Top 5 Picks for Spring 2013

Style

Top 5 Buys for Spring 2013 - Fashion - www.pencilshavingsstudio.com

Here’s a good question for those of you shopping for spring —

“If you had a small budget but pretty nothing in your closet for Spring/Summer what would be your 5 or so must have items?”

Good question, right?

Here’s my picks for what to look for. My goal, regardless of the item, is something I can dress up or down — nothing too high maintenance but also nothing too sloppy either. I want to look pulled together but comfy, especially as the months get hotter & hotter here.

figure-1-knit-dress

FIG. 1 – THE KNIT DRESS
Old Navy tank dress: This dress is magical. The fit is deliciously swingy and flattering and can be dressed up with a cute belt and some espadrilles or you can throw it on over a swimsuit. Magic, I tell ya. The best part? It’s $20. BUY ALL OF THEM.
Merona striped maxi dress: While it runs a little bit on the long side, this maxi dress has a super-flattering fit with the way the chevron pattern angles downward. Total trick of the eye – and a trick of the wallet b/c no one will believe this dress was only $30. I bought it in blue and have tossed cardigans over it on chilly spring days already.
Old Navy capsleeve dress: a similar fit to the first one.  The stripes are playful and it comes in a few different colorways. Again, for $20, it’s a pretty fantastic cut. I bought this for our cruise and wore it a ton. I don’t expect it to last forever, but I treat it well by never putting it in the dryer.

FIGURE-2-BUTTON-DOWN

 

FIG. 2: THE BUTTONDOWN SHIRT There’s nothing easier than a button-down, and it adds a little polish to any ensemble. Avoid white, though — it’s too restaurant wait-staff.  Look for colorful patterns & prints. These are more on the pricey side, but remember – you have to get really picky about fit when it comes to a good button-down. And many times the best fit is at a higher price point.

Madewell Chambray shirt: I love that this is chambray but with a twist. The color is a sunbleached papaya.
J.Crew Perfect shirt in polka dot:  “Perfect” really does describe this shirt. A longer length with a fun print in a bold color,  it comes in linen, so you’ll probably only wear it in warmer months, but you’ll keep it for years. They’re that good.
J.Crew Factory buttondown – For $34.50, you get a lot of bang for your buck with this bold buttondown. I’d wear this with stripey shorts or a  pair of white jeans. Too fab.

 

FIG-3-THE-SHORT-SKIRT

FIG. 3: THE SHORT SKIRT

Boden Lexington Striped Knit skirt: in a heavy weight knit, this skirt is super flattering & comes in a variety of lengths. Worried about it being too short? Grab it in the long length; it’s perfection just below-the-knee. You’ll keep this one forever because the a-line shape will never go out of style and forever be flattering.
ASOS  Midi skirt in Ponte: ok, this one’s a wild card, I’ll admit. But it’s deliciously swingy, simple, and flattering. The ponte fabric is easy and can be casual or dressy depending on your accessories. I really like it with a simple v-neck tee shirt and ballet flats. Want more drama? Pair it with heels and a button-down shirt.
J.Crew City Mini: I think the term “mini” is a little bit of a misnomer here as it’s not terribly short. You probably have shorts shorter than this skirt.  It’s cut to flatter, and again is perfect for anything from heading to the pool to going out on a date.
FIGURE-4-STRIPED-TEE

 

FIG. 4: THE STRIPED TEE. You knew I’d go there, right? But clearly the striped French-inspired tee isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Boden Pocket Breton Striped Tee: tons of punchy colors and a fun fit. Size down to get a good slim fit.
J.Crew Linen V-neck tee in stripe: Super luxurious-feeling tee in a tight linen weave. Not too sheer, and can easily be dressed up or down. Plus! They’re on sale right now too and come in a few different colorways.
St. James for J.Crew shortsleeve marinier stripe. High-quality French tee that you will keep forever. Promise. And it’d be really cute with a big statement necklace layered over it.
figure-5-accessories

FIG 5: ACCESSORIES GALORE– The best way to get bang for your buck? Spend it on accessories like belts, necklaces, shoes, scarves, etc. that you will get a lot of use out of and that you can mix and match with all the other pieces.
Merona Belt: These are a STEAL at $12.99 each and just as great as any j.Crew belt I’ve seen. Buy them in a ton of different colors and belt absolutely everything you own. A belt is the perfect polishing piece for any outfit.
Saturday Jumprope Necklace: how playful is this? I love the preppy colors and whimsical nod to childhood. I’d wear this all summer long. Price is great, too, at $45 and also comes in a more graphic black-and-white version for those who are color averse.
Gap Wedge Espadrilles: While I haven’t tried these, I’ve almost always had great luck with Gap shoes. Plus you can’t beat the price point and there’s almost always a sale happening.

What are you buying for spring, friends?

 

with love,
Rachel

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