ThreadSence has released an absolutely amazing bohemian lookbook photographed in Santa Barbara, California. Their latest collection features carefree bohemian looks ranging from laid-back denim to billowing skirts. The girls enchant in colorful prints as they explore rocky cliffs, caves and green grasses with horses by their side, and I'm totally loving each and every bit of it!
What are your thoughts on the collection?
Although I was out of the country for New York's Fashion week, that did not stop me from catching up with the shows when I got back. While I'm excited for fall and so ready to pull out my coats and chunky knit scarves (crossing my fingers it will get that cold in Mississippi this year), but it's also time to start evaluating my closet again and determining which summer pieces to keep for next year. Without further adieu, here's a review of trends that you'll want to take note of when you're cleaning out your summer wardrobe.
PEEK-A-BOO MIDRIFFS
Midriff tops are definitely in again for 2013, and just like this past summer they are usually seen paired with a high-waisted skirt. It's not about exposing your entire midriff a la Britney Spears in the "I'm a Slave for You" video. It's more about effortlessly revealing a classy yet sexy pop of skin and not looking like you're trying to hard to get unnecessary male attention. Keep your chic midriff tops (like the styles below), but in my personal opinion you can throw out those ultra-trendy, cropped neon muscle tanks.
REMINDS ME OF THIS FROM SPRING 2012:
NAUTICAL STRIPES
Nautical typically always hits big during the summer--so definitely hang on to those nautical inspired stripes! Bonus if you go for the whole "matchy-matchy" look, which is also on trend for next year.
REMINDS ME OF THIS FROM SPRING 2012:
SHEER PERFECTION:
It's sheer, dear, so keep it! I think sheer is another way to be sexy in the summer without exposing everything. So if you invested in any sweet sheer tops this summer, be sure to store them up for next year!
REMINDS ME OF THIS FROM SPRING 2012
Add a bit of zest to your wardrobe with some fancy printed pants! The trend was seen along the runways, from geometric prints to tropical prints. Style setters like Poppy Delevigne and Olivia Palermo have been seen wearing some fancy pants, too.
Printed pants are a great way to spruce up your work ensemble, but they also spice up your everyday summer attire, too. I especially love them paired with blazers, and if you're especially bold, you can try mixing prints with them, too.
Get your legs into the perfect fancy pants at a price point that's well within your grasp by shopping below.
From left to right: Animal Jersey Tapered Trousers ($56.00 at Topshop); Cropped Conversational Print Pants ($24.80 at Forever 21); Petite Heart Flocked Trousers ($76.00 at Topshop); Cropped Abstract Print Pants ($17.80 at Forever 21); and Tall Co-ord Floral Trousers ($80.00 at Topshop).
Summer is in full swing, and you need a great pair of wedges to show off your fantastic pedicure! Above are five summer shoes you'll want to add to your shopping list, and here's why:
Sofie women's strappy wedges ($69.00 at TOMS Shoes). For one, they're TOMS, so they're going to be comfortable. Additionally, they work great for those who are still shy of pairing denim on denim. You can mix these wedges with a denim top and a floral skirt to break it up!
HAWAII Espadrille Wedge with Slingback ($24.86 at Asos). Not only are these a comfortable, low-heeled option, but they're also polka dots! These espadrilles add in the extra flirtiness to your already cute summer attire.
SKYE Mid Height Wedges ($41.42 at Asos). These wedges will still add a bit of height, but the closed toe also makes them appropriate for most work environments... at least on casual Fridays!
I See the Pattern Wedge ($39.99 at ModCloth). I love these wedges because of their pastel tribal print pattern! It involves a lot of pastel colors, so it softens up an otherwise loud tribal pattern. Plus, they have a bit of a retro flair.
Timeless Louise Mary Jane Wedge Shoe ($49.71 by Timeless at Asos, marked down from $66). I can't resist a pretty Mary-Jane style shoe, and since it's a wedge heel, it will make the perfect addition to your summer LWD.
Have you started shopping for a new pair of wedge heels yet? Let me know in the comments!
Clearly, floral print will be popular for the spring and summer months. Thankfully the pattern has also seen increased popularity during the fall months, as well, increasing its versatility. One of my favorite options for spring and summer dressing is a floral dress. I prefer the loose, flowy ones that lightly sway in the wind. They ooze of spring and cool air. And when it gets scorching hot in the summer, they're the perfect option to keep you cool.
So, how should you wear floral dresses this summer? Above are some great options.
For a lunch date with your girlfriends or your beau, pair this Floral Print Blouson Dress ($24.80 at Forever 21) with these Lawrance sandals ($50.00 at Aldo). The dress has a fancy silhouette and a bold pattern, but the cognac brown sandals balance it out just enough to make it casual for day.
Here's an interesting option that can be worn for more than just a shopping trip, but would still be cool for that ocassion nonetheless: the Shirt Dress In Tropical Print ($46.40 at Asos, marked down from $66). It's a great price point for a trendy, seasonal dress, but it makes such a statement! Wear with a pair of aviators for an effortlessly cool look. Try these Classic Metallic Aviators ($5.50 at Charlotte Russe).
At a bridal brunch nothing is classier than an A-line frock, and I totally love this china-patternesque print on the Floral Palate Dress ($54.99 at ModCloth). It's fun if you are the bride to be or if even if you're just an attendee! Really play up this look by going for a Mad Men inspired look by wearing your hair up and complimenting your dress with these lady like the Enamel Bow Stud Earrings ($6.00 at Charlotte Russe). This look is definitely my style!
Finally, if you're going on a cruise wear a fancy floral dress, like this MM Couture Floral Pleated Dress ($89.00 by Miss Me at Piperlime). It's pretty enough to wear again and again. And if you're styling your look for an upcoming island excursion or a cruise dinner, pair it with a great straw clutch, such as B11071 by Straw Studios ($28.95 at Lori's Shoes).
Where do you wear your floral prints? Let me know in the comments!
Photo Courtesy: Pinterest
If you've been following me on Instagram (@beautyandthebudget) or Twitter (@beautyandbudget), you know that there are wedding bells in my future! (We're thinking next April!) Although my sweetheart proposed to me on New Year's Day, I have yet to write a single post about weddings. Turns out, I'm a pretty horrible wedding planner. I really don't know a lot about them, and unlike most women, I didn't start planning my wedding when I was six years old. But, as they say, write about what you know--and I do know wedding fashion!
I plan on having a small yet sophisticated ceremony. For me, the wedding will involve only close friends and family, and I'm determind for this event to be as stress free as possible. That includes giving my bridesmaids freedom to choose their own dresses within their own budget. Of course, I want everything to look uniform and pretty, so we will stick to a color story, but I won't be too rigid about the silhouette, style, or price of the dress.
I have a few helpful tips when you are in search of a bridesmaid's dress. 1) Keep their figure in mind--you want them to look beautiful too! 2) Keep it classy. A fitted straight dress might look great on some body types, but in no way should the dress be tight or revealing. And 3) Since I work for a photographer, I have to say from personal experience strapless dresses aren't the best option. The reason being is that when you take close up pictures, you don't want your bridesmaids to look naked. I also think this rule applies to your wedding dress because you don't want to look naked in your bridal shots!
The search for affordable bridesmaids dresses is rather difficult. Luckily, you've found me, and I'm here to present to you five affordable bridesdmaids dresses under $150 fit for your own unique theme!
Modern Yet Posh
Here is a perfect example of a classy fitted straight dress! This simple black dress looks great on most body types, and it's perfect for a contemporary evening wedding. A thin metallic or black pattent belt and a simple bouquet of calla lillies would accompany this dress quite nicely. Plus, your bridal party can wear it for several other occasions, too! Tube Dress ($59.90 at Zara.com).
The Bold Bridesmaid
This dress would look amazing with an updo and bright red lipstick. It's perfect for an outdoor ceremony, like a garden wedding or a beach wedding, but it can also work indoors for a traditional church ceremony as well. It has a bit of a vintage vibe to it, which I love, and the fit and flare silhouette looks great on every figure! Pleased to See Hue Dress in Green ($114.99 at ModCloth)
Soft and Romantic
This dress is perfect if you have a neutral color scheme, plus it's super affordable at only $22.80! Your bridesmaids can wear it again for many different occasions, too. A taupe or cream belt would work well with this, along with a simple pearl necklace and earrings. Even a nice broach would make an excellent addition. I would like to add that if you do decide to go the route of getting a bridesmaid's dress from Forever 21, double check the length and fit of the dress. A lot of their dresses are extremely too short for a formal affair. Forever 21 Asymmetrical Ruffle Dress ($22.80 at Forever 21)
Timeless Elegance
This dress is utterly elegant and looks fantastic on its own. It can fit for a day wedding or an evening wedding, whichever tickles your fancy. Although gray can be a drab color, the metallic brocade detailing adds a touch of glamour. Pair it with a deep red lip color and swept back hair for an ultimately chic look. Kay Unger One-shoulder brocade dress ($132.00 attheOutnet, originally $440!)
Country Chic
Country themed weddings can be done well, sans the cowboy boots and hats, and over the last few years I think a lot of people have proven that this theme can be chic and modern. This dress is perfect for a country themed afternoon wedding, and the belt is a great way to add in something blue. For this dress, I see a rustic outdoor wedding in a field with beautiful oak trees, white chairs, daisies, and pitchers of freshly squeezed lemonade. Effortless Allure Dress in Gold ($129.99 at ModCloth)
Ginnifer Goodwin opted for bright and bold at the Met Gala in a beaded orange Monique Lhuillier dress. She looked absolutely stunning, and I have to give her props for being such a risktaker wearing an orange gown. (Of course, Beyonce was also a risk taker in her completely sheer Givenchy gown!)
Other stars who wore orange were Eva Mendes, Kristen Bell, Kristen Wiig, and Katherine McPhee.
Take inspiration from Ginnifer Goodwin (and the other bold beauties who opted for this hue) and get a perfect summer-ready look! Take a look at this gallery, featuring five looks under $100 which are inspired by Goodwin, and be prepared to turn heads!
There is nothing that can take your ensemble to the next level quite like a clutch. I've been carrying my aquamarine Urban Expressions Hollywood ($40.00) clutch from Twelve Oaks Accessory Garden every day for the past week, and it has been a faithful to adding that necessary pop of color to every outfit. Don't just reserve your clutches for the evening, either. An oversized clutch is perfect for day!
So, beauties, if you're jonesing for a new clutch but you don't quite have the extra cash to spare, here are five affordable clutches under $50.
I love my Urban Expressions Hollywood that I got from Twelve Oaks, but if you don't live near Hattiesburg you can get it for $40 at eBags. The bag comes in a variety of colors, but I suggest aquamarine (top, left) or red. If you're only considering one bag on the list, this is the one to get. It's a large, envelope style clutch that fits your wallet and cell phone comfortably with lots of room to spare for keys, lipstick, and a compact mirror!
For a basic black clutch, I recommend another winning bag from Urban Expressions, the Chelsea ($44.00 at eBags). It's a wardrobe mainstay and comes in several classic colors (like nutmeg and navy), plus I love the metal closure detailing.
If your mom always tells you that yellow isn't your color (ehem!), then you can always get away with adding it as an accessory! Although yellow clothing doesn't necessarily look great against my skin tone, a belt or a bag in this hue never hurts! I love this Big Buddha Mille Cross Body ($35.99 at Amazon.com). It would look fantastic paired with something teal or emerald green.
How cute is this little mangenta pink gem? Also available in green and yellow the Fiorelli Roka Small Leather Purse ($50.90 at Asos) is a little bit over $50, but worth every cent. This clutch makes a perfect work-to-night bag, especially if you have a hectic schedule and don't need a big bag slowing you down.
Last but not least, this red Ashley M Glossy Portfolio Clutch ($30.40 at eBags) adds that perfect bit of "ta-da" to your career wardrobe. For those of you serving the 9 to 5 daily grind in your corporate black blazer and pencil skirt, this bag gives you that fun pop of color.
Which bag is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
You don't particularly need all of the latest trends, but you still might want them! When you're on a budget, it's all about narrowing down between the things that you want and the things you actually need. Sometimes the classics outweigh the trendy pieces, but if you have a little extra cash to spare indulge in a new spring trend or two. As for the perfect summer dresses, here are some affordable pieces to add to your shopping list!
This spring, you will need...
A shirt dress. If you didn't pick one up last summer, go ahead and invest in one this year. It's comfortable, and you can dress it up or down. Plus, it's perfect for work when paired with a blazer, or take it to the beach by adding gladiator sandals and a straw fedora! This Nautical Woven Shirt Dress ($19.99 at Charlotte Russe) is an updated classic due to its high-low cut, and it's at a fantastic price point!
A basic black dress. When do you not need a basic black dress? You probably already have one, but I am completely smitten with this Smoking dress ($59.99 at Mango). It's modern with sophisticated detailing and that menswear charm.
A maxi. Maxis are always on trend for spring, but if you want to make an investment, I suggest sticking to a basic maxi. This white Gathered Empire Maxi Dress ($92.00 at Topshop) is a contemporary staple.
This spring, you will want...
A sheer maxi. This dress is fantastic. It's quite an investment at $92 for a trendier piece, but I'm convinced that you can stretch out its wear due to the classic color and cut. If you need the perfect sheer maxi, try this Floral Mesh Back Maxi Dress ($92.00 at Topshop).
A watercolor-print dress. Of course floral prints reign for summer, but why not try something different? A watercolor print adds a bit more of an artsy edge, but it still has that summertime feel. I adore the You Art to Try It Dress ($54.99 at ModCloth).
A neon shirt dress. If you want to take your basic shirt dress to the next level, get it in a trendy color like neon. You can pair it with dark accessories in black or navy. This Sparkle & Fade Chiffon Shirtdress ($69.00 at Urban Outfitters) would look great paired with a black fedora and a stack of arm candy!
Contrast Buckle Clutch ($32.23 at ASOS)
