WESTERN BELT TREND

In today's fast paced fashion world it can be quite difficult to keep up with the latest trends. It's fun to play around with trendy clothes every once in a while, but it can be costly to do. This is why I love playing around with accessory trends. It's much easier to justify buying a trendy accessory than it is to shell out money for a trendy coat or dress that may soon be obsolete.

Lately I've been noticing lots of western belts being worn in different ways and I love the power they have to spice up a basic outfit. Transform a simple t-shirt dress by throwing on a floppy hat, a bandana neckerchief, and a western belt to achieve a laid-back cool girl vibe that's perfect for spring. They go great with cutout booties, too! In the Southwest, our thrift shops are brimming with loads of western inspired accessories, but this trend is all over stores if you look. You can find my favorites from ASOS below. 

Images from Pinterest. See more of my favorite trends here. 

SILK PANTS

I'm still working on getting my body back into shape after having Levi. I'm definitely making progress having lost about 25 pounds now, but I still have 10 more to go. Until then I'm avoiding spending a lot of money on jeans I'll only wear for a couple of month. Instead, elastic waistbands definitely come in handy for transitioning body because they can, obviously, expand and contract as my body changes. 

I found these comfortable and cute silk printed pants at Nordstrom Rack the other day. I don't know if it's the 5am wake up calls or not, but this PJ inspired outfit is one of my favorite go-to's right now. I love wearing simple t-shirt with these pants, and adding a blazer and slipper flats to complete the look. (If you need help with styling prints, check out Monday's post).

To dress up the outfit I like to add mules from Sole Society and my favorite diaper clutch from Petunia Pickle Bottom. 

Clothes that you can run around in and chase after kids that are stylish seem hard to come by, especially things that are machine washable too. So, take my word for it, these are a great buy if you're in a similar life stage or even if you don't have kids. 

I can't say that men are all to keen on these pants, but, hey, that's what they say about maxi dresses and I still can't live with out them in my life. Wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable because that's how your beauty will truly shine.

Shop the look: Silk pants (similar), black t-shirt, white tuxedo jacket, black suede blazer, black mule heels, black slipper flats, clutch.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

TOP 10 SWIMSUITS FOR SUMMER

Swimsuits are like jeans. Both items are wardrobe essentials and fit is key. This also means that shopping for them is not always easy. However, swimsuit shopping doesn't always have to be a dreaded task. Be realistic with your standards and your body. Know what kind of swimsuit you're in the market for. (A.K.A. Will you be sipping mojitos in a lounge chair or chasing the kids around the backyard in the sprinklers?) What I love about swimsuits this season is the wide range of cute one pieces available. The designs are anything but plain and there's a great assortment of fun cutouts and funky patterns to choose from. 

Below you'll find my top swimsuit picks. Get a head start on your swimsuit search by clicking on the small boxes at the bottom to start shopping. It's never too early to start dreaming of summer vacation.

Photos by Jaci Marie. Model: Summer Bellessa. 

HOW TO WEAR PRINTED PANTS

Styling prints can be hard. In fact, just finding a print that you really like can be a challenge. So many of my personal styling clients have said this to me at one point or another, so I thought I would show you how I style my printed pants.

The trick to prints is to keep things simple. Everyone needs to have the basics in their closet to rely on for the moment you find an amazing pair of pants or a skirt. The basics you need are: 

• White, gray and black v-neck t-shirts
• White, gray and black scoop-neck t-shirts
• Chambray, white, gray and black button down shirt
• Black, gray and denim jackets/blazers/cardigan
• Black and dark denim jeans
• Black pencil skirt
• Black simple dress

If you have these things you really can't go wrong when styling your printed skirts or pants. Here's what it looks like to simply add a denim jacket over your t-shirt.

It totally changes the look and feel of the outfit doesn't it? In Arizona it's hard for me to justify wearing a jacket now that the temps have climbed to the 90's, but I sure love how classic they are. This one is from Goldies and is only $52. 

Here is what it looks like to opt for a chambray shirt. It's just as simple as a t-shirt, but the collar adds a little more sophistication. 

Get the whole look here: Gray t-shirt, patterned pants, denim jacket, gold necklace and chambray shirt.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

MAXI SKIRT & T-SHIRT

This post is for all of you ladies that never know what to wear and who stare at their closet and stress out. When I want to feel pretty and feminine but I don't have any energy to think about putting an outfit together I reach for a pleated maxi skirt and a t-shirt. That's it. End of story. You will look great and in style with that outfit. 

You can chase after your kids in this outfit, especially if you wear flats. If you didn't do your hair that day you can throw on a hat or put it up in a bun. And, you don't even need to accessorize with jewelry if you don't want to. With the minimalist trend in full force you don't even need to wear jewelry right now. Plus, this is definitely and outfit that can transition to a date night with your beaux.

Usually, I'm sporting a diaper bag these days, so I LOVE, love the new Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper clutches. It has a wipes case, changing pad and plenty of room for a onesie, some makeup, my keys and wallet. Even when I don't have Levi I take this clutch with me because it's so cute. But, seriously, any bag would do with this outfit.

If you like color in your closet I suggest this Goldie's wine color maxi skirt. It's only $39 and made in the U.S. If you are color shy, you can always opt for a black skirt and pair it with a white, black or gray t-shirt and look great too.

Get the look: Black t-shirt from Nordstrom Rack, wine maxi skirt from Goldies, black hat from Target, lace up flats from Lulu*s, and clutch from Petunia Pickle Bottom.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer