Over the years, I have been on a mission to find the perfect pair of running shoes. I have tried numerous brands and styles, and no matter what, I would consistently find myself getting blisters, shin-splints, and tired, achy feet. I had almost given up hope in my rapidly failing search, when on a whim I decided to try out a pair of Brooks. Without taking the time to wear my new shoes around the house for a bit, I dove in headfirst and took my Brooks on a run around the neighborhood. It was love at first stride; finally, I can honestly say I have found the perfect running partner in my Brooks Adrenaline. The support, fit, and breathability of the shoes all combine to make a product that has changed my running game for the better, and I am officially a Brooks fan for life.

Brooks Women's PureGrit, brooksrunning.com, $100

Brooks Women's Green Silence, brooksrunning.com, $90

Brooks Men's Ghost 4, brooksrunning.com, $100

Brooks Men's Cascadia 7, brookrunning.com, $110

Part of what makes Brooks so fantastic is that they design shoes with every type of runner in mind -- from the jogger/walker to the repeat marathoner, Brooks has a shoe for you. When I purchased my shoes, I bought them on impulse without doing much research into the brand. After realizing how fantastic my feet felt after distance runs, I became curious about what else Brooks had to offer, and began exploring their website. At brooksrunning.com, there is brand history, shoe types, but my favorite link is the "Find Your Solemate" interactive questionnaire. After a handful of concise, relevant questions, the website recommends the top five shoes engineered by Brooks that are the best fit for you based off of your personal/physical needs. Brooks stands behind their name completely, and all of their products come with a 30 day no-questions asked satisfaction guarantee.

Brooks Women's PureCadence, brooksrunning.com, $120

Brooks Women's Ghost GTX, brooksrunning.com, $120

Brooks Women's Trance 11, brooksrunning.com, $140

Brooks Men's Dyad 6, brooksrunning.com, $100

Brooks Men's Defyance 5, brooksrunning.com, $110

Next time, when you're out hunting for your next pair of running/workout shoes, give Brooks a try! I bet that your feet will begin thanking you the second you put a pair on.

Every year when spring rolls around and the days start to get longer, my mind can’t help but wander to thoughts of summer. Immediately following my thoughts of summer are thoughts of swimming, boating and spending countless hours soaking up the sunshine.  All of these activities involve one of my favorite summer staples: a swimsuit!  Each summer I anxiously anticipate the newest swimwear designs, and this season I’m particularly excited to welcome the fresh, new looks.

L to R: Vivid Bits Maillot, anthropologie.com, $328; El Armarna Maillot, anthropologie.com, $238; Bugatchi Uomo Volley Swim Shorts, nordstrom.com, $89.50; Quiksilver 'High Seas' Board Shorts, nordstrom.com, $65

This beach season, for both ladies and guys, one of the biggest swimwear trends is a bold, eye-catching print. Prints can be intimidating, especially bright and abstract patterns, but don’t rule this trend out just yet! Swimwear is a prime place to work a wild print into your fashion arsenal, and summer’s warm temperatures welcome bright prints with open arms. A fun pattern is also a great way to allow you to show your personality and let your individuality shine!

L to R: Quiksilver 'Ondas' Board Shorts, nordstrom.com, $59.50; Phantom 60 4D Men's Boardshort, hurley.com, $125; Ezekiel Kaleidoscope Boardshort, buckle.com, $62; RVCA VA Strike Boardshort, buckle.com, $55

L to R: Abundant Angles Bikini, anthropologie.com, $108; Zigzag Bikini, anthropologie.com, $118; Miraclesuit 'Animal Attraction - Escape' Swimsuit, nordstrom.com, $170

L to R: Oscar de la Renta One-Piece Shibori Print Swimsuit, saksfifthavenue.com, $575; Push-up Bandeau Topin Stripe, victoriassecret.com, $42; Matching Forever Sexy Bottoms, victoriassecret.com, $32

L to R: Betsey Johnson Romance Swimwear Top, buckle.com, $114; Betsey Johnson Romance Swimwear Bottom, buckle.com, $96; Oscar de la Renta One-Piece Floral Cutout Swimsuit, saksfifthavenue.com, $575

L to R: Polka-Dot Tankini Tops, oldnavy.com, $24.94; Floral String Bikini, oldnavy.com, $19.94; Double-Strap Mixed Pattern Bkinis, oldnavy.com, $19.94; Cherry-Print String Bikinis, oldnavy.com, $19.94

If prints and patterns aren’t your style, fresh citrus tones and tranquil aqua-themed colors are also splashing into the season this year. Lime greens, lemon yellows, tangerine oranges, and grapefruit pinks all deliciously round out the citrus pallet. The blue hues this summer range from royal to aquamarine, and having such a broad spectrum means there is a flattering color choice for everybody.

L to R: Billabong R U Serious Platinum Boardshort, buckle.com, $50; Fox Big Shot Boardshort, buckle.com, $69.50; One & Only Mens Boardshort in Flash Yellow, hurley.com, $39; One & Only Mens Boardshort in Neon Pink, hurley.com, $39

L to R: Fragment Mens Boardshorts, hurley.com, $45; BOSS Orange 'Andaman' Swim Trunks, nordstrom.com, $69; Lacoste Swim Trunks in Maya Blue, nordstrom.com, $95

L to R: Coraline Maillot, anthropologie.com, $168; Fluorescent Throwback Bikini Top, anthropologie.com, $108; Fluorescent Throwback Bikini Bottoms, anthropologie.com, $108; UV Rays Bikini Bandeau in Peach, anthropologie.com, $79; UV Rays Bikini Bottom in Pink, anthropologie.com, $59

L to R: The Madi Neon Ruffle Push-up Bandeau Top in Neon Coral, victoriassecret.com, $52; Cheeky Hipkini Bottom in Neon Coral, victoriassecret.com, $18; Betsey Johnson Let's Polka Swimwear Top, buckle.com, $84; Betsey Johnson Let's Polka Swimwear Bottom, buckle.com, $102

L to R: Betsey Johnson French Pastry Swimwear Top, buckle.com, $96; Betsey Johnson French Pastry Swimwear Bottom , buckle.com, $72; Splendid Bandeau Tankini Top, nordstrom.com in Foam/Lilac, $67; Splendid Side Tie Bikini Bottoms, nordstrom.com in Foam/Lilac, $47; Warmer Waters Bikini Top, anthropologie.com, $68; Warmer Waters Bikini Bottom, anthropologie.com, $68

L to R: Badgley Mischka Wide-Strap Draped Tankini Top, saksfifthavenue.com, $75; Badgley Mischka Shirred Bikini Bottom, saksfifthavenue.com, $75; Sweetheart Diagonal-Ruffle Swimsuits, oldnavy.com, $34.94

Each year, spring brings two of my favorite things: warmer weather and fantastically fresh fashion! True to form, the trends splashing across the runways and red carpets this spring are fun and eye-catching. Making a rockstar-like comeback this season is lace. We're seeing lace in tops, dresses, leggings, head-scarves, and much more. Contrary to the antique images of grandma-lace that many of us have in our minds, this season's lace comes in a variety of textures, colors, and patterns.

Tadashi Shoji Fall 2010

Lace gets a mini-facelift this season with bold colors and unique textures. With colors like ruby red and emerald green, lace in these fresh colors will be the perfect complement to your spring wardrobe. The different textures add an irresistible visual detail that pairs perfectly with even the most simple outfit. If one bold, all over lace piece is a little too much, consider investing in a piece that uses lace as an accent. A nude dress with black lace accents, black leggings with beige lace texture, or even a black skirt with rose gold accents are all effortless ways to add a little bit of lace to your life.

Headwear totally optional!
Courtesy: RCFA

Courtesy: unknown

We can't neglect, of course, the absolutely smashing trend of using lace as a layering piece. Don't hesitate to invest in a cropped lace top and layer it over a cami or sundress for an instant fashion fix. Consider investing in a lace blazer that can be dressed up with a pair of heels and slacks, or dressed down with some skinny-jeans and ballet flats. Lace is great because it's completely versitile and the choice is up to you; wear a little or wear a lot, you truly can't go wrong!

Oscar de la Renta S/S 2012

Lace Blazer, forever21.com, $27.80

Lace is also making an appearance on accessory pieces this year. From head-scarves to finger-nails, there is a lace pattern made for nearly everything. By adding a small piece of lace to your wardrobe, you can experiment with how you feel about the trend, and try working the piece in with different outfits and on different occasions. This spring, I encourage you to embrace some lace, in any form that appeals to you! Take it and make it your own by highlighting your existing fabulous wardrobe with a few new lace inspired picks.

Ralph Lauren NYFW S/S 2012

Valentino

Courtesy: unknown

Accessorizing an outfit is an everyday routine for most of us. From putting on a pair of fantastic earrings to a chic knit beanie, little touches like these add major value to our overall look.  One of my favorite accessory trends of the moment is right in front of our noses---or rather right on the end of them.  That’s right -- I’m talking about glasses, specifically thick-framed, old-school reading-style glasses.  The trend seems to have gained popularity over the past couple months, and as a four-eyed girl myself, I have to say, I’m stoked to see a rise in the variety of frame options that are making their way to the market!  From celebrities, to professional athletes, to my own siblings, glasses are rapidly becoming the fashion accessory of the moment.

Michelle Trachtenberg, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Aniston
Courtesy: shefinds.com

Not too long ago (think elementary school!), thanks in large part to the popularity of contacts, glasses were considered nerdy and a border-line fashion “don’t.”  Speaking from the perspective of somebody who’s had to wear glasses since I was 11, I would have rather been unable to see then actually wear my glasses as a kid (which I did do -- and got in trouble for!)  A few years ago I called a truce with my nerdy-self and I began to embrace my glasses, rather than run from them.  As a result, I am currently the proud owner of two different yet distinct frames that complement my style and my personality! I love finding unexpected outfits to incorporate them with, and I also REALLY enjoy giving my eyes a break from contacts.

Katy Perry
Courtesy: Splash News

Now, you don’t need to have poor vision to rock the glasses trend, nor do you need to be a female! Plenty of places sell frames with mock lenses, so that anybody (yes, you!) can rock the librarian look anytime they please.  Glasses (real or mock) are a fun and often forgotten way to spice up an outfit, or to add depth to an outfit you already love.  With the variety of frame shapes (Cat-eye, square, rectangle, round, oval, and aviator-just to name a few) and endless amounts of frame colors, the options are nearly endless. Check out the frames below for some inspiration (no prescription necessary!)

Vintage "Buddy" Wayfarer Blues Brothers Clear Sunglasses, amazon.com, $3.09

Vintage "Buddy" Wayfarer Sunglasses in Red, amazon.com, $2.20

EP - 'Dakor' Classic Clear Lens Glasses, amazon.com, $12

All of these glasses can be found on Amazon.com and have clear-lenses.  If you are among those of us who need visual correction, the next time you get your prescription filled, consider branching out and trying on a bolder frame, or a frame in an accent color to shake things up this season.  Below are some examples of outfits that I like with the trend -- but I hope you feel inspired to seize this trend and make it your own!

Glen “Big Baby” Davis (from the Boston Celtics)
Courtesy: zimbio/bossip

The image is to show off the glasses, but if you like the top: Embellished Crop Top, forever21.com, $14.90

David Beckham
Courtesy: Splash