Favorite Fit: Pop of Color Blazers

By LL in KC

As you learned last week, I am all about unsuspecting color combinations. And as you have know all along on this blog, I LOVE blazers. They just work in so many different ways. So I wanted to share with you some of the awesome pop of color blazers that I have stumbled across recently and am seriously contemplating buying! But at these prices, they definitely fit the bill this spring.

{Buy it here - for $79.95}

{Buy it here - for $89.50}

{Buy it here - for $34.99}

{Buy it here - for $52}

{Buy it here - $34.80}

{Buy it here - for $27.80}

{Buy it here - for $115}

{Buy it here - for $89.50}

I know that this spring for me is turning into the spring of mint and colbalt blue, so you know that I will be struggling as to which of these I decide to buy. The mint will look perfect over corals, purples and yellows, whereas the blue will pair nicely with my reds, yellows and greens. 

Fit the Bill: Spring/Summer Transition 2012

 

By: LL

Interested in getting a little extra cash during your spring transition? No, not the surprise cash that you might find tucked in the pockets of your spring coats or purses (but that is great, isn't it? Better than the stick of gum you might also find...I wouldn't chew that!). I am refering to the cash that you can make by selling some of your gently used clothes.

 

I am certain that all of us have a few older items in our closets with which it won't kill us to part. You know the ones that I am talking about - the metallic leggings that you only wore once for NYE, or that sweater that you bought even though it really is a size too small (but it was on sale!!).

 

Take some time over the next few weekends, before you put your winter clothes in storage, to assess whether you REALLY will wear that item next year. If not, then consider selling it, donating it, or even tossing it.

 

When folding up your clothes this season's end, follow the steps below:

1. Designate four piles: KEEP, SELL, DONATE, TOSS. All your clothes/accessories will be categorized into one of these piles.
2. Begin by taking inventory of what you have. Are you hoarding two identical cream sweaters? Make sure that you are not storing duplicates. Be honest with yourself and only keep the one that you like best (or is in the best condition) and you truly will wear again.
3. "If you didn't wear it last season..." Again, be honest. Calculate how long it has been since you wore an item. This season? Keep. Last season? Probably donate/sell/toss (unless of course it is one of those specific occasion pieces - like a holiday cocktail dress - that maintains its style qualities year after year).
4. After you have finished sorting, revisit the sell pile and determine which items you could sell to a consignment shop (i.e., Plato's Closet, which only takes items that are less than a season old and in excellent condition), auction online (i.e., eBay, which is best for selling name-brand or designer labels), or sell at your neighborhood rummage sale (which really doesn't give the item as much exposure). If you aren't sure what will sell or not, it is worth a try to sell it through at least one venue. And, after it doesn't sell, then donate it.
5. When taking your clothes to donate, make sure to get a slip from the agency (i.e., Goodwill) that documents your donations so that you can claim it on your tax return for next year. You can deduct the estimated value of the items.

But let's take this slimming down process one step further and also look through the spring/summer items that you are pulling back out of storage.

1. Follow ste one from above.
2. Try on everything. I'm not suggesting that things won't fit, but more along the lines that they might not fit how you would like them to. Personal preferences on lengths and cuts can change very quickly, and it has been months since you last saw these garments. Heck, they could be too big on you (here's hoping).
3. "If you didn't wear it last season..." Again, be honest. You know what you wore last season and what you will wear this season. Don't continue to hold onto things that you will not wear. They could go to good use in another person's closet. 
4. Follow step 4 above.
5. Follow step 5 above.

It might be hard to part with some of your clothes. I get the same way, with the thoughts of "but if the right occasion comes up," or "if my other similar item gets ruined..." This past weekend, my husband made me go through this process with my shoes (I do not even want to mention how many pairs of spring/summer shoes I have been hiding in a crate under our guest bed), and I donated or threw out a lot of shoes that I truly will not wear again. So, I know that the process of trimming and organizing can be difficult (but necessary if you live in a small space). However, keep in mind that selling your items is an activity that will fit the bill, giving you the extra cash to purchase a few of the items that you so desperately want for spring/summer 2012. And, if you donate your items, you are potentially helping out someone in need. Plus, as the saying goes: One man's trash...

 

Throwing a Fit: Spring Wardrobe

By: LL
I don't know who wants it to be spring more - those of you who are getting hit with a late winter, who haven't seen your warm weather clothes in months, or those of us who are continually teased by the spring, and after spending the day deciding whether to pull out spring clothes, by the time you do, it is cool again. And then, any time you turn on TV or open a magazine, spring looks are staring you in the face. This is probably the longest season transition of them all (or at least it feels like it).

So, on a warm day like today, I am throwing a fit over all the amazing spring looks that I would prefer to be wearing right now.

From left to right:
Ruche, J.Crew, J.Crew, H&M, ASOS (on sale now!), Dorothy Perkins

I'm excited to fill my closet with bright bottoms, mint pieces, graphic florals, and the flowing fabrics that we all know and love for spring. And, of course, it will be nice to sport bare legs again!

Fresh New Fit: Running in the Spring

By: LL
I love this time of year - when the weather is getting warmer (however slowly that may be) and the daylight hours are getting longer (less need to run with a headlamp). This is one of my favorite times to be a runner. As we all know a good run (or a good workout) can greatly improve your mood, but that good mood is intensified when you have the warm sun on your shoulders at 4:30 in the afternoon. And the temperature is just so that you can run outside without worrying about icicle thongs and numb limbs or heat exhaustion and excessive sweating.

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to get out of work early and was greeted by sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 50s. I couldn't get home fast enough to get out for a run. However, one tricky thing I always struggle with on spring runs is what exactly to wear. In the sun, I would be fine in a short-sleeved top  and shorts. However, in the shade, and with a little breeze, I would need a long-sleeved top and, preferably, capri tights. Since I was going on my 5 mile loop, which is mostly in the shade, I went with capri tights and a light weight long sleeve. As is normally my problem, midway through the run, hitting the steepest gradient and most sun-exposed area, I was cursing myself for the long sleeve.

Either way, I found myself enjoying the run. And since it is still considered "cold" to all the Southerns, the route was relatively empty. So I was able to get into my groove without much distraction. Even reaching that point when you forget you are running - that is until the sun shines on you just right and from the corner of your eye, you catch sight of your moving shadow, and realize just how mechanic and natural running can be. (You know the feeling...)

Here's a quick look at my Instagram documentation of my gear:

For My Run:
- Lululemon Key Cuff (nifty little gift from Cool J and our other sister, EC)
- Adidas Orange Top
- New Balance Capri Tights
- Smart Wool Socks
- Timex Ironman Watch (and pepper spray...not always necessary, but I take it on this route)

No pictured:
- Saucony Pro-Grid Hurricane 13 (in dark pink)

Featured Fit: Flattering Swimwear for Spring Break

By: LL
As we quickly approach spring break time, many people are planning their trips to warmer climates to enjoy the beach and sunshine. The gyms, having lost some of the Resolution Exercisers, are now experiencing a second wave of exercisers getting fit to be seen in a swimsuit. And, this year, there are many cute new styles of swimsuits for women that are very figure flattering - allowing us to hide a few problem areas (i.e., muffin tops) without sacrificing style. Here are a few great styles from J.Crew's Spring 2012 Collection:

By adding rouching or drapping, you can easily, and discretely, hide your mid-section. By adding a little skirt or an extension to the standard bikini bottom, you can disguise hips and thighs. These are the right fits for how to look on the beach this spring break.


And why not add a stylish cover-up? Here are some of my favorites:

1. American Living (JC Penny)
2. J. Crew
3. Mossimo (Target)
4. TopShop

All of these will easily translate from beach to the boardwalk to cocktails by simply adding a few accessories (all of which would work with any of the cover-ups).

1. Fedora - Aerie
2. Crochet Sandals - Tapeet
3. Metal Resin Bangles - Tasha
4. Leather Carryall - LL Bean
5. Gold Skinny Belt - Eddie Bauer

It is very easy, and affordable, to find the right fit for your spring break (or honeymoon) this spring/summer 2012. And there is no reason to wind up being a failed fit.