Tidbits and Musings of Spring 2009 Fashion

Spring is one of the best times to go shopping. Everything is new and alive with vibrant colors and patterns, lighting up store windows and drawing buyers in. But because there are so many choices, it's hard to distinguish between trendy and ridiculous. In this post I will guide you along the winding road of spring fashion and smart spending.

AFFORDABLE ESSENTIAL OF THE SEASON
Canvas Boardwalk City Tote~Purchase at: jcrew.com or J.Crew stores $48.00

The most essential piece to your 2009 spring wardrobe will undoubtedly be a practical wear-with-anything canvas tote bag. This gorgeous tote from J. Crew (one of my personal favorite stores) is big enough to hold all your everyday items and effortlessly chic with an air of haute couture from the leather accents. Plus: This bag comes in 4 different colors: black, natural (shown), weathered stone, and papaya!

INVESTMENT PIECE OF THE SEASON

MICHAEL Michael Kors Notched Collar Trench~Purchase at: nordstrom.com or Nordstrom stores $128.00 (Left) Calvin Klein Faux Silk Trench~Purchase at: nordstrom.com or Nordstrom stores $148.00 (Right)

An investment piece is an article of clothing that is relatively timeless and can be reworn through at least two seasons (in this case, spring and fall). A classic, polished trench coat is the perfect investment piece for your spring wardrobe this year. Wonderfully chic without being over the top. Plus: The Calvin Klein trench is water repellent, and both come in various different colors to choose from (i.e. lime green, aqua, black, red, and tans)

ACCESSORY TREND OF THE SEASON

Chunky statement-making necklaces are the must-have accessory of the season. With so many color options and designs out there, how can you not snap up one or two? These fabulous little gems are the perfect trend to add to your wardrobe.

From Left: J.Crew jeweled palm-leaf necklace $175.00, jcrew.com; Banana Republic adjustable beaded necklace $59.00, bananarepublic.com; Kate Spade petits fours flower necklace $95.00, nordstrom.com; Kate Spade color cafe stripe resin necklace $95.00, nordstrom.com

WEARABLE, AFFORDABLE TREND OF THE SEASON

Maxi dresses are the most wearable and all around beautiful trend of this season. You can wear them straight through the spring and summer months with cardigans or just by themselves. They also come in a wide variety of patterns and have cute detailing like crocheting.

From Left: C&C California Women's Crochet Tie Dye Maxi Dress $158.00, bloomingdales.com; Victorias's Secret Smocked Maxi Dress $68.00, victoriassecret.com; Rachel Pally Print Maxi Dress $87.90, nordstrom.com.