Spring Essentials Shopping List

It's the first of April and with warmer weather on the horizon I find myself contemplating which stylish pieces I should be investing in right now. You too? Well have a look at whats currently taking up space on my mental shopping list.

Now's a great time to buy swimwear before all the good styles sell out. Last year, Kandy Wrappers sent me an amazing mint-colored fringe bikini that I only got to wear a few times, so I'm looking forward to rocking it again by the pool this summer. I also really dig the the edgy designs of TAVIK swimwear, like this painted canvas of a bikini currently on Nasty Gal. That said, don't forget to pick up a bottle of Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration (I like SPF 30) for your beach bag.

Bandeaus and tunics are essential as well. As some one who hates bras, I find bandeaus to be the perfect alternative. From colorful cotton blends to sexy lace, I love that they can be casual or chic. This is also true of tunics which can be worn on the beach or to a beachfront dinner when paired with the right pair of heels and a great statement neacklace.

Speaking of heels, surely you've noticed the strappy sandals that have been on everyone's feet, as of late. I LOVE this look! It's so Carrie Bradshaw I can hardly stand it. I'm really coveting this chic gold chain look from Guess by Marciano (pictured). Steve Madden also offers a sexy style with a bit of patent shine at a great price. For a bit more, this emerald green lizard-embossed sandal from Alice + Olivia would make you the envy of all. What better way to show off you sexy summer pedicure?

A few other essentials on my list come from a really great style book I picked up a few years ago - The One Hundred by Nina Garcia. It's helped me pinpoint a few classic pieces to add to my wardrobe. Like, these thin gold hoops from Michael Kors. It's an effortless feminine boost that pairs perfect with stylish sunnies. The book also says that an authentic Pucci piece is essential resort wear. While I love the colorful designs of Emilio Pucci, I can't afford him just yet. Instead, I think Trina Turk is a wonderful substitute. I'm obsessed with these draw-string beach shorts from her latest collection.

That sums up my spring trend wishlist, but do tell me if I'm leaving anything off. Whats on your spring and summer shopping list?

Tangerine Tango: Color of the Year!

I don't need much reason to hit up The Grove, one of my favorite spots to spend a lazy afternoon in the city, but it's been a while since I last paid the tourist attraction a visit. That is until last week, when I headed over to The Grove's Central Park to check out the Sephora pop-up shop introducing PANTONE  17-1463, also know as Tangerine Tango, Sephora + Pantone Universe's Color of the Year.

Tangerine Tango is described as "a vibrant orange reminiscent of the radiant shading of a sunset, the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow." It's one of those colors that looks good on everyone and can can be worn on the lips, eyes, nails or cheeks. It demands attention and can played in many different ways from sexy to just plain fun.

It makes perfect sense - Sephora is the leading beauty specialty retailer, Pantone Universe is the global color authority - why not join together to bring color and trend forecasting and amazing product collections?

The pop-up was filled with  the Sephora + Pantone Universe Capsule Collection which consists of the highly coveted Color of the Year creme lipstick (which I hear is flying off shelves), chrome blush and  lip gloss. The collection also offers gift sets, faux lashes and nail polish. There were also a few goodies from Sephora's own make-up collection  in varying shades of the bright hue.

I love that they even went tangerine cray-cray with the food! Tangerine tarts, fruit salad with goat cheese kabobs and other yummy hors d'oeuvres were served up making an already bright day even sunnier.

How would you rock Tangerine Tango?

On The Set of Pretty Little Liars

I recently found myself in the halls of Rosewood High -peeking in student lockers, sipping Chocolate milk in Mr. Fitz's classroom and later lounging in Aria Montgomery's super cool bedroom. That's right! I was on the set of ABC Family's Pretty Little Liars!

Erica of Sweets & Hearts

Pretty Little Liars is undoubtedly one on the most stylish shows on TV. I was invited to sit and chat with the show's costume designer, Mandi Line, about the individual styles of Aria, Hanna, Spencer and Emily, and to check out their extensive wardrobe catalogue.

We discussed the in's and out's of Mandi's job and how she shops and creates each girls personal style.  She says "I'm truly a costume designer. A lot of stylists are focused on brands but I look for what's right [for the character] and what's awesome to me. I stay away from high-end -with shows like Gossip Girl, it's harder for girls watching the show to go out and purchase what they see, so I stick to affordable. I shop local and put money back into the city by supporting independent shops."

Here's Mandi's rundown of the girls style:

A look at Aria's Wardrobe

Aria's accessories

Aria - "Aria has fashion schizophrenia. I knew she would be special, there's no other character like her on TV."
Shops at: Wasteland on Melrose, Una Mae's on Vermont, Mandy's own closet

A Look at Emily's wardrobe

Emily - "There's an Emily in every group of friends. A lot of people identify with her. Her style is very real and very comfortable."

Shops at: All Saints, Alternative Apparel, Sam Edelman, Guess?

A Look at Hanna's wardrobe

Hanna's accessories

Hanna: "Hanna goes from super femme to the edgy popular girl. Ashley [who plays Hanna] will not wear flats!"

Shops at: Karen Mullen, Zara, Alice + Olivia, BCBG, Rachel Roy

A look at Spencer's Wardrobe

Spencer: "Spencer style is preppy and very parent approved. I like to pair prints with solids and I try to sneak in little details or charms like animals and food."

Shops at: Undisclosed

With only a few other pretty little bloggers joining us, it was a very inmate evening. We were treated to champagne, gourmet sandwiches, and delicious goodies from CakeMoney. After we explored all the clothes and stuffed our selves with sweet treats we were lead on a tour of the girls bedrooms - but first we got a surprise visit from actor, Ian Harding,  who plays the girl's former English teacher and Aria's secret boyfriend, Ezra Fitz!

Myself and Ian Harding! (Photo via Sweets & Hearts)

Being a good student!

Me & Mandi (Photo via Sweets & Hearts)

Inside Aria's bedroom

It was such a great night and we all headed home with a bag full of goodies, including the complete first season on DVD.

Pretty Little Liars returns tonight and airs Monday's on ABC Family at 8:00pm PST!!