I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest. I’ll browse the site until my eyes become glued to a photograph of incredibly dressed fashionistas. I fall in love, then the hate sets in; hate that burns with jealousy over the fact that she is wearing those suede wedges and beautiful blazer, not me. I’ve found a few envy-inducing spring trend based outfits and recreated them with affordable pieces via Polyvore!

The cropped bustier/bracelet top is a sensational trend. It’s the perfect side dish to a gorgeous pair of distressed, dyed, high waist denim shorts. Cropped bustier tops are seen in a range of colors, patterns, and fabrics. I prefer straps for support, but either way this top/bottom combo will continue to trend throughout summer.

Get the look:

Ribbon Cut Out Bracelet Top, BANK Fashion, £18.00

Black Lace Shorts Handmade Vintage Bottoms, Etsy

6 Piece Rhinestone Bangles, Syleforless.com, $7.99

This is a perfect example of acceptable color-blocking. The pastels are huge this spring, and this bombshell has got it down. She pairs her light pink capris with a blouse and sweater, a stylish ensemble for those of you who are yet to experience the actual spring weather!

Get the look:

Peak Blouse Off White, Weekday.com, £40.00

MOTO Supersoft Skinny Leigh Jeans, us.topshop.com, $78.00

Linen Cable-knit Sweater, J. Crew, $34.99

Bangles, Dorothy Perkins, $27.00

I’ve mentioned the colored blazer before, and it’s back! I love H&M’s collection of hues, perfect for color blocking. While many daring fashionistas pair their pinks with teals and greens, this girl rocks a lace frock underneath for an adorably put-together look.

Get the look:

Blazer, H&M, $34.95

A-line Lace Dress, Dorothy Perkins, $44.00

Brando Clutch in Grey, Mimi Boutique, $40.50

One of my favorite trends this spring is lace bottoms. Change up your denim and khaki for some delicate lace. As seen above, stay stylish by pairing your bottoms with a bright pastel blouse and some minimalistic jewelry!

Get the look:

Blouse, Monki, £22.00

Lace Bottoms, Oasis, $72.00

Bangles, Nordstrom, $38.00

Beads, Forever 21, $7.80

Aztec prints are becoming the pattern of spring. These shorts are refreshing in the fact that they take the focus away from the top, accentuating long, tanned legs. Pair your blouse with a pair of Aztec printed shorts and a tote for Boho-chic attire.

 Get the look:

Top, Mango, £39.99

MOTO Aztec Hotpants, topshop.com, $64.00

Black Large Croc Flap Tote, Dorothy Perkins, $59.00

Twisted Necklace, Mango, £15

 www.fashionablymeg.blogspot.com

I don’t often describe people this way, but Brooklyn Decker really is a “girl-next-door.” She totally looks like someone I would see walking down the street or at a happy hour or at the gym. She’s gorgeous, but she still has a very down-to-earth and accessible quality that shines through. I love her style. It’s contemporary, vibrant, and fresh – which is more than I can say for her upcoming movie, ‘What To Expect When You’re Expecting’…but I digress.

yellow t-shirt – Banana Republic, $22.50//skirt – Kohl’s, $19.99//shoes – Macy’s, $49.00

This bright yellow tee is perfect for Spring. It provides an interesting contrast to a black & white mixed print skirt. Mixed prints are still very popular this season, so this skirt is right on trend. You could easily pair this skirt with a black or white top if you want a more neutral aesthetic. My favorite part of this ensemble is, without a doubt, the glittery lace-up flats. They’re so whimsical and a great way to add some quirky glitz to any outfit. This is a great selection of dynamic separates that you could totally integrate into your wardrobe in whichever way you’re most comfortable with.

I used to think that New York & Company was a “mom” store, but as it turns out, I totally misjudged! When looking at their clothes recently, I realized they have a ton of cute, stylish clothes that are perfect for work or for going out! And the best part is, it’s totally affordable!

Check out these great picks for just $20 or less each!

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While walking the NYC streets the other day I noticed a change in fashion. People were flaunting new prints, new colors, and, overall, new styles. After many head turning moments it finally hit me. Spring fashion has arrived! Now if you’re a total fashion nut like myself then you already have seen the runway shows and know all the new styles. But if you’re not then you’re in luck. I’m here to help! I’ve gathered the top 2012 spring fashion trends. Check ‘em out!

We’ll start with color first.

1. Pops of neon color: Mix a neon color (pink, green, blue, any color will do!) into your everyday attire. Add neon blue earrings or a neon pink satchel. It’ll brighten your outfit instantly!
2. Pastels: Spring is a pretty time and what’s prettier than pastels! You can mix an array of pastels. The soft colors blend nicely! However, sea foam green seems to be the most popular.
3. Orange: Orange seems to be the hit color in all departments. Entire orange outfits are cropping up everywhere! If you want a more simple style, stick to orange bags, jackets and shoes.

Next we’ll cover patterns.

1. Floral prints: So huge for spring. This is my absolute favorite trend! Floral prints are pretty, feminine and can add flare to simple outfits. Floral print pants seem to be all the rage. So find a pair as quickly as you can and hold on tight to them!
2. Tribal patterns: It seems as though the popularity of tribal patterns from winter has carried into spring. Tribal patterns are edgy and somewhat sexy. A tribal shirt or jacket can add edge to any outfit.
3. Bold prints: This is cool if not overdone. Bold prints are an article of clothing that have different patterns (swirls, geometric shapes etc.) and colors blended into one. These are great for any nighttime outfit.
4. Futuristic patterns: This goes above and beyond the classic patterns. Futuristic prints appear as though they are digital patterns on articles of clothing. If wearing a jacket with a futuristic pattern keep the rest of the outfit simple. Remember to not go overboard!

Finally the remaining trends.

1. Sporty: Don’t be thrown. These sporty looks are very feminine. Most of them show high collared shirts with longer sleeves or a broad shoulder jacket with a prominent zipper. Stylists are pairing these with cute, loose shorts and coloring them in pastels and pinks. The results are the perfect combination between feminine and sporty.
2. Colorblocking: This trend is exactly how it sounds. Clothing are designed with chunks, vertical or horizontal, of specific colors or shades of one color. Soon enough you’ll be seeing this style all over your favorite stores!
3. Peplum Ruffles: This is a very specific ruffle. It is one ruffle resting on your waist line either from your shirt or skirt. It’s very feminine and adds a bit of flare to an outfit.

Hope this helped. Happy Spring everybody!

[Lead image via curlychellez.blogspot.com]

Minka Kelly is such a regulation hottie. And she will forever have a place in my heart, not only for being in Friday Night Lights (the only time  I will ever care even a little about football), but for the delightfully, absurdly cheesy cinematic masterpiece The Roommate. She has a pretty unassuming style that is fun, cute, and totally appropriate for the average college girlie.

jacket – Forever 21, $18.99//tank – Old Navy, $8.50//skirt – NY&Co, $39.95//pumps – 6pm, $20.70//clutch – ASOS, $32.23

Even though I love spring and summer, it’s hard for me to let go of some of my favorite elements of fall/winter fashion, particularly the color black. It is, without a doubt, my favorite color to wear, and I love incorporating it into pretty much every outfit that I put on. So I’m loving this combination of a black tank, little black jacket, and adorable floral maxi skirt. Blue peeptoes add an extra splash of color, and the yellow clutch is absolutely adorable. This is such a perfect, casual look. Easily customizable, super versatile, and effortlessly chic.

[Lead image via fanpop.com]

Thandie Newton is one of those actresses who steadily works, and even occasionally snags some high-profile gigs (Mission Impossible II, ER, Crash), and yet, she never really crosses the threshold into A-list territory. Totally unfortunate, since she’s a great actress and, I mean, hello, she’s utterly gorgeous. Alas. She’s on the promo circuit as the star of Tyler Perry’s latest flick, embracing a simple, elegant and sexy aesthetic.

blazer – Forever 21, $29.80//t-shirt – Forever 21, $4.80//shorts – Delia’s, $34.50//sandals - DSW, $49.95

I personally have a love/hate relationship with shorts, but I love them as a part of this ensemble. Shorts can be really chic while still maintaining a generally casual aura, and I definitely think black shorts should be a spring/summer wardrobe staple. They are so versatile. Paired with a hot pink top and a blazer, you now have a playful but sophisticated look. Add some sleek leather sandals and you have an outfit that is cute and fun for either day or night.

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Oh, the glamorous life of college kids. From the lectures, to the parties, to the late night library sessions, to the awkward Sunday morning walk of shames. This is our weekly schedule. This is how we roll through the best four years of our life! Here in the Midwest, awkward weather has set in. One week, 85 degrees. And the next week? 36. This has caused much style confusion throughout campuses as I witness athletic shorts and tees worn to the clubs, denim shorts and tall UGG boots worn to the dining halls and even sequin dresses and wedges worn to class (uh, did you think this was Bar Hopping 101 or are you wearing your outfit from last night?). Granted, I’ve been a bit off myself. My thought process is along the lines of “60 degrees…warm enough for a short sleeve blouse but not enough for denim shorts?  It’s sunny and slightly warm out but my classrooms are already blasting out the cold air, so UGG boots and a tank top?” Awkward.

As your Budget Stylista, I’ve decided to go over affordable, proper spring attire for the library, classroom and local bar. Hopefully that chick from Bio who wears a maxi dress and Converse reads this post.

Exam All-Nighters

Actually learning — the most important aspect of attending college. Along with classes comes studying, and along with studying comes that late-night study sesh at the library. Obviously looking good is the last thing on your mind when studying, but it doesn’t hurt to look comfy-cute…you never know when you’ll run into that super-hot guy from Calculus, right?

VS Pink Zip Up $46.50, VS Legging $24.50

Ditch the ratty “Seniors 2010” hoodie for the night and grab your favorite Victoria’s Secret zip up (zip up sweatshirts & layers are good for those unpredictable classroom temperatures.) Accompanying a larger top layer and leggings makes for a balanced and extremely comfortable ensemble. Slip on your vans or flip flops and add a tote to complete the sensible look.

Wear-to-Class

Ah, class-wear. I’m a huge advocate for the yoga pants, t-shirt, messy bun combo, but it doesn’t reflect well on me when someone asks my major and I awkwardly reply “fashion…” I see nothing wrong with looking put-together for class, but I can’t help but laugh when I see those try-hard students attempting to pull off high heels, looking like Bambi on ice instead.

Nude Dress $26.00; H&M Blazer $34.95

When I’m feeling really stylish, I opt for a light sundress and a blazer. The color blocking white & pink has definitely been one of my favorite spring trends thus far. Look extra chic in flats and an envelope clutch. This outfit would make me proud to declare myself as a fashion major…but then again would anyone really have to ask?

A Night Out

Hey, chick in the bling’d out neon-yellow, chandelier mini-dress, we get it… You’ve got people to impress and you’re not going to waste the opportunity. Looking sexy and chic isn’t that hard, but many girls go for the sequined over-kill.

F21 Tank $5.00; F21 Body-con Skirt $5.80

If you want to make a statement, color-blocking is the cure. Take a body-con colored skirt and pair it with a neutral colored top and shoes. With simple accessories, you’ll be gorgeous and fashion forward instead of gaudy and a fashion fail.

www.fashionablymeg.blogspot.com

[Lead image via conrado/Shutterstock]

Another one of my favorite go-to stores is Delia’s! I love shopping their catalog and online store, and it wasn’t until recently that I found out they have retail shops as well! They always have a great selection of cute basic tops in lots of different colors, fun dresses, stylish accessories and more, and their prices are definitely wallet-friendly! Here are some fun picks from Delia’s to add to your summer wardrobe fr less than $20 each!

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