net-a-Porter, Bag- Yes Style, Lipstick- Yes Style, Boots- Forever 21, Necklace- Zappos

Option 3: University Gear with Pizazz

We all have a special relationship with our university hoodies…nothing says “I’m a [insert your university's mascot here]” like sporting your school colors and logo. However, sometimes you can get easily lost in a sea of those same colors and logos, not to mention that university hoodies are not the most stylish articles of clothing around.

For those days when you’re just trying to be casual when studying at the library and really want to rock a university hoodie, here are some tips on how to do it without sacrificing all of your style points.

Mix up your everyday university hoodie by…

• Adding a funky scarf or other comparable accessory. You can even play with your school colors. I’ve seen a lot of plaid scarves that utilize my school colors (which are red, white, and blue).
• Embracing a little D.I.Y. I once saw a girl who even added some paw print patches to her U of A hoodie. It was subtle and very cute. Here’s an example of a customized sweater (although it’s a zip-up, you could use the same method for a hoodie). Be creative and have fun.

Here is an example!

Product Information: Hoodie- Boston University, Jeans- Topshop, Circle Scarf- Net-a-porter, Purse- Urban Outfitters, Flats- Debenhnams

A Penny for Your Thoughts…

What do you think? How do you wear zip-ups and hoodies? Have you gained any new ideas from this post? Which look is your fave? Let us know with a comment!

Wishful thinking? Probably. Regardless, these five trends speak to the seasons to come, and can be totally college-girl appropriate. It’s a win-win! Go ahead and indulge–spring will be here before we know it.

1. Floral Print

Product Information: Cream Rose Crop Vest, Miss Selfridge. Boutique Floral Pump, Forever 21. Tea Party Skirt, Free People. Floral Print Ruffle Top, Dorothy Perkins.

A perennial spring favorite, floral print isn’t exactly a cutting-edge trend. Its serious staying power is deserved, however (even Herve Leger’s famous bandage dresses were peppered with florals this week!), so expect to see cute florals a lot in the coming months!

The great thing about this season’s incarnation of the floral print, however, is its ability to be either sweet or edgy. Designers are offering larger, graphic florals in bright neons, bold “exploding florals” in black and white, and of course, the traditional: dainty, pastel floral prints. For an updated way to rock this time-honored trend, try pairing your adorable florals with tougher accent pieces–think leather jackets or fringed boots- for a model-off-duty look that’s the perfect mix of sugar and spice.

Outfit Inspiration

Product Information: Floral Frill Dress, Mod Cloth. Oversized Sunglasses, Steve Madden. Katherine Leather Engineer Boots, Target. Splendid Draped Jersey Cardigan, Net-a-Porter. House of Harlow 1960 Starburst Earrings, The Trend Boutique.

2. Chambray

Product Information: Strapless Chambray Wild Rose Dress, J.Crew. The Hill-Side Chambray Scarf, Blackbird. Quinn Chambray Romper, Abercrombie & Fitch. Blowfish Cruize Flats, Zappos.

If you’re a denim diva, you might already know about chambray, its lighter, less-structured little sister. A throwback to the 90’s, this fine-woven cotton fabric is great for the coming warm weather. Expect to see chambray everywhere this spring from shirts to shorts to bags, both in classic light-blue to colorful dyed hues.

If you’re a traditionalist, pick up a chambray shirt. They’re comfortable, cute, and totally on-trend! Just be careful what you wear it with–chambray works well with khaki and white, but it’s best to avoid pairing it with denim, unless you’re trying to channel Justin and Britney at the VMAs!

Outfit Inspiration

Product Information: Chambray Woven Shirt, Forever 21. Brieann Shorts, Abercrombie & Fitch. Longchamp Le Pilage Medium Nylon Tote, Bloomingdales. Sperry Top-Sider A/O 2 Eye, Zappos. Sateen Bow Headband, Forever 21.

3. Lace

Product Information: Oat Lace Insert Top, Miss Selfridge. Lace Front Sweat Shirt, Forever 21. Black Floral Lace Tights, Miss Selfridge. Vintage Tribute Woven Top, Forever 21.

Stemming from the popular boudoir styles of the season, lace has started to appear everywhere from leggings to nails! 2010’s lace trend is anything but old-fashioned, but is instead is totally figure-flattering and sexy.

Accent pieces like lace-covered shoes and jewelry, or clothing with lace accents, will give you a taste of the trend. Ready to go all out? Lace-back tops and lace dresses are fearless fashion do’s. Wearing lace on the day-to-day? Remember to layer for a campus-friendly look!

Outfit Inspiration

Product Information: Open Circles Key Pendant, Amazon.com. Big Pearl Black Ring, Papaya. On The Fringe Lace Dress, Free People. Jeffrey Campbell Cast Sandals, Lori’s Shoes.

4. Nude Tones

Product Information: Peach Bodycon Skirt, Desire Clothing. As U Wish Lace Tube Dress, Nordstrom. Tribal Embellished Tunic, Miss Selfridge. Nude Almond Toe Platform Shoes, Dorothy Perkins.

Neutral, feminine nude shades are big for spring 2010. Easily wearable, they’ll fit perfectly into your wardrobe. Nude tones are natural and effortlessly sexy, and look great with a wide variety of skin tones. While I think that nude pumps should be a staple in every girl’s closet, spring’s trendy buff tops and dresses are equally flattering and easy to wear. For a lingerie-inspired twist, try nude tones next to pink or black. When considering this trend, choose a shade that is either a slightly imperfect match to your skin tone or a total contrast to avoid looking naked!

Outfit Inspiration

Product Information: Arielle Girlfriend Cardigan, Delia’s. Cameo Pendant Necklace, Monsoon. Cargo Chino Pant, Banana Republic. Nude One Shoulder Long Top, Miss Selfridge. Borges Cordones Shoes, TOMS.

5. Sheer

Product Information: Striped Tie Blouse, Charlotte Russe. Free People Sheer Genius Floral Top, Piperlime. Black Netted Glitter Dress, Desire Clothing. Ruffle Sleeve Sheer Tunic, Akira.

The sheer trend has been covered in depth on CF for good reason: it’s one of spring’s top trends! Many of you thought sheer blouses wouldn’t be particularly wearable for a college girl, but with the right layers, the sheer trend is definitely doable!

Aside from layers, a less-fitted silhouette creates a classy, more conservative look. A high-neck blouse is made flirty with the addition of sheer fabric, and wearable with a tank top underneath. Or, try a peak-a-boo style mesh panel. While it’s still cool outside, look for dark jewel-toned pieces. As the weather warms, expect pieces in prints and pastels. Sheer styles are floaty and feminine, the perfect picks for spring.

Outfit Inspiration

Product Information: Oceanside Super Skinny Legging Jeans, Hollister. Rosy Blouse, Joan Shepp. Stud Cuff Pumps, Dorothy Perkins. JJ Winters Blake Lively Croco Envelope Clutch, The Trend Boutique. House of Harlow 1960 Key Ring, Kitson.

Your thoughts?

For more spring fashion, see our list of Spring 2010 Runway Trends as well.

Now we want to know what you think! What are your favorite fashion trends for the upcoming season? Are any of your favorites showcased in this post? Let us know with your comments!

If you don’t remember those fashion shows way back in September, don’t worry about it: we’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the hottest Spring 2010 fashion trends from runway to real way.

Sporty

Photo Credits:   1, 2, 3

A little prep-school, a little jock, a little street, but always with a feminine twist, the sporty look is super hot for spring. This is probably the most wearable trend we’ll see this spring, with comfortable jersey, rugged khaki, and menswear inspired pieces taking center stage.

How to Get the Look

This does not call for pulling out your gym clothes or shopping in the men’s department. Instead, the idea is to have clothing that is tailored for women with a nod to menswear. Also remember to keep the proportions balanced: if you are wearing a boxy anorak, pair it with skinny jeans or leggings so you aren’t drowning in the clothes. And to tone down the masculinity, incorporate a touch of femininity such as a pink shoe or a bow headband. Finally, wear this look with a good helping of nonchalance: it’s supposed to be simple and unfussy.

Product Information: Top-Delia’s, Shoes-Steve Madden, Headbands-Wet Seal, Anorak-Gap, Leggings-Forever 21

Product Information: Jacket-Urban Outfitters, Shorts-Old Navy, Shirt-Forever 21, Shoes-Converse, Necklace-Betsey Johnson

Boudoir

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3

Nude satins, delicate lace, sheer chiffon and sexy bustiers reference the old Hollywood screen sirens, and couldn’t every girl use a little bombshell in her life now and then? As Tiffany pointed out, the unabashed feminism of lingerie is in for spring, and it serves as a lovely counterbalance to that “borrowed from the boys” look.

How to Get the Look

While the underwear as outerwear trend is certainly not for the faint of heart, when done subtly and with class it is certainly eye-catching. Just remember to keep the skin to a minimum: this look is plenty alluring all on it’s own.

Go all out with a lace dress and vampy lipstick for a Saturday night out. For daytime, stick with one lingerie piece per outfit, such as a bustier top under a cardigan.

Product Information: Dress-Topshop, Shoes-Heels, Lipstick-Yves St. Laurent, Necklace-Dorothy Perkins

Product Information: Cardigan-H&M, Shoes-Piperlime, Jeans-TopShop, Tank-Spiegel, Ring-Fantasy Jewelery

Americana

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3

From Chanel’s barnyard runway complete with a romp in the hay to Ralph Lauren’s blue collar denim ensembles, there was a return to the rustic American lifestyle on the Spring runways. Denim on denim, florals, and western-inspired pieces look equally at home on the farm or in the city.

How to Get the Look

This look just screams spring and is almost impossible to mess up. So pull out your faded jeans, cowboy boots, and pretty sundresses to become a laid-back American sweetheart. For a denim on denim look, choose two very different washes to avoid the “Texas tuxedo” look. Also, toughen up a sundress with rustic clogs, a pair of worn in boots, or a (temporary) tattoo a la Chanel. Finally, avoid bell bottoms, embroidered denim, and dresses that look like they belong in Little House on the Prairie. Even if the look is rustic, it is still modern, sleek and chic.

Product Information: Jeans-TopShop, Shoes- Nine West, Shirt-Old Navy, Belt-American Eagle, Earrings-1928

Product Information: Shoes-Piperlime, Dress-ModCloth, Jacket-Bluefly, Tattoos-Sephora

Futuristic

Photo Credits:1, 2, 3

It’s back to the future for Spring with metallic fabrics, kaleidoscopic patterns, and the return of the futuristic warrior. Bring out your inner she-warrior in these edgy ensembles. Just realize that with this trend, you’re bound to be the center of attention.

How to Get the Look

If you’re a risk-taker and want to turn heads, this is the look for you. Look for anything with a sheen, military details, leather, or architectural silhouettes. Also, if you’re going to go for it, GO FOR IT. This is all about extremes.

If you want to wear this look to class, try combining textures instead. Metallics, fur, leather and plastic in one color will tone down the look but still give an urban warrior vibe. Of course, if you just want to dabble, try out the fierce accessories. A pair of platform booties, a bib necklace, or a cuff bracelet can instantly make jeans and a tee look haute couture.

Product Information: Dress-Oasis, Booties-Heels, Necklace-Fantasy Jewelery

Product Information: Top-Wet Seal, Jacket-Nasty Gal Vintage, Shoes-Chinese Laundry, Necklace-Plastic Land

So What Do You Think?

What Spring 2010 trends do you love or hate? What are you excited to wear this spring? Have you started your spring shopping yet? Give a shout out in the comments!

Of course, last year’s sandals and flats will still get plenty of wear, but here are the spring shoe trends I’m most excited about…

Bright Statement Pumps

ModCloth – Lela Rose for Payless – Christian Siriano for Payless

Nine West – Giuseppe Zanotti (major splurge) – Forever21

Target – Target – Naughty Monkey

These are so refreshing and just plain fun when compared to winter’s darker and edgier heels. Any bright color and/or exciting pattern will do for this look, but florals will probably be your safest bet if you’re worried about standing out too much. Keep it classy by sticking with conservative shapes and cuts; the excitement should all be in the pattern. (I couldn’t resist throwing the Giuseppe Zanotti’s in there even though they’re about $600 — so gorgeous.)

Glammed Up Gladiators

Steve Madden – DV by Dolce Vita – Target

Target – Bumper – Bumper

Urban Outfitters – Bumper – Airwalk

I have to admit, I was really slow to pick up on the gladiator trend — in fact, I still do not currently own a pair of gladiators. They’re back again, though, and with more bells and whistles than ever. This year’s gladiators seem to be moving up the ankle, with straps and also a scrunchy hooded look that I’m quite fond of.

For the most flattering look, get these in a nude color so they don’t cut off the line of your leg, but if you want to assert your fashionista side, try black or a bold solid.

Unconventional Flats

Urban Outfitters – Urban Outfitters – Christian Siriano for Payless

Forever 21 – Forever 21 – Urban Outfitters

ModCloth, Urban Outfitters, Breckelle

As the weather slowly warms up and it no longer feels like torture to expose your feet, it’ll be time to start trading out your heavy winter boots for whimsical spring flats. I adore the huge variety of styles to experiment with this year. These playful looks will definitely add that “pop” to any outfit.

Oxfords and oxford-inspired styles are all over the place, as are demure vintage looks. You could also experiment with the canvas sneaker effect — classic Keds make a great investment piece.

The Winner

And here is my absolute favorite shoe from this week’s browsing adventures:

It doesn’t really follow any of the trends I just described above but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m crazy about it. I love the shape, the height, the colors, the perfect combination of simplicity and detail; the other side also has a beautiful exposed zipper, see here. This just goes to show that while fashion trends are fun and make for great inspiration, you sometimes need to look beyond what everyone else is scrambling over to find what you’re in love with.

What do you think?

What shoe trends are you most excited about for spring? Have you already done some early spring shopping? Or — do you have favorites from last year that you’re going to wear again? Would you try any of these trends? Leave a comment and tell us your thoughts!

Outfits with bedroom-esque elements have persisted on runways and red carpets for over a year. Inside the industry, such styles are often referred to as “boudoir”-inspired. This spring, I think it’s time to see more of this look on campus; to me, it’s everything fun, feminine, sexy, and fresh.

We all know what lingerie is, but how has it translated into day-to-day fashion? Here are a few characteristics to look out for.

Corsets

Back in the day — we’re talking way back in the day — corsets were necessary undergarments that women used every day. Women counted on these to define and accentuate their figures, although wearing them was no fun. Fortunately, the corset top has pretty much done a 180 since those days — now they’re a fun, easy, comfortable way to dress up an otherwise modest or nondescript outfit. You can identify them by their structured shape, and they usually also have vertical stitching over the torso for enhanced definition. This particular one is pretty obviously a corset top, but the inspiration can be much more subtle in other pieces.

(Product: Jane Norman Mixed Lace Seamed Corset)

Sheer Fabrics, Lace, and Satin

These fabrics still characterize the lingerie that women wear today, so even if the shape of a piece of clothing is nothing out of the ordinary, incorporating any of these fabrics will immediately connote a boudoir vibe. Sheer is an especially popular trend for spring, since it’s light, airy, and refreshing. Overall, the key to wearing these fabrics is to recognize the line between what’s trendy and what’s “too much” — especially if you’re trying this out on a college campus. You can be a little more experimental with nighttime looks, but even so, keep in mind that you’re going for lingerie-inspired clothing, not lingerie AS clothing.

(Product: Free People Mitered Lace Top)

Nude Colors

Nudes were hot last spring and now, a year later, they’re still going strong. There’s something so carefree and effortlessly sexy about this color, that is, if you wear it the right way. To me, nude tones embody the idea of “less is more.” Aside from being eye-catching, head-turning solids, nude tones work well as embellishments (especially on black) for accessories, shoes, and cosmetics. Just remember to pair nude items with more high-impact colors, shapes, or textures, to avoid looking washed out. Check out this post for suggestions on incorporating nude into your outfits.

(Product: Topshop Witchy Hem Cover Up)

Outfit Idea: Dress it Up

Shoes — Steve Madden, Top — Arden B, Skirt — H&M, Cardigan — Old Navy

This Arden B top looks like it actually could be worn to bed. A sleek bandage skirt immediately transforms the look to evening, while a demure white cardigan keeps the look classy. The black heels are both feminine and assertive, a vibe that perfectly complements the ensemble. Try not wearing a necklace with this look– it’ll emphasize the intimate “boudoir” feeling — and go for cute earrings instead.

P.S. I’ve tried this top on in person — it is super cute, and goes great with skinny jeans for a casual look!

Outfit Idea: Dress it Down

Top – Miss Selfridge, Blazer – Forever21, Jeans – American Eagle, Headband – Anthropologie, Shoes – ModCloth

Lingerie-inspired pieces may be a little (or a lot) bolder than your average v-neck tee, but you can totally wear them in a low-key setting with the right accessories. This top incorporates two elements of the boudoir trend – corset-inspired styling and nude colors, plus an entire row of eye-catching lace-up ribbon and ruching. Jeans keep the outfit casual, and a structured blazer balances out the embellished top. Mary Jane pumps unite the contrasting girly and “boyfriend” pieces, while a simple headband keeps the look soft and whimsical.

More Inspiration

Here are a few more lingerie-inspired pieces; some work great with the outfit ideas I posted above, while others invite even more creative thinking.

Top Row: Topshop, Republic, Urban Outfitters, Forever21
Middle Row: Arden B, Forever21
Bottom Row: Urban Outfitters, Urban Outfitters, Forever21, Forever21

What do you think?

Will you be trying out this trend come spring? Have you seen this look at all on your campus — or would you be brave enough to pioneer it? Personally, I’m super excited about these pieces, and I can’t wait to start incorporating some into my wardrobe. Let me know your thoughts with a comment!

During my previous report on 2010 college fashion trends, I talked about embellishments. This week, we are going in the opposite direction by talking about fundamental/basic garments. There has definitely been a noticeable (and perhaps, under-appreciated) fashion motif around my campus: a return to basics.

Now, some of you might say that basics are not a “trend”, and that a classic t-shirt for example never goes out of style. And I would definitely agree with you. However, a trendy way to wear these “forever” pieces is by creating a single outfit from almost nothing but basics. Now, that is a trend.

Curious as to what I’m talking about? Read on!

Where to Start:

If you like the idea of piecing together an outfit from basics, but aren’t quite sure how to do it, I would recommend checking out American Apparel’s website. AA is a good source of inspiration because they are ALL about basics, and most of their items are showcased with other “basic” pieces they sell. In fact, all the pictures above are from American Apparel!

I know for a college student it can seem kind of silly to spend 30 or so dollars on a basic t-shirt from American Apparel, so if that’s out of your budget, check out Forever 21’s selection of basics. I’m notorious for sporting loose, white, v-neck t’s from F21 that only cost me about 4 dollars each!

How to Wear It:

One of the aspects of this trend that I like best is that you really don’t have to go out and buy anything (unless you don’t own any basics at all – and I doubt that!).

I really think this trend is all about being smart, using your imagination, and getting the most out of what you wear. I definitely believe that the “back to basics” trend is a manifestation of recession chic… and I’m all for it!

Here are some basic pieces, followed by some outfit ideas to show you how to mix-and-match them to create different looks:

Product Information: Infinity Scarf- The Limited, Brown Cardigan- Old Navy, Gray Scarf- Forever 21, Jeans- The Outnet, Tank- Forever 21, V-neck T- Charlotte Russe, Collar Shirt- Forever 21, Long Sleeve T- Forever 21, Leggings- Top Shop, Belt- Forever 21

Outfit 1

This outfit has a pretty subtle color palette, but I like the mixture of browns with blue and red. I see this outfit being worn on a somewhat chilly day, where the red scarf becomes the focal point. I see this as kind of a model-off-duty look, or a great “thrown together” look for a trip to the farmer’s market.

Product Information (in addition to the basics listed above): Boots, Bag

Outfit 2

This outfit is all about having a bright color as the focal point. You could also replace the tank with the long sleeve t-shirt, or the v-neck t-shirt above. This is definitely an example of one of the more common ways I’ve seen basics being worn around my campus.

Product Information (in addition to the basics listed above): Striped Cardigan, Over-the-Knee Boots

Outfit 3

This outfit showcases how small details can complement basics, while still sticking with the theme of today’s post. The belt around the cardigan and the small embellishments on the flats add a little something extra to this outfit, but it is still very much an ensemble of basics.

Product Information (in addition to the basics listed above): Ballet Flats

On a final note: It’s interesting how students around my campus have turned what seems like “nothing” into a very stylish “something.” Appreciate your basics!

A penny for your thoughts…

What do you think? Do you have a renewed appreciation for basics like I do? How do you spice up your basics? Do you ever wear 100% basics outfits? Let me know!

A new semester is about to begin, and what better way to kick of the new year than by adding a little pizazz to your wardrobe? Embellishments, specifically sequins, beading, and studs- are one of the biggest post-winter break trends. It’s hard to transition from winter break to the hustle and bustle of a new semester, but with a little glitz or an edgy touch you will enter the spring semester with style!

Exhibit A: Sequins

Sequins are manifesting themselves as accents to basic pieces, such as cardigans and scoop neck tee shirts. Some designers are even choosing to create mosaic pictures or patterns with different colored sequins. This is perfect for those of you who like to wear very artful and exquisite pieces. I like a more subtle approach- black sequins on black material, or something of that sort, but to each her own!

Here are some examples of sequined pieces that are available right now, as well as an example outfit to show you how to wear the trend!

Product Information: Examples: 1. Sequin Top- Forever 21, 2. Sequin Tank- Wal*Mart, 3. Gray Sequin Sweater- Miss Selfridge, Outfit: Skinny Jeans- American Eagle, Watch- ASOS, Boots- Piperlime, Bag- Purse Boutique

Exhibit B: Beading

This season, beading complements solid colored pieces. Beading is basically an alternative to sequins, but the purpose and execution is relatively the same. If you’re in the mood for a little D.I.Y., check out this step-by-step guide on how to add beading to an article of clothing you already have! Three cheers for chic on the cheap!

Here are some great finds if you are looking to purchase a piece with beading on it, as well as another inspirational outfit!

Product Information: Examples: 1. Beaded Cardigan- TopShop, 2. Beaded Tank- Forever 21, 3. Navy Beaded Tank- Oli (UK), Outfit: Tank- Forever 21, Skirt- H&M, Flats- Dorothy Perkins, Messenger Bag- A-Plasticbag

Exhibit C: Studs

Studs are probably my favorite of these three trends, and I’m actually surprised at myself because my style is pretty girly and classic. I guess my affinity for studs is a sign I need to embrace an edgier side I never knew I had! I’ve seen studs on many jacket and blazer collars lately, as well as on the sleeves of shirts. If you are looking for more information on this trend, checkout About.com’s article on studded clothing and accessories!

Here are some cute studded pieces and a final example outfit! Enjoy!

Product Information: Examples: 1. Studded Scoop Neck Top- Forever 21 2. Studded Top- Buckle 3. Studded Sweater- Top Shop, Outfit: Skinny Jeans- Wet Seal, Rings- Forever 21, Prada Bag (a girl can dream, no?)- Bluefly, Boots- Piperlime

What do YOU think?

Are you a fan of any of these three embellishments? Why or why not? If you do own any pieces that fall into one of these three categories, where did you find them, and what do you wear them with? Let me know with a comment!