Now that the warm weather has hit, I definitely have the urge to bust out a new look or trend for the new warmer season! Having said that, a statement piece that is always known to turn heads can always be found in a great pair of shoes. This Spring, in my opinion, the must-have that made its way on the runway is the gladiator sandal, with a heel.

As of right now, the only ones that have caught my eye are definitely in the higher price range but I'm sure Jeffery Campbell and Steve Madden will be creating affordable knockoffs! I have to give it to Rihanna -- she sparked my interest in these intense paris of heels or boots because she has rocked them multiple times.

Here Rihanna is seen wearing a pair of Balenciaga Gladiator Boots.

Here Rihanna is seen wearing Alexander Wang Spring '13 right off the runway on an episode of X Factor.

Alexander Wang designed this fantastic shoe in both white, silver, and black and also created another style for a more drastic pair of gladiator heels.

Another fashionable celebrity that stepped out in this statement piece goes by the name of Jennifer Lopez. Jennifer Lopez chose the Jimmy Choo gladiator sandal with a sleek white dress. She looks amazing as always. Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna can do no wrong in my eyes when it comes to rocking a new style or their fashion sense.

Other designers that brought this "love it or hate it" trend to the runway for their Spring shows were Acne, Altuzarra, and Marios Schwab.

So get crazy this Spring with this hot and fun new trend!

No one can deny the success of the whole "military" trend throughout the Fall and Winter seasons. But as we venture closer and closer to Spring, I want to take this time to remind everyone that the army trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon. We're all used to throwing on a summery dress and rugged boots, but when it's not quite as warm? The options are practically endless! And the answer, my friends, is combat boots!

There are several different styles of combat boots. First, there are the tall (about calf-height) rugged-looking boots, a la Steve Madden (pictured below). These are probably the most intense and "army-looking" as you can get without stealing the boots of a war veteran. If you rock these babies, pair them with girly tights and a flowy skirt, or dark skinny jeans and over-sized sweater. These in particular are especially versatile because you can lace them all the way up, or fold them halfway down.

Steve Madden Troopa Military-Inspired Booties, dillards.com, $99.99

Another popular style are combat boots that are a little more girly-looking. Pictured below are the "Refresh" by Beston combat boots. The cognac/camel brown color is softer on the eyes and look especially good with leggings and a Navajo-style wrap sweater. This gives way to a super laid back, "college-y" look that you'll find on the most popular (and fashionable) college campuses. When Spring comes around, try these boots with denim shorts and tights.

Refresh by Beston Women's 'Libby-01' Lace-up Combat Boots, overstock.com, $42

Both the black and brown combat boots are necessities to add to your closet as soon as possible! But keep a creative eye out for fun styles that also complement your personality. For example, try different colors or patterns like these Betsey Johnson cheetah print boots or a stone-washed color, both pictured. One last option is one of my favorites! These are my personal lace-up combat boots that are almost knee-length in height. They have the edginess of the combat boots with the versatility of regular riding boots.

Betsey Johnson Women's Levana Ankle Boot, amazon.com, $59.99

Harley 12 Womens Military Lace up Studded Combat Boot Tan, amazon.com, $32.99

Any of the the boots pictured above lends themselves well to this rugged, outdoors-y look. Pair them with an army green jacket with cargo pockets and metal buttons for the full effect. No matter what type or style of combat boot you choose to rock this Winter and Spring season, just know that your military look is right on trend. Stay warm, cozy, AND fashionable! As with any of your clothing or accessory choices, make it unique, make it you, and assert your right to bear arms this season.

Happy Styling!

I don't know about you guys but I have personally not been a fan of maxis. I never knew why I didn't like them so much. Sure, they looked fabulous on some people but I could never bring myself to love them. And sure, I would bump into some really cute prints and patterns but never loved them enough to go try them on. Now everything has CHANGED! -- And for the better!

So let me tell you about a recent shopping experience of mine. While my mom and I were out shopping for a dress for her, we found ourselves inside your typical Forever 21, where a beautiful mesh lace maxi dress was sitting upon a stool, just waiting for me to grab it to take to the fitting room. Of course, I couldn't neglect such a beauty so I quickly found myself in the fitting room with the most precious garment I could've laid eyes on. It fit perfectly and didn't drape over my 5'0" petite body frame. It hugged my body in all the right places and nicely flowed down the bottom. And that's where my obsession for maxis began.

To wrap up my romantic love story, I wanted to give you guys some quick tips and tricks for those who haven't dared to try on a maxi. The mysterious thing about maxis is the way they will fit your body. And plus the fact that I am short, I must take my height into consideration. For us shorter girls, we must find maxis that hug us nicely around the upper part of the body. Also keep in mind that if you want to look taller, plain simple colors help you achieve that look. And if you do opt for prints, try not to go for prints that are bigger than your fist. And for you taller gals, be open to just try them because chances are, maxis will fit you perfectly without hemming.

Woven Maxi Skirt, forever21.com, $13.50

Soon it will officially be time to hit the beach or the nearest pool for some fun in the sun. Bathing suits began to appear in our favorite stores a couple of months ago and now it’s time to really start thinking about which cute little number we will be adding to our wardrobe. There are some succulent trends that are popping up in our favorite magazines and they are just waiting for us to indulge. One of my favorite reoccurring trends that not only appeared on the RTW runways but also in swimwear, are vintage inspired details. High waisted briefs and halters with ruffles are showing up everywhere. And let’s not forget the beautiful prints! There are of course a couple of things to take into consideration when choosing the correct bathing suit for your body type.

Shoshanna Ruffle Triangle Top / String Bottom, bloomingdales.com, $75 / $77

Striped Tie Top, gap.com, $38.95

Striped Tie Hipster, gap.com, $36.95

For ladies with smaller busts, like myself, you want to purchase a bathing suit that has a bit of ruffle detail or fringe that would add volume to your top portion. A top with a little bit of underwire and padding would also be ideal and the perfect shape would be in a demi-bra style. A bathing suit with a little bit of ruffle at the bottom will also add on to your hips if you have a boyish figure. Opt out of choosing a bandeau bra type of bathing suit because they are proven to be a bit unflattering.

Ralph Lauren Blue Label Mali Mudcloth Print Halter / Ralph Lauren Blue Label Mali Mudcloth Print Skirted Hipster, bloomingdales.com, $67 / $61

If you have a larger bust, it’s best to find a swimsuit with underwire for some extra support. Halter-top bikinis are ideal because they provide the extra support needed and also give a sexy pop of cleavage. Try and find one piece bathing suits with a little bit of structure in the bust, such as a shelf bra or a touch of foam. Stay away from thin straps because these can prove to be uncomfortable.

Always remember to have fun when scouring through the many available options and be sure to choose the correct bathing suit for your body type and one you will be comfortable in. And of course, don’t forget the wide array of bathing suits that are available with beautiful printed detail.

Gottex Nomadic Traveler Cupped Bandeau One Piece, bloomingdales.com, $228

Today, as I slipped out of bed and padded over to the window to check on the weather forecast, angry grey clouds and an abundance of rain greeted me. Luckily, I happen to be in love with the rain, or more specifically, I am hopelessly in love with my rain boots. Living on a college campus and having the need to walk to class everyday regardless of the dreary weather, has made me truly appreciate the versatility and overall function of rain boots. Plus, who doesn’t love jumping in puddles on your way to class?

With spring in full swing, it’s about time to invest in a practical, yet fashionable, accessory!

The ultimate splurge when it comes to rain boots is none other than a good pair of Hunters. These classic boots come in a variety of colors and styles, including a “fashion rubber” collection which sports heeled and wedged rain boots!

Hunter Original Tall Women, hunter-boot.com, $125

Hunter Arnie, hunter-boot.com, $165

I know we all wish we could live as "lavishly" as those who slosh around in Hunters when it rains, but unfortunately that isn’t always the case. Lucky for us, Target has an amazingly affordable selection of rain boots in an array of colors and styles.

L to R: McGibbon Floral Rain Boots, target.com, $29.95; Fleur-De-Lis Rain Boots, target.com, $29.99; Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Tall Rain Boots, zappos.com, $70

Women's Merona Zaney Polka Dot Rain Boots in Pink, target.com, $20.98 (sale)

When shopping for your perfect boot, remember to try it on in the store before you buy! There have been far too many times when I’ve slipped my feet into a pair of wellies to find that they rub me in all the wrong places. Now, go out, embrace the downpours! You no longer have an excuse to not dance in the rain in a beautiful pair of shoes.