You’re so hip and up with things, you probably already know about this. I’m not sure how I missed it.


When I was at Nordstrom last Friday afternoon, there was something odd happening in the shoe department. Banquet tables topped with shoes were wedged into every open nook and cranny in the shoe department. First, I thought I’d stumbled upon a secret sale of some sort. But then, I started looking closer. The shoes were regularly priced, but the sizes went from 12 and 11 to 4 and 5. Nothing in between. Signs on the table said ‘Over 10, Under 5′. Ah…


So apparently, Nordstrom has these events periodically. SInce the dates are staggered like the tour dates for your favorite band, I’m guessing the shoes make a tour from store to store. There are a couple of dates left on this particular tour, but if you miss them it you can always shop extended sizes online. Nordstrom has the best selection of extra large or extra small shoes in the industry.

This is the first of a series of ‘Must-Have’ posts for Spring and Summer 2011.

Must-Have Top #3 – Lace

Once you determine your lace style, choosing a top is the easiest, most subtle way to wear the lace trend.

Victoria’s Secret | Victoria’s Secret | JCrew

Must Have Top #2 – Nautical

It goes without saying that the Nautical trend is a must-wear style this Spring. You can do this in a number of ways – dresses, skirts, shorts, shoes – but the most-versatile is the nautical top. You can mix and match with other items in your wardrobe to create very different looks with the same on-trend piece.

Victoria’s Secret | JCrew | Anthropologie

Must Have Top #1 – Drapey Tank

Whether you go for something simple or something more elegant, the drapey tank is definitely a piece you should have this Spring. Even the dressy version is versatile to the max – wear with shorts, a pencil skirt, cropped pants or a maxi-skirt. Pretty much, you can wear it with anything, making it the top must-have shirt for Spring and Summer 2011!

Victoria’s Secret | Anthropologie | Target

Stay tuned for more ‘Must-Have’ posts featuring the must-have items in bottoms, outerwear, shoes and dresses.

Warmer temperatures don’t mean you have to ditch your coveted layers. In fact, layers make even more (functional) sense during the Spring, when nighttime temps drop drastically.


One of the best short-sleeved cardigans on the market right now is this Elbow Sleeve Cardigan from Caslon (via Nordstrom). It’s simple, it comes in a variety of colors, and it provides that extra layer that’s both functional and fashionable.

1. Cardigan
2. Sequin Tank
3. Shorts
4. Fedora
5. Oxford Flats
6. Crossover Bag



1. Cardigan
2. Pencil Skirt
3. Lace Shell
4. Nude Heels
5. Thin Belt



1. Cardigan
2. Cropped Pants
3. Sequin Tank
4. Kitten Heels
5. Oversized Sunglasses

If you haven’t heard, lace is ‘in’ this season. Not just a little lace, either. A lace hem? A lace neckline? No way! I’m talking lace all over, baby. Head to toe lace (though I don’t suggest going too overboard).
Lace is SO in, there are different lace styles. Here’s a breakdown for you.

Vintage Heirloom

Nicole Miller at Nordstrom
Do you collect antique teacups?
Is your grandmother’s brooch one of your most cherished possessions?
If you’re a lover of all things vintage, this is your lace style. The Vintage Heirloom style is the lace you might see on antique tablecloths and drapes. Mostly though, it reminds me of dresses from the 1920′s – Boardwalk Empire style.

Racy Lacy

Victoria’s Secret
If your style is more vixen than victorian, this might be more your speed.
The Racy Lacy style takes your favorite lingerie styles and makes them wearable for everyday.

Doily Demure

French Connection at Asos
If you love lace for its feminine qualities, this is your style.
It’s the girl-next-door lace…the sweet and innocent girl-next-door, not Hef’s girl-next-door.
This style usually features a lace overlay that is remarkably similar to your Aunt Helen’s coffee table doilies.
It also does double duty in the trend sense because many of these styles are 70′s inspired.

So, which will it be? What’s Your Lace Style?

Temperatures are getting warmer! It’s time to start baring those legs. Shorts have been on the backburner for the last few seasons. This season, however, they were front and center on the runways. Here are the top 5 top 6 styles.

High-Waist

DVF at Nordstrom | Anthropologie | Urban Outfitters

Pleated

ModCloth | Urban Outfitters | 3.1 Phillip Lim at Nordstrom

Statement

ModCloth | JCrew | Anthropologie

Trouser

Banana Republic | Old Navy | JCrew

Cut-Offs

Victoria’s Secret | Urban Outfitters | JCrew

Bonus – Romper

The romper was a wild card for the last two summers – something only a few brave souls wore. Look for it more and more this Summer as they become easier to find in stores (even Target is carrying them). If you’ve been timid about trying this style before, now is the time to muster up the courage and take the plunge!

JCrew | ModCloth | Victoria’s Secret


Which short style will you wear this Spring?