Spring In Your Step (literally)

If there is one thing I love about spring time, it's the flowers being in full bloom...on the runway. Spring 2011 shoe forecast is all about adding a bit of a botanical touch to (the ever popular) wedge heel.

"Heels?" some of you may be saying to yourself. "I can't walk in them, and they hurt...this post doesn't apply to me." Stop right there. Because that is where you are wrong. Wedge heels are not only more comfortable and easier to walk in, but they come in a variety of heights and comforts (more padding, different materials, etc). If you have never walked in a pair of wedge heels now is the perfect opportunity (especially if you are the kind of floral enthusiast that I am).


The wedges above were from the 2011 D&G (dolce and gabbana for the new enthusiasts out there) spring collection...AKA the spring collection that has stolen my heart for this season. It's unmistakable garden inspiration completely captured me and was just as evident in the shoes and bags as it was in the colorfully printed dresses, rompers, and separates. 


Floral printed and flower inspired wedges are everywhere (both high and low end) and vary in style, color, and detail. There is a design for everyone, and planty of wedges to go around ;)

*shoe credit (from top to bottom): forever 21, irregularchoice.com, jeffrey campbell, betsey johnson, shopruche.com, and d&g spring 2011


until next time


Lo


currently listening to: Old Crow Medicine Show- O.C.M.S.

dior spring 2011

dior spring 2011 by dreamdolivelo featuring brass jewelry

Juicy Couture floral blouse
190 EUR - stylebop.com

Elastic waist skirt
$50 - delias.com

Alexandre Birman ankle high heels
$475 - bergdorfgoodman.com

TopShop cross body bag
$80 - topshop.com

Antik Batik brass jewelry
45 GBP - net-a-porter.com

Earring
twistonline.com

Belt
$40 - zara.com

Glitter eyeliner will let you sparkle without mess! - Lookfantastic...
lookfantastic.com

Hand-tufted Black/ White Stripe Wool Rug (8' x 11') | Overstock.com
$423 - overstock.com

Pretty Stylish

Pretty Stylish by dreamdolivelo featuring a floral tote


Femininity is back with a vengeance this spring. One of my favorite things about feminine fashion is that it is made up of "pretty things"; lace, chiffon, flowly skirts, light colors and soft fabrics are some of the pretty things that I mean. The best thing about "pretty things?" How can one not feel pretty when wearing them? Pair a lacy dress with a pair of your favorite pretty sandals, throw on a floppy hat, and grab your favorite flowery tote for a day (and an attitude) fit for a lady.

Top Ten: Colors for Spring

Waking up last week with the satisfying feeling of knowing it was 70 degrees outside was such a refreshing way to wake up after this winter's brutal reign. But for it to have lasted more than a week would, clearly, have been too good to be true. Wind, rain, and gloom have encompassed this postless week for long enough, and I decided now was a great time for a spring pick-me-up post. Some things to look forward to, if you will. Namely: color.

According to Pantone these are the top 10 fashion colors for this spring. These colors were the quintessential colors seen at New York Fashion Week. They will be taking over our favorite stores, makeup counters, and accessory boutiques so might as well pick a few favorites. The colors are bright, exotic, and a definite remedy for the dark browns and blacks that have made up our winter wardrobes. 

I think the coolest thing about these colors is that a lot of them can be mix and matched. Pairing the yellow and purple would complement the two of them well, but putting the orange with the purple would give it an unexpected pop. The 3 neutrals (the brown, the pink, and the gray) are very easy to toss around every day as well. These colors not only will be big in spring, but will be easy to transition into next fall as well.

A combination of these trendy colors, a bold lip, wedges, and a pair of your favorite sunglasses are all you'll need to look drop dead fabulous this spring and summer. 

And believe me, there is nothing dull and dreary about that.

until next time
Lo

currently listening to: Ben Folds & Nick Hornby - Lonely Avenue

Ethereal Afternoon

Ethereal Afternoon by dreamdolivelo featuring sleeveless tops

This spring's ethereal trends boasts notes of whimsy, femininity, and classic styles.

Vintage Affair

Vintage Affair by dreamdolivelo featuring wedge shoes

I love this trend of typically patterned dresses that are printed over with floral designs. This dress, from river island, is offered lots of great spring colors as well. When trying to pick accessories for a dress like this, pick a color in the dress that you find really interesting (and not too dominant) and choose based on that. The bag and lipstick cling to the burnt orange in the dress, while the shoes keep things a bit more toned down (as not to over power the outfit).

That 70's Tote

That 70's Tote by dreamdolivelo featuring a slimmer belt

The 70s trend that is sweeping the trend is nothing to fear. Floral cropped tops, chunky wedges, and high waisted flaired pants don't have to evoke memories of a decade of (what has come to be known as) fashion faux pas. Throw on your favorite aviators, add some vintage accessories, and, sister, you have turned back time.

Bohemian Queen

Bohemian Queen by dreamdolivelo featuring gold jewelry

Love this look. Beaded Maxi dress really pulls on this season's 70s vibe, and the tan, platform wedges really add the extra height that is sometimes needed to work a maxi dress. The accessories continue with the glammed up boho style, and the cosmetics would allow the outfit to speak for itself.

Spring Fever

This morning when I stepped out on my balcony I expected to be faced with another morning that was a little to brisk for my taste. What happened instead is that I was suddenly over come with spring fever, and a day that was 75% completed sans cardigan. I got in a little while ago, and I want to say my car thermometer read 60 degrees. Thank you, sweet sweet groundhog, for predicting an early spring this year. I owe you one.

Outfit of the Day

I technically wore this outfit last weekend, but temperatures were pretty similar to how they were today, so I'm posting this guilt free.

Tank top- William Rast for Target. I got this tank top for my birthday from my mom. It was on clearance when we ordered it online, and with target's lack of shipping costs, it was a steal for about $8. It's a light pink color (a  current fave of mine) and made of a thin, slick, soft material. I could look on the tag to be more specific, but it's in hamper land right now, and begging not to be disturbed. I really love this top, and expect to be wearing it often this spring and summer.

Cardigan- Urban Outfitters. I got this cardigan last spring on clearance at urban. It's a really thin material, and a size up from what I normally get so it hits the big baggy notes that I crave every so often. It kept me just warm enough (and offered my hands some shelter in it's pockets) and was easy to store in my purse when it seemed to warm for it.

Jeans- Levi's. Levi's are my holy grail of jeans. Never do they fail me. The only thing I'll wear more than my Levi's this spring is my jeggings...and don't even get me started on those. They are a lighter denim and have a few rips and the perfect stretch. Skinny fit, aka the only jean fit I ever buy, but not to tight. Perfect.

Boots- Lucky Brand. I got these boots for my birthday, and ohhhh my lord do I love them. They are military/work boot style, olive green, lace up, and comfortable as can be. They tops and tongue can be worn up or folded down (depending on the look you are going for). I got mine at Belk, but as far as I know they are still available on Lucky's website, and are available in the green color I have as well as black. They are made very well and I can tell I'll be wearing them for a few years before they give out.

I already know this spring/summer I'll be doing the half tuck I did with my shirt this day. I love the way an outfit looks with a tucked in top, but leaving it untucked makes it look more relaxed...the solution? If you tuck in a bit of your shirt in the front you still get the length in your torso, but the remaining part of the shirt that is left untucked keeps your outfit looking easy going and comfortable. Voila, an easy way to amp up your outfit.

Spring Fling
When it feels as good as it did today outside it is hard for me NOT to drive with my windows down and my music turned up ridiculously high. Here's my driving playlist of the moment:

• Annie waits - Ben Folds
• Howling for You- Black Keys 
• Wagon Wheel-Old Crow Medicine Show
• Calamity Song-The Decemberists
• Dog Days are Over-Florence and the machine 
• All the Pretty Girls -Fun.
• Tight rope-Janelle Monae
• Camera Talk-Local Natives
• Kids-MGMT
• Winter Winds-Mumford and Sons
• Mutiny, I Promise You-The New Pornographers
• Badman-Newton Faulkner
• Little Secret-Passion Pit
• Holiday-Vampire Weekend
• Let's Dance to Joy Division-The Wombats

**click on the link above to hear the whole playlist**


Spring trends I'm Stoked About
According to the magazines, blog posts, youtube videos, and websites I've been reading there is a lot to look forward to this spring, but to narrow down the huge, intimidating list of trends that is going to be enveloping our malls and boutiques within the coming weeks, I'm just going to rant about a couple of my favorite up and comings.


BALLERINA
The ballerina trend is something I've been a fan of since I realized what it entailed: pretty girly dresses, chiffon (aka sheer, my fave), flowy silhouettes, frills, neutral colors, and bodysuits. All of the above are something I crave to wear in the springtime. I love the femininity they bring to the table.

white top-topshop, chiffon skirt-urban outfitters, 

rouched blue dress-topshop 

SIDEBAR: I am a sucker for neutral colors and chiffon, so those will definitely be a huge part in my spring wardrobe.

70'S

 I never hear anything positive about fashion in the 70s. Even when I was in a history of fashion class, the teacher did nothing but grimace through that chapter in the book. This seasons modern take of the 70s style is really intriguing to me. Bold colors, longer hemlines, crochet, and bright patterns made for a delicious spectacle on the runway. I cannot wait to wear rompers, crop tops, and MAYBE even a maxi dress.. but I think we all know about how I feel about those on short people. Either way, whether this spring trend lives in fame or infamy, i'm excited about it.

both the top and dress are from topshop

until next time

Lo

currently listening to: The Avett Brothers Live: Volume 3

The Skinny

Things have been a little ridiculous since birthday weekend. Assignment after assignment, weekend shifts at the PF, and work study have been consuming my free time. Good news? There are a lot of exciting things coming up from here on out. Spring break is so close I can taste it. And then after spring break it's smooth sailing, other than the dreaded finals week, all the way to my Italy adventure and Bonnaroo!

Official Italy countdown: 83 DAYS.

I have some goals before Italy. Namely: lose about 10 pounds and about 5 inches as well. I thought I could document that on here as well, because who doesn't love a good tip on staying healthy and fit. I technically started last week, but with the amount of free food that is being hurled in my direction it's been really difficult to stay on track. Sidebar: when trying to eat healthier, there is nothing wrong with eating what sounds good when it sounds good...because if you shove it away, you will likely come back at it, when it is presented to you again, with a vengeance. 

My eating habits aren't unhealthy, by any means. But I am going to monitor my cheese and my sweet intake. If you know me, or have seen my cheese drawer in my refrigerator, then you may know that I have a bit of a problem NOT putting cheese on things. Cheese on broccoli and rice, cheese on vegetable burritos, cheese on salads...I know. It's out of control. I'd really like to only be eating cheese 3 times a week, and sweets about the same amount. This doesn't mean I'm going to cut out my annual weekend pizza veg out, but it does mean that the mexican shredded cheese probably won't be finding it's way into my shopping bags as often. 

Something to remember though: is that when you are making something, such as broccoli cheese rice, is that you can add more beneficial things TO THEM to make them a)last longer, b)better for you, and c)more filling (so you eat less of the bad stuff.) Good example: when you make broccoli cheese rice, you can toss in some frozen broccoli before the water boils, and then serve it over a small can of tuna (white, canned in water), and you'll find that there is more broccoli and tuna than there is cheesy rice. LOOPHOLE, AM I RIGHT?

If you're looking for a website with recipes to keep your calorie count down, check out Hungry Girl. They have lots of tips and tricks for staying healthy, and eating what you like. If you sign up for their daily emails, you'll receive recipes in your inbox, and if that isn't enough for you then they have a few books out (available at your local book store) and they also have a whole bunch of recipes available on their website as well. 

**Not only do they have recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, but they have news on new products at the grocery store that are healthy options, or dupes for recipes that, otherwise, might not be the best idea if you're trying to think thin.

Another thing I'm going to do [much] more frequently is make regular appearances at the gym. The eliptical machine,  weight machines, and I need to become much better friends, and I need to get back to running at the park as well (I much more prefer running outside to running on a treadmill. Much more fun.)

Fro yo for you

For those of us who live in moderately sized cities, I'm sure we have all witnessed the fro-yo craze that began a couple of years ago. I know in middle Tennessee when the topic of frozen yogurt rolls around there are, probably, only two words that pop into people's mind: Sweet Cece's. Sweet Cece's began in Franklin, TN and has now spread further east, south, north, and west. It has grown from a single flagship store to new locations opening (what seems like) every week. I've been to a few fro-yo places and I can honestly say that Sweet Cece's is my favorite. Their variety in flavors and toppings and their atmosphere are what keep me coming back. My most recent favorite combination: Peanut butter (low fat) swirled with New York Cheesecake (no fat!) and topped with a few strawberries, a couple bits of reeses pieces, and some peanut butter chips. 

Why the fro-yo freakout? Besides the high variety of toppings and flavors, Fro-yo is a lot less worse for you than ice cream. But, as shape magazine pointed out, it still shouldn't be considered "healthy." There are still calories and sugar in it, and when you fill the cup and pile on the toppings you aren't really helping your case. If you're watching your weight, try and stick with fruit and sugar free fro-yo's. You won't feel like you're missing out. Promise.

Ship Shapely
Speaking of spring fashion and shaping up, I subscribe to a channel on Youtube called "The Style Diet." Anna, the woman who films videos for it is constantly talking about hair, makeup, fashion, and healthy cooking/habits. She has even written a book called, "The Style Diet." Anna recently posted a video about dressing for your body shape that I thought was really good and informative, check it out.

March Wishlist
Because what girl doesn't have a list of things she would buy if she had unlimited money at her disposal. The 3 cosmetic items are very much going to be a part of my collection ASAP :)

dress modcloth; nail polish- lilacism, essie; mineralize skin finish- soft and gentle, MAC; 

lipstick- vegas volt, MAC; purse, ModCloth; Shoes (all) -ModCloth

Until next time,
Lo

Currently Listening to: MGMT- Oracular Spectacular

princessential

princessential by dreamdolivelo featuring gold jewelry

cool colors and a warm flush on the cheek make for a very regal spring day. Throw everything (even your tiara, if you must) into that huge Gucci tote and you are ready to run a country (or at least to lunch).