All around the country, people are getting excited that Spring has sprung and in just a few week’s they’ll happily be transitioning into Summer with their floppy hats, skimpy swimsuits and color pop pieces; conversely, in Los Angeles, it’s just another Thursday. The great thing about living in a city that essentially says “fuck it all” to keeping seasons is now I have a “fuck it all” feeling about the seasonality of clothing.  Buying coats in the Summer and bikinis in the Winter? Drooling over pastels in the fall and enjoying rustic wine colors in the Spring? Judge Me!  Stores like Marshalls, Ross, and outlet stores like Nordstrom Rack and Sak’s: Off 5th are perfect if you enjoying ballin’ on a budget as much as I do. My new bottom line: if I like it, I buy it.  If you don’t like my wardrobe, you can go ahead any buy me a new one 😉

The thing was – for the last two and a half years that’s almost exactly what I’ve had: the same damn clothing assortment.  It’s enough to drive a chameleon crazy – and truth be told it had!  So over the course of the last year and with the assistance of some continually cathartic closet cleaning, I’ve forced myself to go through my finest and most favorite things and then bid them adieu by taking them to the local Goodwill – this has left a considerable amount of space in my closet!  Thanks to my love of things that bling, colors that dazzle and cuts that compliment – my wardrobe is looking fierce and I’m ready for all the pool parties, picnics and play dates that Summer has in store!

Things I’m a huge fan of right now, in now particular order:

High Low Skirts 

I don’t know why this trend has taken me so stinkin’ long to get on – something about having legs, and the words “high low” scared me off the bat and now I very much wish it hadn’t!  These skits are all kinds of adorable and can take you from work to engagement party to playdate in the quick switch of a shirt!  My favorite thing right now is wearing a bold print with a solid color tank; so cute, right?!

Floral Print High/Low Skirt by Three Ena
Color Pop Tank by Love On A Hanger

Floral Print

Every which where in Los Angeles there are flowers blossoming, blooming and scenting the city with their succulent aroma.  One of the interesting things about LA from a botanical point of view is most of our plants, flowers and trees are imported – what this means for us is year round blossoms, vibrant colors…and allergies.  But, I digress! I went for a walk the other day and was enamored with the amount of pastel petals on the ground – and had an epiphany: if the flowers looked great as on the sidewalk, they’d surely look just as good on my body!  The skirt above and this shirt below are two of my favorite finds…even some of the crop tops I’m loving have some floral patterns!

I’ve also realized that with the cut and shape of tops lately – there’s one rule to abide by in stores: TRY IT ON!  A lot of things look better on (though, I’m sure our male friends would agree to disagree with that) than they do on the hanger, so make sure you respect the garb and show it what you’re working with.

Crop Tops

These little tops are perfect for adding a pop of color or a little bit of extra coverage; perfect  if you have an oversized or sheer top that flows, or even to wear by itself with a high low skirt or even (gasp) a pair of high waisted shorts at a pool party.  These are the Layering Queen’s wet dream – the possibilities are endless!

Crop Tops (bottom left, clockwise) – Love on a Hanger, H I P, Victoria’s Secret

White, Cuffed Denim Shorts

White – it’s like, the official color of Summer, right? Perfect for between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends but for me, it’s about to become an essential part of my denim rotation.  White shorts are white hot, and the cuffs add a bit of Nautical / East Coast swagger to the closet.  Bottom line, these shorts can brighten up any outfit; besides, you weren’t planning on wearing those rugged jean shorts again this summer, were you?

True Religion on a discount; thank you Nordstom Rack!

Sunglasses…In Living Color

Every girl should have to pairs of sunglasses – a classic black that can go with every outfit and scenario, and a fun pop of color that can liven my favorite basic Friday happy hour uniform – a blank tank top and jeans!  Dress ’em up with a dress or dress them down with flip-flops and some cutoffs – colored sunglasses are in for the win.

Cole Haan Shades