Wedding season is now upon us and, even if you’re not throwing a wedding and reveling in bridal joy, I bet you’re excited to see all the fun wedding photos and ideas across Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the like.

If you’re not pumped, then I am simply not sure we can be friends. (Ha! — Just kidding! But really. Aren’t you excited?)

I am not getting married, nor attending any lavish weddings in the near future, so I’m just a happy bystander to the whole process, able to take a step back and look at as many wedding-related things as I want without getting overwhelmed. And right now, for me, it’s all about one key beauty aspect: bridal hair. I’ve been particularly in love with all the wedding-hair ideas I’ve been seeing pop up, and I want to share a few of my favorites with you (even you non-brides like me). We can wear these styles, too!

Messy, piecy, wavy up-do. I was almost giddy when I saw this hairstyle. It’s so effortless looking. I could seriously see it for a beach wedding, or literally just a summer date or a day out shopping. It would be super easy to recreate using a curling iron and texturizing spray if you have straight hair, then just pin up the curls randomly using bobby pins. If you already have wavy hair or curly hair, use a dollop of mousse and texturing spray. Oh, and don’t forget to tease the hair a bit on top toward the crown of your head. Gorgeous, eh?

Sleek and classic updo. I’m loving this tutorial from Refinery 29. This sleek and smooth style, which is all prim and proper in front and super-intricate in the back would be perfect for a bride or bridesmaid. And if you want to wear it any day, just skip the intricate back detailing. Make the part in front, and tease the remaining section of hair at the back of your head, running a brush over top to smooth. Secure in a bun at the nape of your neck. Voila!

Braids — and lots of them! Check out this amazing compilation of different ways you can wear braids for your wedding ‘do. The cool thing about braids are that you can easily rock them soft and flowy, tie them up for an interesting and eye-catching updo, or go bohemian with a fishtail. If you like braids, there will be a style to match your wedding vibe. Or, you know, just the vibe you’re going for on a random Thursday. Both fully acceptable.

What hairstyle did you rock for your wedding day, or which would you wear if you were getting married?

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There’s no better night for a style showcase than the Met Costume Institute Gala, which was held earlier in the week. Hosted by fashion queen Anna Wintour and chaired by starlet Carey Mulligan, the night brought out everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to Tim Tebow to Mick Jagger.

I am always eager to click through photos from the event, and this year was no different. But unlike previous galas, I started seeing so many trends emerge as I did! All very wearable for evening, and everyday. Let’s discuss who wore what and why you should wear it now.

Feathers
Who wore it: Cate Blanchett, Kate Bosworth, Beyonce

From a short n’ sweet frock like Kate Bosworth’s to a full-length feather gown like Cate Blanchett’s to a long feather train like Beyonce’s, there was an evening look for every taste. And while you may not exactly be in the market for such an extravagant dress, you should definitely consider feathers while buying extras. A long necklace, a headband or pretty drop earrings adorned with feathers are all cool trends to try now.

One-shoulder cuts
Who wore it: Amy Adams, Jessica Alba, Rooney Mara

I love one-shoulder gowns. If I was hitting the Met Gala, I’d likely want one for myself! (Can I please steal Jessica Alba’s Michael Kors’ dress??) In terms of everyday wear, choose short, one-shouldered dresses to wear, especially in cute prints. Breezy, loose silhouettes look best for the summertime, and show off a very-feminine flash of collarbone.

Yellow
Who wore it: Emma Roberts, January Jones, Solange Knowles

What’s more summery than the color yellow? From the soft yellow of Solange’s strapless dress, to the shocking hue of January Jone’s Versace number and the jewel-tone of Emma Roberts’ gown, you may have to try a few shades before finding the one that’s just right for your skin tone. But after the Met, you should feel certain: All shades are in, and you should definitely pick up a yellow top or dress for this season — at minimum!

Sparkle and flash
Who wore it: Marion Cotillard, Chloe Sevigny, Nina Dobrev

I saw bedazzled flapper-like gowns, dresses covered in mirrors and long-sleeve, floor-length sparkly frocks. Sparkle is definitely in, and it’s an easy trend to channel if you have a big event on the horizon. Try a soft, short sparkly dress in black for an nighttime wedding or work a metallic top for an evening out with your guy or the girls.

What was your favorite Met Gala trend?

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I like to pin things.

I am not as Pinterest-addicted as some folks I know, but I will admit, the site is pretty ah-ma-zing. I mean, it’s such a girl thing. We all have our own routines. Sit in bed at night with your iPad and pin until you fall asleep. Catch up pinning on your iPhone as you take the subway. Pin at work while you’re bored. (Er, I mean… oh, who are you kidding? I know you all do it!)

Me? I like to pin when I’m craving. Craving a shopping spree. Craving sugar. Craving inspiration. All of the above. (When you can’t eat sugar, pin? When you can’t shop, pin? Sounds about right!) I basically like to pin ideals. Ideal wedding favors. Ideal desserts for cold, winter evenings. Stuff like that. And when it comes to style, I like to pin ideal outfits.

I recently took a look at my Style/Fashion board, and realized I have a) a lot of summer looks, and b) that they all seem to have common themes. Let’s discuss this trend I’ve noticed–that you can definitely wear this summer season. I’m calling it “summer simplicity.” Here’s what it looks like:

1. Pops of bright colors. One statement piece per outfit is usually enough, and what’s more wearable than a color you look great in? I’m lovin’ smiley-face yellow, aqua, red, magenta and hot orange. Then, simply fill out the rest of your outfit with a basic white tee, shorts, and heels or sandals.

2. Girlish details. Apparently, I’m obsessing over all things feminine, like bows, Peter-Pan collars, full skirts and teensy buttons. Choosing pieces with these elements pull outfits together and immediately make it so you don’t have to scrounge for many extras. There’s enough visual interest without them.

3. Minimal accessories. Like I said, no need for many extras with this style. Just choose one really focal accessory to lend a bit of sass. A polka-dot scarf, colored watch, bib necklace, oversize structured bag or brimmed hat will do the trick.

4. Bold beauty touches. Now, just because this look is all about simplicity, it doesn’t mean you skimp on the beauty touches! I’d keep hair simple — ditch the irons and dryers, and opt for waves or a sleek bun — but go all out on make-up. A fantastic red lip or neon nails are cool ways to finish off your outfit in a really sweet way.

Which summer trends are inspiring you for summer?

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Growing up, I thought the ability to wear lipstick would lead to rocking an electric-pink pout on a daily basis. I really liked super-bright pink. Because it was a statement. It was the sign of being able to wear grown-up make-up. And it was PINK. For crying out loud, when you’re eight, that is all that matters.

Obviously, the trends have changed. Nude lipstick became a big thing, along with subtle shimmer on the lips and a a seriously red pout. But now, today, I am getting a blast from my past: Super-pink pouts are back! Celebs like Blake Lively, Kirsten Dunst and Brooklyn Decker have all recently tried out the trend, and I am a huge fan. Giddy, even. It’s like I’m eight all over again! (Wink, wink.)

Want to try this trend for yourself? Good. Here are a few guidelines:

1. Keep blush cohesive. If you’re going with the ultra-pink pout, try a soft pink blush. It should look like the same color you have on your lips almost, just a couple shades lighter.

2. Play up your lips, and keep eyes simple. Just put a dab of mascara on your eyelashes. A couple of coats, just to widen your gaze, and that’s all you really need for this make-up routine. It’s a really innocent and fun look, so keep it low-key. Easy enough, right?

3. Try matte for day; shimmery for night. I think matte and shimmery electric pinks both work oh-so well. Gotta love a trend with options! If you’re hitting the night life, try something shimmery and glam. Really play up the wow factor of the pink. If you’re working this into your daytime look, go with a matte shade. (My all-time favorite matte lipstick? Lancome Rouge in Love — which just like the name, you will fall in love with it. But more on that below…)

Need some electric pinks to try? Here! If you don’t have a lip color like this on hand, I’ve got you covered:

Matte
Splurge: Lancome Rouge in Love High-Potency Lip Color in “Midnight Rose,” $25.
Steal: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in “Addis Ababa,” $6.

Shimmer
Splurge: Guerlain Shine Automatique in “Fuchsia Pink,” $35.
Steal: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Color in Lollipop,” $7.

Will you be working the electric-pink lip trend anytime soon?

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“Coachella. It’s basically at the top of my bucket list!”

I could agree with the major wish to hit Coachella. But while my friend was bummed she was missing the line-up of artists set to perform at the Cali music festival, I was bummed I was missing the fashion. Stars seem to come out every year in full force for the bands, and to rock the most stellar style of the year. I can’t help but adore all the low-key, super-cool looks. There is definitely a “Coachella look.” (For what I mean, check out Stylelist.)

If you ever plan on attending Coachella, or if you just simply want to look like you’re amazingly cool but didn’t try at all, here’s what you need. A mini Coachella style checklist, if you will.

Vest. I feel like you’ve got to wear some sort of slouchy vest to Coachella, at least for part of the festival. Choose something loose and casual, then pair it with shorts. Preferably frayed ones. It’s about looking carefree. It’s not really about looking all that pulled together, people, so don’t think too much into it.

Sunglasses. You see so many different types of shades at the music festival, so you can really go one of two routes: 1) The Classic Cool Sunglasses are always winners, think Ray-Ban, or 2) The Super-Trendy Shades are pretty much staples at Coachella, think round lenses. Most importantly, have fun with ‘em.

Floaty skirt. There’s a real boho undertone to the whole style of the festival, so feel free to rock a sweet peasant skirt or something with a layer of sheer fabric over top. Incredibly pretty and so comfortable, too. Pair with a tank and long necklace.

Hat. So many fedoras, floppy hats and hats with brims at Coachella! And why not? There aren’t that many occasions to wear your fabulous hat, so you should take advantage whenever you feel like it’s warranted (not to mention that it gets pretty hot and sunny in Coachella!). Even if you’re not heading to a music festival, you can wear your statement hat with simple shorts and a tank on the street. Keep it casual, and it will be like a breath of fresh air.

Crossbody bag. To carry your lipstick, iPhone and credit cards, you’ve got to have a teensy, crossbody bag with you at all times. Convenient to carry with a long chain, and anything but heavy, it’s the perfect piece for the cool ladies of Coachella. And basically, any girl who wants to look super-stylish this summer.

What would you wear to Coachella?

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What do you think of when you think of the word pleats? If you’re like me, that whole private-school, prep look comes to mind… you know. Complete with knee-high socks, oodles of plaid and a messenger bag. Ha! Thank goodness this spring’s pleats are nothing like what you may have worn when you were fourteen.

Pleats now are drenched in brights and pastels, paired together or sported individually, and can be worn in a variety of ways. Here are a few key pieces you should feel free to add to your closet for the season. Choose one, or choose all!

Maxi skirt. This piece can really verge on bohemian or upscale, so have fun with it. It should ideally graze the floor, and have a very floaty hem. I love this metallic silver maxi skirt by Halston Heritage, just because it is so different. Wear it with a pastel top for spring, and transition into blacks, golds and navys as the holiday season approaches. Gotta love a piece you can wear year ’round!

Dress. The pleated dress is one of my favorite ways to wear this trend. Vertical pleats create extremely-flattering lines that lengthen your body. Color-blocking is also huge right now, so why not slip into this pleated colorblock dress by BCBG Max Azria? I absolutely love the black belt at the waist, as well. While a statement piece, this frock will look great on a multitude of body types.

Knee-length skirt. This shape and style is timeless, so if you can only buy one piece, it would certainly be smart to invest in a knee-length skirt. Take the old look up a notch, though, by choosing a bright color. This MANGO skirt is such a pretty coral color, and so versatile for all the warm weather months. You could wear it with a tank and sandals, or dress it up with a plain white sleeveless blouse and heels.

Top. Another really easy way to wear pleats? A simple top. This look is a great option for smaller-chested girls, to create the allusion of curves up top while still keeping things pretty streamlined. This pleated colorblock top by Vince Camuto, in a classic black and white color scheme, will look fantastic with a pair of black cigarette pants and bright flats. What do you think?

Which pleated piece would you love to add to your wardrobe for the current season?

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Button down blouses are an easy, go-to work staple, but incorporating pastel colors and floral patterns into these garments makes for some fun options. Steering away from anything “baby-ish”, the yellow blouse is warm and sunny, while the blue blouse is bold and attention-grabbing with its pink flower print on a pale blue background. Wear both of these with a pair of slim gray pants (I think gray is a great complement to most soft colors, especially pastels) for a great spring work outfit.

Hive & Honey Floral Button-Down Shirt | Collective Concepts Kristen Blouse

With dresses, you definitely don’t want to step into the too-young-looking territory, so I recommend sticking to “grown up” details, like the pretty cut outs at the hem of the blue dress, the pleats and lace overlay of the pink dress, or the bow blouse top and detailed print of the mint dress. I also love that all of these models are wearing nude shoes with these dresses, which helps to keep your focus on the pretty colors of each frock.

Liv Dress | Erin Fetherston Dress | Tinley Road Printed Mini Bow Dress

And lastly, a few “casual” options that might work for your casual Fridays. As I mentioned before, I love gray paired with pastels, and I love this mint green striped shirt (which would look great with a pair of white jeans). Next, the dip dye of the pink tank is a great way to play up the color block trend with your pastels. It would be really fun to pair this with an open cardigan and belted at the waist so that both colors pop through.

Drapey Stripe Tee | Michael Stars Scoop Neck Tank | Cheap Monday Zip Low Jeans | Free People Cropped Colored Skinny Denim

Jeans are a great way to work in the pastel trend and, even though finding the right shade can be tricky, I absolutely adore this pink pair; it’s not too bright and is just the right shade of pink. It also won’t attract too much attention, yet will still be noticeable. And while peach is not a color that I would necessarily think to buy for jeans, I recently got a pair and have found that they look great with white for a refreshing spring look, or with a chambray shirt for a casual, but on-trend look.

Will you wear pastels to work this spring?

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Everything is about pastels this spring. Pastels, pastels, pastels. It’s all I see in magazines, all I pass in stores, all I read about online and all over blogs. And I am getting a little sick of it. Pastels are not that great, am I right? Sure, they’re pretty. But they are also kind of muted and bland. I say, “Pastels in moderation only.” Except in one instance:

Pastel nail color!

I’ve been in love with wearing pastels on the nails, because I feel like it’s so much easier to experiment with greens, blues, purples, yellows, etc. when the tones are more muted. And they are rather perfect and fresh for spring. So, if you’re going to rock the pastel trend, why not try pastel nails? Here are a few shades I’m dying over:

Green: Dolce & Gabbana Intense Nail Laquer in Mint – I keep seeing this D&G nail polish everywhere, especially in this gorgeous mint shade! Nothing says spring quite like a great green, the color of the fresh outdoors. And pale green is totally wearable. Snap this up!

Blue: Dior Vernis Nail Color in Saint-Tropez – This color is an almost-pastel. It’s not quite a bright, but not so muted that it’s bland. I love that it resembles a sea shade, and I could totally envision wearing this on a warm-weather getaway. Should I buy this hue, and then book a ticket?

Yellow: Sephora by OPI in IM Beauty - Oh, yellow. The color of the lovely sunshine. Brighten up any outfit with a splash of this buttercup-yellow shade. I bet it will brighten your mood, as well. Give it a try, and then go have some fun. (And smile a lot while you’re at it.)

Purple: Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Jan - I think, out of every pastel shade out there, purple is my favorite. And this lilac hue from Illamasqua reminds me of walking through a flower garden — or something super-gorgeous like that! I can definitely see wearing this with a white, floaty dress so the color — although soft and sweet — just pops.

What is your favorite pastel nail shade?

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We’re in the midst of March Madness right now, so I thought sportswear would be an appropriate trend to spotlight today, am I right?

Unlike the duds athletes wear on the court, field or ice, this sporty style has a lot more to do with allusions and separates than actual game wear. Want to know what I’m talking about? Let’s dive right in with a few tips to pull off the look.

Give a nod. Remember the years of Juicy tracksuits and those basketball-jersey dresses? Yeah, those happened. But we are not going back there. Simply give a nod to a sport in what you’re wearing. Akris mimicked the pleats of a tennis skirt with a green get-up, and Alexander Wang made us ready to go skiing with the lines in his jacket/pant/hat combo (see both looks here). Nothing overt says “SKIING!” or “TENNIS!” Simply alluding to the sport by the way you put an outfit together is chic.

Think in pieces. Bags, hats, layers, glasses, belts…all these separates build the sporty look. An athlete rarely wears just one item. If you can’t deconstruct it, it’s not sportswear.

Details are key. Hoods, zippers, lines… All these little details were involved in building outfits with that athletic vibe for spring and summer on the runway — and they easily translate into real life. Just like items in a look, details will add dimension. So, don’t skimp! Look for pieces that go the extra mile with “hardware” and subtle additions.

Keep shapes streamlined. Although detail-oriented, sportswear is never weighed down by a silhouette. The cut should be “relatively” fitted. No baggy, breezy gear allowed!

Keep patterns simple. Most sportswear is going to come in solids, and the color is really where you can have fun with it! Choose brights or pastels, any color under the rainbow. It’s your call. Simple stripes or color-blocking are also appropriate.

What do you think of the sporty look?

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Last year, I’d let my hair grow to the longest lengths it had ever been. I’m talking all the way down my back. This had never happened before in my life, so I kept it long for the novelty factor. Sure, it was an absolute bear to blow dry in the winter. Sure, it looked like many other girls’ hair I passed on the street. But for me, it was new and different. So, I didn’t feel the itch to cut it for a long time.

But soon, even though I really didn’t feel compelled to change it, I figured I could not let it get much longer. It would really start getting in the way. I could just continue to trim it and keep it the same length, or chop it off. Ultimately, I decided to chop it off, donating 11.5 inches of hair to Locks of Love (Seriously — I am so glad I did this, have zero hair regret, and I highly recommend you send off your strands if you want a major cut). And want to know what I figured out?

I really do feel more myself with short hair. My current look is a longer, slightly-asymmetrical bob with thick bangs a la Zooey Deschanel. And it suits me. I just have to be “different.” It’s been my M.O. since my high-school days. I just had no idea people cared so much.

That is why this piece on Yahoo! about celebs being dissed for their non-traditional hair pretty much bummed me out, especially in regards to Katie Holmes’ bob, and Emma Watson’s and Michelle Williams’ pixie cuts.

It’s becoming trendy to break the mold, rock short ‘dos, and do something daring. But why is everyone so shocked, and even almost outraged, when someone actually takes the plunge and cuts her hair? Almost like it’s a good idea in theory, until someone gets the scissors out. And really, why do people react so strongly to a haircut that another person totally loves? The backlash befuddles me, folks.

I do remember the controversy surrounding Emma’s pixie. I remember Michelle Williams telling a confused reporter that she cut her hair for the one man who ever really adored short hair, Heath Ledger. I remember fingers being pointed at Katie Holmes, with everyone crying that she’d changed and this hairstyle was proof. Sigh.

Can I offer a little advice to the critics? Please, cut the comments. Hair is a very personal thing, in my opinion. It’s a way to express yourself. A cut — whether it be long layers, a bob, a pixie, or even a half-buzzed ‘do! — is a commitment. You’re making a little statement about yourself everyday by the way you wear your hair. I applaud people who take style risks. It says they aren’t afraid to be different, standout, and find something that works for them. And isn’t that kind of cool? Let these lovely ladies be. Wouldn’t you want it the same way?

Here’s my wish:

Indulge in a trendy cut, something non-traditional and quirky like Emma and Michelle, if you please. It’s the perfect time to do it in the style world. It’s a tad risky, but not so uncommon it seems crazy. But if you’re not into it, that’s cool too. As long as your hair conveys just what you hope it will — for instance, breezy waves are easygoing and blunt bangs are edgy — there should be no complaints. So…

Let’s all think twice before spreading any hair negativity, ‘kay? Really. Those strands are personal!

Would you ever work a non-traditional cut like one of the celebs mentioned?

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