a secret garden

Walking through our neighborhood, I found the cutest hidden walkway that reminded me of the book The Secret Garden. I half expected to find a disguised door and antique lock tucked away under overgrown bushes. In reality, people live in those houses and we awkwardly took pictures right outside their windows... oops, sorry! I love this  romantic, girly River Island dress, which fits perfectly into two popular trends I can't get enough of for Spring:  70s and lace. If you haven't noticed a trend, I wear these DV by Dolce Vita shoes with almost everything. They make my legs look longer than they really are, and are plenty comfy enough to run away if anyone yells at us out of their "secret" windows.

not-so-luxe lace

Tee: Target, Skirt: Free People, Tights: Anthropologie, Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita (Piperlime), Necklace: Lulu's, Faux Coat (below):  Piperlime

There's something about lace that makes me feel more ladylike and luxurious... somehow even when the clothes are as cheap as these. I have a really hard time turning down any kind of lace-like garment. Luckily, I didn't have to with this $11 tee I snatched up at Target, and $12 Anthropologie brocade tights. Point being: inexpensive lace can look cheap if done poorly, but even stores like Target or F21 have varieties that look great... so save  yourself some much needed cash!  I (briefly) considered going with simple jewelry, but this necklace was just way more fun.

rainbow bright: blue, indigo, violet

I've finally reached the third and final taste of the rainbow, otherwise known as the BIV of mnemonic fame. I love these clothing colors for two reasons: first, they are universally flattering (blondes, brunettes, hell even redheads can pull them off), and second, they look even better when paired with pops of complementary colors like yellow, lime green, or orange. I wore the purple shoes in #9 to a cocktail party with an acid yellow-green dress last spring, and loved how it turned out. The shoes at #5 might have to be next...

1. Cutaway A-Line Tailored Shift Dress, ASOS, $72

2. Clean Line Double Buckle Satchel, ASOS, $45

3. Mossimo Black Perl Flat Sandals, Target, $18

4. Bell Sleeve Shift Dress, ASOS, $54

5. Suede Platform Court Shoe, ASOS, $99

6. MM Couture Batwing Top, Piperlime, $78

7. Ruffle Dress, Delia's, $45

8. Slinky One Shoulder Dress, ASOS, $27

9. Jessica Simpson Debbie Pump, heels.com, $63

10.Jersey Micro Mini Skirt, ASOS, $22

11.Druzy Rock Ring, Urban Outfitters, $29

12.Exclusive V-Neck Ponte Dress, ASOS, $72

13.Hunter Original Boots, Piperlime, $125

leather, chains, and frills

Let me start by saying these pictures aren't really up to par with what I'd like to post (sorry personal photographer, not your fault). On our way to dinner last night, I made Adam stand in the cold to snap a few photos in the dark with a point-and-shoot that revolts against nighttime. But I bought this oh-so-London dress from Instant Vintage over Spring break and wanted to wear it with my drapey moto-style jacket and boots before the weather finally turns the corner. I love the ultra girly frills paired with the tougher black jacket and boots. It also went perfectly with the fake Chanel bag I haggled from some basement street vendors on Canal Street in NYC... finally a chance to make the seedy endeavor worthwhile.

Dress: Instant Vintage UK, Jacket: Madewell, Leggings: ASOS, Boots: Piperlime, Bag: an Adventure

rainbow bright: yellow, green, turquoise

Anyone who knows me will never question my love for the color green. Growing up ginger, green has always been my go-to. Turquoise is right up there too, coming in a close second. Yellow, however, is a color that I've only recently started to warm up to, as I was never sure whether I could pull it off. I'm realizing that most people  (like me) think they can't wear the ultimate sunny-bright hue, but they can! If an all-out bold and bright outfit isn't your thing, you can always add these colors in as an accessory for a little punch (see amazingly cool yellow Timex below).

1. Boxy Flat Lock Clutch, ASOS, $28.69
2. High Gloss Belt, Anthropologie, $28
3. Winner's Circle Tee, Anthropologie, $48
4. Kimchi Blue Quilted Clutch, Urban Outfitters, $24
5. San Pedro Pencil Skirt, Anthropologie, $148
6. Timex Modern Camper Watch, Piperlime, $50
7. Poly Silk Dress, twenty8twelve, $106.50
8. Brigitte Bailey by Pour La Victoire Nala Flats, $99
9. Ted Baker Easy Reader Watch, Piperlime, $75
10.Lauren by Ralph Lauren Newbury Wristlet, Macy's, $31.99
11.Trapeze Top, ASOS, $35.86
12.Parker Ruffle Silk Dress, Nordstrom, $187
13.Forgotten Avenues Tee, Anthropologie, $68
14.Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings, Max & Chloe, $60
15.Antilles Tank, Anthropologie, $68
16.Toni Strapped Espadrille Wedge, Dolce Vita, $107.58

rainbow bright: red, pink, orange

The only color I hate more than red is orange. Blame it on growing up ginger... we hate what we can't have (or wear). Why then am I posting about said colors?  Bright, bold colors are big for Spring... and you smarty pants, you... I bet you already can guess what posts are coming in the near future. I started with these colors based on my old Science class friend ROYGBIV, but also because it was more challenging to find items I actually liked, and some I could even pull off. Coral and pink, however, I happen to really like. Enjoy your first taste of the rainbow.

1.  Steve Madden KOOOL Patent Flats, $69.95
2.  Placket Front Grandad Shirt, Topshop, $70
3.  Twist-Front Strapless Bra Top Dress, VS, $48
4.  Lengthening Rays Skirt, Anthropologie, $128
5.  Yall Come Back Ya Hear OPI Nail Polish, asos.com, $18.83
6.  Kimchi Blue Paperbag Skirt, Urban Outfitters, $49
7.  Coral Lace Pleated Skirt Dress, Topshop, $85
8.  Lips in Brighton Rock, Topshop, $16
9.  Pleated Basic Tank, Rachel Rachel Roy, $69
10. Remi+Reid Textured Tote, South Moon Under, $94
11. Audrey Brooke Amy Flat, DSW, $44.95
12. Ruffle Trimmed Woven Dress, Forever 21, $17.80
13. Slub Knit Top, Forever 21, $12.80
14. Blush in Pinch, Topshop, $12

winter's final stand

Returning to Maryland after Spring break, it seemed as though temperatures were rising, flowers were blooming, and Spring was here to stay. But alas, it turns out that Winter decided to stand it's ground for one last week (I hope) and throw us some 45 degree days. This turn of events did, however, give me an opportunity to wear the new nautical coat I sifted out of an overstuffed hole-in-the-wall store in London. The clothing was more akin to F21 than designer duds, but the fabric and details make the coat look much pricier than it's true value. Worth every pence and more.

Coat: M. Butterfly; Jeans: Daughters of the Liberation, Anthropologie, Ring: Urban Outfitters

nude and blushing

Season after season, I am happy to see that wedges are still unfailingly popular. Why? Because even the sky-high varieties can be amazingly comfortable. The last thing I want for Spring and Summer are high maintenance, "I don't want to walk that far" heels; shouldn't the warm months be laid-back, easy and breezy?  Nude and Blush toned wedges are hugely popular this year, and there's no easier way to lengthen the look of those ache-free legs. Plus, because they go with everything, you can justify a little splurge.

1.  Messeca Cecilia Wedge, Piperlime, $169

2.  Via Cardorna Wedge, Anthropologie, $198

3.  Report Ethridge Elastic Jersey Wedge, Asos, $152

4.  DV by Dolce Vita Toni Wedge, Piperlime, $79

5.  Dolce Vita for Target Rope Wedge Sandals, Target, $29.99

6.  Bonneville Wedges, Anthropologie, $118

yesss, they're back!

I love wide leg jeans. I loved them the last time they came around during college, and I love them still. And now they're everywhere for Spring. I prefer wearing mine with high wedges, making my legs look a mile long, but they look great with flats too. What's even better is that wide legs work for dress pants too, so they're great for work and school as well. I've already worn these several times this early Spring, and have just added these to the mix as well. Perfection.

sunglass love

I am absolutely loving the new sunglasses style that I have been seeing nearly everywhere I look... well at least online, since it hasn't quite crossed into spring just yet in Baltimore. They look like a hybrid between the Wayfarer knockoffs that are getting way too old, and 50s cat-eye glasses. I am already the proud owner of this cheap pair, OK and this pair, both in black from Urban Outfitters, and they look great! I love cheap sunglasses because I break or lose them constantly, but I included a wider price range for the less clumsy and forgetful.

  

   

best. flats. ever.

The Gap City Flat, graphite, $39.50

Starting the grind of traveling home (sadly) from Europe, I feel compelled to share a little gem that helped make my trip great.  The Gap City Flat is the most awesome little shoe I have ever put on my feet. The springy foot pads at the ball and heels were like walking on little pillows, keeping my feet happy after 8 hours of perusing Brussels a pied. The best part is they're only $39.50 (and today your entire purchase is 30% off!). I got mine in graphite and rose gold, and am even debating the misty rose for spring.