Rubies, sapphires, emeralds...when it comes to gems and jewels, I don’t pick favorites. While I daydream about that time in the future (possibly the really way far away time in the future) when I will be blinging my large stones and rocks for all to admire, I wonder what quality it is that these gems possess that I covet most. Is it the price tag that would empty my current bank account? Maybe the attention-grabbing sparkles blinding anyone when the light catches the jewel just right? Who’s to say it’s not any of these? Let’s be honest, there’s really nothing to complain about. But what I really think I love about stones - more than sterling and gold - manifests in the deep color each gem carries. Characterized by distinct hues, these jewels magically transform a single metallic chain or band into a beautiful necklace or ring. Jewelry gains personality...strong personality. Color drips from each accessorized body part and you, the fashionista, make a statement.

So by matters of deduction I concluded:

1. I love gems.
2. I cannot afford these jewels.
3. What I love most about gems is their distinct color.

Naturally, when I had gemstones on the brain, nothing else would appease that want except those little glittering jewels themselves. The second bullet point on that list above, however, stood in strong opposition to me obtaining them. Always the eternal optimist, I knew when one portion of my wardrobe suffers, the other portion must compensate to retain a fashionable balance. Who knew clothing items exist displaying similar hues as my favorite jewelry items? I may not be rich, but nothing will stop me from dressing in the rich colors I love so much. Dresses, pants, shoes, and shirts, every article of clothing comes in the deepest hues imaginable. I still may spend my time daydreaming about gemstone accessories, but in the meantime, my sapphire shoes and amethyst pants will satiate my desires.

L to R: Go Get Em’ Dress in Red, modcloth.com, $47.99; Lela Magenta Cloche with Side Bow by San Diego Hat Company, shopruche.com, $56.99; Buschur, aldoshoes.com, $34.99 (sale)

L to R: Olivia Low-Rise Color Jegging Cobalt, delias.com, $44.50; Sweet Sugar Plum Ruffle Dress by Tulle, shopruche.com, $67.99

Shadows Illuminated Skirt, modcloth.com, $47.99; QUPID Onyx Womens Shoes, tillys.com, $24.99; Roxy Tropics Tank Dress, buckle.com, $31.03 (sale)

Don’t get me wrong, I adore the winter’s reverence (and forgiveness) to those days of less-than-ideal style moments. All too often, however, I find myself in the never-ending giant sweater+leggings rut as I battle the Connecticut cold for a 9am class. Trust me, I get it: to pull on those skinny jeans seems the equivalent of trekking Mount Everest when the weather doesn’t quite motivate you to take on the day, no matter how good J Brand looks on you. In the winter especially, comfort and easiness of wear supersede style for most school-going women, but they don’t have to! By mixing up the cold-weather basics we all so love with a statement accessory or even a standout lip color, looking put-together while exercising minimal effort (the dream team!) has never been so chic.

Belt it!

With long, cozy sweaters especially, adding a belt can instantly add interest to an outfit while drawing attention to your tiny waist (always a plus!). A few rules to keep in mind: with a thick-material sweater (think wool), the fabric should hang loosely at the bottom, not form-fitting (adding a belt to the latter type only adds unnecessary bulk--very unflattering!). Sweaters that hit above your hip generally look best with a thin belt, and longer sweaters work well with any width.

Courtesy: lookbook.nu, thisnext.com, fashionchoice.org

Bold Lip Color

I can’t emphasize enough how effortlessly beautiful a bright and fun lip color can look when contrasted with a low-key outfit. Try a bright red shade when wearing neutral-colored clothing with very minimal makeup otherwise—so chic, so easy, and an incredible mood-enhancer!

Courtesy: stockholmstreetstyle.feber.se

Courtesy: nylonmag.com

Courtesy: chictalks.com

Stand-out accessories

A handbag with a pop of color or a statement piece of jewelry can completely transform an otherwise basic, no-fuss outfit (read: your go-to winter look). Just don’t go overboard—one eye-catching addition is all you need. It’s the statement, not quantity, of an accessory that tells the best story.

Courtesy: netaporter.com

Courtesy: lookbook.nu

Courtesy: lookbook.nu

Courtesy: fashionited.com

Your mother may have told you otherwise back when you were learning to dress yourself, but gone are the days of having to match the items that comprise your outfit! This summer, it makes a brighter and far more interesting statement to pair two very distinctly different, solid colors together. Playfulness with color is a fresh, flirty way to show you take fashion risks, but realistically this season, you can do not wrong with the mismatched, color-blocking trend. Splashes of bright, boldly mismatched shoes are all over the red carpet these days. Let your feet in on the fun ~

And you can find all the items to make this flirty trend work for you in the marketplace! 

Dress

Earrings

Ring

Pumps

Spring is the perfect time of year to experiment with new kinds of shoes because you don't have to worry about your feet getting cold! While lots of different trends are getting thrown around whether it be nude tones or flats in bold and bright patterns, there is one shoe battle between "footwear siblings" if you will that I think will stand out above the rest! 

When it was mid-winter and fashion trends began being gossiped about for Spring 2011, a new type of shoe emerged that at first had fashionistas a little shocked. THE FLATFORM.

I have to admit when I first saw these designs, I had no idea what to think. They looked different that was for sure, they looked a little uncomfortable with not much arch support, and to be honest they looked a bit dangerous. I've gotten over the shock of their look and am the kind of person to try anything at least once. At least from the designs I've seen the flatform market is sticking toward the neautral end of the Spring trend spectrum and also tend to use more natural looking materials. The muted tones will work well with lots of bold printed dresses this spring. 

On the other side of the ring, however, we have the more classic of the two trends. THE PLATFORM.

These also at first glance look a little dangerous for someone as clumsy as me, but I also think that this return to a classic shoe shape is way more my type of fashion. While brands are making natural and neutral options like the Flatform, they are also using bold patterns and color choices which are sure to be big hits this spring. If you go with this choice of shoe, you will most likely balance it out with more simple fashion on top.

Only time will be able to tell which will be the more popular style this spring, but I think for myself the platform will be my go to sexy spring shoe!