La Belle Vie: Just pick one
Anyone else feeling the pinch these days? I'm about a week away from calling my dad for a loan.What with the recent Winter Carnival festivities and saving up for spring break, it's no wonder our wallets are feeling a little on the light side right now.
Unfortunately, this is also the time when the beautiful brand-spanking new spring collections hit the stores. Bright and fresh, they effortlessly outshine the drab, lifeless remnants of last season that are still lurking on the odd sale rack here and there — those very same remnants we were all drooling over less than two months ago. Oh fashion, how fickle thou art.
For those of you — like me — who are unable to hold off until the bank balance is looking healthier, here is my advice for avoiding serious credit card debt (and we all know where that can lead). Buy ONE thing (and one thing only) and make it really, really work for you. Here are my top five key pieces to tide you over:
The perfect piece for this time of year. Work them now with skinny jeans or wooly tights, then rock them with bare legs and a skater skirt or denim shorts in the warmer weather. They're not the cheapest out there, but I love this pair from Zara — I can't think of anything I wouldn't be able to wear them with.
COURTESY OF ZARA
A trench coat is a great way to inject a bit of spring into your wardrobe while still thinking on the practical side. It's a real investment piece — chic and understated, and you can wear it with everything. This one from Zara is stunning and will sharpen up your look instantly.
COURTESY OF BRETON
Nautical stripes are always a big hit for spring/summer, and there's no reason to believe this year will be any different. There's something so Parisian-chic about a Breton stripe; it manages to make you look elegant and pulled together without looking as though you've tried too hard. This one from H&M will look great now tucked into jeans or a high-waisted skirt and with white or denim shorts in the summer.
COURTESY OF ASOS
A great way to brighten up your look, a color-pop bag instantly updates your wardrobe and is a real attention-grabber.Be prepared for a bombardment of exclamations along the lines of “I love your bag! Where is it from?!” Play it cool and say you had it shipped from Europe. This asos bag is a good option — it makes me happy just looking at it.
COURTESY OF TOPSHOP
The more outrageous the better, these are always great talking points at parties. Let it become your signature piece. I love this dramatic knuckle-duster from Topshop. Wear it on your index finger for maximum impact.