Peekaboo shoulders

Here are three cutout shoulder blouses that keep it classy.

Clutch cargo

Being petite, I'm not a huge fan of lugging around a giant bag, unless it's filled with things for work. For me, clutches are perfect, because all I really need is enough space for my wallet, cell phone and keys. They are also a much nicer option for nighttime, because who wants to carry around a piece of luggage to the bar.

Both these Kenneth Cole and Alexander McQueen clutches look like folded up paintings. The splashier Kenneth Cole would be great for adding color to an all black or grey ensemble, while the Alexander McQueen bag would bring a little more edge to an outfit that is on the prim and proper side.

I'm not quite sure how these knots on this Henrik Vibskov are created but I like it. There is a lot of texture here without bulk. Perfect for a night out on the town.

Leather clutches are a little less evening bag-y, and a little more business-like. The ones featured here by L.A.M.B. and Frye both have eye-catching construction detailing.

Total Steal

Big statement necklaces are everywhere lately, and they usually come with a big pricetag. However, Forever 21 is selling this one for $8.80, a complete bargain even in this recession. It also comes in a more neutral version with clear stones. Since Forever 21 tends to trade off quality for price, this piece probably isn't going to become a family heirloom. But paired with a nicely made blouse or dress, I think it could definitely pass for something found at a boutique.

Bzzzzzzzz

Just to continue the nature theme...
Spring is slowly (really slowly) creeping up here in the Midwest, which means not only the return of flowers and greenery, but also pesky bugs! Bugs aren't all bad though. The following pieces manage to use bugs as an unusual accent without being gross or too cutesy.


The gold bee gives this Urban Outfitter's wallet a vintage feel. I also like the tassel on the side. These simple yet careful details beat a designer logo anyday. Maybe I could get this for my mom to remind her of the time a bee flew up her pants.

The ladybug interpretation by Stephen Dweck, with the mother-of-pearl wings, makes for a great statement ring, while the more realistic looking Rickt Boscarino Grasshopper pin would add interest to a scarf or bag.

More bees. Bees for your feet.

The wispy spider on this Helmut Lang dress looks like it is painted on, and could also pass for a crack rather than a bug, which I think is cool. The dress on its own is has a fantastic shape, with the asymmetrical shoulder drape. However, the spider with the extra long legs gives just the right amount of delicate panache to bring it up a notch without competing with the overall design. No wonder this dress costs so much.

Roar! Hiss! And whatever noise a zebra makes.

Animal prints normally are not for me. I know leopard prints and such have been around for awhile, but I'm just not sold. Though, in moderation or presented in a unique way, animal prints can be more interesting than cougar-y.

I have to say, cheetah and leopard prints are my least favorite because of their association with many things considered tacky. Though a picture of the actual animal on a tshirt, along with some rocker stud accents, like this Twenty8Twelve version - kind of cool. The Milly dress on the right is actually my initial inspiration for this post. Of all the animal prints, I would say snakeskin bothers me the least. I like the simplicity of the dress and the demure shape, while the snakeskin trim brings in some edginess to what otherwise kind of looks like a Brownie uniform.

Both the halter top and bracelet shown here put animal print in technicolor, which celebrates the beautiful patterns but makes their origin less obvious.

Again, a picture of the actual animal can sometimes be better than just the print of it's hide. Not sure if it's on purpose, but I like how the zebra print tank dress here is set on top of a background of stripes. Zebra's have stripes, but just not in straight lines. If you are feeling gutsy you could pair this mini dress with the Frye boots on the right. I love love love Frye and they've done it again here with gorgeous black snakeskin folded and pleated to bring these boots to another level.

I like the colors on this clutch more than anything, and the snakeskin print brings them together beautifully. Mother nature knows how to mix grey, brown and off-white with a gorgeous outcome rather than just looking like a pile of dirt with dirty snow on top of it.

Why??

Maybe I'm getting too old to get everything that Urban Outfitters keeps in stock, because so far, these shorts got rave reviews from other shoppers. From the front they look like something that would only look cute on a 4-year old. And it's not much better from the back, where the high waistline turns these toddler shorts into mom jeans. I'm hoping that because they are paired with sheer black pantyhose, this is some type of costume for a way off Broadway musical.

Crafty ways around the recession

The recession may have put a damper on spending, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. We all should have something put aside for a rainy day. But that doesn't mean you still can't have a little fun with your wardrobe. I've been looking for ways to spruce up basics - both in my own closet and by revving up inexpensive finds from Old Navy or Forever 21 - with new buttons, appliques, etc. Here's a few ideas to get you started on your own budget-friendly wardrobe upgrades.

Switching out buttons on a cardigan, jacket or shirt are pretty self-explanatory.

There are tons of cute and unique buttons out there to easily swap out any cheapie looking plastic ones that a lot of bargain priced pieces might come with. There are also other closures, such as frogs and clasps that shouldn't be overlooked, and can look dramatic in multiples.

I don't want to dress like a teenager, but I don't mind a little bling on an otherwise plain pair of jeans. The words 'rhinestone transfer' may bring to mind images of, well, a lot of bad, tacky things. However, something a little rock 'n roll, like a skull on just one back pocket, can edgy-fy a pair of dark jeans. Everything in moderation, right? I also found the pole dancer motif pictured on the right, which I had to include just because I thought it was funny. It's an interesting alternative to the ubiquitous silhouette woman you see on trucker mudflaps (I'm not sure what her name is).

Don't forget shoes! It might be a little more difficult to embellish your footwear and not have it look homemade, but it is possible. The leather flower pin plus Frye flats are two elements I thought would great together because of the colors. And since the flower is made of leather, it looks more like part of the original shoe rather than an accidental afterthought. Below that is a pair of my own shoes. At the time, there was another pair of heels out of my price range that I was drooling over, but could not buy in good conscience. So I tried producing my own reasonable facsimile. I purchased the gold shoes from Target, and picked up some silk flowers and metallic paint from a local craft store. I painted a couple roses with pinky-gold paint, and the leaves to match the shoes, and then secured the whole shebang with a little epoxy. When someone in a chi-chi boutique downtown complimented me on the shoes, I couldn't help but mentally go through my shoe closet to figure out what to remake next.

Spring shoes

Seeing as it's still snowing and sleeting here in the Midwest, I'm not quite sure when I'll be able to break out anything with open toes, but here's to hoping.