Spring Brights

Yay!  Spring has finally sprung in DC!  Well, more like summer with the temps in the 80s and 90s this week. But I hope the warmer weather is here to stay. Finally!

To celebrate my springy mood, I put together a bright and cheery spring day to night look that might even be great for the office.  Think corals and turquoise.  My favorite warm weather color combination.

As you can see, the prices on some of these items are astronomical! I mean, more than I'm willing to make on a monthly car payment, astronomical.  If you got the money to blow, that's fabulous.  But for those of us still budgeting until we hit the jackpot, I've also found some cute affordable alternatives. The look is really for inspiration.  Mainly think: a cropped bright blazer, coral/orange dress, turquoise accessories and some great neutral, go-with-everything-springy wedges!

For the "save" look (as opposed to the "splurge" look below) here are some great, affordable pieces for the masses.  Check out this dress, jacket, (or this jacket) shoes and purse to start!  Enjoy!  

Spring Brights by sspicknall featuring cross body handbags

Paule Ka draped dress
$840 - harveynichols.com

Alice olivia
aliceandolivia.com

Tory Burch gold peep toe heels
toryburch.com

Kate Spade cross body handbag
nordstrom.com

Antique silver ring
shopbijou.com

Lucky brand jewelry
lordandtaylor.com

Lauren Ralph Lauren stud earrings
bloomingdales.com

Lipsy heart sunglasses
$23 - lipsy.co.uk

Boot Cravings: Equestrian, Western and Biker Styles

As I previously mentioned in my European Fashion Trends post, I'm really digging equestrian/riding boots this fall.  The comfort and style cannot be disputed -- at least I have come to like them enough that I cannot dispute their comfort and style any longer.  But having finally jumped on this bandwagon, I cannot help but notice some of the other cutie-bootie trends out there!

Of course, I still had to include a favorite pair of equestrian boots and Tory Burch has some of the nicest one's I've seen out there.  I love her simple but cute styling.  And one of my favorite equestrian styles is the two tone boot.  I like it mainly because it's so versatile and can work with a lot of outfits paired with either brown or black.

Who knew I'd like a western style boot?  My parents bought me these authentic cowboy boots when I was in high school from a place they visited in Pennsylvania, which was known for its cowboy boots.  At least I think it was Pennsylvania -- it's been so long now I can't remember but my mom definitely would. Anyhow, after years of collecting dust in the back of my closet, I finally rediscovered these boots when the cowboy boot trend was being made popular by Britney Spears and other stars in the early to mid 2000's.  They still didn't get worn for years however, until a bachelorette party in 2011 with a western theme.  All the attendants were encouraged to dress in western wear (i.e. cowboy hats and boots, etc.)  but somehow I was the only one wearing cowboy boots, which were very ill matched with the rest of my bandage skirt/button down ensemble.  It sounds cute but, the proportions just weren't there!  And then back they went, to the back of the closet.  They're not bad boots at all really!  I am thinking I should definitely still try to wear them with things when I get a chance!  And seeing that western styles are back in, now would be an appropriate time.  Check out the boots below, I am just loving the western style ankle booties in cobalt blue by H&M.  How cute and budget friendly is that?  Actually I'm loving all the boots below for different reasons.  The two with fringe really stand out to me (in a good way) as well!  I love the idea of adding some fringe to a black wedge boot and both the tall and ankle bootie versions really caught my eye!  It's western but still subtle.  For someone who has refused fringe on all levels, this might actually be a do for me!

Then here come the biker/motorcycle styles! The Pink and Pepper boot is awesome for it's color, price and style. I'm not sure I'd consider it a true biker boot but it has some moto feel to it with the buckle, which would otherwise be a bit equestrian to me.  I also like the color, grey is an awesome boot color, and the slouch in the shaft.  Overall a super stylish pick at a great price.  Then of course I love the studded ankle bootie.  Not typical biker style which usually is a flat boot and rounded toe, but I think the studded detail gives it the same edge but is made for more of those girly girls who cannot do without their heels!  Finally, my favorite take on the biker bootie style is the olive green Rebecca Minkoff booties below.  Instead of the regular biker details, she combines multiple buckles to give that moto edge to them. Again, its a more bit feminine but is a great alternative for anyone who wants to do that trend without going the typical route.  The shortie heels and pointy toe are also super cute and girly for those of us who don't want to have the round toe, studded flat boot biker style.  Love them!

What's your boot style?  It was hard for me to even narrow down all my choices into the ones below because there are so many awesome boots out there.  You just need to know what you're interested in.  Why not give one of these a go?

Boot Cravings: Equestrian, Western and Biker Styles by sspicknall featuring tory burch

Slouch boots
dsw.com

Betsey Johnson studded heels
zappos.com

Rebecca Minkoff biker boots
rebeccaminkoff.com

H&M suede boots
$48 - hm.com

Betsey Johnson high heel boots
piperlime.gap.com

Mango wedge boots
mango.com

Tory burch
footcandyshoes.com

Friday Favorites: Cravings for the Fall

I've been seeing and hearing more and more about fall gear in magazines and on television and, while I'm not ready to leave summer yet, I thought I'd check out what is out there for myself.

There are a lot of cute things in store for us in the upcoming months so it was really hard to narrow down my absolute favorites but with some effort, I've managed to make do. Below are pieces I would put into my fall wish-list.  The first and foremost being the purple and olive BCBG dress. The colors read fall but the style can be taken into a warmer season.  Also for fall, peplum is not going anywhere so I may actually have to get a peplum dress after all!  I also love the peplum blazer style so I had to include that in my collage as well.

Mustard and cobalt are also big colors in the upcoming season.  The cobalt blue skirt below reminds me of the one in the Zac Posen post I did earlier, this skirt even has a wavy texture like the one in his Fall 2012 collection, but for much less!  The mustard cross body bag would also be a great piece to add to a fall wardrobe if you're not looking to expand your clothing collection at this time. 

Loafers and collar necklaces are also a big fall trend in the upcoming season.  I haven't tried either of these yet but I'm willing to work this look on an experimental basis.  The collar necklace is replacing those statement necklaces we are all so fond of but don't worry, I have the feeling the statement necklace isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

The purple/blue blouse is also something I haven't seen before but I'd love to get a few longer sleeved blouses for the fall.   This one just called out to me as being very chic and flattering on many body types. And that color is gorgeous!

Finally one of my favorite looks for fall is these maroon skinny jeans, flat boots and grey cozy top.  And yes, skinnies and colored jeans are going to stick around for a while.  I love tucking them into a cute pair of boots! These Tory Burch boots have been captivating me for weeks!  They are a bit pricey but I love the simple classic look of them.

Whatever looks you love for the upcoming season, pick your very best of the best and work it!  It doesn't take a whole new wardrobe to be fall ready and "in" for the season, just one great piece like a dress, coat, bag, shoe or piece of jewelry can take you there without breaking the bank! Pick out your own fall favs and rock them out with your own flare!

Fall Favorite Round-up by sspicknall featuring a peplum blazer

BCBG Max Azria pleated dress
saksfifthavenue.com

AX Paris cap sleeve dress
$48 - axparis.co.uk

MARELLA long sleeve crew neck shirt
$240 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins lace back shirt
dorothyperkins.com

Peplum blazer
$35 - pilotfashion.com

Current/Elliott super low rise skinny jeans
theoutnet.com

Patterned skirt
allyfashion.com

Tory Burch side zip boots
toryburch.com

Flat heels
topshop.com

Rebecca Minkoff genuine leather handbag
$155 - oxygenboutique.com

Sequin necklace
topshop.com

Zelia Horsley yellow gold necklace
boticca.com

Nelly Accessories collar jewelry
$30 - nelly.com

DC Commuter Style: The Chic and Mystique

There are some trends I've noticed on the streets of DC that I absolutely love and some I'm a bit puzzled over.

The silky, breezy blouse tucked into pants or a skirt is a timeless, classic look I never tire of and which is by no means distinctive just to DC.  But boy to DC ladies love this look!  I'm really impressed by the ladies who pull this off with ease and sophistication, while I know I would be struggling to keep tucking that sucker into my pants or skirt. If you're someone looking for an easy, classic and sophisticated look, are out of ideas and don't want to go too over the top, try this one out.  It's always a do!

Check out these easy breezy blouses from Nordstrom.com.  The top two are by Rachael Zoe, and a bit pricey but I love how these look!  The bottom left one is by Halogen and and is on sale right now for $33!  Grab it quick ladies. I'm actually wearing a cream printed version of this exact blouse today, tucked into brown capris, which I do keep fussing with and tucking back in periodically.  The bottom right one is also by Halogen and is a great look for summer.  Although, I am still eying those two Rachael Zoe tops!  They're styled so well! This is DC chic at its best. 

Then there are the more questionable trends.  I was browsing through one of  Nordstrom's shoe departments and stumbled upon an entire display of Tom's shoes.  I quickly passed over them because they just looked like an adult version of the canvas Keds I used to wear from third grade through fifth grade, except they just weren't as cute to me.  But I did see tons of women that were interested in buying a pair, which baffled me.  As comfortable as they might be, couldn't a comfortable pair of ballet flats do the trick?  Even more puzzling to me was that, a few weeks later, I started seeing these shoes on women all over the Metro system, in the stations and on the trains.  I still don't get it. What is the appeal?  It cannot be just aesthetic.  

I mean, look at them:  

Hideous right?  What is that tucking effect all the way at the toe end?  Is that just pure laziness?  It looks like the shoe ate a lemon and has a sour pucker!  These shoes are such a mystery to me.  I cannot figure out the appeal.  Hence, the "mystique" in the title of this post.  Like, they thought they would just charge a high price for a casual comfortable shoe and tuck the canvas in at the end of the shoe rather than trying to create a smooth edge?  That just irks me!   I mean look how much cuter Keds are. 

Available at Keds online

And I only wore these as a kid!  Even this black shoe below is much cuter and more like a cute ladies commuter shoe. Why isn't this more trendy here? 

Available at Keds online

To their credit, I saw a girl yesterday walking in these Tom's shoes that I thought looked nicer than the flat monstrosity above, but not by much.  There's just something funny about how far back the canvas goes over the forefoot, which makes it look much less flattering to me.  If there was an odd spot on a foot for a shoe to end, I think they've discovered it and somehow marketed that into an "it" shoe. 

Available at Norstrom online

 My apologies to anyone who absolutely looooves these shoes!  I know how particular tastes in footwear are and can understand the comfort point of view.  Might I suggest, if you are looking for an alternative to the Tom's brand with similar styling and comfort, how about checking these out:

Keds flat at Keds online

Puma Winning Diva Ballerina Flats at Puma online.  Super cute!

Naturalizer flat at Nordstrom online

Ivanka Trump wedge at Nordstrom online

Sperry Topsiders at Norstrom online - Adorable!

Tory Burch espadrilles at Nordstrom online

Via Spiga wedge at Nordstrom online. I might have to buy these!

By the way, those yellow Tory Burch espadrilles are normally almost $200 but are half off in a size 9 at Nordstrom's!  If you're willing to pay from $65 up to $80 for some of the Tom's espadrilles, these are a great deal!

There you have it.  Just a few things that contribute to DC commuter chic...and mystique.  Keep styling ladies!