The following post was masterminded by Heather, reLYME's new and adorable fashion-obsessed contributor:
New Years Day resolutions have always been my Achilles heel. I absolutely refuse to make them anymore since, without fail, I will either ignore them or feel guilty for my self-improvement incompetence.
However, January fashion resolutions are another story. This is the month I purge my closet of things of which I need to let go (I only wish purging my life of bad relationships was as easy!) and look to the future. What looks good on me? Honestly? And what is merely wishful thinking (black leather jeggings, anyone? Let those garbage bags go, my friends. Let them be free in their native habitat. The landfill).
This is also the time to be informed of next season’s trends and start deciding which ones your body type can pull off. A number of other fashion blogs have covered (extremely well!) the 2011 spring trends, so I won’t go over everything again. I’m sure as informed fashionistas you know the drill for next season: elevator flats, high wasted voluminous trousers, and clean crisp lines a la Chloe or Miu Miu’s last collections (or what A Dubs calls “Neo-Minimalism” in this month’s Vogue). If it has a frill, toss it. Get out your neon yellows, oranges and greens. Platforms, platforms, platforms (think space age, not the 70’s). And how could I forget the huge patterns that almost look like abstract art? In short--get ready to get modern.
Instead of going over every trend in detail, here are a few practical ways you can integrate them into your wardrobe. These are all steals in my opinion, so there really is no excuse for procrastination.
So, here it is, for your viewing (and purchasing!) pleasure: reLYME's MUST HAVE list for Spring 2011! And all six are under $300! Honestly, does it really get any better than that?
1) Manicure: Chanel nail polish in Black Pearl, $25.
This stuff might seem a bit on the pricey side for nail polish, however, it is seriously worth every penny. This is the nail color for spring.
2) Trouser: Alice + Olivia Linen Eric Pant, $264.
High wasted and wide-legged without swallowing your figure whole, these pants are easy to walk in and also cut the dramatic line that will be necessary come spring. Available in black and white.
3) Blouse: Vince Cowl Neck Satin Blouse, $220.
Angular but feminine, this blouse is classic with a twist. I love the dramatic drape effect.
4) Blazer: T by Alexander Wang, $175.
Once again, love the angles! The back makes this piece interesting, but the front is fitted and modern as well.
5) Shoe: Sam Edelman Wynn, $180.
The curve of the platform, as well as the asymmetrical design, gives this boot a modern feel while the black zipper detail gives it an edgy punch.
6) Bag: Urban Outfitters Cambridge Satchel Company Briefcase Bag, $158.
For real leather this is a steal. Briefcase bags and men’s wear accessories will be huge in the spring, and this bag gets you down to business in style.
And that, ladies and gentleman, are our six must-haves. Do you agree with the list? Have any additions I missed? Let us know! Also, as a side note, Net-A-Porter is having a massive sale right now. And I don’t care how low your bank account is—that’s why God invented VISA (that’s what I tell myself, anyway!).
Happy shopping!
- No, I can't believe it either, but I did actually enjoy this book. Perhaps it's because I love biographies, but Tori's tongue-in-cheek accounts of her past and present make for one interesting read. Plus, I might even appreciate her career a bit more. On second thought, maybe not. 
