Cross-bodies, clutches, and satchels are the new wave of handbags sporting straw and raffia makeup. Leather trim, high shine, metal detail, and full fledged color are what’s turning these classic bags from beach to chic.

During the warmer months, a leather handbag feels a little too heavy for all of the flirty, feminine fashions you’ll be wearing so a straw/raffia bag can really make the perfect summer style statement.

Straw satchels were runway staples at the Dolce & Gabbana SS2012 show…how adorable do all the models look with their lady-like straw bags?

Neon hues and stylish studs embellish the straw editions of Rebecca Minkoff’s signature handbags, making them completely swoon-worthy…and if you’re looking to make this your everyday summer bag than it may be worth the splurge.

Or if  you’ve added this updated accessory to your radar, but are looking for a more budget friendly alternative, this bag from Charlotte Russe gives you the same Minkoff look without the price! And here are some similar styles that will fit any budget…

For more from Brittany visit her blog, The Subtle Statement.

More Charlotte Russe…

A statement necklace, bold lips, and coordinating pumps are great choices when going all-out glam. Throw on ballet flats and your favorite go-to blazer for a daytime spin on the Spring staple…

or take Lauren Conrad’s lead and go for a oh-so cool California girl twist like she did here in a piece from the upcoming Spring line of her Paper Crown collection.

Lust is an understatement, when describing this fabulous piece from the Carven SS12 runway, but with retailers like ASOS, Topshop and Zara offering an abundance of colors, prints, and fabrics – you’ll be sure to find a budget-friendly version that suits your personal style.

I personally fell in love with this dress from ASOS…it’s everything I want in a dress all wrapped up into one very affordable (and cute) package.  I can see this working for the office with a great pair of black flats and also for a daytime Summer wedding with a great neutral wedge and super feminine accessories!

Check out the rest of our picks for the best flared skirts and dresses under $100…

For more from Brittany visit her blog, The Subtle Statement

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More Asos…

I love any sort of natura/ivory or black/gray snakeskin against Spring’s colorful palette. This versatile blouse from Kohl’s for $40 comes in either brown tones or gray tones…and this basic tank from Target will easily be your new spring wardrobe staple! Express also has a huge line of snakeskin pieces right now and a highlight of their collection has to be this sequin snakeskin skirt.

As with all animal prints, you have to be careful with your styling… too much going on can make the look go from chic to cheap very quickly so it’s best to keep the rest of your outfit very simple and minimize the accessories. 

For those of you that are feeling a little snakeskin-shy, these shoes from Target for only $35 are just for you…the little hint of snakeskin on this fabulously gold pump adds interest but still keeps it well, ssssssssubtle…..

Alternatively, if you’re feeling bold, this python print Rachel Rachel Roy dress may just be what you’re looking for.  I just picked it up at Macy’s over the weekend and couldn’t wait to wear it! The color combos in the python feels oh-so high end but for under $100 it’s not….but don’t worry, we won’t tell if you don’t!

Take a look at some of these other budget friendly snakeskin items and put some sssssssssssizzle in your Spring!

For those of you that have seen me on The Nate Berkus Show you know that every season I’m tasked with finding an entire month’s worth of looks for under $150…it’s not a very easy task and one of the first places I start my search every season is at ShopSosie.com.

Last fall I picked their Everly Zig Zag dress as one of my items but what I forgot to do was share how amazing their site is for finding trend-right items at a price that you just can’t beat with you here on the blog! So today, I’m letting my little stylist secret out of the bag because their selection for Spring/Summer is just too good to keep it all to myself!

The site has a little big of everything…amazing fashion, fabulous shoes and a mix of vintage inspired accessories that mange to perfectly compliment any of your new purchases.  I always make it a habit to start my shopping on Sosie with a peek at their New Arrivals.  There’s a big selection to choose from and if you’re like me and tend to feel a little overwhelmed by endless online inventories, this is definitely where you want to start!  Think of it as a super well-edited assortment of the top buys on the site!

If you’re looking to get inspired on how to wear some of their items, then you can’t miss The Lookbook! Unlike many online stores, Sosie does a really top job of styling their lookbook so that it looks and feels just like an editorial spread in one of your favorite fashion magazines…but the best feature is that you can “click to shop” right out of the lookbook so no time is wasted by having to hunt down a bracelet you saw…it’s right there for you!

And if this wasn’t all reason enough to shop Sosie, you have to check out the prices…or should I say lack thereof prices! It’s rare that I end up paying more than $50 for a super cute dress that looks likes it cost ten times that! For example…this lace skirt is a total steal for only $28! Add to cart please!

If you’re looking to try out a new look this season or find some of the hottest trends at totally affordable prices ShopSosie.com may just be for you…but one word of caution, if you see something add it to your cart immediately!  They don’t have endless quantities like Forever21.com so the really cute stuff has a very high sell-out risk! I had one reader tell me she waited almost 3 months for the Everly Zig Zag dress…

Happy Shopping!

Her combination of ankle crop pants and pointed toe shoes is pretty damn close to my own laid-back personal style, so naturally, I needed to find a budget friendly alternative to this outfit.

This outfit gives you a perfect dress by numbers guide on how you can pair Spring’s super popular pastels, with an all black palette.

This pair of pants from Forever21, are so similar to ones pictured on Kate, and they’re under $25. I love the crisp Spring feel of the cuffed linen pant…helps make them feel fresh and stylish, without looking too trendy! To make her style your own (for a budget-friendly price) check out these similar selections!

For more from Brittany, visit her blog, The Subtle Statement.

More Forever 21…

…a little too soon but after a much-needed break I’m happy to get back to the blog and our regular posting schedule!

PS: Bikini top is from H&M, bottoms are Victoria’s Secret (in Shimmer Summer Sky) and the all important sun hat from Forever 21!

Her look was a study in polished and chic at the Annual British Designer Collective, in London, when she sported a floral Celine skirt and Nicholas Kirkwood penny loafers.

Her pairing of muted neutrals with a vividly colored mini is the perfect combination as you transition your wardrobe into Spring.

Steal her style with this floral skirt from Forever 21 for only $14! You can opt for basic black like Alexa or if you’re feeling daring, make it a statement piece by mixing prints! The versatility (and price!) makes it a great addition to any wardrobe!

For more from Brittany, visit her blog, The Subtle Statement!

More Forever 21…

Well Better Homes and Gardens shares my love for fabulous fashions (and homes) at a price that’s accessible for everyone and that’s why I was so honored to be a part of their May issue.

The shoot was so much fun…getting your hair and make up done, being professionally lit and having a wonderful (and very cute!) photographer coach you through endless poses (I hate having my picture taken!) was all pretty amazing.  I’m thrilled with how the photos turned out, but most of all I love that BHG and their wonderful fashion team was so true to my personal style and budget with the clothing/shoes/accessories selection for the shoot!

The styling was a total collaboration which I really enjoyed but there was one outfit that really spoke to me and I made sure it got photographed that day…click through the rest of the pictures from the shoot and let me know if you can guess which outfit I’m talking about!

If you haven’t already, please pick up the May issue of Better Homes and Gardens…I share plenty of packing tips that you’re sure to use this summer along with my rules for buying jeans!

High-waisted pants and skirts are a dream come true for the sophisticated lady with a flair for vintage glam and modern edge. This skirt from Mango is a slam dunk wardrobe must-have for under $50 bucks. It comes in two colors in the hottest print of the season…stripes!

Oh and did I mention high-waisted pencil skirts are extremely flattering? You will look like you had a legit nip and tuck over the weekend!

Rock this look with a cropped shirt/sweater for a more casual feel or tuck in a crisp white shirt for a more professional, dressed- up interpretation. The key is to keep your proportions in check, and since the waist is high, you want the shirt to be loose and tucked in or cropped- but always make sure you can see your waist.

And if skirts aren’t for you, you can also test out this trend with a high-waisted pant- they work great with a cropped sweater or a blazer.

So this spring, get high-waisted with one of these fabulous finds for under $50!

More Asos…

The key to mastering this popular pairing is all about balance and fit. Choose a form fitting maxi dresses or a high-waisted maxi skirts and go for a cropped leather jacket to help show off your curves and avoid a “boxy” appearance.

The great thing about this look is it’s versatility…you can choose to go casual and carefree with a basic cotton maxi dress and a cropped leather jacket, like Olivia Wilde did here.

For a fun dinner refreshment go for the flirty floral maxi dress you wore to brunch, paired with a spunky leather jacket, similar to Rachel Bilson.

Or if you’re about all out glamour, take a tip from the never-less-than fabulous, Sarah Jessica Parker and pair a fluid pleated maxi skirt with an ornate leather jacket.

Add your own unique touch by adding accessories, whether it be spiked bracelets, long necklaces or even sneakers if you’re feeling playful!

For more from Brittany, visit her blog, The Subtle Statement.

More Forever 21…