Dry Dry Heat

Lately I've been missing the dry dessert heat and ever-so-spicy Mexican food that Arizona graciously offered me on a visit last year.  The rolling foresty (could be a word, you don't know) scenery in Prescott and the most gorgeous sunsets over mountains that I have ever seen in my life have been consuming my thoughts of late, making me literally ache to go back asap.  That being said, I can't help but be a little excited about some of the Native American influences on fashion this spring.  Here are some items that offer a little dry heat & spice to any girls' wardrobe:

Free People - Watercolor Tube Dress

All I'm gonna say is you NEED this.  The style and cut works for just about everyone, and its a dress you can wear a million times in a million different ways.  Belt it, throw a longer crocheted cover-up over it (hey, you could throw a belt over that too), pair it with ankle boots, below-the knee distressed boots and some sheer leg warmers..you just need this dress.  Plus, it comes in light blue, light pink, or the black!  (Although, I'm partial to the black.)

Lulu's - High Frequency Fringe Tunic/Tank

I want to wear this with some long feather earrings and a ton of wrap bracelets, and go to Coachella.  I mean, this tank is just cool.  You'll look like a BAMF wearing it...and lets be honest, who doesn't want to send off that vibe every once and a while?  Thats what I thought.  

Forever 21 - Rainbow Knit Poncho

I know poncho's are oftentimes associated with fat days (yes, it is a coincidence that Fat Tuesday is tomorrow, and I'm posting this today).  Just trust me, this is one sweet poncho.  It's great to throw on over a tank on a cool summer night rather than your old college hoodie (you're not making any statement with that other than the fact that you've done a few keg stands and pulled some all-nighters).  Moral of this story, those kangaroo pockets on your sweatshirt aren't making you look any thinner, so maybe you should rethink what articles of clothing you give a bad rep.

Ikat printed scarf - Charlotte Russe

I always try to throw in something for you late adapters who aren't as likely to hop on the new trends full-throttle.  Thats ok, when the water is chilly I only put my toes in at first too.  Here's a scarf that allows you to warm up to the trend before fully committing and sticking your head under.  It can be worn with just about anything that matches it color-wise.  Chicka chicka yeaa.

Real Talk

There are a few things that have been bringing a smile to my little soul lately that I just thought I'd share with all of you:

1)  The song "Send Me on My Way" by Rusted Root.  IF I ever get married, this is the song that pops is gonna have to walk me down the aisle to.  I wouldn't be wearing shoes, and the reception would have a live reggae band.

B)  Weird and quirky jewelry pieces.  I've got a snake bracelet and necklace, owl studded earrings, an octopus ring, a fortune cookie necklace, a handcuff necklace, a ladybug ring...the list goes on.  Who knows what I'm more obsessed with - the fact that these pieces are unique, or the looks on peoples faces when they realize I've got some weird animal on my finger covered in rhinestones.

III)  Bright colored everything.  Purple, blue, orange, pink, yellow, turquoise..I need more.  I've been on the hunt for the perfect tribal/gypsy/hippy tunic as well as a colorblock Edie Sedgwick-inspired dress.

Four)  Thrift stores.  This is an ongoing obsession of mine.  I just recently found two awesome leather jackets for 12 bucks each - one's cognac and the other is a deep lipstick red.  Steals.

Cinco)  Australian designer Camilla Franks.  Each piece is literally a work of art in my book.

check out her website - http://www.camilla.com.au/

THATS ALL, FOLKS

Is it spring yet??

It's official.  I'm over Winter.  Actually, I was over winter starting December 26th, but the weather never seems to parallel my own wants.  Even though Spring weather is not anywhere in the near future, I've started freshening up the drab taupes, camel, and black apparel in my wardrobe with some brighter, more cheerful apparel.  Here are 3 hot musts in every girls' wardrobe to start off this Spring/Summer 'll:

1) Something striped..

I know what you're thinking "Heather, nautical is in EVERY spring".  Yea.  It is.  So, I hope you saved some stuff from last spring.  But, if you didn't, that's fine because the big difference this year is that your nautical navy and white striped piece needs to be the main attraction of your outfit.  No more safe off the shoulder striped knitwear.  ITS. BEEN. DONE.  Last year was just to get you warmed up for this year.  Above is a great example for your staple piece - a bold, striped open blazer from H&M.  I love it because it could work with a lot of outfits - over a little dress with tights and ankle boots (once it gets warmer, exchange the tights for some cute little lace socks), over a basic tee with a pair of dark jeans, over one of those hot leather skirts that are SO in for 2011...whatever you pair it with, have fun!  Just don't wear stripes under it...you don't want to make people run for their bottles of Tylenol.

2) Something with a tassle or 3...

Ask any one of my friends and they'll tell you that I am absolutely obsessed with Aldo's bags.  I think they do an outstanding job of staying on-trend with handbags - and for the low prices, they're great quality!  This is one I absolutely live for.  Satchel, tassel, LOVE.  I think the color is also great because its very chic and a nice transition from the black and camel-colored satchels of the Fall/Winter collections.  But if you're not into satchels, there is surely something else that will be coming out in stores shortly with tassels that you may fall in love with.  They are very in this season so you will be seeing them all over the place-clothes, bags, and other accessories.

3) Macramé/Crocheted pieces...

Put all those stretch lace shirts away, ladies, they're a thing of the past this season!  In comes a less over-the-top sexy, more effortless bohemian trend!  Crocheted and macramé pieces were all over the S/S 2011 runways!  Obviously, don't overdo it unless you absolutely love this trend..all you really need is one versatile article for your wardrobe.  I love these shorts from Charlotte Russe because they can be worn with opaque tights and ankle boots while its still cold out and then easily transition to either some oxfords or sandals once it starts warming up.  Try to go with a more flowy style of top, since this is a very free-spirited look.  Some of the bright robin's egg blues, saturated sea-foam greens, and corals that are in this spring look great with this trend. Make sure you top off your look with some playful ceramic bangles that are also in and you'll be set!

Shop away!

"There's no shortcut to a dream..

just blood'n'sweat; and life is what you manage in between." - B.B. "October"

I hope everyone's holidays went well! I haven't had time to post anything since my time has been occupied with work and such, but here's a little glimpse at what I've been doing! Hope you like it..I don't know about you, but it makes me really excited for Spring!

**you can find any of these items at your nearest Charlotte Russe!**