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Five Fashion Must-Haves for Spring 2010

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These statement pieces will take you from winter drag to spring fresh in an instant

I'm thrilled to be guest blogging again for the next few weeks while regular fashion contributor, Elizabeth Leffler-Agia, is enjoying her honeymoon on the tropical beaches of the Caribbean (jealous!). Elizabeth will be back the end of March, so in the meantime I will be sharing my fashion opinions and insights with the San Diego Magazine readers. Thank you for inviting me back into your fabulous lives, now let's get started ...

Groundhog shadow or not, spring is fast approaching and that means retailers are swiftly swapping out their windows and floor-plans with the latest trends of the season. With all these changes, sometimes it can get a little overwhelming (and pricey) to buy up all of the hottest pieces for the season. My philosophy is to splurge on the biggest statement pieces and reuse the basics you already have hanging or even tucked away in the closet. This will help you save money and still look like an in-the-know fashionista. Here are my favorite pieces to rock in spring 2010.

Sailor Stripes. The nautical look is one of my most favorite looks; even a basic striped tank will give you a summery, fresh glow. As we approach the warmer months it’s never hard to find a cute sailor striped top, but if you’re looking to be a little more adventurous try going for a striped blazer or dress. It’s unpredictable yet pleasantly sweet, and can be worn seamlessly from day to night (*captain not included). Not only will you look like a nautical knock-out but you'll feel like departing on a sea adventure. Those sailor boys won't know what hit them!

Trench Coats. You might already have one hanging in your closet from the last safari craze but if not, this is a must-have statement piece for spring. Trust me, the timeless silhouette you reap from a trench coat is enough of a reason to wear the heck out of it this season. The trench has been a foolproof piece for decades (originated back in WWI when soldiers would wear them in the trenches) and was a constant sight in dozens of designers’ collections this year. I totally think of Carrie Bradshaw when wearing one and it will definitely keep you warm and dry on those spring showers days. To pack some punch, pair with a patterned belt and bright heels. Wear the trench short at night or long during the day and you will be the chicest gal on the city block!

Clogs. They’re back! Now, now. Don't judge just yet because these upcoming styles for spring are darling (and no milkmaid costume needed). The updated versions charging down the runway this year came from heavy-hitting designers like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, which wooed over the critics. Some edgy, super-high and dramatic; others less risky and more neutral, like Jeffrey Campbell's collection pictured here. I actually like the neutral clogs and would wear them with a cute floral dress and denim jacket. Time to be the cutest clogger around!

 

 Miniskirts. If your club-hopping days are still young then you probably have a closet full of minis; but if you are over the late-night dancing days, maybe this is something you’ll have to make a special purchase for. Yes, miniskirts have a connotation of only being suitable for nights out, but pair with the right pieces (which you most likely already have) and you will kick your look into high gear. My most favorite look for the mini this spring is paired with a tucked-in men’s button-up blouse and Chuck T’s — boyfriend chic! Another look is pairing a mini with a tee, waist length jacket and flats for a casual business attire look. If you're a little body-conscious you can still pull off these looks with some opaque tights or full-length leggings. You'll get the mini effect but feel way more comfortable strutting your stuff down Fifth Avenue.

Blazer. Don’t put your boyfriend blazers to rest just yet! Spring is still calling for the look, so keep working it. Blazers are the best and easiest way to an instantly chic look; seamlessly go from a meeting in the office to a night out for drinks without anybody knowing you didn’t change in between! A slightly oversized jacket with rolled-up sleeves makes you look spontaneously cool. My favorite outfit is a casual tee (what the heck, make it striped too!), black Joe's jeggins and a boyfriend blazer. To add a little punch to the basic blazer, pick up one in teal or magenta and pair with your favorite dress or jeans and tee combo. Watch out businesspeople, this one is instant hottie!

Spring is my favorite season not only because of the blooming flowers and warmer weather, but because we fashionistas have so much versatility with what we can wear indoors and out. I am confident that if you invest in these few small pieces you will make a huge statement this spring. So enjoy it and flaunt it!

To read more from San Diego fashion blogger Sarah Carr visit sarahmcarr.com, where she shares stories about aspiring designers, promotes local fashion events and dishes out her opinions about must-have fashion trends.

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