Spring Style & Wishlist

I know I still owe everyone the rest of my 21st birthday recap, but the thought of writing it seems daunting to me (I'm not really sure why...it's not like THAT much happened), and since I haven't really wanted to do it, I've been m.i.a. for much too long.

Thus, we're going to forget about it momentarily, because I have spent the last few days online shopping the crap out of my fave sites and thought, if I'm going to do it, I might as well be productive and share my finds with all of you!

Thus, here's what I'm absolutely craving for my wardrobe come spring...(ps...coral alert!)

1. American Eagle Pleated V-Neck T

This adorable t, in coral (which seems to be my go-to color in this Spring-wardrobe shopping) is great because it's a nice alteration on a fairly simple basic piece, the v-neck, which is essential in my wardrobe. The empire waistline is an extremely flattering fit on me since I'm...well, well-endowed with my girls and my waist is narrower than my hips. I think this cut is perfect for anyone with an hourglass figure. I also love the rouching in the shoulders/under the chest. At $19.50 for a staple tee, however, I might wait for it to go on sale.

2. J. Crew Blakely Wrap Blouse

Anyone who reads this blog knows that I have a love/hate relationship with J. Crew...their clothes are adorable but their prices are downright atrocious. I've taken it upon myself to go about finding cheap doppelgangers for the cute pieces that I find, and posted about it here and here. But I really fell in love with this blouse. Metallic greyish-purples are super hot right now (especially on your toes!), and this season I'm all about wearing the types of colors that I would wear in my makeup (coral on my lips, and dusty purple on my eyes.) Additionally, the wrap-tie around the waist is another great and flattering fit for those of us with some curves. Sadly, I don't think I could justify making the $98.00 purchase, but it would be such a versatile piece-- I could easily wear it to my job at the art museum with a cream-colored cardigan, and take the cardigan off at night/take out my pearls and add some purple dangly earrings that I love to go out for drinks after work. Sigh. A girl can dream...

3. Gap Mini Floral Henley Tank

Tiny floral patterns and embellishments are such a sweet detail this spring, and the great thing is they can also be paired with stripes and other non-solid pieces for a really cute and modern look. This top is also a great, versatile piece...I'd wear it to work with trousers and a blazer for a feminine touch to an otherwise traditional work outfit, and then change into skinny jeans and heels, with perhaps a long dangly necklace, for a dinner out with L. Too bad it's a rather shocking $49.50 (for a TANK!) Gap is moving further and further out of the affordability scale, and I'm definitely disappointed in that, since they usually have great and cheap staple pieces to build up a great wardrobe, when paired with some carefully selected pricier pieces.

4. Aerie Ruffle Dress

I was surprised to find this dress in the Aerie line rather than the American Eagle line, since the Aerie dresses are usually ones I wouldn't necessarily feel comfortable going out in, due to skimpiness or basic lack of detail. But this dress is adorable--I wish I had it to wear out for Valentine's Day! For less than the cost of a, say, J. Crew weddings and parties (some of the dresses are pretty simple and perfect for a cocktail party or a special night out) dress, which usually run in the $200 range, you could get this adorable coral dress at $29.50 and buy some satin ribbon, perhaps in a shape or two darker than the coral color of the dress, and have it professionally sewn onto the hem and perhaps around the edges of those ruffles...how pretty would that be? It would kick the dress from casual daytime to something fancy enough perhaps to wear to my brother's wedding this summer...

5. AE Ditzy Skirt

I love the name of this skirt almost as much as the skirt itself! And the price, at $34.50, isn't bad either! Again, I'm super into teeny tiny florals, and this airy, floaty fabric looks so comfortable and sweetly sexy. Wouldn't it look so cute with a tucked-in white v-neck and some red strappy heels?

6. Piperlime Etienne Aigner Vivica Slingback Sandals

Speaking of strappy heels, how cute are these slingback sandals?? They have everything I love in a good shoe: peep-toe, small heel, sturdy leather construction, and a bow to boot! (Pun kind of intended.) Bows, right up there with florals, are another big trend this season, although I prefer them in demure and cute ways, such as this, rather than, say, an 8 inch neckline bow. Also? The shoes are only $69.00, and Piperlime offers free shipping and returns. Love, love, love.

7. AE Embellished Cleopatra T

Another of my favorite recent trends is the necklace t. I love accessorizing, and with a top like this, the work is done for you! I love that the sleeves are a little drapey, since loose-fitting tops are really flattering on everyone and also very trendy now. And the price, as usual for American Eagle (which is why I love them so much!) is a reasonable $24.50.

8. J. Crew Cashmere V-neck Cardigan

I am the cardigan queen. I feel every girl shown own a cardigan in every color that looks good on her, because they're so versatile, classy, and can transform other pieces in your wardrobe. I loveeeee this cardigan. I cannot express how much I love it. I'm obsessed with the button detail. And the heather camel color is my perfect color--since I have medium brown hair and eyes, heather brown, which is two or three shades lighter than my hair and eyes--makes them go pop. Yet horrifyingly enough, I don't own any cardigans in heather brown! I thought I had found the perfect one in the fall, but eventually shipped it back. This cardigan is oh-so-expensive, but at $168.00, oh-so-out of my price range. If there were a cotton option, I'd be all over it.

9. Forever 21 Belted Casual Knit Dress

Most of the dresses I own are cocktail dresses, and therefore I only get to wear them when I go out to a nice dinner or a party. I've decided I need more simple dresses that I can wear everyday and not look overdressed (most people don't wear dresses on college campuses, sadly.) I really like this simple cotton dress. I especially love the elastic waist with the attached braided leather belt (which is the same color as my favorite Dolce and Gabana bag! Knockoff or real? I'll never tell.) It'd be great to just slip on and run out the door, with a cute pair of tan leather sandals and a braid!

10. Forever 21 Bead Revival Necklace

C. got me an adorable beaded chain necklace for my birthday, and I love it. It's gold with bright turquoise, yellow, red, and blue tiny beads, and it can really make an outfit that seems like it has something missing. I love layering up chain necklaces with v-neck sweaters. This one has two of my favorite colors, peach and coral (and pearls!).

I'm planning to follow this post up with some spring trends that I will NOT be adding to my wardrobe (cage heels or jumpers, anyone?) What trends are you dying to wear as soon as it's warm?