Congratulations to this week's winner, Kathi Taylor!

Thank you to all who entered our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway. 

Congratulations to this week's winner,  Kathi Taylor! To enter our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway, visit our Facebook and follow the instructions.

The Colors of Spring Fashion

(photos:  Imaxtree (all 3)

Spring is officially in full bloom, and so are our fashion options.  Just like the weather seasons, spring fashion is a time where we can depart from the freezing cold hues of subdued gray, earth tones, and blacks, and step into more vibrant colors that enliven our spirits.

And true to form, the runways were ablaze with fiery red, deep cobalt blues, surprising Emerald greens, sunlit yellows, and of course, a few gorgeous pastels.  So whether you're wearing some color from head to toe, with minimal accessories, or incorporating it as a pop statement wardrobe piece, color can really do wonders to add energy not only to your overall look, but your mood as well. One of the reasons why I truly love incorporating color into my wardrobe.

(photos:  Imaxtree (all 3)

(photos:  Imaxtree (all 3)

So what are the main hues to take a look at? Well of coarse vibrant red is one of the most popular choices for springtime.  But don't shy away from equally bold hues like yellow, which looks wonderful when worn head to toe, and my personal favorite color of the season, cobalt blue. Cobalt blue can actually work as a statement piece that replaces the little black dress for evenings out.

(photos:  Imaxtree (all 3)

(photos:  Imaxtree (all 3)

And let's not forget the beautiful softer side of spring, by wearing some pastels. Lavender is a gorgeous tone for most any skin type, and blush colored tones have also made a huge statement on the runways.

(photos:  Imaxtree (all 3)

And perhaps the most tried and true color of spring? Mint. We love mint. It works well with other pastel colors, can be punched up with blue tones, even works well with softer reds, and of course some yellows.

(photos:  Imaxtree (all 3)

And don't be afraid to try and unexpected color like emerald. You don't often see this color incorporated into wardrobe, which makes it a wonderful statement piece when you do.

So what colors are you excited to try for spring? Leave me a comment telling me all about it.

And find me here at my social sites:

Facebook @SpankieValentine

Instagram @SpankieValentine

Twitter @SpankieV

Congratulations to this week's winner, Erin Sands!

Thank you to all who entered our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway. 

Congratulations to this week's winner, Erin Sands! 

To enter our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway, visit our Facebook and follow the instructions. Link does not work on mobile devices. Good luck!

Look We Love: Peplum and Pastel

If there's one thing we love, and love to talk about, it's wardrobe pieces that flatter the body type.  Better yet, pieces that flatter just about any body type you can think of.

Enter one of our favorite stars of body transforming silhouettes:  peplum.  It's a timeless, season-less style that keeps a woman looking like a woman for all the right reasons.  Here's how:  peplum tops gently nip in a the waist and flare out just below the nipping, giving the illusion of an hourglass shape.  And where it truly shines?  It works double duty... if you have a boyish figure, it'll instantly add curve.  If you already have a curvy figure, it will gently play off your curves, accentuating them while narrowing your waist, making you even more bombshell.

Trust us.  It works wonders!  And we love the way this outfit was put together for the end of summer, by mixing a gorgeous pastel mint peplum top over some white cropped jeans.  The genius behind this look, though, is in the smaller details.  The ankle strap sandals keep the pants from cutting off the look of the leg by continuing the line down the legs into the feet, helping to make the legs look longer.  And that turquoise bag?  A beautiful way to really draw out the pale mint hues of the top and tie the look together!

All in all, the peplum top is a must!  What do you think?

Posted by:  Spankie V.

(photo: danidaniramirez)

Look We Love: Mint & Lace

Summer means a few wonderful things in the world of fashion: fresh colors and fresh textures.  This look combines 2 of my absolute favorite season staples: mint and lace.

While we are slightly obsessed with the current neon craze, we also like to mix things up throughout the week in unexpected ways, like pairing lace with a pastel version of the summer must have hue, mint.

I just adore how feminine this look is with the gathered empire waist hemline, flowy skirt, and lace color and sleeve overlay.  The look is played up wonderfully with white ankle socks and brown mary jane wedges.  

Top the girly look off with a wreath of white flowers in the hair, and you have one truly lovable outfit.

What do you think?

Posted by: Spankie V.

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Looks We Love: Bold Colors Lookbook!

Spring is now in full swing, and those of us who gush over new fashion trends, prepare to leap for joy (sorry, couldn't resist a cheesy pun) because your life just got a whole lot more colorful!

There are so many different ways to rock bold colors, whether it's a pop of color with one key piece (more on that in a future blog) or rocking head to toe color, choosing to pair vibrant hues brings attention getting style in a world of black, white and beige.

I started this luscious look off by taking a bold mint skinny jean (love) and pairing it with a semi sheer mint button down top.  The top is actually sleeveless which I love as it keeps the look cooler for Spring and Summer seasons.  I then added a bold punch of color with a solid tangerine (can we say color of the year) blazer.  I especially love the fold up cuffs as they have a pinstripe detail that keeps the look cool and fresh.

Get the mint jeans:  http://www.urbanog.com/product_160_20186.html  

Get the mint top:  http://www.urbanog.com/product_128_20194.html
Get the orange blazer:  http://www.urbanog.com/Sprung-On-Spring-Blazer_167_20935.html

Next come the accessories!  Layer a bunch of bangles on top of each other to make this a fashion forward look.  The nice thing about these bangles is they are actually only 2 items.  The bottom layer comes with a ton of bangles, so you're not having to grab several items to get this look.

Bangles:  http://www.urbanog.com/Aquamarine-Bangle-Set_120_20761.html
Teal Basket Bangle:  http://www.urbanog.com/Berry-Basket-Bangle_120_19583.html

Next I wanted to add another color element, so I grabbed a solid gold colored bag.  I absolutely love the delicate chain strap to this bag, and if worn as a cross body bag, the chain instantly creates the look of a long necklace to the outfit.  

Bag:  http://www.urbanog.com/Little-Bit-Bag_118_20375.html

These gorgeous sandals complimented the entire look so perfectly!  I went with a neutral beige as I didn't want the outfit to feel on color overload.  Rolled the jeans up to showcase the sexy ankle strap and good to go!

Heels:  http://www.urbanog.com/Anne-Michelle-Socialite-01-Snake-Open-Toe-Sandal_115_20718.html

And last but not least, I added this adorable gold wings necklace to really frame the face!

Necklace:  http://www.urbanog.com/index_123.html

And that's the complete look!  What do you think?  Tell us in the comments below... we'll be posting more bold color lookbooks soon!

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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