10 Spring Time Essentials

So while the weather continues to be a tease, I continue to plot what I'll wear once the sunshine becomes more consistent.

1.White Eyelet Dress

Dolce & Gabbana's Spring 2011 line possesses some of the most gorgeous white lace dresses I've ever seen. Drool! Since these are far...far...far out of reach, I was super excited to stumble across this gorgeous dress at American Eagle. The fit is fantastic and you can't beat the price tag (especially when you have a 20% off coupon on hand)

2. '70s Denim Reworked for Today

Back in 8th grade, I thought nothing would ever look as good as my pale blue LEI flares, which zipped up to my belly button and were worn until there was a gaping hole in the rear. Oops! Perhaps part of the reason I have shirked jeans for so long are the frightful memories of this dark period. Needless to say, I'm as surprised as the next gal at how infatuated I am with the dramatic bells cropping up all over, especially these J. Brands. 

3. Wear with Everything Espadrilles

It's no big secret that I follow Lauren Conrad's every fashion move. For the past several years I've been unsuccessfully hunting shoes similar to her favorite cognac Miu Miu double cross platforms that she's been seen wearing with everything. The criteria: A tan/nude sandal that can dress up my day dresses and are comfortable enough to wear all summer long. Not sure if these will fit the bill yet, but I'm smitten with the espadrille wrapped heel, so we shall see!

4. Something Chambray

Ever since I saw Kate Bosworth wearing an unbelievably adorable denim dress (with a peekaboo back) I've been hooked on the idea of putting my own girly spin on the look. This knockout dress from UO has pretty much the cutest back I've ever seen, not to mention a super sweet ruffled front. I'm very impatiently waiting for it to go on sale.

5. Cat Eye Sunglasses

There's something so undeniably glamorous about cat eye sunglasses. I'm beyond thrilled that they're back, since it makes it so much easier to find an affordable, face flattering pair. As much as I love me a huge pair of classic Jackie O's, after a bit of self-analysis I now realize that they unfortunately make me look like a bug.

6. Retro Bikini

For couch potatoes like yours truly, the idea of putting on a bikini after a long winter of hibernation can be a pretty horrific thought. The obvious antidote would be to hit the gym hard, but somehow finding a cute gingham bikini that makes me feel like Brigitte Bardot sunning in St. Tropez seems a bit more in keeping with my lifestyle.

7. Sweet Scarf

Scarves are a great way to make basics not so basic, and to prepare for the often unpredictable California climate. Leann Rimes was spotted wearing the Gypsy 05 Tamara scarf in pink, and what can I say? It was love! I found it on Ebay for a mere $20.

8. Two-Tone Bag

Having been more than mildly obsessed with Eva Longoria's two tone Salvatore Ferragamo satchel, and then again with the Reiss bag British pop star Mollie King has been toting everywhere,  I scoured the net looking for a less costly inspired by option. The Aldo Cyphert meets the criteria, thanks to it's structured ladylike shape and on-trend black-and-white color scheme. It was even featured on Gossip Girl in rust!

9. Polka Dots

My love of polka dots defies seasons, but I can see the print looking particularly sweet tucked into high waisted mini skirts and yellow pumps. P.s. This Zara blouse is delectable.

10. Hair Mask

I've been trying to grow my hair out for ages now–no seriously, ages–and so to protect it from warm weather threats like excess sun and wind, I will deep condition it religiously! I found this conditioner for more than half off on Ebay, notice a trend?