Back forever & always

I know, I know…The whole MIA blogger thing isn’t really cool. But those days are over, and I have a ton of new purchases and things to share.

First of all, I’ve had this vintage studded Levi’s jean jacket that I bought a while ago. Even though its really boxy, sometimes giving me a boyish looking build, I like pairing it with short shorts or a super feminine dress on those springy days where baring my arms would send shivers down my body. The studs make it unique; I like to think that the previous owner did it himself (“Brian” is written in pen on the inside of the pocket).

I wore the jacket with dark gray cut-off Brandy & Melville shorts, a white, lacy Free People tank, and silver Michael Kors wedges.

I must say, I’ve become a big Brandy & Melville as of late. All of their clothes are super soft and comfortable, these shorts included. The brand is primarily defined by its loose, flowy tops that can be dressed up or down, worn during the day or at night, for almost any occasion, but of course Brandy & Melville carries just about everything else too, dresses, shorts and accessories included.

That brings me to my next look. This flowery ruffled tank can be worn in so many ways. Here, I decided to pair it with dark green Citizens of Humanity skinny jeans, a BCBG belt, and my new suede Jeffrey Campbell high-heeled booties, yet another one of my favorite recent purchases. They are the perfect neutral color to be worn throughout the seasons and match quite an array of color palettes.

A better look at my Free People top, worn with a vintage Cameo necklace (a gift from my grandmother aka a true family heirloom):

Here is a closer look at my studded jacket as well as my springy hombre highlights. This lighting makes me look like I am basically half blonde:

A more earthy palette, complete with my favorite Jeffrey Campbell booties:
And, of course, this post wouldn't be complete without a close-up of the beauties, complete with a wooden heel:

And now for some spring trend updates…. From my most recent style/trend observations, I have noticed that the “it” jeans for spring all have a little shimmer to them. I personally love this look… I’ve seen everything from subtle sequins to shiny washes to give pants an extra edgy and re-vamped vibe. AllSaints carries the perfect ones; they have just the right amount of shimmer as not to be over the top. I also saw Seven for All Mankind’s take on this trend: they are showing a light wash with just a tad bit of shimmer that seems to be incorporated into the fabric itself (as opposed to being tacked on as an afterthought).

Another look that I have seen quite a lot lately is floral painted jeans. I’m a little undecided about whether or not I like them. It’s a great idea, but if executed improperly, can be a major fashion blunder, especially in a commonplace environment, such as school, where quizzical looks can be widespread, especially when one tries and fails at being “en vogue” to the highest degree.

I am currently vowing to revive my blog. I am ashamed of my past negligence, but I’m sure that my upcoming trip to Florence (yep, I said it) will bring Italian fashion and a ton of new purchases to the table, so be ready, my bellas…

xoxo stylista