Winter Kate Kimono Silk Dress | Steve Madden Magestee

Maxi dresses aren’t really a work staple, but I think that this one is a great candidate for work, with its pretty, flowy sleeves, and color and print. It’s perfect for a “business casual” look if you work in a less conservative environment (if you do work in a more conservative industry, I’d generally stay away from maxi dresses and leave them for the weekend). I prefer wearing flats or wedges with maxi dresses, and these espadrille-like wedges are perfect for giving this dress a summery vibe.

High Low Wrap Maxi Dress | DV by Dolce Vita Archer

Date night dress! With the bold color and the flirty high/low hemline, it’s the perfect dress to look pretty and feel comfortable all night long. Paired with these gold sandals, you have a perfect day-to-night look; casual enough for a picnic at the park, yet dressy enough for drinks at a swanky restaurant afterward!

Whetherly Maryam Stripe Tank Maxi Dress | Mia Paris

This is just a great, casual slip-it-on-and-go kind of dress. From walking the dogs, to running errands, I would wear this everywhere. And, of course, I had to pair it with the jeweled sandals because they are simply too much fun!

Hive & Honey One Shoulder Maxi Shirred Dress | Michael Antonio Goldy

I’m absolutely loving this dress and think it’s the perfect dress to wear to a wedding! It looks casual enough for an afternoon outdoor wedding, but can also be dressed up for an evening hotel wedding (just add a few sparkly bracelets and dangly earrings to dress it up!). I love the deep jewel tone as well, and thanks to its flowy design, you could eat as much cake as you wanted and still look fantastic!

Which maxi dress do you see yourself wearing the most?

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If I’ve learned one thing over the years, it’s that you never have to spend a lot of money to look chic. Some of the things I get complimented on most, or items that simply add to my overall vibe, are relatively inexpensive. They’re pieces I wear all the time, could easily replace, and anyone can rock them. What are these basics? Let’s discuss. Here are five of my favorites, what to wear them with, and why they work so well in my closet — and yours.

Round-neck sweatshirt. It’s part of my low-key uniform for spring: Sweatshirt, leggings, colored flats,wayfarers, beat-in jean jacket. And my most recent round-neck sweatshirt cost a mere $3. I love these because they’re such approachable pieces, such wearable pieces for any fashionista. Wear with a scarf, or with layered long necklaces to add an even more laid-back vibe, but polish it up with those ballet flats.

Bright sports bra. I wear these constantly! (I get mine for $17 at Target.) They are total must-haves for me. I have bright pink, yellow, orange, blue, lime green, purple — the list goes on and on. I let the straps of these sports bras peek out beneath tank tops in the summertime. It’s like having another tank to layer, but without the added weight of that extra layer. Who needs it in the heat, right?

Thin hair ties. I usually wear a thin black hair tie around my wrist each day, sometimes two, layered between other bracelets or simply on its own. It either a) just adds to the layering effect, or b) shows I don’t take myself too seriously, shows I am more laid-back than I may otherwise appear, and shows that I refuse to not be practical and be somewhere without having a way to pull my hair back. Are other people thinking into this statement about the hair band? Probably not. But I know, and that’s what counts. (Wink, wink.)

Sterling silver rings. I have two (from Target, $10). I wear one on my thumb and one on my index finger, both on my left hand. Even when I’m too lazy to put on any more accessories, I always have these ol’ faithfuls to fall back on. I never take them off. They’re my cool-girl staples. At least, I think they’re pretty cool!

Hanes t-shirts. Buying one pack of plain white t-shirts (in men’s, for the slightly-oversized effect) has lasted me such a long time. I can wear them with shorts in the summer, with loads of necklaces over top. I can wear them tucked into a super-feminine, high-waisted full skirt. I can wear them under vests, over dresses…you get the idea. A cheap investment? I like. Just kidding. I love.

What are your favorite cheap n’ chic basics?

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Frenchi Lace Stripe Puff Sleeve Top | Frenchi Lace Stripe Boatneck Sweater | Allen Allen Burnout Baseball Tee

I love these printed lace tops! They give you the prettiness of lace, but without the hassle of its delicate nature. The perfect mix of classy and casual! Wear any of these tops with jeans or shorts and you’ll look great for going to a bbq or just hanging out with friends!

Lush Lace Print Chiffon Tank | Lush Lace Trim Sheer Swiss Dot Top | Frenchi Sheer Ditsy Floral Top

These tops are the perfect amount of sweetness with just a hint of lace. The dotted top has hidden lace detail on the back, so depending on if you have your hair up or not, you can decide if you want to show it off! The other two tops combine a small print with just a lace trim or detail, and what I love about these is their versatility. They look great alone, but they can also be worn to work easily; just add a blazer or cardigan over the top and let the little details of the top pop out.

Which top do you like best? Are you a lace kind of gal, or do you prefer edgier pieces? Share your comments below!

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I was feeling the freeze yesterday morning. Walking through downtown in 30-degree weather is particularly painful when just one day earlier you were enjoying mid-70s temperatures. I was shivering with teeth-chattering in mind-numbing levels of cold. Yes: Yikes! All this could have been prevented, though, if only I’d chosen the right jacket. (That little-more-than-a-sweatshirt thing I was wearing? Yeah. Wasn’t cuttin’ it.)

Want to be cute, cozy and dressed just right? Get the right jackets for spring, and know when to wear them. Here’s the guide:

Jean Jacket
When to wear it: A jean jacket is the epitome of spring. Break it out just as the weather is starting to enter into the warm territory, but it’s just too cold to go sleeveless yet. I love a jean jacket with everything from leggings and a sweatshirt underneath (this is one of the only occasions you can legitimately get away with a hoodie, in my opinion!) or a cute, pre-spring dress and cowboy boots. Just don’t get too matchy-matchy with the denim-on-denim look. That was around last season, and it’s fine in moderation, but I think we need to retire the look for a while.

Leather Jacket
When to wear it: When it’s still pretty brisk, opt for a leather jacket. You literally can’t go wrong with one. Wear it with anything to add an extra dose of cool to your look. Keep it classic; opt for black leather to get the traditional motorcycle style. It will last season after season.

Blazer
When to wear it: When the weather is cool, it’s not quite warm and not quite cold outside, wear a blazer. I think it dresses up any look. Add a blazer to a pair of skinnies and boots for a perfect daytime look, or with a black maxi dress to go out at night (while also accessorizing to the nines). Black will always work, but consider choosing white for a fresh, spring-like take on the jacket. Brights are also acceptable. We are working our way toward the summer months! Go for it.

Utility Coat
When to wear it: Utility coats tend to come in different weights, but a springtime version will probably work when it’s cool outside, just like a blazer. Similar to a leather coat, you really can’t go wrong while wearing it, and it’s one of those pieces that will cycle through seasons. It can be casual or sophisticated, simple or trendy. Look for a style with a little extra detailing (gold buttons that pop against the green color; a worn-in appearance and wash) to keep it fun and uniquely yours.

What spring coat would you choose?

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1. River Island Floral Crop Pants | 2. 7 for All Mankind Skinny Jeans | 3. DKNY Skinny Pant | 4. ASOS Cropped Pants

If pants or jeans are too much for you, thank goodness summer is coming, because you can rock the florals on your shorts too!

1. Celebrity Pink Jean Shorts | 2. 7 for all Mankind Biancha Shorts | 3. Forever 21 Rose Garden Shorts | 4. Forever 21 Floral Shorts

What are your thoughts on this trend? Will you be trying out floral pants any time soon?

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Many editors have been saying for months that pastels are the trend of the season. If you could buy just one thing for spring, you should invest in something drenched in pale yellow, bubblegum pink, lavender, sea foam green or powder blue.

And I agree pastels are pretty but, personally, I’ve been opting for punchy colors instead. I’m addicted to brights and color-blocking, and have been basically shunning pastels as the Michigan weather inches into the 60s and 70s, and spring has made its official arrival. Want to know why? I’ve got a few key reasons.

1. I’m no wallflower! OK, OK. I do have the shy gene — just not when it comes to my clothes. I like to be different, and I like to wear clothes that not everyone will have the guts to wear. It’s like my tiny bit of rebellion in life. So… orange pants? Yeah, I’mma try to work those.

2. Brights look good on any skin tone. You don’t have to worry about whether or not you’re tan enough to wear that shade of pale yellow if you just choose the sunny yellow that’s really calling your name anyway. It’s going to look good whether your skin is never-seen-the-sun ivory or a bronzy olive.

3. I want to look friendly and fun… It’s summer. The weather’s warm. You’re walking around outside, passing loads of people on the street. Don’t you want to look like a playful spirit? I do! I’ve been told I can act a little unintentionally aloof, so I need all the help I can get, folks!

4. …instead of muted and innocent. There’s something really princessy about pastels. They’re sort of tough to pull off in major doses. I’ve really been loving light colors on my nails, but in real life, they’re soft, airy, and… muted. It’s just so easy to enter into “blah” territory. Brights will never look blah.

5. When investing, bright colors are here to stay. If you’re picking up a key piece to last spring season after spring season — like a fabulous pink blazer or a great blue pant — go with the bright over the pastel. While brights show up on the runways every time the weather warms up, pastels may be around for a few seasons — or be gone come Spring 2013. Invest in bright pieces, which are classic spring/summer.

Are you a brights or pastels type?

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I wear a whole lot of black. And gray. And white. And brown. And basically, every other shade of neutral you can imagine. These colors are universally flattering and so easy to add accessories to. So when it comes time to buy a new item to replace the old, I naturally think, “the more neutral, the better.” It’s like my instinctual motto.

I decided to invest in some wonderful, classic ballet flats from J.Crew. And among the colors at the outlet store, I had to choose between nude, black and red. Since spring is quickly approaching, I tried on the nude flats first. And they were pretty friggin’ cute. I totally imagined wearing them with my skinny jeans and my white blazer, and with some of my short, flirty pastel dresses. I was kind of sold.

But then, just to be thorough, I wanted to try on the fire-engine red pair of flats. I probably wasn’t going to buy them, but they were adorable and I’m a sucker. So, I slid them on and…

…I ended up taking them to the register! Here’s why I decided that buying the red shoes was actually the right investment for a neutral-wearing girl like moi.

1. Red, in particular, adds personality. Red is one of those colors that can be a lot of things: sassy, fun, sexy, chic. But more than anything, it just says, “This girl has major flare.” And that is never bad.

2. You own enough neutrals. I have to keep repeating that to myself. It’s not that neutrals are problematic. In fact, they’re really sophisticated and lovely. But don’t we all want to be a little bit more than that? If you only invest in neutral items, and don’t occasionally put down money for items in color, your wardrobe will simply read: Pretty, but BLAH.

3. A pop of color is so on-trend. Color in spades is all the rage this season. But if neon color-blocking freaks you out, opt for a simple dash. Shoes are perfect — heels, flats, wedges… they all work! — because they’re not in your face, but still very noticeable. I wore my red flats yesterday, during a rare 65-degree March day in Michigan, with a black dress, leggings and a utility coat. And I received compliments (wink, wink).

Spill it: Are you a neutral lady? Or do you like to wear lots of color?

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If you haven’t been freshening up your wardrobe for spring, then you need to get on that! It is March 2nd after all. The best way to breathe new life into tired looks? Color! And lots of it.

You don’t need a fortune to add a few extra hues in with all the blacks and whites and grays you undoubtedly own (if you’re anything like me). I’ve got five key items, drenched in prints and rainbow shades, that would look lovely in your closet. And what’s more? They’re all each under $100. Well under. So, get shoppin’!

Zara Printed Dress, $70. I’ve been itching to buy this dress ever since I saw it in Zara’s TRF Lookbook about a week ago. It’s floaty fabric is perfect for summer over shorts, and I can definitely see wearing it as a swimsuit cover-up at the beach or pool with the open front. Dress it up with wedge heels or down with flip flops, it’s super-versatile and also one of those fun pieces for your wardrobe. Every girl should have a few of those!

J.Crew Sand Dune Short, $50. I just got J.Crew’s spring catalogue in the mail, and man are all their pants, jackets and shorts adorable! Solids, even in bright hues, go a long way as summer essentials, especially with the color-blocking trend as big as it is. I love this incredibly appropriate shade of tropical blue. I can totally imagine wearing it with this hot pink top I own… what about you?

Gap Colorblock Button-Front Cardigan, $55. Color-blocking again! This time, it’s a piece that comes with built in dual-colors. I love how casual this would look with denim shorts. I especially like the orange/red cardi, but the pink would also be a perfect springtime item.

Topshop Pacific Star Slip Midi Skirt, $80. The midi skirt is threatening to steal some of the maxi skirt’s thunder this coming season, and I can’t say I mind! I love the cut with heels. I can totally see wearing this electric yellow, printed skirt with a simple white tank and blazer, or even a denim shirt. Any way you wear it, it’ll be stellar.

Impo Tipsy Wedge Sandal from DSW, $50. If you’re feeling like jeans and a white tee one day (we all have a few uninspired days style-wise), instead of reaching for your black flip-flops, reach for these super-amazing printed wedges. In either orange with pops of yellow and blue, or pink with pops of yellow and lavender, even your most uninspired days can be pretty darn special.

Which piece would you most like to own for spring/summer?

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Fashion Week is in full swing, lovely readers. Are you keeping up with all the shows debuting everyday?

Well, if you’ve been falling behind, have no fear! I’ve zeroed in on several amazing looks from the Fall 2012 shows that I think you should know about. Keep them in mind for next fall/winter, or start incorporating them into your wardrobe right now. Either method would be appropriate. Preferably both!

Black and White at 3.1 Phillip Lim. I talk a lot about how we should be infusing color into our looks. And we should. We really should. But sometimes I just want to wear black and white, because I want to feel downright chic. Phillip Lim reminded me that it’s OK to embrace that iconic color combination. From a lovely long, houndstooth sweater dress to tailored pants and a white-washed ski jacket, there are so many ways to wear black and white. And it looks as fresh as ever.

It’s a Rainbow at J.Crew. On the flip-side of the coin…color is still necessary! And it’s a great contrast to the icy, neutral palette of winter. I adore the looks at J.Crew, which were awash in pink, blue, green, red and yellow. Pair a turtleneck sweater with a full, rosy-hued skirt. Rock blue heels, and a striped top under a mustard-colored dress. Wear a red sweater and shoes with a blush pant suit. Whatever you choose, if you go bold with your color choices, you’re guaranteed to impress.

Vintage Flashbacks at Tory Burch. I’m kind of in love with Downton Abbey right now. (Anyone else addicted to this show?) So, therefore, I am already in the vintage frame of mind. The class of old eras was all over the Tory Burch runway. High-necklines, brooches, long gloves and below-the-knee hemlines were a blast from the past. I can see incorporating some of these elements into new evening attire for a very modern style of vintage dress. What do you think?

Hats at Marc Jacobs. Marc’s entire show was over the top. But if you expected anything less, then you don’t know Mr. Jacobs! The biggest thing I took away? Hats. There is something so fearless about a statement piece of headwear. It screams, “Look at me, I know how to dress.” In the style of Marc Jacobs, please put a bold hat on your shopping list. And work it with major pizzazz.

High Drama at Reem Acra. Leather dresses. Sparkling skirts. Satin. Cutouts. Feathers. Can you tell how decadent and gorgeous Reem Acra’s show was? Don’t be afraid to wear one amazing piece, and build your look around it. A dress with cutouts? Keep everything else minimal. A sparkling skirt? Pair with a t-shirt for contrast. Feathers? Wear with simple cotton. The high drama on the runway will be just as dramatic your way–so make it your own.

What have been some of your favorite looks from Fashion Week so far? Share your comments below!

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