This time of year can be absolutely terrifying for women. Exposing more skin and easing into the idea of wearing a swimsuit after months of hibernating in leather over the knee boots and chunky sweaters?

But it isn’t just about feeling comfortable in your own skin (which, don’t get me wrong, is extremely important)–it’s also about finding the right suit that compliments your body. And luckily for us ladies, retro chic swimsuits are all the rage for bathing beauties…I mean did you see Beyonce in her skirted retro-chic one piece in St. Barths? Caliente!

From solid colors to cute ruffles and patterns, anything goes in the world of retro suits! ModCloth even has a whole page devoted to just this one category!

If you’d like to adopt this trend in a more conservative fashion, invest in a one-piece. This retro inspired suit from Anthropologie is $128 and not only does it have built in boning to help keep everything in place (so retro!) but it also comes with a removable skirt.

It’s the kind of suit that’s beyond flattering no matter what your shape thanks to the ultra slimming solid colored side panels!  This one is totally being added to my cart as I type!

Even two-piece bathing suits are getting in on this retro trend.  And for those of you that may cringe at the idea of a bikini, if you opt for one with more coverage, like a style with a high-waisted bottom and a bandeau top they can look great on various body types!

Katy Perry is a huge fan of this style and this two-piece gingham suit from J.Crew on sale for only $49.99. IMO, it’s a must-have for a summer pool party or just a great suit to add to your bikini collection.  I mean what lady doesn’t want to rock a Grace Kelly or Marilyn Monroe-inspired look at the pool/beach this summer?

Read more from Kate on her blog LifeSucksInAStraplessBra.com!

This Spring, monochromatic outfits are anything but boring. Dressing in one color or one color family is huge this season. Lets take for example the Adam Spring/Summer 2012 collection…love it!

Shades of pink, purple and gray were worn top to bottom to create one of the freshest looks of the season.  Even better, there is very little thought needed to get this effect. You can pair simple separates in the same shade (blues, yellows, pinks are all sooo on trend!!)mixed with some modern accessories (neutral brown or black sandals and a basic belt) and presto…you are out the door in style.

Gap is killing me right now with their line of colored denim. It is taking all I have not to buy EVERY. SINGLE. COLOR!!! And you know they have super soft, functional T-shirts in the same color schemes, right? A tee + jeans never looked so chic!

Just remember, in order to keep this looking 2012 and not 1984, clean crisp accessories are a must–so look for clean lines and simple styling…nothing overly strappy or super high.

Here’s our take on the Adam look for under $150…

More Old Navy…

For the longest time, white shoes, in any form, have reminded me of shoes I wore when I was a little girl going to fancy events. You know, those typical patent leather ones with the buckle that you would wear with matching white stockings…

But now, in adult world, they have shown up all over the spring and fall 2012 runways (how amaze are the ones pictured here from Derek Lam?) making me question, do I bring these white shoes back?

With anything, it totally depends on how you style them…

IMO, for a fashion novice, white heels are a huge no-no with most jeans that you’re seeing for Spring (and yes, I’m fully aware that Rihanna can pull them off- but most of us can’t!) but but paired with the right dress they are a huge yes-yes!

White heels like this platform pump from Aldo for $50 will create a cohesively chic look for the spring without making you feel like you’re five years old again- and Aldo gets major style points for adding in a natural element through the platform.  It helps break up all the white!

And just because you are adopting the white pump into your look doesn’t mean it has to be all white. These off white heels by Jessica Simpson will add a very interesting color-blocked twist to any spring look.

I think for now, we’re giving this trend a “chic” stamp since they showed up all over every runway! So if you’re feeling a little fashion forward, why not give them a try and see how they work for you!

To hear more of Kate’s fashion perspective, visit her blog LifeSucksInAStraplessBra.com!

I have a little secret to share with you-I have been cheating on my gold accessories.  And the way things are looking, I may never go back. Rose gold has me whipped…and this is coming from a girl who used to never feel dressed without her over-sized gold watch.

Well, times have changed. Spring has sprung and along with it comes softer, pastel pieces that are perfectly complimented by a little rose tint. Rose gold accessories give any outfit the same luxe feel of gold, but with a softer, more ladylike touch. Hopefully this trend stays around long enough for me to save up for this Michael Kors Watch ($250). But until then, this one from ASOS will have the same impact without the cost.  It’s only $40!

Accessories are your chance to put a finishing touch and unique edge to any outfit. That’s why I love adding this belt ($10!!) to a basic look. You could even add rose gold ballet flats to any colored sun-dress or a pair of white jeans!

Even Victoria Beckham is getting in on this rose-gold rush…she had Brian Atwood create custom rose gold Maniac pumps for her models (and her) to wear at her fashion show!

And for those of you especially crazy about rose gold, you can even try some subtle highlights–in your HAIR! Rose gold was seen on the Spring runways not only on accessories, but yes, in models’ hair! I am seriously considering trying this look out, but with some semi-permanent color…what do you think? Will you be giving up your yellow gold for rose gold?

The latest trend in jewelry gives an instantly glamorous transformation to any subtle ensemble…we’re talking about the statement earring and the bigger the better!

Molly Sims toned down her printed maxi with a black blazer, but added an unexpected bold pop of color with turquoise earrings. I love how she let her earrings spotlight her look, with a sleek ponytail, and no added jewelry.

If your style is all about classic separates paired with bold statement pieces, this trend is definitely for you and you can find this trend at every price point…

For more of a splurge, these chandelier earrings by Kendra Scott would be a great addition to your wardrobe…they’re the perfect shade of turquoise that goes with just about everything in your Spring/Summer wardrobe! And just think how good they’d look with a little Tangerine Tango!

If you love this season’s neon pops of color, but want a less risky version of the trend, why not try this pair that looks almost identical to Molly’s for under $20…

The key to wearing big turquoise earrings is avoiding anything that looks too Southwestern-inspired.  Instead of pairing them with a silver tone, opt for gold or a brass metal.  You also want to avoid actual turquoise stones and look for something turquoise colored for a more modern take on the stone.

Now if you’re in the mood for all out glam, this pair for under $50 from MANGO is the only accessory you need for a night out!

But remember, Molly styled these right by going minimal on all other jewelry. When you’re earrings are this bold, you don’t really need much else so let them stand alone!

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

Looking for an alternative for your basic jeans and tee with ballet flats ensemble? Well, look no further, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has given us all a little lesson in cool.

I love this outfit because, well, it is not your basic jeans and tee but it is equally as comfortable and it nails so many trends in a not-too-trendy way. Make sense? Let’s discuss…

She has dressed down black leather pants (an item usually saved for girls night out!) and made them a totally wearable jeans alternative. Part of what makes these leather pants work is the fit. The looser the fit the less “big night on the town” they look.

You could also opt for a “coated” jean for a more budget friendly version of a leather pant…and remember, keep the fit loose, almost like a BF jean so I would suggest going up a size.

Her silver cap toe shoes are MAJOR! They give the outfit a fun, refined bad-girl edge. And if you don’t want to wear pumps, like these from ASOS, during the day, check out these cap-toe ballet flats I found from Nordstrom. They’re casual and trendy but tasteful and functional.

And for the final essential piece to carry off this look, a blue (the color for Spring!) handbag. This one from Big Buddah has the same carry-all luxe feel without the $5,000+ price tag!

Pair these key items with your basic grey tee and a black blazer to give your outfit a little more of a Rosie-remix!

It’s that time of year…the leaves are back on the trees, flowers are blooming, the temperatures are rising (finally) and you’re in the mood for some new shoes!

Spring always brings with it many, too many reasons to shop and after being buried under sweaters and keeping your feet hidden in wool socks and boots all winter long can you blame us for wanting to show off our new pedi in fabulous footwear?!

Without fail, every Spring I get dozens of emails from readers asking me about the “must-buy” shoe styles for the season so this year I’m rolling them all up into one very affordable package…thanks to my new favorite and highly addictive shoe shopping site, they’re all under $30 bucks!

My favorite style for the season has to be a wedge.  It’s the perfect blend of fashion and function!  I love when wedges have an organic element like this pair for only $29.99.  The braided rope contrasts nicely with the snake and the combo makes them perfect to wear with shorts or a fabulous maxi dress!

Next on your shopping list, a pair of flat sandals…I love my Haviannas, but let’s be honest, they’re rubber and should best be left for the beach and trips to the pool.  A flat sandal with a little detail can go a long way.  They feel just as good as your flip-flops but they look like you tried way harder…even if you didn’t.

If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you know that florals are “it” for Spring, but if a floral print is too much for your shoes why not try an actual flower?  This pair from MyHotShoes.com is a total steal for $10.99…and at that price you should totally treat  yourself to a few colors! My faves are the mint and pink!

And last, but not least…just because it’s hot out doesn’t mean you can wear any old sandal to work. Sometimes a girl needs a great work shoe and there’s no better fool-proof, go-with-anything kind of pump than this nude pump! The bow details makes it feel fresh but still very feminine and whether you’re into Spring’s ultra bright palette or the softer pastels, these go with both effortlessly. Oh and did I mention they’re only $24.99? I recall seeing a Valentino pair very similar to these at Saks for well over $500…

So ladies if you were wondering what shoes to buy this season, wonder no more…these three styles will surely get you through the entire season in style! Happy Shoe Shopping!

As a little girl, Tinkerbell was one of my favorites…she had style, free spirit and an amazing ability to whip the boys in shape. Well, move over Tink, Peter Pan has something on you this spring…a fabulous, eye-catching collar.

Yes, Peter Pan collars, or my less favorite name “Pilgrim Collars,” are a great way to spice up a basic outfit. Drab to fab in an instant! Where the tuxedo shirt was your go to for winter, your Peter Pan shirt will be your go to for spring.

You can go bold with a collar like this one from F21 or to try the trend in a more subtle way, go for a collar in the same color as your blouse like this one from ASOS.

If you are not in the market for another shirt, never fear, dresses with Peter Pan Collars are popping up everywhere…

They can be casual, paired with lady like ballet flats or dressed up with platforms and an oversized cocktail ring.

Whatever look you choose, the Peter Pan collar is a subtle way to add femininity and yes, whimsy, to your look.

More Asos…

For some, the Golden Rule is “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, but this spring, when it comes to the Golden Rule, we are talking about shoes, ladies.

Gold, metallic heels have popped up everywhere and now they’ve made their way from the runway (hello YSL) to some of our favorite  online retailers.

As a YSL fan, I like my gold sandals very 70’s inspired…think of what you’d wear to Studio 54 in its hey day…like this pair from Seychelles!  They’re a total steal for $90 bucks but right now you can save an additional 25% off!  Some gold sandals can feel very prom-tastic so a chunkier heel and wooden accents help balance it all out!

Now if you’re looking a little comfort with your gold,  you can pick up these very chic and comfortable LAGOON Ballet Flats with a metallic heel for $53.72!

Or what about these sandals by Sam Edelman for $99…the simple black leather straps and pop of gold on the heel make this a must-have sandal for the season.

And sometimes it’s about just a touch of gold, so look for a pair of sandals with a metallic heel like these for some unexpected glam! Remember, the heel is the last thing people see when you walk away and walking away in a pair of golden heels will help you make quite the statement!

For more from Kate, visit her blog at LifeSucksInAStraplessBra.com!