10 spring finds less than $100!

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I cannot stop shopping!  ‘Tis the season?  Wait – no, that’s December.  In any case, I am eager for the warmth and uber enticed from all of the amazing product landing this season.  We can’t buy everything we want, right?  To satiate our fashion appetite (at least for a minute) without breaking the bank I’ve searched the interweb and pulled ten of my favorite spring items for less than $100!  Affordable, cute, trend right and wear now.  Happy shopping!  #yoursoulstyle

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  1. Zara metal teardrop applique necklace, $29.90, zara.com
  2. Marc by Marc Jacbobs oversized round glasses, $98, shopbop.com
  3. Mango tasseled hoop earrings, $19.99, mango.com
  4. Topshop pleat skirt, $96, topshop.com
  5. Zara cut out faux leather top, $79, zara.com
  6. Floral print baggy trousers, $59.99, mango.com
  7. Topshop plain fedora, $50, topshop.com
  8. Adia Kibur fringe cuff, $36, shopbop.com
  9. Samudra flamingos pouch, $65, shopbop.com
  10. Zara studded sandals, $99, zara.com

pink and red – a clash course

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Monday, Monday.  And gloomy here too on the east coast – but what a beautiful weekend, right?  I guess I can take a rainy Monday if it means that we have two days of sheer beauty on Saturday and Sunday.  I hope you all had a great weekend and got to spend time outside.  Late last week I started thinking about pink and red.  I wanted so badly to wear these two colors to dinner on Saturday night to only realize that the majority of my wardrobe consists of neutrals (note to self: start buying color!)  I wound up in dark plaid and am now on a mission to find a few pink and red pieces to incorporate into my wardrobe!  Some feel this combination could head into clash-ville, but I’m here to change those naysayers minds (or at least give you the low down!)

Pink and red live in the warm family on the color wheel.  This means that they are “associated with daylight or sunset” according to the color theory.  They sit directly next to each other on the spectrum because of the similarity in tone.  As a visual merchandiser who has spent the last 10+ years working in retail, pink and red almost always sit side by side on a table top item progression to avoid harsh color contrast and a choppy presentation of color.   Warm colors flow beautifully with ease and are gentle on the eyes.

With head to toe (of the same) color trending in a major way this season, pink and a red is another option if the one color look isn’t for you.  So what do you think?  Have I convinced you?  How about trying this… *above photo via here

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  1. Topshop sleeveless shell top, $64, topshop.com
  2. Mango super slim trousers, $39.99, mango.com
  3. Topshop notch jacket, $110, topshop.com
  4. Miguel Ases beaded earrings, $185, shopbop.com
  5. Asos 2 pack cuffs, $24.94, asos.com
  6. Milly fringe clutch, $350, shopbop.com
  7. See by Chloe metallic pumps, $295, shopbop.com

in transition

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Hi friends – happy almost weekend.  The weather has ‘sort of’ picked up in NYC however I’m not 100% satisfied.  It needs to be at least 10 degrees warmer before I can really get excited.  Right now my version of true spring fashion is on the back burner, my sandals are crying all cooped up in my closet – boo hoo.  I’ve noticed some girls have already set them free, but  I need the thermometer to at least hit 75 before my feetsies see daylight.   I’ve retired my boots and winter coat (I’m done!  I am so done!), but sandals will have to wait.  So what do we do during this transitional, in-between period from a fashion perspective?  I’m sure if you are from the northeast, mornings are spent scratching your head thinking “what do I wear? is it time for my pastel printed pants to make their debut?”  I’m in the same boat – I feel you!  Here are a few looks to inspire you for the next few weeks.  Leather, layers, pointy toe heels – oh my!  All must haves!  And some other links I’ve come across this past week to keep you busy for a minute over the next few days.  Have a happy weekend! *above photo via here

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and some other links………

I own a lot of jumpsuits.  Click here for a ‘how to’ from Who What Wear for some guidance on how to wear.

This book by Bobbi Thomas, style expert was released this week and Your Soul Style couldn’t be more excited about the message.

Check out these style tips on how to mix your spring prints from Pure Wow.

This video is profound and meaningful – please find twenty minutes in your day to watch it and send it forward via facebook, e-mail…

spotlight: muzungu sisters

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Earlier this week I posted this pic on instagram of an amazing bag that I found in Harper’s Bazaar.  While flipping through the mag it noticeably stood out on the page thus beginning the deep dive into where this piece of perfection had been sourced from.  Enter Muzungu Sisters!  Dana Alikhani and Tatiana Santo Domingo are the co-founders of the brand and their mission is to “promote fair labour practices by showcasing artisan-crafted goods from around the world”.   The online store was born in 2009 and Dana and Tatiana’s goal is to “shine a light on the rare artistry found in various communities, and to stimulate those local economies, all while providing customers with timeless, hand-selected items of impeccable quality and style.”  I have become an instant fan of the product (and philosophy) and I’m thinking you might too!  Shop the site here and read the bio behind each item – everything has a story.  I’m currently coveting these. *above photo via here

Screen Shot 2013-04-24 at 10.21.16 PMdelphine delafon x muzungu sisters III

Screen Shot 2013-04-24 at 10.06.59 PMenamel hoop earrings

Screen Shot 2013-04-24 at 10.27.02 PMdark blue stitched kaftan

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the “new” gap

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If you are part of my generation (born in ’79) then you have at some point been a loyal GAP shopper.  I remember when they opened in my hometown I was over the moon.  It quickly became a staple spot for back-to-school basics and I’m pretty sure that at least 60% of my wardrobe was GAP in the early 90’s.  I’m still a fan, picking up styles like the new ‘sexy boyfriend‘ jean from this spring, but from an overall retail perspective they have missed the mark for the past few years and the brand identity has become a little, ahem – schizophrenic.  In speaking with a few people that I know at the company – GAP is getting back to its roots (and groove) of fashionable all american prep.   They have been working towards re-establishing themselves as the go-to destination we’ve all grown to know and love for the classics.  Rebekkah Bay, the companies new Creative Director may even be the new rival to J.Crews Jenna Lyons according to Connie Wang from Refinery29.  This coming fall we’re about to see this new vision and collection come to life.  Here are a few of my favorites from the fall 2013 look book.  What do you think?  xx #yoursoulstyle  *photo credit: here and here

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