How To | Transitioning to Spring & Summer

We've cleaned out our closets and now it's time to enjoy the warmer temperatures and shining sun. 

Easing your wardrobe from Winter to Spring and Summer is simple, just follow these tips!

Layering

The biggest tip I can share is to layer! Don't be afraid that it will add bulk, you just have to choose the right pieces. Each item in the layers should be fitted and a thinner material. At the very least, throw on a cardigan to help with cooler mornings and nights.

Lighten Up

Add pastels to your wardrobe! These shades are very hot right now, pick a silhouette with clean lines to look more classic chic than Easter Bunny. If pastels aren't your thing then, try more saturated colors.  Coral and hot pink are the it colors for Spring. They look lovely on everyone and will bring just the right pop of color to your face and outfit. If all else fails, add white! Forget all the rules associated with white and throw on a crisp button-up or a simple tee. It will brighten up your outfit and bring life to those dark winter hues.

Color of The Year

Don't forget about the Pantone color of the year: Radiant Orchid. This is another fun way to update your outfit. Wear the color as a shirt or as your nail polish -- quick and easy way to bring your look into Spring.

Accessories

I know I mention this a lot but accessories are one of the most affordable and easiest ways to change up any look. Go for a statement necklace or earrings and keep everything else simple. 

Beauty

Change our your blush for a bright pink or poppy color. Bold makeup colors can work for every skin tone -- the key is in the brush. Look for a duo-fibre brush that will deposit less product on the skin, that way you'll get a light wash of a bright color. In general though, Spring makeup is subdued and simple. Go for a glowing highlighter on cheeks but keep your lips matte. And skip the heavy eyeliner -- a neutral eye shadow and thick mascara will keep your look fresh. Nail polish is another fun way to add a little Spring to your look. Again go for brights or pastels!

Colorful Pants

Switching out your boyfriend jeans or basic black pants for a colorful crop pant is a simple way to transition your wardrobe into Spring. If you want to keep attention away from your lower half, then stick with dark and sold colors. To show off your inner fashionista, go for printed pants or bright hues like orange!

 

Neon

Neon colors are not just for teenage girls and rock stars. If done properly they can be really quite chic. The key is to wear only one item piece -- it should be structured and formal. Try a neon yellow peplum top under a blazer or a neon pink pencil skirt with a structured button-up blouse. The bright pop of color is perfect for Spring and and mixes well with the black and navy pieces you still have from Winter. 

Patterns

Spring is the perfect time to play with patterns. Florals are popping up in store windows everywhere. You can wear flowers without looking like your grandmother's table cloth -- just look for large floral patterns in bright colors. Stay away from tiny prints and muted tones.

Mix & Match

One of my favorite looks for Spring is the unexpected: a sweater and shorts or a maxi skirt and sleeveless crop top. If you're feeling adventurous play around with different lengths, textures and weights for the individual pieces in your outfit. If you want to wear shorts but aren't necessarily ready to show off your legs, try tights!

I would love to hear your tips for transitioning into the warmer months! 

Let me know in the comments below!

Images: Thrifty It Girl, Space 46 Boutique, Glamour.com, Frankie Hearts Fashion, Polyvore, Street Style Chic

Spring Cleaning | Your Closet

Spring Clean Your Wardrobe

Steps to evaluating, exfoliating and updating your closet

Three cheers for warmer temps! We all know it probably won't last and we may still have to deal with a random snowfall at the end of March, but there's no denying Spring and Summer are on the horizon.  With every new season, I think it's important to assess your closet, edit out unnecessary pieces and add what is missing. 

Here's a step by step guide to getting your closet and wardrobe ready!

1. Take It All Out

This may seem extreme, but it's important to get a view of the whole picture. So for some people, that means taking everything out of their closet and putting on the bed or floor. Look at *everything* you have. Take inventory, touch and feel fabrics. Try things on. Do they still fit? Are they itchy? Are there holes? You can't weed out the pieces that aren't working for you anymore if you don't even know what those are. It's time to get up close and personal with your clothes. 

2. Figure Out Your Personal Style

What look do you want to portray? You can't know what pieces to toss or purchase if you don't know what your personal style is. Take this opportunity to curate a wardrobe that reflect you or who you want to be. What items and colors and patterns are you drawn to? What's your current lifestyle? A student's wardrobe will look much different to a woman who is retired. That's not to say that you can't dress for the part or life that you want. In fact, I highly recommend that! You don't have to be defined by your  job or role in life, but it will play a part in your daily wardrobe. So take stock of your activities and figure out your look. What pieces make you feel the most confident and the most like your true self. Do not think about current trends or what's hot this season, only think about yourself and what you like. If you don't have a clue what your personal style is, first start by looking at the 5 or so pieces that you wear and reach for the most. Are these an accurate reflection of how you feel and want to look? Also, look through magazines, blogs and Pinterest -- what outfits do you love the most? They will give you a good idea of your style. If you still need help, contact me….I offer affordable services for helping you find your personal style.

3. The Four Piles

Ok, back to your wardrobe that's sitting on your bed. Go through piece by piece -- I promise this investment of time will be worth it. Create four piles either on the bed or in buckets -- one each to keep, to donate, to toss and to fix. As you go through every article in  your closet assign it to one of these 4 piles. Be ruthless: nothing gets left behind. Try to make a decision on each piece within 30 seconds. Allow yourself a few maybe items, but don't let that pile get too out of hand. In this step, don't forget to include shoes, purses and jewelry!

4. The One Year Rule

This is very straightforward: if you have not worn it in the past year -- out it goes! There's no need to hang on to the zebra print shirt you wore in high school in hopes that it'll come back into style or one day fit again. We all have impulse purchases we regret, you don't need to keep a daily reminder staring you in the face every morning. I'll go so far as to say that even some sentimental pieces should be discarded. Obviously, I'm not advocating that you throw away your grandmother's fur, but there's also a value in starting fresh and letting go of things that are mentally and physically holding you back. Remember, we're trying to edit your closet to create a beautiful collection. Imagine you're an art curator and your clothes are the art pieces. Your closet is a museum that deserves to have nothing but the best items in it. You can do it!

If you're not sure what pieces you've worn or what you wear the most: try this fun trick for a month. Every time you wear a piece of clothing, return it to your closet with the hanger turned backwards. At the end of the month, you'll have a visual picture of what you're actually wearing. 

5. Make A Shopping List

After you've sorted, you will have a great idea of what pieces are actually missing in your wardrobe. You might have thought you had 3 or 4 basic black shirts but as you went through you came to realize that 2 didn't fit, 1 was faded and 1 had a hole. So, write basic black shirt on your list. Be cautious to add only pieces you will actually wear and use as well as fun, interesting items that you really want.

6. Invest Time & Money In Your Closet Space

Are those slimline fuzzy hangers that cost an arm and leg really worth it? YES! Invest in matching, pretty hangers. They really do save space and hold onto your clothes without leaving ugly dents. And more importantly, when your closet is pretty and organized, it'll be a joy to get dressed in the morning. There are tons of other ways to get an organized space. You can find closet organizers ranging from super affordable to extravagantly expensive, but there's something for everyone and every budget. Find what works for you, and invest in it. We can't all have dressing rooms and lovely large closets, but we can make the absolute best out of what we have. Make sure you organize by color and by style. For example, hang up all short sleeve shirts first from lightest to darkest then the colors, next hang up all long sleeves shirts in the same color pattern. Also, make sure that you group like with like. That's helpful when trying to decide what to reach for in the mornings.

Other important things to remember:

A fun, creative way to add clothes is to organize a clothing swap with friends! Everyone brings items from their donate pile and you all get to go through each other's clothes. Enjoy some appetizers and hopefully leave with a few new pieces. 

If you're short on space in your closet, then search your home for large pieces that go unused -- most likely suitcases! They can be a great way to store clothing that is out of season. Throw in a few pieces of chalk to absorb moisture as they are stored. Also, don't forget about smaller spaces like under your bed. Many stores sell bins for organizing items that will fit right under your bed. There are several other space-saving organizing items such as space bags that literally suck the air out of your items. Take a look through the aisles of Bed, Bath & Beyond or similar stores to see what else is available.

The most important tip is to be true to yourself and honest! I know it's hard to let go of things. I know you want to loose 10 pounds to fit into those pants again. But be grateful for all the memories and for where you are now. There's such a relief in being authentic and living in the present. Your closet should reflect that as well. 

I'd love to see before and after pictures of your closet, as you spring clean! Send me a picture via Twitter or tag me on Instagram @maebad.

Happy Spring!

xo

Images: Pinterest,  Design & Splendours, Regaling Retail, Babble

Guide to Style | Spring Essentials

So excited to share that I'll be contributing to a print magazine here in Oklahoma! It's a small publication for our area, but I'm so excited to be collaborating on a style post every month! The first issue just came out...it's so neat to see my designs in print! This month, I shared my essentials for Spring. Even though the weather is still acting crazy, it's hard to believe Spring is almost over and Summer officially begins next month. Even so, here are my picks:

1. The Little White Dress | It used to be all about the little black dress, but with warmer temperatures and the lightness that comes with Spring, it's important to switch out your classic black dress for a fresh white one. It will be your go-to dress all Spring and throughout the Summer for brunch, a day of shopping, even a baby shower. It's a one-size-fits-all-occassions dress. Shown above styled for a casual day of errands, you can also spruce it up with a set of pearls and nude pumps.

2. Round Tortoise Sunnies | I would argue tortoise is in style year round, but trend setters and taste makers are labeling tortoise the hot pattern for Spring and round sunglasses are making a comeback. They flatter all face shapes, just pay attention to proportions and look for various shades of tortoise such as brown or green to complement your coloring.

3. Colorful Flats | Spring is all about color and wearing fun flats is just another way to add a pop of color to your outfit. Also look for little details such as bows or embellishments for an extra touch.

4. Lightweight Scarf | The weather is still changing in the Spring so it's important to have a scarf just in case the temperature drops. It also serves as an accessory, just choose a lighter weight material in a fun pattern. Using a scarf is a great way to ease into the trend of mixing pattens.

5. Anything Mint | Although emerald green has been dubbed the color of the year, mint green is stealing the show. Mint accessories and pants are the most popular way to add this fabulous color into your outfit. It's a very flattering shade for all skin tones and hair colors.

6. Printed Pants | Don't be scared to try this style essential. You can begin with a light pattern in less contrasting colors if you're shy to jump right in. But for the brave fashion forward, this is a fantastic way to add an element of interest.

7. Striped T-shirt | This is truly a staple and should be a part of every woman's wardrobe. Stripes are the new neutral and can easily be mixed with other patterns or solids.

8. Coral Lips | The worlds of beauty and fashion are inter-mixed and always influencing each other. This season try a coral lip, which is more forgiving than red. It's perfect to add a fresh touch to your daily beauty routine.

What did I miss? Any essentials you would add to the list?

Get the Look | Spring Style

Shorts | Tee | Belt | Bag | Scarf | Watch | Wedges

I've had this image pinned on Pinterest forever, and I am obsessed. I've mentioned this before, but I'm continually drawn to simple style with pops of interest and color. Gosh that bag is perfect! I still find it difficult to dress for warmer weather, so I've been turning to Pinterest for inspiration a lot lately.

What's your favorite spring style outfit?

x

Guest Post | Winter to Spring Style Transition

I am so so excited to welcome my girl, Elizabeth, today!

What a fabulous post to get us ready for Spring style.

Here's Elizabeth to tell us what to keep, store and buy!

Hello hello Mae Badiyan readers, it's Elizabeth from The Now Stylebook. I am thrilled to be on Mae's blog today talking about the anticipated transition from Winter to Spring time!! The weather can be a bit bipolar this time of year and it's silly to pack up all your winter gear so I've come up with a guide of what to keep, store and buy for spring. I hope this helps you from going crazy over the next few weeks!!! And please feel free to stop by The Now any time to say, "Hello"! 

Thank you so much for having me, Mae!! 

 xo e

Keep: Blazer, Dress, Sweatshirt 

Store: Chunky Sweater, Leather Pants, Tweed Skirt, 

Buy: Vest, Shorts, Jumper

  xoxoxo

Guest Post // Sandal Showdown

Happy Monday dear ones!
So happy to welcome my lovely friend, Miranda, to the blog today!

Hi! I'm Miranda from One Stylish Day at a Time, here today to help you pick your spring go-to sandals. More stylish than flip flops but still just as comfortable, I always gravitate towards leather slide style sandals when the weather gets warm. The classic shape of the two sandals below make their cost easily justified, but how does one go about picking a color? Maybe two pairs are in order. I just invested in the white and neutral Joie pair below but now have my eye on either a neon or neutral pair. Oh, decisions! What's your go-to spring sandal? Are you a sandal hoarder or loyal to just one pair?

{Loeffler Randal Dree Sandal / Joie A La Plage Sable Slide Sandal}

Love your picks, M!

Which one do y'all love more?

See you back here tomorrow for ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!

This might just be the best yet, promise you won't want to miss it!

xx

Inspired Style // Lace Love

Happy Friday my dears!

We're getting lacy, lacy on this week's Friday's Fancies. I love lace but sometimes feel it can be too sweet. That's why I like to look for lace with bold patterns, not always floral. And I pair it with edgier pieces like black pants and jean jacket. I must admit though, my favorite part of this outfit might just be the accessories: lucite wedge heels...are. you. kidding. me. And a rose gold + white Marc Jacobs watch, well not much needs to be said there! ;)

Which do you prefer lace paired with: feminine details or edgy chic?

Don't forget dolls, a few more days to enter my current giveaway including a monogram cup sleeve, paper straws and a tutu brooch!

And next week, another giveaway!!

Yayy! I seriously love this so much.

happy weekend

xxo

Top 3 Most Wearable Spring Trends

shop the look: black + white // bold sunglasses // ruffled dresses

There were plenty of gorgeous looks walking down the Spring 2013 runways, but transferring runway to reality is a whole different story. Although I loved many of the trends, my top 3 picks for the most wearable are black + white, bold sunglasses and ruffled dresses. Click the links above to see what I would shop for if I wanted to wear these looks.

What trend are you most excited to try this Spring?

xx

ps- there's still time to enter the giveaway from emmakisstina!
hurry before this one's over and we give away another something fabulous next Tuesday! 

Guest Post // Lili's Favorite Spring Trends

I'm so happy to have my girl, Lili, sharing her favorite spring trends!
It was a snowy, slushy, icy mesh here the past few days
so I was definitely dreaming of warm temperatures and pretty patterns.
Welcome Lili!
***


hi there! this is lili from swanky::chic::fete and i am excited to be here today sharing some of my favorite spring trends! thanks mae for having me stop by! 

when the season gets warmer, a dose of floral and graphic pattern is in order. a burst of neon adds color and brightness to the ending season of neutral greys and blacks. and of course, the classic stripes paired with white or pastels is the perfect spring uniform. bright colors and bold patterns ~ these what keeps me excited for the spring season. here are some looks i love : 

floral : blouse // pants // ipad case 

graphic : top // pants // tote

neon : sweater // white jeans // sunnies 

stripes : sneakers // shirt // skirt

thanks mae for having me! so great to visit here!

***

thanks so much Lili!
I am loving the graphic trend and stripes too of course
See y'all back here tomorrow for a GIVEAWAY!
You don't want to miss it!
In case you didn't hear,
I'll be hosting a giveaway every Tuesday for the next 4 weeks!!
xoxo