In the Clutch of Spring - Picks Under $50

I find myself wanting a new spring clutch but since we are saving for our wedding, my monthly budget for fashion purchases is $50 or less. My criteria for this new clutch aren't difficult. It has to be big enough for day, be a fun color or a neutral and most importantly it can't cost more than $50. I found some great options.

1) ASOS Hand Slot Through Clutch - $36.36

2) Target Xhilaration Yellow/Green Neon Patent Clutch - $19.99

3) Baghaus Urban Expressions Large Envelope Clutch in Light Gold - $35

4) Forever 21 Embellished Tribal Clutch - $27.80

I love all of these for different reasons.  They are definitely on trend.  I love the hand slot on the ASOS clutch and its turquoise shade is perfect for spring.  The Target clutch has extra room thanks to the fun double design. Neon is everywhere right now.  The Baghaus clutch could carry me from day to night and thanks to the metallic finish it would go with everything I own.  Tribal designs were all over the runway. This embellished clutch from Forever 21 does the trend without making you look like you are on safari. 

I love them all. Now I have to pick just one... 

Your Love is Better Than Ice Cream

As I got dressed today I realized that I have pastel accessories and a top or two but zero pants or jackets in pastel colors. I have one pastel blue sweater but it's a cashmere pullover that was too hot for today's weather. The Everybody Everwear challenge this month was pastels. Because of my lack of major apparel that met this criteria, I was forced to start with a basic pallet of black. I thought the all black backdrop would show off my pastels nicely. In this first photo, I was caught in the act of laughing. My Honey thinks it's funny to get me to crack up during picture taking.

Cardigan - Macy's (no longer available), Shirt - Target, Skirt - Talbots Outlet, Shoes - Target (no longer available online), Scarf - The Shoppe on Main, Earrings - Karin Jacobson Design c/o Already Pretty, Shades - Goodwill and DIY (details here), Watch - Timex gift, Bracelets - gifts, Ring - gift

It's hard to tell in these pictures but my skirt is polka dot eyelet.  It's a fun design and not the typical eyelet pattern.  I loved playing with the dot pattern and wearing it with my bubble earrings and my circle laser cut scarf.

 

Pastels always remind me of ice cream and sherbet.  Sarah McLachlan contributed the title of today's post.  Her song, Ice Cream is one I love and has special meaning for me.  Wearing the pastels trend my way for this month's EBEW challenge was fun. I've discovered that I definitely need a tan skirt in my wardrobe, along with a pastel jacket or sweater. Will you be wearing pastels this spring?

This Mani is Just Peachy!

The other day I went to CVS to get a few things. The first thing I do when I walk into CVS is to scan my Care Card at the kiosk. I do this because many times I get a discount I can use on my purchase that day. Sometimes I get ECBs and other times I get a discount coupon on certain products.  When I scanned my card that day, I got a coupon for a free bottle of Essie nail polish! With my coupon I purchased a bottle from their spring collection, a pastel peach called, A Crewed Interest. It's such a pretty color and since I usually go for dark colors, metallics. or brights, I thought I'd grab something different.

Martha Stewart glitter in Coral, essie polish in A Crewed Intereset and my arsenal of fashion magazines to read while my mani is drying

I've been dying to use some of my Martha Stewart glitter in a mani. The color choices are amazing. I chose the coral shade as a darker compliment to the peach polish. 

Trends - Spring Pastels

The warm weather we are having in DC this week is making me yearn for lots of fun new spring ensembles. Nothing says spring to me more than the pastel trend that is everywhere right now. Maybe it's the memory of getting a new dress for Easter or the fun candies that always filled our house this time of year. This weekend I'll have to go through my spring and summer clothes to pull out a few on my fun pastel items.  Pastels are an easy trend to wear no matter your coloring or body type.  The colors are popping up in clothes and accessories.  You can incorporate a little or a lot of spring pastel color into your outfits.  Try mixing and matching colors or pair one items with a pastel print.  Don't want to go all out? Try a neutral all over and add accessories. Here are a few items I'm loving right now.

I'm going to sport a few of these items with the new mint shades that I created!

How are you going to wear the pastel trend?