GO Target!

The clothes section of Target is deadly. It seems that every time I stop by to pick up shampoo or a DVD, the racks of affordable clothing draw me in only to forget why I'm at the store in the first place. Target’s GO International collections have been particularly difficult to resist. After all, designer dresses and affordable are rarely in the same sentence. As a celebration of the 5th year anniversary of the collaborations, Target has re-released a 34-piece collection featuring dresses from 17 of the previous designers.

 (Tucker for Target, $40)

One of my favorite pieces from the collection is this navy Tucker frock. I love the demure boat neck which perfectly balances the scoop back and short hemline. The longer sleeves are very ladylike as well. My favorite detail though is the charming ruffle on the back. Worn with simple flats or dressed up with trendy accessories, this is the perfect LND (little navy dress).

Lovely Liberty

Any lover of prints would find themselves in heaven inside Liberty & Co.'s London shop on Regent St. The store has a well known reputation for fashionable homewares and eclectic designs. Liberty of London, an accessories brand associated with the shop, is also recognized for its recent high profile collaboration with Target in early 2010. The shop today is a destination within itself, filled with an array of fashion, cosmetics, accessories, gifts, and furniture.

When it comes to spring accessories, Liberty has created a darling set of knot watches featuring a number of their trademark prints.

(Melly Rose, Melly Silver)

(Edenham Silver, Wiltshire Rose)

(Mirako Gold)

The watches retail at £55 and can be tied in a number of ways to provide the perfect pop of spring for any outfit.

Bright Blooms

Yellow is one of my favorite colors. And orange is quickly making a case for the second spot. Combined with pink, these three colors have always been one of my favorite warm color palettes.

Now that spring has arrived and flowers are blooming, I've been thinking more about  my favorite flowers, gerbera daisies. And what did I realize? Why, they're yellow, orange, and pink! Hard to tell which I loved first, so we'll just say I've been drawn to both all along.

Image via Amazonia Flowers

Pops of Pink

While I enjoy feminine things, I often shy away from pink for fear of appearing too "girly". I've recently come across pink shoes in a number of iterations, and a bright pop of color in footwear is something I can always get behind.

 

(Kartell, $135)

 

(Bloch, $119)

(Adidas, $70)

(Keds, $35)

Color blocking is a huge trend for this spring, so why not let your feet get in on the action?

Bottega Veneta Fall 2011

I know Milan Fashion Week was ages ago by the standard of time of the fashion world, but I keep finding myself musing about this collection. I love the ladylike silhouettes and of course the pops of color were appreciated. You can see Tomas Maier's experiments with textures throughout the collection, though some were much more successful than others. Here are a few of my favorite looks.

I love the bold orange hue matched with equally outrageous textures. How fun is that bag?

This sleek draped dress is accented perfectly by the lace detailing.

Two very similar looks, both equally beautiful. I like that there's a sort of dark mystery despite the refined, ladylike construction of the outfit. It's amazing the story that textures can tell.

Images via Style.com

Tip Your Hat

When it comes to the perfect hat for spring, I'm convinced a straw fedora is the answer to the seasonal topper dilemma. The classic shape of the fedora, reworked in a lighter, breezier material is perfect for the transition into spring. I'm envisioning these hats paired with Breton striped tops, cropped trousers, and white sneakers for a preppy look. They'd be equally cute with a flirty sundress, pair of sandals, and bangles to channel a boho chic vibe.

(DKNY, $48)

(J. Crew, $34)

(David & Young, $18)

Freshly Neutral

While I have a seemingly endless obsession with bright colors and loud prints, I like to think that there's a more refined, elegant side that appreciates quiet neutrals just as thoroughly.

Not only does this shot have me craving ice cream, but it also reminds me that subtle colors (here a pale pink and yellow) look gorgeous paired with neutral counterparts. The result is very refreshing, but not bland. I think an outfit pulled with three of the above colors in mind would look stunning now, but incorporating more brown and yellow would work just as well in the fall. Who knew you could find style inspiration in food?

Image via weheartit