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This cami is great for layering. It also comes in a couple of fun, Spring patterns. And, you can’t beat the price! Originally $24.50, it’s now only $3.99. Plus, everything on clearance at Old Navy is an additional 50% off this weekend when you enter code HALFOFF. A satin top for 2 bucks? Can you believe it?!

The additional 50% off applies to this cardigan as well. Originally $26.50, it’s marked down to $9.99, but with extra 50% off, is only 5 bucks. Craziness. Oh! It comes in a few different colors, too.

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Okay, so this is the last item from Old Navy, I promise. These prices are just too great to pass up! Here’s a little white dress (perfect for Spring) embellished with gold sequins (also perfect for the new season)! Originally $39.50, it’s been marked down to $19.99. But, don’t forget to use the HALFOFF code to get it for $10!

High waisted pants are definitely a must-have for Spring fashion. This pair has been marked down 50% to just $16.49.

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Part of the Lime Tag Sale, these oxford booties are pretty much the definition of the oxford bootie trend. And, the light color fabric makes them perfect for Spring. Originally $100, they’re now only $49.99.

This black peep-toe bootie is super cute for work! Originally $59, these shoes are now only $29.99.

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This dress is still available in blue and yellow and in many sizes. And, in case you’re wondering, the maxi dress is still a trend this coming Spring. Originally $175, this dress is now $89.99.

I LOVE this cardigan. I especially love the way it’s worn in this image. Super trendy for the office! It’s marked down to $54.99 from an original price of $98. And, since this and the dress above are at Banana Republic, don’t forget to use the code SAVE30 to get an extra 30% off!

Designer

These shoes are fabulous! Designed by Burberry, they’re marked down 60% to $196.90.

Get ready for Spring with these high-waisted shorts by Alice + Olivia! Originally $198, they’re now only $59.39.

What do you think of my tips? Do you have a favorite product that helps you achieve this look? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Check back soon for other Spring 2009 Makeup Trends!

It’s time to start planning your Spring wardrobe. Soon enough, your Winter boots and sweaters will be pushed to the back of your closet, patiently waiting for next Fall. And, you’ll look through your closet asking yourself, “What in the world did I wear last Spring?” Before you run out and buy a whole new wardrobe, follow these steps to save yourself some time and money.

1. Evaluate what you already have.

First, make yourself familiar with Spring 2009 fashion trends. Think creatively. The white dress you have hanging in your closet doesn’t need to look exactly like the ones you saw on the runways. Can you add a belt to it to update the look? Or layer a blazer over it?
Next, check out the depths of your closet. Take a Saturday morning to go through your clothes. Get rid of clothes you never wear or will never wear again. But remember, you might have a dress or a top that you hardly wore last Spring but that’s perfect for this season. Take your castoffs to the next clothes swap, a resale store like Buffalo Exchange or donate them to Goodwill. If I don’t have a clothes swap planned, I usually try Buffalo Exchange first because anything they can’t take goes to really great charities.

2. Decide what your Spring wardrobe will consist of.

The start of a new season is a great time to create a signature style. Look at the trends for next Spring and decide which of them fit your personality best, will give you the most confidence and which will help you take the fashion direction that works for you.
Here is a list of overarching Spring 2009 trends. It’s true that some things will be specific must-haves. For instance, white is a big color for Spring, but the ultimate way to wear white is with a white dress. I’ll write a Spring 2009 must-haves post another day. As you’re going through your closet and deciding what your look will be, keep an open mind with these basic categories of trends.

Spring 2009 Trends

1. Asymmetry: One shoulder dresses and tops are definitely trendy.
2. Gold: Gold jewelry, gold silky tops and dresses, gold heels and flats are all a must this season.
3. Monochromatic Outfits: Color is a huge deal this season. Rich, bright colors should be combined with other pieces in the same hue.
4. Layers: To achieve the monochromatic outfit look, you’ll need to layer. Go for different lengths. For instance, a long cardigan over a shorter dress.
5. Jackets & Cardigans: Speaking of cardigans…tailored jackets like blazers or cropped coats are perfect for the office and cardigans are a must-have for the season. The most popular one being talked about is the J.Crew cardigan (as seen on Michelle Obama). You don’t have to wear that exact one, but notice the style and emulate it.
6. Flat Sandals: Yes, it’s okay to wear flats this season. Check out my post about flat sandals for different styles and trends.
7. Statement Heels: On the runways, there were some pretty serious heels sighted. I’m not quite sure how some of those models made it down the runway (there were quite a few stumbles!). Check out my post about how to choose the perfect pair of heels for some tips and a list of the latest heel trends.
8. Statement Jewelry: Big, ornate necklaces and bracelets are still in vogue. Go for gold and you’re combining two trends!
9. Pleats: Pleats were everywhere, on everything. But, they were definitely prevalent on pants. Harem pants, carrot pants and basic pleated pants are the different styles. Read my pleated pants post for tips and descriptions of each.
10. Sheer: See-through fabrics are definitely in. We saw quite a few model breasts on the runway, but you don’t need to bare all to wear sheer. Layer a same-colored tank or slip under a sheer piece to make your outfit acceptable.
11. White: White is definitely THE color this Spring. The white dress is a must have, but white jeans, white tops, white skirts and suits are all pieces we’ll see.
12. Tribal: The tribal look is achieved with prints, but mostly with beads and other embellishments. This can be done just with jewelry, or with tops, dresses or shoes that are adorned with embellishments.
13. Embellished: In addition to the tribal embellishments, other types of adornments will be seen on shoes, tops, dresses and jewelry. Think huge flowers, gems and studs…
14. Ruffles: A type of embellishment, ruffles were seen on necklines, hemlines and in between. Don’t discard that ruffled dress in your closet. Think about how you can make it appropriate for this season!
15. Hippie: Peasant blouses and flowy skirts will be popular again this season. Pair with belts and flat sandals when you layer monochromatic pieces and you’ll be super trendy!

3. Start scouring the sales racks

Once you’ve made yourself familiar with the trends, defined your style for the season and gone through your closet, it’s time to start adding necessary pieces. Since there’s still a fair amount of time (a month or so) before the season starts, you have the chance to check out the sales racks. It’s amazing how many items are discounted right now. If you know what you’re looking for, it’s a great time to shop for the next season. Remember, as with the closet exercise, maintain a broad definition of the trends.

What do you think of these tips? Are you ready for the Spring season?

Flat Sandal Trends

Natural Brown Leather

In addition to patent, metallic and snakeskin, plain old natural brown leather is a popular sandal material this Spring. This is especially trendy in ankle strap sandals and gladiators (see below) and is great worn as part of the Bohemian style seen on the Spring 2009 runways.
Here are a couple of examples:

Shown: Cocobelle Sandals ($68.00), Pelle Moda Sandals ($54.90)

Embellishments

This Spring, look for sandals decorated with all sorts of fun baubles and beads. Feathers, beads, shells, animal print, pendants, gems and studs are just a few of the adornments you’ll see when shopping for the perfect pair (or pairs) of sandals. Draw attention to your newly pedicured feet (you know you need one!) with fun additions to an otherwise plain sandal. Most of the sandals this season are similar in design and material. The difference is in the embellishment added. Here are some over the top examples:

Shown: Steve Madden Sandals with Beaded Ankle ($128.95), Sam Edelman Sandals with wood and snakeskin ($88.95), Sigerson Morrison Sandals ($649.00)

Metallic

In keeping with the idea of taking a simple sandal and making it glam, metallic sandals are a huge hit this season. Again, these are usually very classic or basic sandal styles, but are made with gold, silver or bronze material. Here are a few examples:

Shown: Matt Bernson Gold Gladiator Sandals ($170.00), Bernardo Gold Woven Sandals ($98.00), Silver Gladiator Sandals ($22.99)

Types of Flat Sandals

Flip Flops

I don’t think there will ever be a Spring or Summer season when flip flops (aka ‘thongs’) will not be in style. This season, go for a pair of flip flops that are metallic, embellished or paired with an ankle strap.

Shown: Patent Sandals ($19.99), Gold Sandals ($115), Turquoise Sandals ($140)

Gladiator Sandals

Made popular last Spring, gladiator sandals are back and are bigger than ever. This season, we’ll see lots of variations on the basic gladiator. Expect to see heeled gladiators, gladiators with wide ankle straps, gladiators with straps that go up the calf and embellished gladiators. This is a must have for Spring 2009!

Shown: Dolce Vita Gladiator Sandal ($149.95), Enzo Angiolini Gladiator ($59.95), Gladiator Sandal ($24.99)

Thong Sandal

Thong sandals have ankle straps that make them more sandal, less flip flop. This seems to be the main style for added embellishments. Thong sandals are very similar to t-strap heels if one strap goes from the toes to the ankle, but can also look more like flip flops if the strap splits before the ankle. The embellishments usually adorn the t-strap.

Shown: Mirrored Sandals ($22.99), Kenneth Cole Thong Sandals ($79.00), Silver Thong Sandals ($120.00)

Ankle Straps

This is definitely my favorite style of flat sandals for this Spring. The ankle strap trend can accompany a gladiator sandal, a thong sandal or even flip flops, but should be listed as a style of its own because of how unique it is. Ankle strap sandals consist of an ankle strap that is often much wider than any of the other straps in the sandal. The strap resembles a wrist cuff in many ways.
Here are some examples:

Shown: Cocobelle Ankle Strap Sandals ($96.00), Sam Edelman Sandals ($89.00), Matt Bernson Sandals ($175.00)

More Reading:
Not ready to turn in your heels? Read How to Choose the Perfect Pair of Heels for a guide to the latest heel trends.
Feeling inspired to get that pedicure? Check out the latest Spring 2009 polish colors.

What do you think of the flat sandal trends and styles for Spring 2009?

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Every girl needs a pair of velour pants for lounging around the house on the weekend. This pair is stylish and even more comfortable with its wide legs. And, it’s cheap! Originally $14.99, it’s now $7.49.

This simple shirt dress is a great transitional piece from Winter to Spring attire. Wear belted or loose over tights or bare-legged. Originally $34.50, this dress is now only $9.99.

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A major trend this Fall, the oxford bootie will have lasting power as a trend for the Spring as well. This patent bootie is a more urban version of the classic brown leather oxford. Now only $14.99, it’s a great find!

I love these shoes! Gladiators are back for another Spring/Summer season both as flats and heels. We’re also going to see a revival of the chunky heel this Spring. This shoe combines it all! Originally priced at $24.99, this shoe is on the Payless Spring Preview Sale for $16.99.

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This floral dress is a great Spring find! Originally $34.50, it’s now only $20.99.

Here’s another asymmetrical dress on sale. This week’s is even cheaper than last week’s. One shoulder dresses are definitely a Spring trend. And, in a rich color like this, this dress will be a huge hit! Originally $175.00, this dress is deeply discounted to $39.99.

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I’ve been lusting after this dress ever since Banana Republic released it last Fall. It’s very simple, yet unique. And, it’s from their amazing Monogram collection. Originally $300.00, it’s now $79.99.

Shortsuits and pantsuits were all over the Spring 2009 runways last September. This discounted romper is a great way to try out the style. Originally $125.00, it’s now $49.90.

Designer

From the Fall 2008 collection, this BCBGMAXAZRIA sweater dress is still trendy and appropriate for chilly Spring days. Now priced at $149.90, it was originally $378.00.

This classic, comfortable dress is timeless and seasonless. Designed by Burberry, it’s now priced at $219.00 from $550.00.

Your Finds…

What do you think of these finds? Have any of your own?