Spring 2016 TREND REPORT

It's officially Springtime! Before I started blogging, I really didn't enjoy the Spring. Hello pollen, runny noses, headaches, congestion... ugh Spring Struggles. Starting my blog opened my eyes to a different side of Spring. The style side of it. In my opinion.. I don't know about you, but I love the Spring style WAAAAY more than the Spring pollen. Last Spring, we saw all kinds of trends such as shirt dresses, gingham, loads of yellow, culottes, all white, one shoulder tops, roomy denim, and that military green color. In 2014, we saw pastels, moto jackets, wide leg trousers, bomber jackets, tea length skirts (slightly longer than midi), collarless coats, mesh, luxe sweatshirts, and suits. But that was then and this is now... Yes, some of these trends stay with us year after year, but a few new trends come into play every year as well. Let's kick this off by spelling out what new and old trends are in this Spring. 

But first... Here's a super brief overview of everything that's currently trending: "I would have to say that I think the top trends for spring & summer are still the 70's with high waisted shorts, lots of denim: distressed shirts and pants, off the shoulder tops & dress. Crop tops are still a thing. Tassels on EVERYTHING! The usual florals, pastels & bright colors. I think platforms are big for a lot of people in sandals, I still haven't found the perfect pair I'm willing to splurge on but I do love the style! Gladiators in flats and sandals. I think straw hats both oversized floppy and the fedora wide brim like I have in a few of my most are big! The 90's is totally creeping it's way back in so I see a lot of girls rocking choker necklaces, I can't pull it off personally but a lot of girls can. Ha. Food & plants seems to be a huge trend. From watermelons to cactus, they're everywhere and on everything in our closets! I think if they're done right it's cute, but if you go overboard with a pair of overalls and giant plastic watermelon clutch you can look like a little kid...however I've seen it done right to where it's super cute! Style is key as always!" -Taylor of Style is Everything 

I know I'm not a pro when it comes to fashion... So I took to some of my favorite fashion bloggers and got their advice on the matter (like what you saw above)! The gals of Normally in Navy chatted with me about off the shoulder tops and dresses. "I think the biggest spring trend right now is off-the-shoulder tops and dresses! Flowy, loose, tops and dresses are perfect for spring and I've seen them styled in so many ways."I couldn't agree more, off the shoulder is not only totally sensible - think warmer weather - but super cute and can have a cool effect as you walk as well. Not to mention this trend is flirty and feminine and shows off those tan shoulders! Another thing that I think multiple style bloggers can agree with when it comes to flowy, loose, and off the shoulder is that this trend applies to more than one style. There are so many ways to implement the trend into your own looks so that you're most comfortable in what you're wearing.

One thing that Ashley mentioned to me was STRIPES. When are stripes ever not in style? They're always workable into any season's style. For a more Winter to Spring transition look, I would suggest pairing stripes with brighter more pastely type jewelry and scarves. Or for a more bold look, pair a striped top with bright shorts, pants, or a skirt. Aside from the classic striped tees, there are more "set a statement" type of striped tops out there too that are classic, but still fun and trendy!

Let's take a quick step away from tops and dresses and such and talk shoes. Lace up sandals, sandals with cut outs, gladiator sandals - as always, block heel sandals, all the sandals everyday. Shoes definitely can set a statement in an outfit! Lately there have been "espadrilles, fun sneakers, and even color blocking sandals" -Sophia. I've been obsessed with this trend and so has Paulina, Sophia, Shelby, and the gals of Normally in Navy.

Textures are IN right now. In bathing suits, details - such as pom poms and lace. Hannah of Hannah With a Camera said "I'm thinking Parisian style is in! Lots of texture (think jacquard) especially in swimsuits". I couldn't agree more, the best way to really see what the latest trends and styles are is to look at bathing suits. The details designers include in their bathing suits never fail to make me *heart eyes emoji*.

Gingham is one of those classic preppy patterns that NEVER goes out of style. It's also one that people will forever be in love with. Lately though I've seen the gingham pattern expanding beyond strictly preppy bounds. It's become more of a trendy thing lately and I'm absolutely loving it! I have noticed that the gingham that is trending is more borderline buffalo check than the classic layering gingham that I'm more used to seeing.

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Denim is also trending this Spring. Last Spring there were denim tops everywhere, and this past Fall there were button down denim skirts. Ripped denim is obviously still in this Spring, but there's also more skirts, shift dresses, and other denim pieces that have definitely been trending for this Spring.

Paper bag waists is a newer trend that I am 100% in love with. It's a trend that gives a smaller and more feminine waist - in my opinion. It adds these like subtle pleats that I think add an interesting detail to shorts, pants, or skirts. Paired with a tighter top, paper bag waists make for a most flattering outfit. Definitely my most favorite 2016 Spring Trend.

White Sneakers are one trend I never imagined myself saying I liked. I have big feet so white just makes my feet look even bigger, but it's impossible to avoid this trend. Whether it's converse or Adidas Stan Smith's I'm obsessed. They're so casual street style but oh so chic all at the same time. 

One of my absolute favorite trends as of let is the bralette/loose bra trend. Us girls can't help that in our genetic code we're supposed to have boobs y'know! The loose bra trend is something huge in Female history, but that's a separate conversation. Basically, traditionally girls are taught that a bra strap hanging out is sloppy and that we, as females, should take more pride in our image than to let our bras show. It's incredibly unfair so the latest trend of making a point to show your bra, whether it be a lace halter top, or a bralette peeking out from under your top. It's trendy, cute, and comfortable. I mean, what more could a gal ask for?

This Spring is for sure to be a great one as far as fashion goes... I mean look at everything that's already started trending.. skip ahead a few weeks and we'll see even more fun trends for the season. 

So you tell me... What are your favorite Spring 2016 trends?

Hope you enjoyed this outfit inspiration & trend report! Do me a favor and pin your favorite outfit from above, and let me know in a comment which one you liked the most!

Happy Wednesday!

Trends For Less

Hello everyone!

I've been majorly off and on social media this past week, and if you follow me on Instagram.. you know why. My APHG exam is on Friday. THIS FRIDAY. Yep, I'm freaking out. Like majorly. I've been studying and reviewing, but there are just those terms and models that will never make complete sense in my head, and if you've ever taken an AP class before, you know that's a problem. The exam is all about connecting what you learned in the course to real life examples, and if you don't understand.. it get's hard. So that's where I've been. BUT I'M BACK (at least for today) to give y'all my favorite items that have been trending lately.. and a cheaper version as well! I'm all about saving money, and if you can.. you totally should. It makes no sense to drop $138 for something when there's a look-a-like for $30, right?

I've been seeing those long gold necklaces trending for awhile now. I love seeing them paired with a classic staple, like a grey t-shirt or with a striped dress. I found one at Neiman Marcus for almost $200. I knew there had to be a cheaper alternative for such a simple necklace! I found a similar one at American Eagle, but I wanted one that looks even closer to the Neiman Marcus version. Then I came across this one at New Look, and it was a perfect match. Honestly, I love this one more than the Neiman Marcus version.

Let's talk pearl earrings. I know you might think you need the most expensive pair to be a "true prep" or whatever, but if you're going for the classic style.. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg for a pair of earrings. Just hit up Forever 21. Actually, Forever 21 is where I look for look-a-like items if Target doesn't have one that I like. Also, you can get like nine pairs in all different sizes.. how great is that? 

Now for bucket bags... I think they're different than your traditional tote, and that's probably why I like them. I like how they're still a classic leather bag, and it would match basically every outfit. I don't think it's necessary to spend $100+ on a bag if there's one that looks almost exactly the same for about $30. 

Now for sandals! With Summer on it's way, and a super hot Spring at least here in South Carolina, sandals are definitely a staple. Whether you like simple two strap sandals or birkenstocks, or a more strappier option... There's a cheaper alternative.

Birks  // look a like Birks 

Two Strap sandals from J.Crew // Two Strap sandals from Target  

Strappy sandals $$$$ // Strappy sandals $