Poor Little Trendy Girl

Hello there strangers! I apologize for my long absence from blogging. Real life tends to get busy, and sometimes fun things (like blogging) happen to get pushed to the side. Nevertheless, I’M BACK!

Next month, I will be embarking on a new journey to Chicago, Illinois. Which means, I’ll have lots of new turf to explore and lots of new places to SHOP! I’m so excited to finally be living in a big city, I think I might burst.

Starting today, I’ll be researching some local spots for cute and budget friendly clothes in the Windy City. Once I arrive, I’ll be sharing all of my fashion discoveries, deals, and misadventures in this glorious town. It will give me the chance to share snippets of my new life as well as continue passing along advice and deals to you, my lovely readers.

In the meantime, if any of you have suggestions as to where I should shop first or where I may find a great deal, tweet me @pltgirl or email me at poorlittletrendygirl@gmail.com. I need all the help I can get!

Thanks for staying patient and loyal. I hope you all can enjoy the journey with me!

That’s right! I finally got a Pinterest account. I’ll share my inspiration for fashion, beauty, shopping, and tons of other neat stuff. I already have some great pins posted. I hope you like them too!

Here’s a link to all of my boards: https://pinterest.com/pltgirl/

There are many ways to save cash when trying out new fashion trends. A Do It Yourself Project (DIY) can save you lots of money and best of all, you can say that it’s your own personal creation! This is my favorite DIY project to take on because it is easy, fast, and cheap.

Last year, I fell in love with these denim cutoffs from Urban Outfitters. However, they are around $40, and I realized I could make a pair of these at home with little effort. After I made my first pair last year, I wore them to Urban Outfitters and the employees couldn’t tell the difference.

This vintage, high-waisted style is everywhere right now and I’m going to show you how to make a pair for yourself for less than $10 (or less than $5 if you have some of these common supplies at home and shop on the right day). READY? Let’s go.

First, head over to your local Goodwill and start digging for some high-waisted jeans. Regular price for these is about $7 but if you go on a 50% off Saturday (which I did), you can score a pair for $3.50. That way, you might be able to get 2 pairs in case you mess up one.

FAIR WARNING: This project does require some sharp objects, so please be careful and use your best judgement.

What you’ll need when you find a pair:

- Jeans (obviously), I like to find a pair of high-waisted ones circa 1980’s or 90’s

- Scissors (a pair of heavy duty ones from a toolbox works best)

- A Razor or Razor Blade (for fraying and distressing)

- A Sharpie Marker

STEP 1: Try on the jeans and decide how short you want them to be. Take them off and then mark on the outside seam with the marker. This should be the shortest point of the shorts.

STEP 2: Cut jeans at an angle going downward towards the inner seam (the bottom edges of the shorts should make a V when you’re done). It’s important to do this because if you cut them straight across, they will not lay correctly and you’ll be disappointed.

STEP 3: Start fraying and distressing. This can take some time, so I just like to do a little bit here and there.

To fray: Pull and drag over the loose strings on the bottom edges of the shorts. This can be meticulous, so be patient. Take the razor edge and rough up the bottom edges of the shorts.

To distress: Drag the razor across the fabric and rough up the outside of the shorts. A loose razor blade can speed up the process because it allows for more cutting, but they scare me (haha) so I just use an old safety razor that I’m done using in the shower. Once again, this can take a while.

You won’t get them perfect right away. I’ll do a little fraying and distressing and then throw it in the washer (it helps the process along). I’ll do it over the course of a few days. I like to see them evolve over time.

AND VOILA!!! You have you’re own pair of cutoffs! (I felt adventurous and made three pairs this weekend. All three cost about $11.)

p.s. Can you spot a cute, little cat tail on the ground? haha. Coco wanted to help out with the project.

I hope this inspires you to get a little creative! I always have so much fun doing these projects, and I’m sure you will too.

Over the past couple months, I’ve been seeing hype all over magazines and the internet about BB Creams. What is a BB Cream you ask? It is short for Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm and started as a huge trend in Asia, and now it’s becoming popular in America. It’s basically a multitasker. It’s primer, moisturizer, concealer, and spf coverage all rolled into one fabulous tinted cream. Needless to say, I had to try this stuff out. As a person who hates spending hours on a makeup routine, anything that saves me time is awesome.

I searched Sephora for this miracle product, and alas, everything was over 30 bucks. Ummm…no. I was not about to spend that much money. So, I went to the drugstore and managed to find a cheaper equivalent made by Garnier for $12 (Half the price! I can dig it!). Now, this is the only BB Cream I’ve seen at the drugstore. I’m sure as it becomes more popular, lower-priced Beauty Brands will start making their own versions, but for now, this is it.

I tried it out at home and it was a magical experience (imagine angels singing above…or not). This stuff is simply AMAZING. I moisturizes my skin, evens tone (this was a huge selling point for me), brightens, smoothes, covers acne scars, covers little fine lines, and it gives some spf coverage as well. Basically, it shaves 10 or 15 minutes off of my makeup routine.

However, I did need to put a tiny bit of concealer on some blemishes. It doesn’t cover EVERYTHING, but then again what does? This stuff is perfect for casual outings and when you just don’t feel like putting on loads of makeup.It comes in two shades: Light/Medium and Medium/Deep. I got the Light/Medium. If you have VERY fair skin though, it might be a little too dark (just fair warning), and you might need to find another option.

From what I’ve seen though, it’s been very popular. I purchased the last bottle at my local Walgreens and they were all sold out at Target. You can also buy it at Drugstore.com: http://www.drugstore.com/garnier-skin-renew-miracle-skin-perfector-b-b-cream-lightmedium/qxp394885?catid=182946&fromsrch=garnier%20b.b.%20cream 

Now go and get some while you still can!

Image source: thenotice.net

Understanding classic style should be important to fashionistas everywhere. Some items never look dated and will always be relevant. I think that there are 5 essential, classic pieces that work as building blocks for a great wardrobe because of their supreme staying power. These pieces can be paired with almost anything and make any outfit look more polished. You’ll keep these around for many years to come.

Classic Style by arbollin featuring flap handbags

1) A well tailored white shirt. Make sure it fits properly (no gapping or pulling near the buttons) and make sure you feel comfortable in it. I love this one from J. Crew ($65). They are famous for classic, well tailored clothing.

2) A crisp blazer. This item is most important because of it’s ability to transform any look. You can go from casual to dressed-up in seconds. Again, J. Crew makes a great blazer ($188). This is one of my favorite things that I own.

3) Dark-wash skinny jeans. A dark wash is universally flattering and looks clean and polished. I love Express jeans ($80). They look great on every figure.

4) A versatile black bag. A purse is one of the pieces that you wear the most. Choose something structured and simple. Once again, J. Crew makes a beautiful, black leather shoulder bag ($238).

5) Black pumps. These will work with just about any outfit. They are essential to any work wardrobe and can dress up more casual outfits as well. I love this classic pair by Aldo. ($72)

I know some of these pieces are a little more expensive than what I usually post, but remember you’ll be wearing them quite often, and they’ll last a long time. Think of it as an investment in yourself! I’d much rather spend more money on a classic piece than a trendy one. These 5 essential pieces with never fail you though. You are sure to look fabulous!

Sure seeing flowers on clothes for Spring may seem kind of obvious, but words cannot express how much I love floral print. Whenever spring arrives, I always have the urge to break out every flowery piece in my wardrobe and I’m automatically attracted to every new floral design that comes out in stores for the new season. I did some digging online and I’ve created a floral print “wishlist” for spring/summer (brace yourselves, there’s a lot of flowers):

Constant Obsession: Floral Print by arbollin featuring floral shirts

Now I’m not saying that I’ll wear these all at once, but I do like each individual piece on their own. I found some great floral jeans (HUGE trend this season), a floral high/low skirt, a funky flowery bangle, and some rosette hair clips all at Forever 21 for under $55 TOTAL. I also love this cute little one piece swimsuit from American Eagle ($40), and I’m utterly OBSESSED with this floral print bustier from Topshop ($60). It’s floral madness and I love it! All of these clothes make me so excited for springtime, and I can’t wait to get outside and have some fun.

(If you love them just as much as I do, click the pics below the graphic and they’ll take you to their specific website to purchase them.)

I recently had a request to do another How to Wear It about denim button up shirts. These can be somewhat difficult to style. I personally do not like a denim on denim look. Some people can pull it off, but I can’t. So, because of this I like to follow these two rules: (1) Pair it with a different fabric and (2) pair it with a bright color.

Here is an example:

How to Wear It: Denim Button Up by arbollin featuring flat oxfords

I chose a pair of sunny yellow, twill pants and a lightweight midi skirt to go with this denim button up from Delia’s (only $40). Both the pants and skirt are from Forever 21, and you could score both items for less than 30 bucks (two outfits!). Each of these are a different fabric than the denim and have a fun, bright color. This adds contrast and balance to the outfit. Balance should be a general rule of thumb when putting together a look. If you are wearing a bright color, add something neutral. If you are wearing something voluminous, add something more form fitting or structured to go with it.

To complete each look, I think a pair of white oxfords would look great with the pants, and a pair of chunky heels would look fabulous with the skirt. When deciding what to wear, experiment with your closet and try out lots of different combinations with your clothes. Just remember to balance out the look, and keep it simple.

There are lots of blogs on Tumblr that I love to follow, but one in particular always inspires me. It’s called Pretty Colors and it’s dedicated to displaying… well… pretty colors! Each day several different colors are posted along with the HTML color code. You can use that code to find that color again and again on your computer and add it to whatever you like (blogs, websites…etc)! I personally like to use it to discover new colors to search for when I’m shopping for clothes. I saw this color the other day and I fell in love:

color code: #ff5858

This beautiful coral is a huge color for spring. While I was shopping for some new spring pieces, a found something that perfectly matches this hue:

These chunky platforms from Express show off that coral color and would be a perfect warm weather accessory. I could see these with a white sundress or with denim, cutoff shorts and a flowy, white tank top. Right now they are 30% off (about $69) online. They are a tad expensive, so I may wait a couple weeks to see if they get marked down more.

You can find them here:http://www.express.com/basket-weave-chunky-platform-sandal-43909-489/control/page/9/show/3/index.pro

Splurge vs. Save: Dry Shampoo Edition by arbollin featuring beauty products

I love Dry Shampoo. I seriously don’t know how I survived without it until now. Washing and styling my hair is usually a huge undertaking, and this product helps my hairstyle last two days instead of just one. It keeps those pesky, greasy strands at bay and freshens up my hair a lot better than just plain ol’ baby powder. Just spray it near the roots, brush it through, and you are good to go! I’ve tried out a few different brands and quite honestly, they all work the same to me.

I’ve used Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo (it usually costs around $21, but I managed to find a couple cans at TJ Maxx for $12) and Tresemme Dry Shampoo (around $5). Both lasted about the same amount of time on my hair and required the same amount of product to control the grime. Tresemme also has several different versions too (smoothing, strengthening…etc). If it were up to me, I’d rather spend $5 instead of $12 to get a product that works just as well. If you haven’t tried dry shampoo yet, please do! It will save you lots of time, and your hair will thank you for it!

This weekend, I managed to find the greatest deal I’ve ever encountered at TJ Maxx. While looking through the clearance section, I found a Vince wool parka, worth $650 (the original tag was still on it) for $80!!!

It’s an olive green color with a slightly oversize fit and detachable hood. It looks modern enough for my taste, but it’s classic enough so that I can wear it for a long time. Plus, it’s very well made. Spring may be coming very soon, but I can still wear it for another couple weeks and all next fall and winter! This is why I love TJ Maxx so very much. It pays to shop in the clearance section.

I tend to find inspiration in almost anything. Be it clothes, art, books, design, food…etc, etc. Tumblr has been an extremely handy tool for me over the past year or so because it combines images of all of these inspirational goodies and puts them conveniently in one location for me to look at over and over again. It’s a never-ending source of creativity. When I was younger, I used to cut up magazines and make collages of pictures that sparked my creative streak. These collages took over by bedroom walls. Yet now, I’m able to find inspiring images online at a much faster pace and they are always there for me to explore.

Recently, I found this beautiful print floating around and being shared throughout the Tumblr universe:

Seriously, how gorgeous is this?! From the minute I saw it, I knew I had to find something to wear that would replicate this beautiful floral pattern. It reminded me of flowing chiffon, so I searched for an airy top or dress with a pastel, floral print.

And… (drumroll, please) VOILA! I found a beautiful dress by Asos (us.asos.com) that matches the floral print almost EXACTLY.

Tumblr Inspiration: Asos Dress by arbollin featuring a chiffon dress

I’m loving it’s vintage, 70’s vibe, and I would probably pair it with chunky wedges and maybe even a big sun hat. It’s absolutely perfect for spring and summer. Best of all, it’s on sale for only $35! However, it seems to be selling quickly, so get your hands on it while you can. I love making discoveries like this. Get inspired and start searching!

A friend of mine recently bought a pair of teal jeans and was stumped about what to wear with them. She requested that I do a post about how I would style brightly colored denim. So, here’s what I would do:

How to Wear It: Teal Jeans by arbollin featuring a denim shirt

I found these teal jeans at Target the other day and I love them. I own them in a dark classic wash and they fit wonderfully. They are stretchy and slim you in all the right places. For about $23, these are an absolute steal. I’m usually skeptical about inexpensive jeans, but these are great.

I would pair these with:

- Either a classic white tee, a denim button up, or both! The material of the teal jeans looks more like a twill material rather than a denim, so I think it would definitely work with the button up without clashing too much. Also, you can’t go wrong with a white tee (as long as it’s fresh, clean, and crisp). The white tee is also from Target (only $8) and the button up is by Madewell (a little more expensive at $80). It’s a classic look and doesn’t distract from the jeans.

- A bright pair of heels. I also found these at, you guessed it, Target. For $30, these purple pumps would create a colorblocking effect for the outfit and add an unexpected twist. I think this a safe yet fun way to try the colorblocking trend.

- To dress it up a bit, I’d add a girlie necklace. This one from Forever 21 is only $13 and absolutely lovely. It makes the outfit look finished.

If you have an idea for a future “How to Wear It” post or need some advice about what to wear with an item of clothing, email me at poorlittletrendygirl@gmail.com or tweet me @PLTGirl and I’ll try to feature your idea!

photo courtesy of Sephora

One thing that I think a girl should never scrimp on is perfume. When it’s cheap, you can tell almost immediately. When it’s expensive, you just know.

Have you ever walked by a person and thought “WOW. They smell amazing! I want to smell like that!”? When I really want to know why a person smells good, I will awkwardly go up to them and ask what perfume they are currently using. People are usually very nice about it and seem to take it as a huge compliment. That’s why it’s important to buy a nice perfume. It can make a huge impression on those around you. It should be your signature, or something that sets you apart from everyone else. People should remember you for it IN A GOOD WAY.

Personally, I’m addicted to J’Adore by Dior. I’ve worn it since I was 15 years old (the same bottle has lasted me several years). I think it is the best thing I’ve ever smelled. It’s floral and pretty without being too overwhelming. It’s sexy and sophisticated yet not too stuffy. It’s perfect for me. I can wear it in the winter or summer, and it works in both a casual and formal setting.

Of course at $102 for 3.4 oz, it better be freaking amazing and in this instance, I definitely feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. When it comes to perfume, you pay for quality. More expensive perfume will last longer and is more concentrated so you don’t have to use as much.

If you’re struggling with the thought of spending a lot of money on a scent, think of it as an investment in yourself. Perfume is a very personal thing and should be an expression of who you are. Do you want people to think of you when they smell knockoff drugstore perfume? Didn’t think so. Go ahead and splurge this one time (I give you permission) and find a perfume that makes you feel fabulous and wonderful. It’s the ultimate accessory and can make or break a first impression.

If you want to give J’Adore a try, here’s a link to Sephora’s website. They have tons of designer perfumes. Some even come in smaller travel sizes so you can try them out without spending a lot:

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P6430

I will always love graphic tees. My obsession probably began at the age of 14 and has remained with me ever since. Now that I’m a graphic designer, I love seeing cool graphics and illustrations on t-shirts (I guess you could say that I’m inspired by them). To me, graphic tees are easy, fun, and comfortable. If I could wear them every day, I would, but that would be extremely boring and they aren’t always right for every occasion. I like to buy a few every season because a) they are cheap and b) I can mix them and match them with lots of trends. However, since I’m out of college now, it may be time to figure out ways to make them look more grown up. Let’s face it, I’m never going to get tired of them but I should try to make them work with my lifestyle right now.

Here are some of my favorites that I’ve found recently:

I Love Graphic Tees by arbollin featuring chaser t shirts

It would take me hours to explain why I love each and every one of them, but usually I look for:

1) a retro vibe (the Modcloth Tees and Chaser Tee are examples of the look I like)

2) something that interests me (I’m obsessed with this Notorious B.I.G. tee from Forever 21)

3) a cute graphic (loving the adorable, Forever 21 Chococat Tee)

In college, these would work just fine with a pair of jeans and nothing else, but now it’s time to try to add some grown-up flair. Here are some ways to make a t-shirt look more sophisticated:

-Wear a structured blazer/ jacket with the tee. Something in black would work best because it goes with just about everything.

-Put hair in a polished, ballerina bun. Brush hair up towards the crown of your head, twist it into a tight bun and secure with a ponytail elastic and bobby pins.

-Add some bold lipstick. I like CoverGirl Lip Perfection in Flame (a bright red color).

-Pair everything with dark-washed skinny jeans. No fading, embellishment, or whiskering is allowed. Think clean, simple, and classic.

-Throw on some classic pumps to complete the look. These shoes shouldn’t have a super high platform or heel. I think a slightly pointed toe with a 3 inch heel would look best.

When transitioning into a more professional lifestyle, it can be difficult to find ways to dress up some of your clothing. Yet, with a few classic touches and simple tricks, I think anyone can look much more sophisticated and put-together.

photo courtesy of celebrity-gossip.net

I’m loving what Kirsten Dunst wore at the Independent Spirit Awards this year. It is a great example of how to wear trends without going overboard. Her dress and blazer are crisp, neutral, and simple. They show off her trendy shoes and bag without distracting from them. Her chunky, floral platform wedges add an eclectic spin to the outfit while the bright yellow clutch adds a tiny pop of color. These trendy additions look cohesive with ensemble and add personality to it without seeming obnoxious. However, since her dress and blazer are both by Dolce and Gabbana, I most likely couldn’t afford this exact look.

So, because I love this outfit so much, I decided to create my own (much more affordable) version. Here it is:

Kirsten Dunst Copy Cat Style by arbollin featuring strapless dresses

I found a sexy black mini dress from motelrocks.com and paired that with a white blazer from American Eagle (ae.com), floral wedges from Forever 21 (forever21.com), and a yellow clutch from Asos (us.asos.com). The look is almost identical to Kirsten’s style but everything is at a much friendlier price point. Each of the pieces are also very versatile and can be worn in lots of different ways (in case you need a reason to justify spending money on the entire outfit). You could pair the blazer and wedges with jeans for a more casual look, and the dress could be worn by itself with black pumps and tights for a night out with friends.

Most of the time, expensive looks can be copied for much less. You just have to be willing to search a little. Get inspired from a celebrity you admire and go on a mission to copy that look. It’s one of my favorite things to do!

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I don’t always go thrifting, but when I do….(I’ll spare you the rest of my attempt at being funny).

In all seriousness though, thrifting (along with a little DIY inspiration) can add some unique and fun pieces to your wardrobe. I’m definitely not an expert thrifter, but I can share some ways that I’ve managed to make my thrifting excursions successful.

Number 1 - Keep an open mind.

I know that going to a place like Goodwill and Salvation Army can seem a little off-putting but in order to find something awesome, you’ll have to get past the idea that these items have already been used. Think positively about your experience and look for the potential of some items you find. Remember, this isn’t Bloomingdales. It’s Goodwill. Most will have no hope in salvaging, but some pieces are still in pretty good shape and can be tweaked to look awesome.

Number 2 - Keep an eye out.

DIG. DIG. DIG. Carefully scan all of the racks and aisles and take your time. Salvation Army and Goodwill are organized by color, which helps but there is still a lot to look through. Also, LOOK FOR GREY TAGS OR STICKERS. A friend of mine that used to work at Goodwill told me that items marked with one of these things means they are brand new. Goodwill gets these items from places like Target because it didn’t sell in the store. Goodwill usually marks those items down for half of the initial clearance price. So there is always the possibility that you could end up with something extra awesome.

Number 3 - DIY (Do It Yourself)!

If you find something you like, a little sewing and a little tweaking can go a long way. I’ve done most of my DIY projects without a sewing machine. I purchased a pair of high-waisted Guess denim shorts a few months ago for $5 and cut off the cuffed bottoms to make some cute, retro daisy duke shorts (more on this later). They ended up looking exactly like a pair that Urban Outfitters sells for $45 dollars. I even fooled some of the UO employees with how similar they looked (again, I’ll talk more about this in a later post). So, get creative with it and experiment! This stuff is very inexpensive, so it’s okay if you mess up.

I usually gravitate towards the same stuff in these stores. There are some types of items that tend to have more potential than others (i.e. easier to DIY, trends translate better, they last longer). Here’s what I like to find:

- Denim (i.e. jackets, shorts, jeans). This stuff is easy to work with and can make a fun DIY project. It’s great for beginners. Bleach it, dye it, cut it, and HAVE FUN!

- Quirky Tees. Again, easy to DIY and wear. Just make sure you don’t over do it with these. Pair one with a blazer or structured jacket to keep it fresh.

- Shoes. Be careful though. If they look dirty and dingy, JUST SAY NO. You can still find great ones though.

- Skirts. Skirts have managed to not change that much over the years and are always relevant. If it is a pencil shape in a neutral color, chances are, it’s in style.

- Handbags. Like skirts, handbags haven’t changed that much. However, stay away from slouchy shapes, gaudy embellishments, or loud prints. Aim for structured and simple.

- OLD BOOKS AND RECORDS. Okay, not fashion related I know, but you can find the coolest old books and records that can make great conversation pieces in your apartment or home.

I like to think of thrifting as a skill. You have to practice a lot to become really good at it. You have to know what to look for and how to look for it. So get inspired, be creative, and hopefully this advice will help you get started on your thrifting journey. GOOD LUCK!

photo courtesy of prlog.org

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I love the Oscars. It’s one of my favorite nights of the year, and I always look forward to all of the amazing fashion. So, without further ado, here are my picks for Best and Worst Dressed at this year’s Academy Awards.

Best Dressed: Michelle Williams.

photo courtesy fabsugar.com

She looks absolutely stunning! Everything about this dress is perfect. It’s feminine, bright, romantic, and has that retro vibe that we always expect from her. I love that she added a pink clutch  to the ensemble. It’s very unexpected and fashion forward. She also rocked the peplum trend as well. She got everything right. A+++ Michelle!!

Worst Dressed: Shaliene Woodley

photo courtesy of popsugar.com

This dress is completely wrong for her. It’s too matronly and would work for someone who is 30 or 40 years old not 22. I would have loved this look on someone like Nicole Kidman (who is older and more sophisticated). At her age, she could have had a lot more fun with her dress and gotten away with something much more creative and trendy. I like to see celebrities take a bit of a risk (not too much though). This is Hollywood’s biggest night of the year, be creative and look glamorous!

However, this year’s Oscars brought lots of looks that I really enjoyed (Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow looked AMAZING). So far, the 2012 award season has been somewhat disappointing but the Academy Awards seemed to turn it all around for me. Most of the celebrities looked very impressive. Job well done!

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Splurge vs. Save: Yellow Circle Dress by arbollin featuring a pleated dress

Yesterday, I spotted a beautiful yellow circle dress by Preen on net-a-porter.com. It’s bright color and girlie shape are perfect for spring. However, the $1,440 price tag was just a little out of my price range.

I scoured some more websites to find a budget friendly equivalent, and I think I’ve found an even better alternative. Urban Outfitters makes an adorable dress that has the same full skirt and sunny yellow color as the Preen dress but it is much cheaper. $39 sounds a lot better to me. The only difference is that it doesn’t cover the shoulders, but I think I’m perfectly okay with that. This version looks much more versatile.

If you love this dress as much as I do, you can get it here:

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=24245292&color=060&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=W_APP_DRESSES

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Forever 21 Spring Trends by arbollin

February and March can be tough months in Northern Indiana. I’m bored because of the dismal weather and I go shopping. During these shopping excursions, I attempt to start stocking up on spring items with hopes that it will somehow make the season come faster (wishful thinking). I usually buy every single March issue of every magazine. I do some research. Then, I begin my journey to find the perfect springtime wardrobe.

Luckily, Forever 21 has all of the spring trends I’m craving for pretty cheap prices. I did some searching through their massive inventory and found a few great pieces for a little over $100 TOTAL.

-A cute, coral peplum top (a peplum is a large frill on a top, jacket, or skirt). These are HUGE right now.

-A versatile “leatherette” skirt in a fresh, cream color. The lighter color makes it work for springtime, but it’s still edgy.

-Periwinkle jeans. Pastels are very popular this spring and this could be a fun, easy way to introduce color into your wardrobe without being too risky.

-A neon accented bag. The woven texture is perfect for spring or summer and it uses the trendy, neon color in a tasteful way. It’s not too loud or obnoxious.

-A pleated colorblock dress. This is so cute. It’s girly, classic, and modern all at the same time. This would be perfect for a spring or summer wedding.

Go to forever21.com to get your hands on these pieces and let’s all hope Spring gets here sooner rather than later. Happy Shopping!

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(Each piece in this photo is under $100!)

Can I just tell you how much I love it when high-end designer brands do collections for large chain stores like Target and H&M? It provides us “Poor Little Trendy Girls” access to runway trends at a price we can afford.

Here are a couple of my faves from the collection:

This sweater would definitely spice up my work wardrobe and $79.95 is a much more palatable price for Marni (as compared to $500-$600 for a regular Marni sweater).

These futuristic sunglasses are only $19.95. That’s a steal.

And last but not least, my favorite piece from the collection. This necklace is modern and edgy, but I feel like I could wear it with absolutely everything! It’s $39.95.

The collection hits stores March 8th! It isn’t sold online, so I might have to make the trip to H&M a couple hours away from me. Check out Refinery 29 for a complete look at the upcoming collaboration: http://www.refinery29.com/marni-h-and-m-collection

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(all photos courtesy of H&M)