Spring 2010 Trends: Must Haves Under $100

Hello my fashion darlings!! I am so excited to be the new girl here and to talk with you weekly about my favorite topics, fashion and style.  Check back each Wednesday for a new fashion related article.  I would love any input about what you would like to see each week.  I plan to do a monthly fashion Q & A, where your fashion and styling questions are answered along with other styling articles.  Please email me your comments and questions. Feel free to stop by and visit me during the week at my site, Red Sole Diary…I love visitors.

Q:  What is the must have article of clothing (not shoes) for spring under $100?

A:  There were a lot of trends that came down the Spring 2010 runways. Below are just a few to incorporate into your closet this spring.

Various versions of the jumpsuit were seen walking down the spring runways, from the relaxed glamour at Lanvin to loose and flowy at Roberto Cavalli.  Be sure to check out ASOS’ ruffled, one-shoulder jumpsuit ($34) to create a new spin on evening-wear. You’ll be stylishly chic at your next cocktail party.  For a more casual look, try Victoria’s Secret floral printed silk jumpsuit ($88) as floral prints are a must this season. Add a great pair of gold flat sandals and you are pool-party ready.

While we saw a lot of wide-legged pants on the spring runways, skinny-legged pants are still hot. Denim leggings are the cool girl’s jean of choice this season. Pair Ann Taylor’s denim leggings in dark wash ($88) with a white “boyfriend” t-shirt and your fitted blazer from last season to be the most stylish mom running errands.  To mimic Balmain’s military-inspired spring runway looks, pair Blank black denim stretch jeans ($78) with an Aqua military jacket ($88). It will truly be the look for less.

Shorts are the new pants this season. From quilted leather shorts seen in Alexander Wang’s show to the gold lamé harem shorts on Phillip Lim’s runway there is something for everyone. Add a pair of Victoria’s Secret belted linen shorts ($34.50) to your wardrobe this season. Pair with a lingerie inspired camisole, which is another hot trend for spring, and finally complete the look with last season’s boyfriend blazer.

Q:  What is a must have accessory under $50?

A:  Bold statement necklaces continue to be popular for the upcoming spring season. We saw everything from a full bib necklace at Vera Wang to bold pendants at Bottega Veneta. Color was everywhere on the spring runways so have fun with your accessories. Add Anthropologie’s double torsade necklace ($28) for a fresh look this season.  If you are looking for a bit more edge, check out Express’ bib necklace in a bold citrine color ($39.50).

See you next week!

Fall Trendspotting: Denim Leggings

Leggings are back for fall, but this time they are disguising themselves as our favorite wardrobe staple.  Or, perhaps it’s the reverse, and denim is trying to look like leggings.  Either way – this is a trend you won’t be able to miss – I’m already seeing them pop up everywhere.  I’ve gotta say, though — I’m not sure I like it.  Even if they are disguised as jeans, I’m just not sure leggings should be worn as pants.

That being said, I don’t think imposter denim is the worst thing to happen to fashion.  My tip to you, should you decide to try this trend, is to treat these as leggings and not as jeans. I’ve laid out a few ideas for ways you should and shouldn’t wear this style if you decide to try it.  

Do: tuck them into a pair of boots this fall, pair them with a fantastic pair of heels, wear longer tops and tunics with belts over them. 

Don’t: pair them with your Pumas, wear them with shorter shirts, select an acid-washed style that will make your legs look bigger than they actually are.  Heck, in my humble opinion, even size negative zero chicks should avoid the acid wash style.  Just sayin’.

If you want to try out a pair of jeggings (jeans+leggings=jeggings) – try this relatively safe option from Juicy Couture.  While it pains me to pay $88 bucks for a pair of leggings, I don’t think this is a style you can go the inexpensive route on.

So tell me, what do you think about this trend?!  Are you a friend or foe of jeggings?