(Eugenia Kim blue hat with tan ribbon from Anthropologie, grey chunky knit sweater from H&M, silver leaf necklace from Nordstroms, "Fei" Silk maxi skirt with pleats from Anthropologie, Chunky black and wooden heels from Lucky Brand, Mahogany toned leather doctor bag by "Schuler & Sons Philadelphia" from Anthropologie, silver cuff from Nordstroms.)

This look was shot in the brisk spring weather of Chicago. A painfully long winter encouraged me to play up a silk, accordion fold maxi skirt with a bunchy, knit sweater.  The pattern on this skirt reminds me of a Jackson Pollock painting; the furiously but delicately splattered colors that flow together as one. The contrasting fabrics, and manually making the sweater into a cropped piece,  flows as a transition from winter to spring. I added a silver leaf necklace and open toed wedges that gave the outfit extra drama and height. The deep brown leather doctor style bag is a class piece that adds warmth and interest to any outfit. Top it off (pun intended) with a floppy hat on top and you are chic and boho casual. 

Now that spring has finally arrived, I can't wait to post some more fun and bright looks! 
Adieu!

LookBook: http://lookbook.nu/look/4809149-Eugenia-Kim-Floppy-Hat-Nordstroms-Silver-Leaf

My latest obsession has been with athletic apparel. I love pairing track pants with heels or a sneaker wedge. Also adding a crop top to show off those abs that you've been making in the gym! I love simple and modern black and white for this look. These Nikes and YSL sneakers are high on my wish list! What are your thoughts? How would you wear it? Share with EMPIRE!

(Coral maxi dress from BCBG, Turquoise droplets necklace from Anthropologie, Native bracelet thrifted, Wedges with tassel from ALDO.) 

Maxi dresses are the drama-queen of dresses. They are so beautiful on their own that all you really need to do is throw on a pretty necklace and a comfortable heel. This dress was a great steal from BCBG last summer. My only concern is that it can be see-through, so pick out your underwear wisely and check it in a view different types of lighting. 
I love to play with color combinations and coral and turquoise is one of my favorite combinations. The shoes are one of my favorite pairs, they go with everything and are comfy to walk around the city in. 

Lookbook: http://lookbook.nu/look/4796791-Bcbg-Peachyorange-Maxi-Dress-Anthropologie-Turquoise

For all of you street fashion lovers out there, CHOIES has got you covered. I fell in love with their clothes through Konstantina, a babe from LookBook(pictured above wearing Choies). All of their pieces truly stand out and give you a flair that is completely your own. The genius of Choies is that you can achieve different attitudes by the way that you pair the clothes. Whether you are girly, retro, punk, or all over the place, there is something for everyone. 

Must Haves:

1. Butterfly dress with cut out http://main.phpwww.choies.com/product/butterfly-dress-with-cut-out
2. Pointed  studded heeled sandals http://www.choies.com/product/pointed-studded-heeled-sandals-1
3. Leaves Patterned Chiffon dress http://www.choies.com/product/leaves-patterned-chiffon-dress-with-layered-flouncing-hem
4. Conjoined vest with tiger http://www.choies.com/product/conjoined-vest-with-tiger-pattern
5. Mini dress in floral print http://www.choies.com/product/mini-dress-in-floral-print
6. Retro patterned top and shorts in white http://www.choies.com/product/retro-patterned-top-and-shorts-in-white

http://www.choies.com/
https://www.facebook.com/choiescloth

(Lace top H&M, Joan Wide-Leg Print Pant BCBG, Nude Pumps with metallic heel Steve Madden)

It's hard to find items that are stunning statement pieces and are comfortable. These BCBG pants feel like liquid to the skin and can make any outfit stand out. I love the soft peach color that brings out a warmth in the blue. I paired the pants with a lovely (and inexpensive) lace top from H&M. I love to mix patterns and in this case, I am mixing textures. The nude metallic heel heels helped to keep this outfit modern and current. 

I love to experiment with hair and makeup. For this look I decided to be brave and just wear a bold lipstick. But don't forget to prep your skin with BB cream and sunscreen. I used Dr. Jardt "Water Fuse Beauty Balm" from Sephora. For the lips I mixed "880 Electric Orange" from Maybelline, and #12 from Kate Moss Collection for Rimmel. (It is a coral-red color) 

As a side note: LookBook.NU featured this look on their LookBook Facebook page! It made me pretty excited to be featured and I was surprised since I am so new to the site! ( I swear, the pants are golden!) 

LookBook: http://lookbook.nu/look/4791691-H&M-Lace-Top-Bcbg-Joan-Wideleg-Printed-Pant

Pants: http://www.bcbg.com/Joan-Wide-Leg-Printed-Pant/CUJ2E747-A6C,default,pd.html?dwvar_CUJ2E747-A6C_color=A6C&cgid=clothing-by-category-pants#start=10

Dr. Jardt BB Cream: http://www.sephora.com/water-fuse-beauty-balm-spf-25-pa-P285402?skuId=1327923

It seems that some of the best clothes are in Australia. I have come across  numerous clothing companies from AU that have really made me want to plan a trip just to shop there. Luckily, we have online stores and None the Richer is sure to leave you with a wish list of new items. I found them from one of my biggest inspirations on LookBook: Micah Gianneli, who is pictured above wearing the Texas Mermaid Bomber.  (http://lookbook.nu/micahgianneli)

"None the Richer is similar to a David Bowie song- a little pop, a drop of rock, a dash of glam, a sprinkle of grunge, a splash of mess and makes you feel like dancing in the street." 


http://nonethericher.net.au/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/None-the-Richer/62514580094
https://twitter.com/NoneTheRicher1

( Coral cardigan from Anthropologie, White crop top from TopShop, "Leifsdottir" Blue & White nautical knots skirt from Anthropologie, Orange and crystal bracelet from Forever 21, T-strap sandals from Sam Edelman, "Mint Candy Apple" Nail polish from Essie. ) 

An evening picnic by the lake calls for nautical prints and warm tones. Anthropologie is one of those stores that I have weak knees for. The beautiful and unique prints, colors, and fabrics are treats to my eyes. The details are impeccable and ladylike.  The cardigan is no longer available ( I bought it last summer) but I will post a link to a similar item. The skirt is also last season and from the designer Leifsdottir. I found it listed on Ebay if you are interested in purchasing it. I will post a link to Leifsdottir's website as well because their designs are so beautiful and are sure to inspire you! 
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LookBook: http://lookbook.nu/look/4884449-Anthropologie-Coral-Cardigan-Topshop-White-Crop#comment_37663465

Similar Cardigan: http://us.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=34072&storeId=13065&productId=9670646&langId=-1&categoryId=&parent_category_rn=&searchTerm=55927519&resultCount=1&geoip=home

Skirt: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTHROPOLOGIE-Leifsdottir-Rope-Design-Skirt-Navy-Blue-White-Sz-10-RARE-FIND-/281100995113?pt=US_CSA_WC_Skirts&hash=item4172ecca29

More Leifsdottir Designs: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/category/leifsdottir+homepage/clothes-leifs.jsp

Discovering Minimale Animale was a gold mine for my eyes. I am a swimsuit connoisseur and I'm always looking for unique designs. It's safe to say I drooled over every swimsuit in their newest collection. The modern yet retro vibe makes you feel like a young Bardot. I recommend the "golden triangle" suit, the "string-kini", and "The Hutton". I definitely need to plan a trip to Bal Harbor A.S.A.P to show off some of these bad boys.  
Oh, and check out their website- the photographs are perfect for your summer bulletin boards! 

http://minimale-animale.com/
https://twitter.com/MINIMALEANIMALE
You can also purchase their swimsuits at http://www.revolveclothing.com/brandpages/MINIMALEANIMALE.jsp

1. Transparent turquoise sunglasses from Forever 21 http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=glasses&ProductID=1000049685&VariantID=
2. Electric Tropical Print Bustier from Forever 21 http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_camis_tanks&ProductID=2023522152&VariantID=
3. "ETT TAIA" Denim Jacket from Anthropologie
4. Levi's Denim Cut-off shorts from Urban Outfitters 
5.  Steve Madden "Thundr-C Boot" http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?gid=23147
6. Anthropologie green and blue stone gem necklace 
7. Colored bangle bracelets from Nordstroms. 
8. "800 Electric Orange" Maybelline lipstick 

The key to this look is to match your denim top and bottom. Pick pieces with a similar wash and add in the bright floral bustier and electric lipstick with complimentary turquoise colored sunnies. The boots tied this whole outfit together and are a comfy shoe to transfer from Winter to Spring.  I had a lot of fun enjoying the first rays of sun here in Chicago. 

LookBook: http://lookbook.nu/look/4754291-Forever-21-Turquoise-Transparent-Glasses-Maybelline

If you're in search for a perfect bandage dress, look no further than to Hot Miami Styles. I'm guessing you plan on hitting the club scene as the weather warms up, and why wouldn't you?! I'm a big believer in wearing a different dress when I go out, but that can get quite expensive. Luckily, Hot Miami Styles is that rare breed of quality and quantity. I recommend buying one of their bandage dresses and checking out the accessory department for a fierce alligator clutch and some sky high heels to add a little extra attitude. Life is short so buy a short dress! And don't forget to slather on the self- tanner! 
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https://www.hotmiamistyles.com/
(above image from) http://www.hotmiamistylesblog.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/HotMiamiStyles
http://pinterest.com/hotmiamistyles/
http://instagram.com/hotmiamistyles
https://twitter.com/HotMiamiStyles