Choosing a Trench Coat That Will Take You From Spring to Fall

I love a trench coat! This versatile piece will take you from rainy spring to the cool parts summer to chilly fall, earning the stamp of a wardrobe staple in my closet. When picking out a trench, here's some things to look for:

• Color: You'll want a neutral color that will work with most of your outfits. I love tan/camel and black, but shades of red, gray, brown, and cream can also work.
• Length: Trench coats come in all sorts of different lengths from hitting somewhere around the hips all the way down to below the knees. Be sure to try on different options to see which cut is the most flattering on you. Keep in mind that you'll also likely be wearing this coat with flats, heels, and boots so you'll want to pick a universally flattering length. I like mine to hit mid-thigh.
• Cut: You can find straight cuts, a-lines, and flared bottoms on trench, giving you lots of options. I  like a coat that is mostly straight, with just a hint of flare at the hem line.
• Fabric Weight: Be sure to get an all weather coat with a light- or mid- weight fabric and avoid the heavy wools and knits that are reserved for winter coats.
• Details: Look for durable hardware, interesting collars or cuffs, and placement of a belt that will let you cinch your waist!

Once you have an idea of what you like, be sure to shop around! There are trenches at every style and price point. You are bound to find something flattering and wallet friendly! Here's a few of my picks at different price points. What about you?

Neutral Trench at Any Price Point by Dana Renee Style

The Avengers Black Widow Inspired Look

Tonight the hubby and I were watching The Avengers and I couldn't help but want to recreated the monochromatic, edgy look that Scarlett Johansson sports as Black Widow.

This look is pretty simple to recreate (minus the superhere-esque stretch fabric!). Start with a black jacket like a fitted leather jacket or motorcycle jacket. Pair this with a pair of skinny black jeans or pants, and accent with slouchy knee high black boots (bonus points for cool hardware) and a belt with a geometric belt buckle (I didn't go for red, here but you definitely could).

Modernize this outfit for everyday wear outside of your local biker bar by adding a bright colored cami under the jacket and a statement necklace.

Now, if only I could keep the temptation to dye my hair red at bay...

Black Widow Look by DanaReneeStyle 

Lavish Bargain {Black Patent Wedges}

A pair of cork wedges are a perfect spring accessory and a pair with black patent uppers can be easily dressed up or down. Although I love to lust after Louboutins, this pair from Charlotte Russe will let you rock this look for less than a night out. What's your go to spring shoe?

Lavish Bargain {Black Patent Wedges} by danareneestyle featuring high wedge shoes

Fashionable Fitness Picks

When you hit the gym and find yourself staring into the mirror while running or lifting weights, who wouldn't love to see some cute workout duds reflecting back? Here's some of my favorite pieces to work in to your rotation of workout wear along with two brightly colored pieces of workout gear.

Product collage created using Polyvore

1. Athleta Jaya Tank 

2. Free Society Ruched Fitted Capris

3. C9 by Champion Fit and Flare Tank

4. Fila Sport Space-Dye Fitted Performance Running Capris  

5. C9 by Champion Super Soft Quarter Zip Top

6. Reebok Women's CrossFit Chase Shorts

7. Under Armour Charged Cotton Undeniable Full Zip Hoodie

8. Under Armour Hot Class Short

9. Tone Fitness Hourglass Shaped Dumbbells

10. Gaiam Radiance Print 3mm Mat

Crave-worthy Nail Colors for Spring

I can't believe it's already spring! It definitely snuck up on me (probably something to do with this wacky Maryland weather of snow one day and sunshine the next). With all of the bright colors and floral prints that have been gracing store windows, I wanted to round up my favorite picks for spring nail polishes to match. What are your favorite colors to decorate your nails with this season?

Here are links to where you can shop for these shades!

1. Butter London Fruit Machine $15

2. Wet n Wild Megalast Private Showing $1.99

3. OPI Royal Flush Blush $8

4. Essie Turquoise and Caicos $8

5. OPI Can't Find My Czechbook $5.75

6. Deborah Lippman Careless Whisper $17

7. China Glaze Avant Garden Pastel Petals 6 Piece Collection (coming Spring 2013)

Note: This collage was created using Polyvore and I used the photos they had. My links, where possible, direct you to where you can purchase easily purchase the product. These are not necessarily the source of the photos. If you would like to see the source please click on the image within Polyvore.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate link.

5 Things I'm Loving Right Now

5 Things I'm Loving Right Now by DanaReneeStyle

1. Pink and Cream Striped Zip-Up Hooded Sweater from Old Navy (This looks like it's sold out online, but I picked mine up in our local store this week).

2. Green Icon Tote from JustFab

3. WildBloom Perfume from Banana Republic

4. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

5. Canvas and Cork Cherry Print Platform Wedges from H&M

Lavish Bargain {Hermes and JustFab}

I'll be the first to acknowledge the beauty of an Hermes Birkin bag, but with a price tag that rivals the sticker price of my new car it's definitely not going to be a realistic option any time soon. Plus with as harsh as I am on my handbags, I would be terrified to ever to take it out! For a teeny fraction of the price, you can score a similar looking bag from JustFab for only $39.95. I snagged a green one that I wrote about here.

Lavish Bargain (Hermes and JustFab) by DanaReneeStyle

Disclosure: This post contains my referral link for JustFab. 

Experimenting with Polyvore: Spring Style

I finally started using Polyvore this week. Here's a peak of my first set. It's a flirty hi-lo floral print dress that's perfect for spring. I styled it two ways: first for the work week, then for the weekend. For this look I was focusing on inspiration and items that just appealed to me. You'll notice that some of the items are from brands that are easy to find and at reasonable price points, while others are rarer or definitely on the luxury side. Either way, I think that these are pieces that are easy to swap with items that you already own or with affordable alternatives floating around the stores right now. In the future, my plan is to style the look using my dream pieces and then show how to recreate in a budget-friendly way.

xx

Spring Style by DanaReneeStyle