Spring Uniform

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

Lately I’ve been in a bit of a fashion rut. Picking out my outfit each morning has become increasingly difficult.

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

I find myself growing tired of the usual spring trends such as crop tops and ripped jeans. When I was younger I was always the first one to hop on the most recent fashion fad and stay on until something cooler was in style. Now that I’m transitioning into my mid twenties, I am less eager to wear the latest and greatest and more inclined to put on something timeless and classic.

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

Enter the white button down, a good pair of jeans, and a versatile flat. This outfit has turned into my spring uniform quickly. It’s something I continuously gravitate towards when nothing else seems to fit my day or mood.

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

I love this look because it feels like something that Audrey Hepburn would have worn in the 50s, yet still has a relevant appeal. It can be worn casually or make a strong statement at work or when out to dinner. It’s effortless and understated while still managing to turn heads.

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” —Leonardo da Vinci

On Me: Express Top

Urban Jeans

White Mt. Flats

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

Nine West Purse

Spring Sweaters

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style, jeans, mules, sunnies, crossbody bag

This time of year is always difficult to dress for—especially in the Bay Area. It starts out chilly and overcast, and by 1pm it’s 73 degrees and sunny.

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style, jeans, mules, sunnies, crossbody bag

That’s why it’s so important to own a lightweight sweater that can help make the cold to warm transition effortless.

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style, jeans, mules, sunnies, crossbody bag

I’m wearing my grandma’s vintage Eddie Bauer sweater. It’s the perfect amount of material to keep me warm in the morning but loose enough that I’m cool in the afternoon. My favorite aspect is the bright, white color that doesn’t attract the sun.

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style, jeans, mules, sunnies, crossbody bag

My sweater is no longer available, but here are similar alternatives ideal for spring:

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Revolve

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Tory Burch

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Free People

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Revolve

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Revolve

On Me: Articles of Society Jeans

Universal Thread Mules

Nine West Purse

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

“That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs.” 

― L.M. Montgomery

Polka Dots For Spring

Polka Dots, Spring, Express Blouse, Pattern

As a young girl, I loved wearing polka dots. Somewhere down the line, I realized I had grown out of them. I found myself overlooking the pattern in stores and eventually came to the conclusion polka dots were just for kids.

Polka Dots, Spring, Express Blouse, Pattern

I couldn’t have been more wrong. In recent months, I’ve found myself reaching again and again for the fun pattern. I’ve learned that polka dots are more than just youthful, but they can also add personality to a professional, classy look.

Polka Dots, Spring, Express Blouse, Pattern

I’m not sure if it’s the playful spirit of spring that has gotten me back into my favorite childhood trend, but in this modern, stressful society, it can be refreshing to embrace the lighthearted kid in all of us.

Polka Dots, Spring, Express Blouse, Pattern

“You can’t have a bad day in polka dots.” —Anna Kendrick

On Me: 

Not Your Average One Piece

As a pre-teen and teenager, I ran as far away from one piece bathing suits as I could. Bikinis were cool, and one piece bathing suits were lame, period. I associated one pieces with little kids or moms. Two pieces were a right of passage—the minute you put one on you instantly joined a club that all the girls I ever looked up to and wanted to be like were already in. It was kind of like when you start shaving or wearing a bra. Once I was in, I definitely wasn’t going back. 

Yet here I am, a 23 year old in 2018, finding myself wanting to buy a one piece! Here’s the thing: one pieces are COOL now. Either I didn’t notice back when I was fixated on two pieces, or they have really upped their game, but one piece bathing suits for my age group no longer just come in the junior life guard plain tank top look, with no added designs, styles, or embellishments. Now they are flattering, fashionable, and fun! If you’re curious about this new bathing suit revolution, check out a few one piece suits I have my eyes on: 

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Reformation

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Barneys New York

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Revolve

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Ted Baker

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Reiss

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

AllSaints

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Carbon38

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Ted Baker

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Ted Baker

one piece bathing suit, summer, spring, swimming

Carbon38

“Don’t grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach.” –Michelle Held

Sweaters & Skirts

Roxy maxi skirt, Clarks heels, H&M sweater, Marc Jacobs Glasses, Nine West Purse, Spring

I bought this Roxy skirt a few weeks ago and have been dying to pull it out, but it hasn’t been warm enough here in the Bay Area for the tank top I had originally envisioned wearing with it.

Roxy maxi skirt, Clarks heels, H&M sweater, Marc Jacobs Glasses, Nine West Purse, Spring

Being a naturally impatient person, I found myself rethinking my cropped tank top idea, and instead, pulled out a loose fitting sweater shirt I’ve had in my closet since high school. Once I tried it on, I fell in love instantly.

Roxy maxi skirt, Clarks heels, H&M sweater, Marc Jacobs Glasses, Nine West Purse, Spring

This look is my 2018 take on the classic 1950s sweater and poodle skirt combo. Iconic as it was, I think I prefer this modern spin.

Roxy maxi skirt, Clarks heels, H&M sweater, Marc Jacobs Glasses, Nine West Purse, Spring

Though I love a good poodle skirt, this longer, less obtrusive option is much more my speed. The effortless sweater not only keeps me warm while I’m waiting for summer, but it also adds a nice contrast to the fitted skirt.

Roxy maxi skirt, Clarks heels, H&M sweater, Marc Jacobs Glasses, Nine West Purse, Spring

Living in Santa Cruz has taught me to mix and match different seasonal pieces. Granted, I draw a line at Ugg boots and shorts, but in this case, pulling out a top I normally save for the winter months had me pleasantly surprised. Who knows, come Fall, I might pair this skirt with booties and a leather jacket!

Roxy maxi skirt, Clarks heels, H&M sweater, Marc Jacobs Glasses, Nine West Purse, Spring

“Negative results are just what I want. They’re just as valuable to me as positive results. I can never find the thing that does the job best until I find the ones that don’t.” —Thomas A. Edison

Roxy maxi skirt, Clarks heels, H&M sweater, Marc Jacobs Glasses, Nine West Purse, Spring

On Me:

Skirt

Similar Top

Shoes

Sunglasses

Purse

Statement Shoes

statement shoes, carmel, sam edelman shoes, spring

Shoes are my favorite piece of any outfit. For me, they make or break the look. When I want to make a statement and dress up, I instantly turn to my shoes to up my game.

statement shoes, carmel, sam edelman shoes, spring

The best types of statement shoes are the ones that take a simple pair of jeans to a whole new level. What was once considered casual is now ready to head out to dinner or to a party. They don’t need to be over the top. They just need a certain something that makes you feel like you could do anything and go anywhere in them—maybe it’s the pretty color, the unique style, or maybe they just make you feel confident because you like the way they make your legs look!

statement shoes, carmel, sam edelman shoes, spring

A good pair of shoes is usually the first thing anyone notices about your outfit, and they are all the way down at your feet. Talk about a statement. These Sam Edelman’s instantly caught my eye—their pale blue complexion is perfect for spring, and the kitten heel with a simple slingback strap is a timeless style I knew I would get a lot of wear out of.

statement shoes, carmel, sam edelman shoes, spring

“You can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes. Too many women think that they are unimportant, but the real proof of an elegant woman is what is on her feet.” — Christian Dior

Check out a few other statement shoes for spring you’ll wish you had in your closet:

statement shoes, spring, shoes

Gilt

statement shoes, spring, shoes

Off 5th

statement shoes, spring, shoes

Off 5th

statement shoes, spring, shoes

Nordstrom Rack

statement shoes, spring, shoes

Dorothy Perkins

statement shoes, spring, shoes

Gilt

statement shoes, spring, shoes

Everlane

statement shoes, spring, shoes

Nordstrom

statement shoes, spring, shoes

Marks and Spencer

statement shoes, spring, shoes

Nordstrom

Dresses for Spring

Ever wonder what differentiates a spring dress from dresses worn the rest of the year? Mostly it is the feelings of renewal, happiness, and carefree comfort they evoke through the use of colors and patterns that are associated with this special time of year. With spring dresses, I love incorporating pastels and floral prints. They represent the common themes I’ve been blogging about for weeks: bright, light, and full of fresh starts. Dresses are so effortless. They’re perfect for the days when you wake up late and need to throw something on without thinking about it, but still want to look polished and pretty. If you’re like me and need to refresh your spring dress collection, keep scrolling: 

spring dresses, pastel, floral

ASOS

spring dresses, pastel, floral

ASOS

spring dresses, pastel, floral

ModCloth

spring dresses, pastel, floral

Gilt

spring dresses, pastel, floral

Gilt

spring dresses, pastel, floral

Shoptiques

spring dresses, pastel, floral

Shoptiques

spring dresses, pastel, floral

Gilt

spring dresses, pastel, floral

Nordstrom

spring dresses, pastel, floral

ASOS

spring dresses, pastel, floral

Forever 21

spring dresses, pastel, floral

ModCloth

“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.” ― Yves Saint-Laurent

Spring Decor

It’s no secret that this year’s shift to spring has really been inspiring my style! Winter felt extra long, so I’m finding this transition easier than in the past. Not only am I incorporating spring looks into my wardrobe, but I feel motivated to dress up the house a bit too. One trend in particular has been bombarding my Instagram feed non-stop—plants. You might be thinking that owning a few plants is in fact not a new notion at all, but rather a very old and common tradition, and yes you’re right, but it seems that my fellow Millennials have taken the effort to a whole new level. Plants are no longer just an accent piece here and there to help brighten the room and clean the air, but instead, are the main attraction. I don’t think I’ll be turning my home into a green house anytime soon but I’m definitely going to add some much needed greenery to my surroundings, and what better time than April to start? Check out some amazing plant decor inspo to help bring out your green thumb too:

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” — John Muir

Spring Trends

Now that spring is finally here, I wanted to talk about a few of my favorite indulgences for the season. Most of these are repeat offenders, but that’s part of their charm. All winter long I look forward to these to help me brave it through the rest of the chilly months. There is something so special about this time of year, as the flowers begin to bloom, I can’t help but feel the familiar comfort of new beginnings. Check out my top five effortlessly romantic spring trends:

Mules

Mules, spring trends, shoes

Flowy Dresses

flowy dresses, spring trends

Beach Waves

beach waves, hair, spring trends

Pastels

pastels, spring trends, color

Floral Prints

floral prints, spring trends

“Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?” –Neltje Blanchan

Statement Earrings

As Winter starts winding down, I’m beginning to plan for Spring. I have already started coming up with warm weather outfits in my head involving floral prints, cropped jeans, and flowy skirts. Aside from clothing, accessories are also something I enjoy experimenting with each season. There are so many trends to look out for—one of my favorites being statement earrings. I feel like everywhere I turn I notice a different influencer sporting a bold, beautiful piece of jewelry on their ear and I’m eager to join in the fun. Normally, I’m attracted to a simple stud or modest dangle, but in the spirit of Spring, I’m going to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I love the way a statement earring can make an average outfit pop. If you still don’t believe me, take a look at some inspiring earrings that will make you want to indulge in a new pair or two for yourself.

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Taoleistatement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Kendra Scott

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Ettika

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Kate Spade

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Kenneth Jay Lane

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Shashi

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Carousel Jewels

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Carousel Jewels

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Goodnight Macaroon

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Kendra Scott

“Jewelry has the power to be this one little thing that can make you feel unique.” –Jennie Kwon