Currently Craving: Easy Spring Dresses Under $50

There's nothing quite like a dress to move you from spring to summer. Easy, breezy isn't just for Cover Girl. Yes, I've been itching to get my hands on oodles of dresses that I can belt, wrap and scrunch in my hot little hands.

And how about I share some faves... all less than $50 each. You're welcome. Happy Tuesday, all! And may the shopping odds be ever in your favor.

Day Dresses
Day Dresses

Currently Craving: Neon

As soon as I hear the word "neon," my mind instantly flashes to the low key, yet irritating song of the same name by John Mayer. Neon, neon....neon, neooooooooon. Never heard it? You may want to avoid it if you appreciate your sanity.

Anywho, I've been crushing on little bits of neon. I'm especially a fan of it in small bites - accessories, mostly. Handbags, jewelry, scarves and more. No one needs a neon poncho with neon booties, a neon handbag AND a neon messenger bag. That would probably be too much.

Thus, here are a few items I envision pairing with some neutral tones...

Skinny Denim by Rag and Bone
Clutches by Rebecca Minkoff

Do you do neon?

Currently Craving: Tangerine Jeans (dammit, Kate Middleton)

Oh Kate Middleton. Whatever you wear is going to be news, whether it's a hoodie or a ball gown. But she really amped up the air waves when she sported a pair of "tangerine skinny jeans" a few weeks back while in London visiting the women's Olympic field hockey team.

Photo via: Chris Jackson - WPA Pool /Getty Images

Normally I'm not one to go all monkey see, monkey do, but as soon as I saw a picture of these jeans on Ms. Middleton I was all over it. Yes, my crazy little brain said, you NEED a pair of skinny jeans just like that for spring and summer. Just imagine how many ensembles you'll be able to put together around those magical jeans.

So I did it. I bought some tangerine jeans (well, pants). An affordable pair, I might add. I shopped around and snagged BB Dakota's Maddox pants in Poppy from Karmaloop.com.

BB Dakota Mattox Woven Pant

My thoughts? I like them. Do they fit as well as a pair of JBrand skinnies? Not really, but with this bright of a shade, I'm happy with them. They stretch, they flatter and they fit. And what to wear with them you may ask? Let me count the ways...

Tanks by Delia's
Sandals at Bloomingdale's

Do you have a crush on tangerine?!

Post 2 of 2: Most Wanted Items for Spring 2012 via Belk!

In continuation of last week's post of Belk's Arlene Goldstein's 10 Most Wanted Items for Spring, let's break down the last five items on the list!

1. New cardigan: Belt it, wrap it, button it, grab it in a novel material or shade. Wrap it over a maxi dress or belt it over your fave tank.
   
   
2. Color blocking: Yep, more color blocking! But this spring you'll spy big block of color in everything from shoes with mixed materials to bangles, and, of course, a plethora of clothing.
   
   
3. Wide leg pants: I'm really crushing on a pair of cream or white wide leg trousers. The images I saw from the Belk presentation ranged from bold prints to streamlined blends. Be sure to pair said pair of fresh, wide leg pantalones with a high stacked heel or...the next item on the list...


4. Fashion wedge: Who else is jacked that the wedge still reigns?! ME. Glossy nude patent shades, bright corals and cobalts - it's all great for spring.  
   
   
5. Statement necklace: While there are still plenty of long, drapey options, we'll be spying plenty of necklaces closer up on the neck. That includes metal collars...hawt.

Cardigans by Kate Hill
Platforms by Diane von Furstenberg

Have you started a spring shopping list yet?!

Post 1 of 2: Most Wanted Items for Spring 2012 via Belk!

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending a spring fashion preview at Belk's SouthPark store, hosted by the illustrious Arelene Goldstein. Arlene is Belk's Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction...and she's fantastic. I so thoroughly enjoyed hearing her chat about what's coming for spring and some creative ways to wear the new trends.

What shall we expect for Spring 2012? Bright colors, more color blocking (in creative ways and mixed materials), '70s bohemian chic, American classics (polka dots, bold prints), asymmetrical cut tops and dresses and romantic blush tones. Women will have tons to choose from when it comes to hemlines, styles, and colors. Nice.

I'm such a big fan of lists, I really gravitated towards her 10 Most Wanted Items for Spring 2012. Without further adeiu, below are the first five items...the next five will come next week...stay tuned!

1. Long skirt: Ah, the maxi skirt. This season is grows up from a beachy staple to a multi-occasion piece. Extra points if you can score said fabulous skirt with pleats.
2. Striped dress: Long, short, brights, dark, flowy, cut close to the body, whatever works for you. Savor the stripes, ladies.
3. Boxy top: Perfect for pairing with bright skinnies or layered over tanks and skirts.
4. Open work: Think big knits in sweaters, light-weight scarves, cardigans and more.
5. Colored bottom: I'm personally crushing on a pair of pale coral skinny jeans, but look for colored bottoms in every cut and shade. Big colors for spring 2012: cobalt, yellow, coral and pastels. 

And how about some of my faves for interpreting these five trends...

Tees by BCBG MAX AZRIA
Long Skirts by Vince

So, which of the first five of Arlene's Most Wanted Items for Spring 2012 are on your shopping list?!