Spring is that time of year for new growth - where the green begins to emerge from the lifeless brown. And where we begin to clean out our closets, yearning for fresh pieces in even fresher shades - even this IND Styler with an avowed affection for all-black ensembles is tempted by those juicy shades of watermelon and cool mint. To honor these new beginnings, we're introducing a delicious new crop of features and an IND Style crammed full of goodness you can wear now and later.
Spring is that time of year for new growth - where the green begins to emerge from the lifeless brown. And where we begin to clean out our closets, yearning for fresh pieces in even fresher shades - even this IND Styler with an avowed affection for all-black ensembles is tempted by those juicy shades of watermelon and cool mint. To honor these new beginnings, we're introducing a delicious new crop of features and an IND Style crammed full of goodness you can wear now and later.
Let's start with one of my favorites - The Icon. There are few things (other than black) that I love more than a nod to a true style icon.
Whether it's Bardot or Birkin, Hepburn (Katherine or Audrey) or Debbie Harry, we're bringing you pieces that are totally now with an homage to style leaders of the past who fearlessly braved the way for the sartorial choices we love today. Check out our spin on the beloved Twiggy's style below.
We're also adding features that truly speak to all with Timeless, Ageless and The Statement, as well as a regular chance to have your fashion queries quelled with Ask Amanda.
And then there were 50. Under 50 bucks, that is.
Each month we seek to find the absolute best in dressing, and now we're doing it on a budget (just like you have to do it every month).
In honor of Festival we snagged five killer pieces all local and all under $50. Plan to see more of these steals because the only thing better than looking like a million bucks is doing it without spending a million bucks. Because style on a dime is always in season.
TIMELESS
Style that works season after season or year after year is the unicorn of sartorial finds. Too often we hear a dress is day-to-night or an investment piece only to realize it may be perfect for an evening out but far too much for a day at the office. And so, when we spotted this demure dress from Knotting Hill ($295) created just for that day-to-night lifestyle, we were pleasantly surprised to realize this dress is also seasonless. With a bit of tweed that's rich enough for cool weather, but light enough in fabrication for spring and summer, this dress can be worn with a blazer and simple pumps for day and with a bold statement necklace and sexy high heels for night.
THE ICON: TWIGGY
To deem someone a style icon is an oft overused honor. To reach truly iconic status, your style must be something that was born within you - truly original and can stand the test of time in a way rarely seen and, yet, can be modernized again and again for new generations. Twiggy is that person.
The English model of slight frame and high style defined a new kind of beauty in the '60s with her doe eyes, uber short hair and look that bucked what was considered traditional beauty. We've hand-picked a few Twiggy-inspired pieces that pay homage to the icon while looking forward.
Silky melon-hued dress from Hemline ($178) is just the sort of simple shape Twiggy rocked. Wear now with mile high cork wedges or flat metallic sandals. (Bonus: the style name of this dress is actually "The Twiggy.")
Purple oversized Coach shades ($124) from LA Specs may not be a neutral, but summer begs for statement sunglasses in unexpected hues and wearers fearless enough to pair them with everything.
The world is mad about mod (again), and it's ever so evident with the springy Tory Burch bag ($550) from kiki. Just the sort of piece to take you from preppy little skirts to shredded denim shorts come warm weather.
THE STATEMENT
Statement pieces know how to make, well, a statement without saying a word. The key to properly wearing a statement piece: Let it stand alone. They speak most clearly when allowed to shine.
These green chandelier earrings from Jewelie's ($18) are low on price, high on style and just the sort of piece that goes solo with ease.
Pair with a simple topknot and black dress to keep it chic. Try with one of spring's must-have melon-hued dresses for a fresh contrast or rock it with a green-centered tropical print.
AGELESS
Finding a piece for your wardrobe that works whether your daughter or mom wants to borrow something is a rare thing. When we spotted these sandals from Shoe Fits, we knew we'd found just the right piece that is ambiguously appropriate for any age.
The Antelope sandal has supple leather (from Israel) with just a touch of the summer's must-have natural materials on the heel and a wedge that's truly wearable.