Spring Wish List

At the beginning of every season there's always pieces that I say I really want and I'm going to buy, but either I find that I already have something similar, or I end up spending money on other things instead. So this season I decided to make a wish list of all the things I've been coveting, that I've seen in magazines, blogs, or the runway.

1. White denim jacket

Jean jackets are one of my favourite things to wear in the spring, mostly because it just means I don't need to be lugging around a huge heavy winter coat. But lately I've just been loving the white denim, as I feel it gives a fresh take on the typical blue denim, and can actually be worn with even more (I still love my blue denim and wear it to death!). The thing I also love about this particular one from Joe Fresh is that it's collarless (very trendy) and more boxy than fitted. 

2. Jumpsuit

Of course I have a few shorts rompers that I love to wear in the summer- they're so easy to wear and, depending on the colour/pattern, you can dress them up or down for almost anything. But what I don't have is a long jumpsuit that I can wear in cooler weather, and these are oh so trendy right now. You can never go wrong with classic black; you can do bright or muted accessories with it depending where you're wearing it.

3. Kimono

As I talked about in my post Floral Kimonos, I am absolutely loving this trend for spring. And although the floral ones are probably my favourite, there's many other kimonos you could get, such as plain or other patterned ones. They're just great for warmer weather because they're so lightweight, but still give that little something to your outfit.

4. Platform Sandals

I started seeing some styles of sandals like this last summer, and it was only towards the end of the season that I decided i had to have a pair (I never did buy a pair last year). They're super comfortable, have great support because of the thick heel, and are the perfect balance of casual and chic. A pair in a colour like these white ones are perfect for the coming season!

5. Matching crop top set

Although crop tops are in for this spring/summer season (read my post Cream Of The Crop), I can't really explain why I'm so into these matching sets right now. I just think they're so cute and trendy, and they give you a very polished look. What's also great is you can mix and match each piece with other tops and bottoms, and even if it's a distinctive pattern, it'll be a completely different outfit. That's definitely worth it!

6. Ankle strap heels

I've been seeing this style for a while now, and you can do the peep toe for warmer weather and the closed toe for when it's a bit cooler out. The thick strap helps with support on your ankle, and won't dig in too much like a thinner strap.

7. The perfect dress

Though I have many spring/summer dresses, I actually surprisingly don't own a pink one. And now that pink is a go-to colour for spring, I decided that a dress in this colour is a must. This piece is also great because of the shape and fit, and will go perfectly with a denim jacket for during the day, or heels and a statement necklace for a night out.

I can actually already cross off some of these items, as I've been getting my closet ready for spring since the new year (what can I say, I literally can't wait for spring to come). I'm so excited for the weather to start getting warmer so I can finally start to wear them!

Floral Kimonos

This spring trend is a combination of two great pieces for the spring season of any year: light fabrics and floral prints.

Even though it's spring and the weather's only getting warmer, you sometimes still need a light layer on top of your tank or tee, or your outfit might just not be complete without one more garment. That's why kimonos are perfect for spring and summer; they're so light but still let you add some chic to your look. And why not throw some floral prints on them so they're just perfect for the season?

They come in all different lengths, silhouettes, styles, and colours, so you have so much room to make the look your own, while still being super trendy.

(Love how this one was styled as a bathing suit cover-up!)

Check out my post Anticipation to see how you can wear this trend even before the weather gets warm!

Holiday Parties

One of my favourite things about the holidays is that everything sparkles. Yes I love the candy cane hot chocolates and sitting in front of the fire in my coziest PJs. But as a girl who loves to dress up for just about anything, it's great to actually have something to dress up for. I'm not really at the point in my life yet where I'm attending holiday parties; my work party is pretty casual and, being Jewish, my family doesn't go to any Christmas parties. But even just being able to see all the holiday looks in stores, online and on blogs and feeling the glitz around me is inspiring. 

You can never go wrong with metallic or sequins for the holidays. Both of these styles are classic and pretty, and you can have so much fun with them. I'm loving this sequin skirt from Bebe. It's great because it incorporates both of these styles: it's made of sequins, but still gives off a great metallic look. It's also a neutral colour so you can pair with any colour. Wear it with a black top and pumps if you want to stay feminine and simple, or bright pink if you're not afraid to stand out. Here's a darker sequin option from ASOS.

If you want to be more with the current trends of the season, though, try one of 2013's hottest holiday looks: the tuxedo. It's sexy, functional, and can be worn over and over again with different looks. Pair the jacket with a trousers or skirt for work, or pair the pant with a different top for a night out with the girls. Or try a more modern take: the jumpsuit tuxedo. Try one with a deep V if you're feeling risqué, like Gwyneth Paltrow, whose had the trend nailed since 2012. Add a statement necklace or blazer for warmth.

Another trend for this holiday season is monochromatic colour schemes. Whether red, black, silver or gold, there is so much fun you can have with your one chosen colour, and still look super chic. See below how Sydne Summer from Sydne Style incorporates both the tuxedo and monochrome trends.

Another trend I'm loving for this holiday season is feathers. You can find them almost anywhere right now; on a skirt, on a shirt, on a purse, on a necklace. If you don't want to go overboard, make your feather piece your statement piece, and keep the rest of your outfit monochromatic and simple. These pieces are from Bebe (left) and Club Monaco (right).

Want something comfortable on your feet for all of those holiday parties (if you're hosting, let's say)? Don't feel like you need to give up style and trend for comfort; swap out your heels pair for these metallic gold slippers from Club Monaco. The neutral metallic guarantees they'll match with almost any outfit, and you're feet definitely won't be killing you later.

Bonus tip: Don't limit your glamorous holiday looks to strictly indoor apparel; for example if you're going to be ringing in the new year outside in a town square (like me), you'll want to look amazing even in all those layers. Try a stylish coat (fur is always good), and instead of a hat, try ear muffs. They keep your ears warm while also not giving you hat hair when you take them off indoors!

What do you have planned for the holidays (outfit and activity wise)?!

Sweater Weather 2.0

Sweaters are a basic staple; they keep you warm, come in many different fabrics, prints and colours, and you know they'll always be in style for fall/winter. But this season, they have a new and exciting spin to them.

It's almost impossible to walk into a store now and not see some sort of rhinestone, jewel or other embellishment on cold weather's best friend. It's such a great contrast between the chunky, casual material and the dressy, fun accents.

The sweater has come so far that it could even be worn for a night out. And if you pair it perfectly, dare I say, you could even wear one to a holiday party this year? Especially a classic black, fitted sweater, perhaps paired with leather trousers and a statement shoe?

If you want to ease into the trend, you might want to try something like these necklace sweaters from Joe Fresh (left) or ASOS (right). You could either be wearing the embellished sweater trend, or not, and no one will know until they see your back (where the necklace part doesn't reach).

  

You could start off small, like with this sweater from Zara. The rhinestones blend in a bit with the grey, but stand out just enough to give the top a little something.

If you wanted to go a bit further, try something like this bejewelled striped sweater from Tory Burch. The pattern is classic and simple, making the top look stylish and not too crazy, even with all the jewels.

If you wanted to jump right into the trend and are not afraid to stand out, this Top Shop piece is probably more what you're looking for. The colourful sequins allow you to pair the top with just about any colour, and because it's knitted, you could wear it in fall, winter or spring.

Here are just some other great embellished sweaters from ASOS I wanted to share with you!

 ASOS Collection

 ASOS Collection

 ASOS Collection

 Needle & Thread