Mashing classic floral patterns with impeccably cut denim gives this seasons jeans an unmistakable edge. To play with the cut off shorts, a lace blouse references a girly feel. But used a layer over a pocket tank, the whole look still feels tough. Camel sandals ground this look, while the minimal gold jewelry doesn't detract from the statement makers. As for the neon cross body, it speaks for itself, wouldn't you say?

Just because the weather is warming up, does not mean we have to shun our black clothing to the back our closets. Black clothing can still be completely relevant in springtime ensembles, but how you wear the black pieces is what shifts from season to season. To brighten up a black silk jumpsuit, the first element is add a shock of color. Here, black is paired with nudes, blushes, and pale pinks, starting with a well-tailored blazer. The geometric printed bag and Ipad cases have high contrast designs that relate well with mod cork wedges. Stylish blush accessories cap off this stunning look.

Now, this is color blocking at its finest, if I do say so myself. But before we get into all that, there's something I need to get off my chest. When I first started reading about fashion, there were legitimate trends, and rules to follow each season. Now, however, with the liberation of fashion loving women, no-rules is the new rule. At first, I absolutely loved this idea. But once I started reading important women's opinions of fashion (think editors, stylists), I realized that these women were mum about everything. As if, everyone was so afraid to be wrong, they simply stopped having an opinion. I literally read a woman say she was inspired by "color." Really? Color? Well everything has color, unless you're a K-9, so really anything has the potential to be her inspiration. I don't like this one bit. So I'm going to go on record to say what I like right now. It may change next season, next month, whatever. But I'm going out on a limb here, because that is what fashion is about. Right now I'm obsessed with pumps. Not crazy, ball-of-your-foot-extending tranny heels, but true pointy toe, slim stiletto, platform-less pumps. And why not in neon colors? The color blocking trend is continuing this spring, so let's sharpen the look with structured pumps in vibrant hues. Try not to go above 3 color variances, unless you're a true fashion maven. But also don't be afraid to use neutrals like black and white to fill in the gaps or create a blank canvas for your colors to bounce off of. You'll definitely look like a woman with style, gumption, and a real opinion.

Tatting, crochet, bargello, or the most simple term: "lace." Whatever you like to call it, this trend is showing up in as many variations as epithets in our colloquial. And with so much freedom, it's certainly easy to blunder this trend. The easiest way to avoid that, I feel, is to first steer away from lacy sleeves. By using the sleek lines of a sheath dress, you are reviving a classic material into something new and fresh. The next step is to add a second pattern. This coat is a statement on its own, and manages to make the green lace dress look, dare I say, understated? As if the black and gold lurex dot coat didn't speak for itself, adorning the shoulder with mod brooches is a nod to vintage inspiration, as does the ladylike jewelry. Sleek shoes and bag are the perfect final compliments.

I feel as though animal print is hardly ever a trend, and rather a seasonless print. I will admit, however, that designers *highlight* certain animal prints during certain seasons, even though they never seem to fully disappear. Sometimes these prints can feel matronly, or when worn totally wrong, can completely overpower the wearer. The key is to tame the animal[print] and incorporate it into your own style. These snakeskin pants are skinny cut, and the cool gray tones create a perfect compliment for pale, washed out colors. The minty booties have a interesting way of looking both half vintage and half modern. And the electric orange clutch looks like the color of the blouse but with volume turned way up. A bit of sparkly jewelry caps everything off, and this outfit is ready to bite.

Too often I find gorgeous girls who would make a perfect blank canvas for any designer. Yet they are, for whatever reason, at a loss when it comes to putting together a professional outfit. It's in these instances, the mantra "quality over quantity" truly comes into play. I believe that if women buy truly stylish pieces, they can create a multitude of outfits effortlessly. As with this outfit, the pieces don't have to match colors, styles or even designers to cohesively work with one another. Here, it's a jumble of all sorts. Yet, instead of looking thoughtlessly clumped together, this outfit actually ends up looking terribly chic.

With school in session soon, students will come back together from all over the world and be united with the friends they've cherished while working towards their education. As much of a relief this reunion is, the overload of schoolwork and excruciating heat are not. However, some of us are lucky enough to find solace in fashion, and can actually bond over it with our friends or loved ones. These two outfits are designed to battle the heat, made up of an equal number of pieces, and much like two best friends, actually compliment one another without being overbearing. The flashes of color, unique cuts, and modern use of textiles help each outfit stand on its own, and out from the crowd. Alone, each is a look, but together they're a statement.

So often, when we see something in all neutrals, namely black and white, we tend to want to add a "pop of color." The obvious color of choice? Red. And although I understand this concept, as some might even consider it *classic* I can't help but want to rewrite the rules on this subject matter. For me, the perfect shoe pairing for thick striped dress is an edgy nude shoe. Moreover, I've resisted the urge to add a colorful bag, opting instead for a bold sized tote in a glorious metallic shade, and a simple black clutch that can be pulled out for nighttime. Angular earrings add more colorless interest, and simple sunglasses finish the look.

Gifts should be decadent, thoughtful, and something the receiver really wants, even if they don't know they really want it until they actually have it. What I love about giving gifts for Mother's Day is that this holiday happens right before summer begins, giving the gift giver a broad range of colorful and bright options to choose from. The summer inspired gifts presented here offer wide array of products appealing to many different types of moms, yet are all unified by their thoughtfulness, and tastefulness. Whether the mom you're shopping for is 25 or 75, there is something here that will deliver a special message of love to her.

The days of buying one new swimsuit for the entire summer are over. Swimsuits are becoming more like outfits, with women wanting to sport a to new one to each new event. Not only must the swimsuit be stylish, but the whole look needs revolve around it. Here, we've turned up the volume on the basic black bikini by choosing one with an interesting neckline, and mini gold leaf charms. The real statement maker is the patterned tunic. With contrasting colors, billowing sleeves, and a sexy tie around the waist, this tunic is a far cry from a dingy towel around the waist and it's perfectly adorned with a bold necklace. We've also traded in the oversized tote for a sensibly-sized mesh bag, that lends itself to a more sunset atmosphere. The rose gold aviators compliment the red tones in the tunic, and the fringed wedges bring it all back to the black bikini. This outfit is sure to turn any swimming party into a swimmer's paradise...