what i want RIGHT. NOW.

as all my fellow bloomington students were reminded last weekend, spring is (almost) an imminent reality.  i've slowly started to cultivate an aversion to my once-loved winter staples: I can barely even look at my salty Ugg boots without shivering, and don't even get me started on my annoying waist-tied black puffy coat.  sorry, friends, but... it's over.  i'd rather have chilly feet whilst wearing my favorite minnetonka fringe boots than suffer another day in these hopelessly wintery ensembles.  


while all my spring clothes feel suddenly new and exciting again, i do have a few things on my wish list for the coming season:

1) 70s chic: i'm sorry, but i canNOT restrain myself from telling you this--i CALLED the 70s trend. i was all over the peasant tops, flare jeans, and wooden heels before any of the magazines declared them "fashionable." but for everyone's sake i'll try to be a little more good-natured about it... 
ESSENTIALS FOR THE LOOK:
lighter-wash flares  : gap really does have fabulous jeans, and at a great price (especially compared to my favorite true religion, paige, and joe's varieties...). and with an admittedly trendy piece, you definitely don't want to be spending a fortune. and the lighter wash feels really summery and old-school. 
a pretty, flowy blouse : i'm a sucker for anything billowy, and this tucked into your jeans would be adorable.  you just can't go wrong--you can even pair this with skinnies, denim shorts, or a high-waisted skirt. the possibilities are endless! but for the love of sjp, PLEASE tuck it in.
sick wooden-heel wedges : whether you're a fan of heels or not, this truly seals the deal for your 70s ensemble. just imagine jackie from "that 70s show" in one of her perfect, cute outfits: her hight-wasted pants, her tiny blouses, and always the wooden heel shoes.  you know what they say... no pain, no gain. just grin and bear it -- i promise it'll be worth it!
earthy accessories: okay, don't judge me on this one... but i think american eagle outfitters has some really great jewelry lately.  this elephant charm necklace is just... well, charming! i like to layer up to three or four necklaces at a time, and for this look i really do believe the more, the merrier.  try adding this long, wear-with-everything necklace and an armful of wooden and beaded bangles -- instant bohemian chic! 


2) on that same token, i'm dying for an ethereal maxi skirt to pair with an open-knit sweater, as seen at right in the spring 2011 alberta ferretti shows. i've yet to find anything that can really measure up, but who am i kidding... this is pure spring-time magic! 


peace, love, and shopping,
liz