Consider revamping your old New Year’s eve dress with the floating Gem Bib from DoloresPetunia:

Bib necklaces can seem intimidating at first, but they are an easy way to update your wardrobe, as they are both fashion-forward and comfortable.

“To anyone who mentions “style feeder” for the month of november when placing an order I will take 10% off of the total.”

But don’t let such razzle-dazzle blind you into thinking you must spend millions ($5,000,000 to be exact) to sparkle in the spotlight. Listed below are a few stunning and way more affordable black diamond jewelry alternatives that are sure to enhance your look.

Start off your black diamond collection (because it will turn into one before you know it) with a pair of classic princess-cut black diamond studs. They are understated yet refined, so you can wear them from business hour to happy hour, to late-night delight.

On those hot nights out on the town, complement your little black dress with an eye-catching black diamond fashion ring: a unique design that will reflect even the dimmest evening lights from every angle.

If you are into heart designs, treat yourself to a truly exquisite black and white diamond heart pendant. This piece is one you will treasure forever, so it’s well worth the indulgence.

And if you are willing to splurge on something spectacular – and I mean SPECTACULAR – indulge in a show-stopping 1-carat black and white diamond ring. This stunner will have you reveling in your own fabulousness (and make lots and lots of women develop ring envy).

So be bold when it comes to your jewelry wardrobe: step out of the box and dare to wear black diamonds. They’re hot. They’re in. They’re a girl’s new best friend.

Summer fashions are seeing flamboyant shades of orange, peach, coral, red and pink. So set your flashy wardrobe ablaze with bright gemstones that complement the palette. Light up your next night out with an orange sapphire, rhodolite and diamond ring:

And a pair of orange garnet and diamond earrings:

Or if you want to infuse your summer style with a bohemian appeal, wrap your wrist in a trendy red coral bangle bracelet by jewelry designer Andrea Barna:

Make a bold fashion statement with vibrant jewelry designs, all the while capturing the essence of what summertime should really be like: sun-kissed and sensational!

Jennifer Aniston looks a-a-a-mazing here. Cool and comfortable; chic and elegant. I never thought khakis could look so streamlined!

Steal her look for less:

Shoes: Bettye Muller “Katy” Grey Espadrille Wedge at Shirise

Belt: Women’s AE Square Basic Leather Belt – American Eagle Outfitters

Tank: Banana Republic Petite pima cotton tank: sleeveless tops OR Ann Taylor Modal/Cotton Ribbed Tank with Satin Trim

Khakis:  dELiAs Whitney Low-Rise Chino OR Vena Cava boyfriend khakis

One way to get started with gardening is to get the Culinary Herb Garden Kit, which includes seeds and growing instructions for eight useful herbs, and plant them in these practical Self-watering Flower Pots by Eva Solo. Both of these are great gifts too.

Tend to your plants like a pro wearing these Tattoo City Waterproof Gardening Boots and using a colorful Calle Gardening Tool Set.

When your plants need water you can turn to this funky Alessi Watering Can, or the sleek Blomus Watering Can in stainless steel.

Be the envy of your neighbors by acquiring a modern version of the classic gardening gnome, like these Urban Gnomes and the rebellious Flamingo-Away.

Yesterday I visited my local H&M and tried on one of the Matthew Williamson dresses. I loved it, but thought it was slightly pricey for H&M–$80! What do you think of the dress?

So what do we think? Like them any better on real people?

On a separate but related note, I was cruising around at Brown’s Fashion and stumbled upon designer Pam Hogg’s latest collection. You can purchase her superhero-esque collection as separates (leggings and T’s), but I’m digging this jumpsuit more:

Having grown up believing Wonder Woman was a feminist icon, I can appreciate Hogg’s inspiration. But in this economy, is anyone going to shell out more than 500 pounds to look like a glam Power Ranger?

For a style blog I started with my sister, I posted a picture in these teal DKNY tights:

(Above) That’s how they looked on me.

(Above) That’s how they look on the DKNY model.

A good source for colorful tights once you’ve worked up the nerve is We Love Colors. They have a bright blue pair I’ve been checking out.

Are you ready to try colorful tights yet? Have you come up with some great outfit/tights combinations? I’d love to see them!

The adistar Fusion Apparel Sports Bra

This bra by Polar and Adidas gives you a sleek design with textile heart rate sensors built into the bra, moisture wicking fabric, and an engineered pattern that maximizes your freedom to move. The chest transmitter has a user-changeable battery.

The Rock Rose T-shirt by Music and Sons

Cute funky green t-shirt by Music and Sons include stereo earphones as part of the apparel. Features a washable, side pocket for your iPod, button hole to hook it to your jeans, and a iron safe screen print. On sale for 31.50 euros, each design is handmade so even though they may look alike, everyone is different in its own way.

Audex Jackets by Motorola

Ready for winter sports? Audex Jackets by Motorola and Burton have Bluetooth stereo wireless technology for streaming music from a Bluetooth enabled devices. The controls are on the jackets sleeve and allow hands free calling with a push of the button. Best part, no wires!

No-Contact Jacket

Attackers beware! The No-Contact Jacket is a wearable defensive jacket made to protect women from violence. Activate this baby and 80,000 volts of electricity burst from the entire jacket and jolts the assailant…. awesome.

Levi’s Red Wire DLX Jeans

Levi’s hit gold with these jeans. Levi’s Red Wire DLX Jeans come in two styles. These jeans are hot, with retractable headphones and a customizable fit. They have a hidden conductive ribbon that connects your iPod to a built in joystick controller. The joystick is the key and acts as a sleek remote control that you can use to control your iPod without removing it from your jeans.

CAMiLEON Heels

A girl’s best friend and my favorite smart clothes product are CAMiLEON Heels which are adjustable-height footwear that go from high heel to flats in an instant. So perfect for office to night out.

All of these are pretty cool inventions, but if I had a say I would probably create glasses and sunglasses that could change colors with a click of a button to match all my outfits. What fashionable clothing or accessory would you invent to make your life easier?

The fruitstripe plus limited edition bracelet by – reware by emiko which retails for $240 is made from repurposed LEGOs, with patented sterling silver tubing and synthetic rubber corundum set in 14k gold.

Dee and Ricky pixel heart pin for $20 dollars. This pin is soooo cute that it’s sold out for now.

Dee and Ricky, who happen to be twins, design jewelry and recently had their pieces featured on the Marc Jacob runway (below).

Jacqeline Sanchez’s Forever One Collection is an elegant version of LEGO jewelry. I love her pieces! Here are four of my favorites:

1. Cufflinks in sterling silver and colored plastic for $150 dollars 2. This cute Forever Young Cuff Bracelet is photo etched sterling silver with plastic and sterling silver rivets for $350 3.This Forever Young Ring No. 02 is photo-etched sterling silver with plastic, 14kt yellow gold and a sing diamond for $250.00 4. Forever Young Bracelet is a 7″ sterling silver bracelet with plastic for $350.00

Etsy also has a great collection of LEGO jewelry. I especially like these translucent LEGO earrings for just $5.99. Each one captures light and are hanging from hypoallergenic French hooks.

What are your thoughts on the nerd chic trend?

• This mock-croc purse from F21 echoes the feel of Mrs. Longoria-Parker’s, but at a drastically cheaper price point.
• For petite women, it’s heels, heels, heels, all the time. Try some sky high platforms like these.
• Watch out for over-enthusiastic air conditioning in the summer and keep some of your body heat with a cashmere scarf.
• This melon-colored dress is light, airy and good to wear on this long, humid summer days.

• Copy Heidi’s platforms-with-jeans look with these navy sky-high platforms. I love the jeweled accent on the peeptoe.
• White camisoles are indispensable for layered looks. Wear this one like Heidi, underneath a vest.
• Forever 21 has this great sweater vest that echoes Heidi’s look pretty well. I like the white stripe at the bottom.
• Finding the perfect pair of high-waisted jeans requires a bit of trial and error, so I found three different options from Urban Outfitters. This pair has a lighter wash and a cuffed bottom.
• I like the wash of this denim. The two-button detail at the top makes for a more flattering fit too.
• This is the most expensive of the denim for this look, but the lighter wash and wider hem bear the most resemblance to the jeans Heidi wore.

• Start out with a great pair of wedges, like these by Madden Girl. They’re only $59 and come in brown and black. Stick with brown for this outfit.
• If you don’t already have a pair of distressed jeans circa about 2005 when Ashley Olsen made them popular, pick up this pair from Alloy. They come in petite and tall inseams, and have plus-size sizing.
• This Forever 21 blouse is soft and pretty, but with a bold, flirty color.

• I love this Roxy maxi dress. Because I’m so tall, I’m afraid that wearing a maxi dress will even further elongate my body. I’m willing to risk the potential giantess-ness for this lovely dress, though.
• Nicole Richie paired her maxi dress with platforms. Try these red ones from Target.
• If you’d rather forgo the platform look (or if you are a giantess), these earthy sandals from Forever 21 should do.

See you next time!

Alas, I am not wealthy enough to afford to buy their wardrobe suggestions. $300 for a dress? Not gonna happen! I’d like to have a settled career, thanks, before I start spending large chunks of rent and food money on clothing. As fun as that is, a girl’s gotta eat!

My thought was to re-create the same idea: a week of fashion, made from a few simple items, but all affordable. Mind-blowing, right?

Day One – Bohemian Chic

Pair these great (and cheap) sandals from Forever 21 with a Lux skirt by Urban Outfitters and a top from Delias.

Why should you wear this? It’s got a great, “oh-this-old-thing” casual look, but still looks like you took time in choosing your appearance.

To mix it up – Add a bright colored scarf, a couple gold bangles or hoops or a light, loose jacket.

Day Two – Dressing Down

Go for a more muted look with Forever 21 sandals, Delias dark-wash denim, a gathered-sleeve cardigan (also Forever 21) and a vintage-print blouse from Urban Outfitters.

Why should you wear this? It’s that elusive blend of high-and-low. Touches, like the gathered sleeves on the cardigan, and the open-back on the blouse, add a wow-factor to what could be a pretty basic outfit otherwise. Wear the cardigan open to show off the print on the blouse.

To mix it up – Add a really standout handbag: bright/jewel colors are fun. Also, a ethnic-inspired necklace could add a bit of texture.

Day Three – Going Out, Looking Good

Mix colors and textures for an outfit that’s got great classic shapes, but unusual punches here and there. These Payless wedges look comfortable and a bit sexy, while this trench from Nordstrom is–and you won’t believe it–less than $60. I like this Urban Outfitters dress for the more fitted look–I’m slowly developing a distaste for trapeze! Show off those curves, woman!

Why should you wear this? You could wear this to the movies, dinner or just on a jaunt to the local bookstore. It’s dressy and casual together–which is a combo that you should always be looking for when warmer weather rolls around.

To mix it up – Add a deep blue scarf, if it’s still cold. If not, try a funky knit beret cap. For jewelry, almost anything goes. I’d be partial to wearing some faux-pearl drops, but hey! That’s just me.

Day Four – Sens(ual) and Sensibility

Start off with our favorite Forever 21 sandals. Add this purple v-neck dress from Target. Here comes the tricky part: put this Forever 21 blouse over, yes, OVER the purple dress. Cinch the tie tightly. Layer with the gathered sleeve cardigan if you get chilly.

Why should you wear this? The sensual purple and flowy fabric of the Forever 21 blouse go beautifully together, and the sandals are neutral enough that they don’t attract from the colorful prettiness up above. The cardigan is the ideal backdrop, should the evening temperatures drop unexpectedly.

To mix it up – Add a brown belt over the Forever 21 blouse for even greater cinching power. Try a thin, gold chain around your neck for jewelry.

Day Five – TGIF

Pull out your Payless wedges, Delias jeans and add something new: this Forever 21 pinstriped jacket. Instead of wearing a traditional shirt/blouse, why not wear a cardigan as your shirt? Look at all these new ideas you’re getting for old stand-bys!

Why should you wear this? The deep v-neck on the cardigan is a good going-out look, but is countered by the ladylike aspects of the pinstriped jacket. Jeans and wedges are a surefire bottom-half look. What girl doesn’t like to sit around with friends at the local hangout in comfy wedges and denim? Much better than trousers, right?

To mix it up – Put a skinny belt in a punchy color over the cardigan at your waistline. Try navy or purple…or yellow! Or, tie a vintage-print silk scarf around your neck, in sort of a French-girl way.

Day Six – Dinner and a Movie

Oh, those trusty Payless wedges! You’ve both come so far! Pair them with your Lux skirt, Forever 21 pinstriped jacket and the vintage-print Urban Outfitters blouse.

Why should you wear this? It’s got all sorts of fun things going on. You can show off your tanned (or pasty, in my case) legs, or just flaunt a tiny sliver of skin on your back, via the Urban Outfitters blouse.

To mix it up – Wear funky jewelry with this one: think bright and bold. Maybe Indian-inspired red chandelier earrings, or a big faux coral-bead bracelet.

Day Seven – Errands Away

This outfit requires: those Forever 21 sandals, Delias jeans, Nordstrom trenchcoat, and one of my favorite items, the Delias blouse.

Why should you wear this? Most people wear their most casual clothing (i.e. sweats) to run Sunday errands. I say, pull out your chicest looks, grab some coffee, relax with a book, and then go get your groceries.

To mix it up – I’d replace the belt on the Nordstrom trench with a long, bright-colored ribbon tie, or with a flexible brown belt. A faux-pearl necklace that rested right at the bottom of your neck on your collarbone would also accentuate the pretty boatneck neckline on the blouse.

Have a great week! Any questions about the clothes in this post or ideas for another “week of style?” Just message me on Stylefeeder!

I had no idea what to wear.

Washington, D.C. is about 90 degrees in the shade come June, and it only intensifies from there, ending in a blaze of glory about the end of August/beginning of September. How ironic that this is also the time when interns descend on D.C., slaving away for the good of their resumes.

I didn’t want to show up sweaty and gross for the interview, and neither did I want to seem underdressed. What a problem!

But it’s not a problem for you. Experience has taught me the “do’s” and “don’ts” of dressing for internships…and interviews…and I’m happy to share my knowledge.

The Stuffy Interview

Working as a government intern? Or at some generic federal outpost? Or a law firm?

Etiquette dictates a more modest, professional attire for jobs or internships in areas such as those. Note, however, that modest and professional does not have to equal boring.

See the clothing above? It’s all from Victoria’s Secret. How illicit of you, young lawyer or government worker, to dress in Victoria’s Secret for a strictly dress-coded career!

But, you can get away with wearing a Victoria’s Secret label when the clothes look as classy as this. The french-cuffed shirt is a perfect staple piece for a more modest work wardrobe. Play up the shirt with interesting cuffs…just don’t leave the top button undone too far. It is supposed to be modest, after all! The pencil skirt above has a great little bow on the back, so although you may look staid from the front, you’ll show off your playful side from the back. The best deal is on the far right, with the skirt suit. Victoria’s Secret has a whole host of suits you can buy for less than $99, so take advantage of that offer. To add a bit of spunk to your suits, wear a brightly colored oxford or a blouse with an unusual ruffle detail.

The Semi-Creative Interview

Some lobbying firms, communication/PR firms and other areas of business have a more lax dress code policy with the vague tag of “business casual.” Many college students make the mistake of thinking business casual means their nicest, unripped pair of jeans and their hooker boots underneath them. That is not business casual.

This is business casual:

Emulate the look of a matching skirt-blazer suit with a pencil skirt and blouse in complimentary styles or colors. I like the look of this summery-chic white skirt from Forever21 (it also comes in black) with the more formal black buttondown.

Although it may be 100 degrees outside, chances are, your office will be pretty chilly. I caught dozens of colds last summer going in and out of a 50-degree building into the sweltering heat, and vice versa. It’s best to dress in linen pants, which are light enough to withstand the heat, but still pants so your legs will be warm in the office. The Gap has some great dress pants in petite and long inseams. This Sashimi jacket from Nordstrom has a business-y look, but still keeps a casual vibe with the taupe color. Wear a simple safari-esque buttondown under your jacket, like this one.

The Uber-Creative Workplace

Fashion internships or a workplace that requires a severe creative bent (think a design firm or video production company) is probably the hardest to dress for. If you show up for your interview in a pantsuit and feel severely overdressed, you know you are in the uber-creative workplace.

You can get away with wearing more daring choices as far as dresses are concerned if you keep the color palette neutral or monochromatic. I’d wear black shoes with both of these dresses. The first, from Forever21, could be dressed up more with a long-sleeved blouse underneath, a jacket on top or a vest with a belt around the waist. The second dress from Twelve by Twelve is more “fashion-y,” and would certainly look good with a cardigan or tights, if you should choose to go a more modest route.

I have to admit: this is my favorite of all the interview choices thus far. I wore outfits very similar to this last summer during my internship. The blouse has short sleeves, which is great for warmer temperatures. The great thing about the blouse, though, is how versatile it is. It would look good under a sweater, blazer, jacket, or even layered over another shirt. This skirt from ASOS is perfectly acceptable business attire, but with a stylish flair that you don’t often see in plain-old pencil skirts. If you tuck the blouse in, you’ll get a look similar to the one in the photo. If you leave it untucked and tie the sash in the back on the skirt, you’ll end up with a completely different–and equally cool–look.

The Only Shoes You’ll Need

You should only need a select pair of shoes to get you through your summer internship. Start with a pair of classic black peeptoes with a fashion-y twist, like these from Victoria’s Secret. Note that I said black, not pink! Also, a pair of black pointy-toe stilettos are a must, as they’ll go with everything from dresses to skirts to trousers. Brown heels are also necessary, as you won’t be able to wear black with everything. On days when you don’t feel like wearing heels, try a pair of classy, Audrey-esque flats. For casual Fridays, or on days where you just want to shake things up, try these navy pumps (I also featured them in this post).

Last, but not least, please do not commute in Crocs or flip-flops. There are plenty of lovely sandals out there that are begging for commuting rights, but I tend to favor these lovely Naturalizer espadrilles. They are comfortable, flat-soled, but have a hint of a platform for a more pulled-together look as you ride the subway in the morning.

Don’t forget a bag!

Easily overlooked, but quite important, is your handbag. When you walk into an interview, your accessories say a lot about you. Try a briefcase, or some version thereof, for a more formal position, but for everything else, a classy tote should be sufficient. Make sure it fits your portfolio or anything else you need to take with you. This one from Urban Outfitters is inexpensive, but fits the bill perfectly.

Good luck!

First let me make one thing clear: I am not talking about a regular personalized photo-mug or mouse pad that you can order from any online photo printing service. Think bigger and bolder! I am talking about making your photos the focal point of a room, proudly displaying your best snaps and giving them the attention they really deserve!

Your Photo Blinds

Don’t have a room with a view? Do something about it! Get your favorite photo printed on window treatments like blinds or shades. Balcony Vacations is one of the companies who offer this service, and some of them do customized sizes as well. With the daylight spilling through your blinds and illuminating your photo of a French meadow you can bring a little piece of nature into the city and pretend it’s summer all year long…

Your photo Table

Desktop Design is an Austrian firm that produces tables with photo and graphic surfaces. They provide a collection of high quality photos to chose from, but are also open for you sending them your photo or pattern to include in a table top. Their tables come in different sizes and you can choose between aluminum and wood materials. FYI: their website is only in German…

Your photo Tiles

Tired of those pale pink tiles in your bathroom, or the decorative village motif tiles in the kitchen? Why not replace them with one, or several, of your own wonderful photos? Fotokakel is a Swedish company who transfer high resolution photos onto glass tiles. They offer a library of photos to chose from, but are also open for you supplying your own photos. You can have your photos converted into one tile, or blown up on a set of many tiles. So now you can have your own photo of reef fish, shot while diving in Fiji, covering your shower walls. FYI: their website is only in Swedish…

Your photo Wallpaper

Wallpapers have been in for a while. Why not truly own your walls by marking them with your own photos? There are several companies that offer to turn your photos into wallpapers. Of the ones I have looked at ID-Wall is the only one publishing their prices, while the others say they will send you a quote based on your online inquiry. I personally have mixed feelings about photo wallpapers, but like anything else it can be pulled off with good taste and an eye for composition. It will certainly add character to your home!

Your photo Lighting

According to the Swiss company Anathome these ultra-flat LED panels, covered with prints, veneer, wallpapers or fabrics, will be in production soon. I expect they will let you customize the panels with you own photos. Anathome’s concept is modular panels (Yay, I love modular systems. Its like LEGO for adults!), and besides the announced LED panels they do regular wall panels and other surfaces customized with photos or other types of finish.

Prefer graphic designs over photos? I bet all these products can be personalized with your own high resolution design as well as photos. Go crazy with creativity

My style can safely be called eclectic. The kinds of things that catch my attention are interesting and pleasing to the eye, make me smile, and have that unexpected extra dimension that gives them character. This includes modern furniture, ethnic antiques, artsy wall decor, silly gadgets, stylish recycling, and ingenious designs. I blame traveling and having lived in a handful of different countries, picking up aspects of various cultures and making them part of who I am.

Almost everything you’ll find in my Stylefeed are things I would love to own if I only had enough money to buy them and enough space to put them in. But who needs 27 beds, 54 lamps, and 32 couches! In future posts, I will share some of my favorites with you, and I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do!

Scans from People Style Watch’s latest issue.

Spring is coming, and with it comes a whole new set of fashion “rules.” As the weather heats up, clothes get lighter, shorter and more comfortable, but you also must start shaving your legs daily, getting manicures and pedicures, applying the self-tanner…you know the drill. Summer can be a pain. Just keeping yourself looking good is hard enough, but to worry about clothing and accessories on top of that is far too much thinking, in my opinion.

I’ve compiled some items for you that are guaranteed to make you look great this spring/summer season, and most of them will even be wearable once the weather turns cold again in about eight months or so, depending on where you live.

Thanks to People Style Watch for inspiring this post! I highly recommend People Style Watch (take some of their suggestions…bulldogs are IN, milkshakes are OUT…with a grain of salt) if you want to get some great shopping ideas.

Shoes

Every good spring/summer outfit should start from the ground up. Why? Because spring and summer temperatures allow you to wear every kind of shoe you own. Sandals, flip flops, pumps, peeptoe heels, flats, boots…every shoe (except for Uggs) is fair game once warm weather hits.

The BCBG fuchsia heels on the far left have a vintage quality to them that I love. It would pull together an outfit really well, and still have a spring-y, romantic look to it. The next pair is my favorite of the set: the Michael Antonio color-blocked pumps. The chunky heel is great, because it’s fair easier and more comfortable to walk in. The price is amazing on these, only $20. The pink Bamboo flats with the ankle strap have an adorable mini wedge heel, so if you’re the type that can’t go out in flats, these might be a good go-between. Dove gray is my new favorite neutral. It goes with everything and can look either tough or soft and romantic depending on how you wear it. The hidden platform in these would add a little extra height in a more subtle way. The pink mary janes are by Charles David, and they are also on sale. I like the vintage cut and the subtle brown and white piping on the side. The yellow Payless heels look a little “Easter,” but with the right dress or pair of jeans, they could add an unexpected element to a plain outfit.

Shirts/Blouses

Spring tops should have an easy, comfortable look, and I like romantic colors: white, ivory, gray, navy, pink, etc. Stay away from light, light pastels: color saturation is more trendy this season. Anything with ruffles, eyelet or the like is a safe bet and can be worn in multiple ways for work, play, dates, etc.

The Kensie Girl tunic from Nordstrom has my favorite color combo right now: blue and black. Once taboo to wear these together, it’s now commonplace and stylish. This tunic is long enough to be worn as a dress, but short enough that it wouldn’t look strange worn with skinny jeans or leggings. The 40’s-style bow blouse from Nordstrom looks soft and romantic, and proves that shirts don’t have to be Easter-colored to look that way. One of my favorite blouses in the bunch is the Macy’s voile tunic. It’s a great length (girls love anything that covers their hips, right?) and a good, comfy fit without hiding your figure. I’d buy this a size smaller than I usually wear for a fit that doesn’t beg a “is she or isn’t she?” pregnant question. The mint-green tunic from Alloy looks so retro, but has a great, bright color. With skinny jeans and black flats, this is the ideal going-out shirt. The embroidered blouse from Urban Outfitters looks like something you bought handmade in Mexico. Forever21 makes great ruffled blouses, like this Victorian-style one. In order to keep the look modern, I’d wear it with fitted skinny jeans and platform heels. Another great blouse from Forever21 is this one, with a navy satin sash. It looks cheery and bright, and could be worn with a pencil skirt to work or with jeans out to dinner.

Sweaters

No matter how warm the days are, you’ll need to take a layer with you in the spring and summer for cold restaurants, over-AC’d cars, chilly stores and breezy nights.

Alloy makes some great sweaters. The romantic bell sleeves on this one echo the other romantic looks for spring, and the Renaissance-styling on this one would look great over a plain t-shirt and with jeans. For a less subtle look, try American Apparel’s long cardigans with a belt.

Dresses

Dresses for spring should be made of light fabric, loose but not too loose and have a soft, feminine look. Try these:

This dress from Delias combines a lot of different trends, but to a great effect. The light color, ruffles, bubble hem and detailed back make for the perfect spring party dress. This strapless, nude-colored lace dress looks romantic, but also a little sexy, thanks to the cut and (lack of) color. For a more casual spring look, this Roxy eyelet dress does the trick, and is easily my favorite dress featured here. Target always has some great dress offerings, like this linen Mossimo one. A dressier option is this layered Forever21 version. I like the subtle print on the front and the sexy tie sleeves. The least expensive dress here is this shift dress at only $15, but I love the neutral color and pleats in the front, which are always flattering.

Other Accessories

Spring accessories are always fun–and these are especially fun considering the price.

This Dominique Cohen necklace from Target is on sale, so snatch it up quick. Spring scarves always look great against neutral outfits. This handbag from Old Navy is also on sale for about $13, and comes in a taupe color. I like the versatile style–it could be worn out to dinner or to shopping. Last, but not least, a flower necklace is always a welcome addition to any spring outfit, and for less than $7, I’ll take one, thanks.

Which trend for spring do you like most?

Ashley Olsen, in particular, seems to have had a more varied fashion history than her sister Mary-Kate. While MK, as she’s known to her plethora of fans, evolved early into the boho chic style later made into a nationwide phenomenon, her sister Ashley dappled in everything from sexy, designer work-like attire, to ripped jeans and flip-flops. Sporting a more muted color palette than MK, she rarely ventured out in anything more adventurous than varying shades of blue.

However, it’s the admirable way that Ashley makes every style work on her figure to its most flattering degree, as well as the ability to carve out her own style niche in a world of celebrity stylists (Rachel Zoe, anyone?) that makes her an icon to women my age, as well as fashion designers, other celebrities, young girls and magazine editors.

Perhaps the best thing about Ashley’s style is that it’s monstrously easy to copy at a low price-point. She doesn’t wear flashy labels–except occasionally on her handbags–and well-tailored, crisp separates seem to be the norm in her wardrobe. You could probably go into your own closet and pick out something similar to what she wears everyday without having to buy anything new. She shies away from prints as a general rule, and sticks with easy-to-copy basics: either platform heels or sandals, denim (wide-leg or skinny), a plain, well-fitted t-shirt and a versatile jacket. Most of her style individuality is reflected in her accessories: handbags, jewelry and shoes, and occasionally headgear (remember the Prada turban?)

It’s a great road map for starting to build your own individual style. She never looks fussy, as evidenced by the fact that her hair and makeup are either way over- or underdone depending on how formal her clothing is. And, she always wears clothing that fits perfectly, or doesn’t fit perfectly, depending on the proportion she’s going for.

If you can’t seem to find that perfect balance that Ashley seems to have effortlessly achieved, there are a few inexpensive items you can incorporate into your wardrobe to give her looks a spin.

In this photo, Ashley looks casual, comfortable and age-appropriate, but not like she’s going to the movies. This look is just enough to translate into a date, casual Friday at the office or some other business casual event. By altering the shoes, you could completely change the way this look is perceived. Instead of heels, wearing flat sandals, for instance, could take the other separates into a day of shopping, a lunch date, or class.

This buttondown from Forever21 is only $15.50, and certainly echoes the color and cut of Ashley’s shirt. Roll up the sleeves like she did for a more worn-in feel.

I have a pair of black skinny jeans, and I have to say, they are one of the most versatile items in my closet. I dress them up with heels, dress them down with flip-flops in the summer to go to the movies…it makes getting dressed so easy. I like this slim pair from Urban Outfitters, which is an excellent source for mid-range priced denim. If you’re tall like me, try Alloy, Delias or the Gap for longer inseams.

It’s a little too cold yet to wear open-toed platform sandals like Ashley, so try a more covered-up pair like these, from Forever21.

This is the quintessential college-girl/weekend/errand running outfit. It’s not too dressy and it doesn’t look like Ashley tried too hard. With her hair pulled up and the shirt untucked, this is something I could see myself wearing every day.

Snap up this shirt from Old Navy right now. It’s on sale for $6, and is probably going fast. If they don’t have your size when you go to order, try Urban Outfitters for similar styles.

Ankle boots are a staple wardrobe piece for the Olsens. This pair from Isaac Mizrahi for Target look pricier than they are, and I like the subtle platform in them.

You can’t copy Ashley’s style without a huge, luxe-looking handbag. Urban Outfitters has great ones for less than $60. If you want a designer look-a-like, try Shopsueyboutique.com.

To complete the look, a delicate gold necklace adds a bit of character.

Ripped jeans have gone out of favor with the general populace, but I still love the casual, edgy look of them. For a lazy weekend, there’s nothing better, and as Ashley shows, they can really look quite nice provided the rips and tears aren’t too obnoxious. Try this pair from Abercrombie & Fitch. They are destroyed just enough, without looking sloppy.

This faux-leather bomber is only $30 from Target, but looks so great. It’s one of those pieces you don’t need to wear much else with: it’s a statement on its own. Plus, you have to love the fact that it is faux leather.

Finish with this pretty handbag from Forever21.

Sometimes I just don’t feel like dressing up at all. No cute flats, no boots, no heels, no “statement jacket.” This outfit is great because Ashley still looks put-together, but not fussy.

This parka from Topshop is good for the colder weather we have right now, but still maintains a stylish look (read: it’s not too North Face).

If you don’t have a pair of Converse already, some great places to look at Urban Outfitters, the Gap, Zappos.com and Piperlime.com.

Ashley and Mary-Kate wear scarves to their best advantage. It’s good to think of scarves as an added accessory, not a cold-weather item, so they become a part of your outfit, rather than something that looks tacked on and not coherent to whatever else you are wearing.

I like this linen one from Forever21 because, one, it’s less than $10, and two, you can wear it throughout winter and into spring because of the light fabric.

As every Olsen fan knows, a big handbag is a must. It finishes off your look and can hold, well, anything (even an extra pair of shoes).

This oversized tote from Urban Outfitters should do the trick.

Whose style do you like more: Ashley’s or Mary-Kate’s?

Who wouldn’t want to emulate Katherine’s style? It’s easily copied (you’ll see), full of easy-to-wear neutrals and she always dresses for her gorgeous body type. What I’ve noticed most about Katherine’s red-carpet outfits, as well as her everyday wear, is that she wears clothes that work for her, not necessarily adhering to seasonal trends. That’s an easy formula for any girl to follow, and for a on-the-go girl like me, it makes going from school to work to a date as easy as changing your shoes.

It’s hard sometimes for me to dress appropriately for classes and work. I don’t want to show up for classes in a pinstriped blazer and matching trousers, but neither do I want to go to work wearing Uggs and jeans. Because I have to go straight from one to the other, it’s important to wear versatile clothing in professional, neutral colors to carry me through my entire day. I know lots of women who have this problem and ask themselves, “What can I wear that’s casual enough for the day, but dressy enough for everything else I have to do?”

I present Exhibit A:

I love the way this outfit looks chic and professional, but gasp! She’s still wearing jeans. Katherine’s outfit has just enough color for me, too. Some colors, like this peach, function just as easily as black, gray or white, especially when you pair the color with denim on the bottom.

Try this adorable jacket from Nordstrom on the top:

And instead of the peach Katherine’s wearing, I like the chambray blue of this Gap shirt.

One of the focal points of Katherine’s outfit are her great wide-leg jeans. This pair of classic Levi’s should do the trick:

Ankle boots look great with wide-leg pants. They are substantial enough to balance the proportions of the pants. Also, the more rounded toe of the boot is more flattering with wide-leg jeans than a pointy-toed shoe.

And to top it off, some retro sunglasses.

Exhibit B:

I love how plaid (very trendy, obviously) is used in this outfit, but doesn’t detract from the professional look of it. By keeping the other elements crisp and clean, you can get away with wearing more risky pieces, like a plaid jacket or bright-colored shoes or a standout handbag.

Try this plaid jacket from Forever21: it’s inexpensive and the color and plaid aren’t too overwhelming.

I love Isaac Mizrahi’s line for Target. The clothes have a great fit and cut for the price. This button-down shirt also happens to be on sale right now.

Part of the modern look of Katherine’s outfit is that her pants aren’t wide-leg or flared, but more a straight, skinny fit. This pair from Hudson on Bluefly.com is significantly less than the retail price of the pants.

As you can tell, Katherine’s signature looks always include a great pair of sunglasses.

Some ankle boots would look great with the cut of the pants.

Exhibit C:

I love this outfit. I wear black and white all the time, and I like how edgy pieces like knee-high boots don’t look trashy with this, just chic. Plus, wearing a coat that matches your handbag pulls the outfit together without being too “matchy.”

Start off with a great black shift dress. Because I like to make sure my clothes are work-appropriate, I like how the hem on this isn’t too long, but isn’t short enough that I couldn’t wear it out.

I collect opaque black tights like they’re going out of style–which they very well might be in the near future–but until then, they will be an essential in my closet. They add sophistication to dresses that may be too casual for work, and they provide an extra layer of warmth in the winter so you can wear things you might not be tempted to otherwise.

Wearing more substantial boots with an outfit like this is important. You don’t want what I call the “hooker-boot” effect, which is wearing a cheap-looking pair of stiletto, pointy-toed boots with clothes that would be otherwise chic.

To counteract the potential demureness of this with all the black, wear a coat on the other end of the color spectrum, like this white one from Nordstrom. Leave it unbuttoned for Katherine’s casual look.

And for a sophisticated white purse–they can be hard to pull off–carry a quilted one like this.

Exhibit D:

I love Katherine’s red coat. It completely makes the outfit, and that’s what’s so great about coats. Adding a really chic one can give what you wear an entirely different element.

Try this one from ASOS, which is an excellent source for designer look-a-like clothing.

Instead of Katherine’s pointy-toed platforms, update them with a more squared-toed version this season from Jessica Simpson’s shoe line.

And, of course, Katherine’s signature look- matching purse and coat. I adore thisdoctor-bag style from Urban Outfitters. It’s inexpensive (about $50), but has a really luxe look to it for the price.

Exhibit E:

This is one of my favorite photos of Katherine. She looks immensely chic and I adore her wide-leg pants. It’s harder for short girls to pull off this look, but if you aren’t blessed (cursed?) with Amazon-like features, just keep the proportions even like Katherine did here.

These wide-leg pants from Roxy, of all brands, are sold from Nordstrom. The trouser-like quality to them really adds a touch of class to denim, and that’s nothing to turn up your nose at. Finding jeans that can work for work is a rarity.

Pair your wide-leg jeans with a short-sleeved cardigan to balance out the look. Try this unusual kimono-sleeved version from Old Navy.

If you have any favorite celebrity looks, or a look Katherine wore that I didn’t cover here, feel free to let me know and I’ll try and come up with affordable alternatives.

(Photos courtesy of people.com)