Springtime Essentials: V

This brings us to the last of my Springtime Essentials. Metallic sandals are the warm-weather equivalent of winter's indispensable leather boots. These babies look good with nearly everything; they will certainly be an excellent accent to any and all of the previously identified Springtime Essentials.

Forever 21 {$7.50!}

When dealing with metallic, there is always the question of gold vs. silver. While I would recommend both (more footwear is never a problem), if you only want to purchase one pair, look at your jewelry to help you decide which metallic to go with. If the majority of your spring/summer jewelry is gold, buy a pair of gold sandals; if you have more silver jewelry, go with silver.

Sam Edelman {$59.95}

Have a mix of both metals? Seek out a bronze or pewter pair of sandals. Bronze and pewter mix well with both silver and gold, so if you tend to mix it up with your jewelry, this wuld be a good choice for you.

The great thing about metallic sandals is that they are becoming quite the staple, and so they're available at every price point.

Target {$15.00}

Springtime Essentials IV

Ace, the newly minted Mrs. Burroughs, has this adorable obsession with white jeans. Every year when the days begin to get a bit longer and warmer, Mrs. B begins her search for the perfect pair. This obsession with white jeans has rubbed off onto me. Now I too am searching for a fab pair to carry me through spring and summer. White jeans are an excellent alternative to your typical blue jeans.

Lately I've been really into a semi-monochromatic look--not necessarily wearing one color head to toe, but donning colors of the same tone. So when I want to wear the softer colors of spring, inky blue jeans are a bit too much of a contrast. White jeans look fantastic with other neutrals like soft grey's and camel's, as well as with muted, washed-out colors.

My favorite cuts for white jeans are bootcut and cropped skinnies. Bootcut is a great option because it is a universally flattering cut. However, and this may just be the shorty in me talking,I worry about the hem getting dirty as they drag along the ground. Cropped skinnies would not have this (possible) issue.

(Paige Premium Denim) (Joe's Jeans)

(The Gap) (The Gap)

Springtime Essentials: III

My friend Molly over at Urban Nester recently posted about how much she loves her denim jacket. Stylish minds sure think alike, because this classic piece is next on my list of Springtime essentials.

While there weren't denim jackets burning up the runways, this piece is timeless. Even the incomparable Marilyn donned the item.

(Eve Arnold, 1960)

I have my eye on a jacket from The Gap, though this classic Levi's one is also divine.

(Gap)

(Levi's)

The jacket pairs perfectly with nearly anything...really. There's nothing too casual or too formal. I wore one over my prom dress (way back when, but I think it still applies). You could even throw one over your yoga pants and tank-top if your planning on running errands after your workout.

My favorite way to wear a jean-jacket is with a sundress...it's the perfect topper when you need an extra layer.

Confesh: I absolutely love Lauren Conrad's style. I mean, check sister out:

Feminine, yet still young and fresh. Pretty, yet still sexy.

Even when she's more casual (read: not at an event or filming) she's still adorable.

This is a girl who knows how to dress for her body. When she finds a look that works, she boils it down to a formula, and repeats it. The formula above: skinnies with a detailed top (fun jacket, nice scarf or striped shirt).

Formula: high wasted a-line skirt; slightly blouse-y top {tucked in} and heels.

And of course, she's never without huge sunnies.

You know what the best thing is?

She dresses like a normal person (maybe minus the Chanel purse and Loubs...) Her style is easily adaptable.

Let's talk about the Oscar's...

I'll be completely honest here: it was bleak, both on the red carpet and on stage. No one really went all out glam or even all out crazy, and as for the hosts...let's just focus on the positive and say that Anne Hathaway looked beautiful (most of the time).

While it was certainly not a banner year for the red carpet, some ladies did manage to stand out from the rest:

Gwyneth (Calvin Klein) looks gorg. in pretty much anything, but this gown is just perfection on her. Classic Gwyneth, looking current but also timeless.

Hailee Steinfeld (Marchesa) looks adorable in this; wonderfully age-approriate yet still Oscar worthy. I love the headband (shocker). It could perhaps be a smidge shorter, but she looks absolutely lovely.

Mila (Elie Saab) is my pick for Best Dressed. The color is such perfection with her skin tone, and her make-up, hair and accessories are just ideal. I love the hints of lace so much, especially at the neckline, that I don't even mind that there are peeks of legs everywhere (usually a deal breaker for me).

All pics. courtesy of Vulture.

I am eagerly anticipating springtime…and the ballet inspired looks that were all over the Spring runways have me even more excited. Chiffon, lace and bows…all of it whispers “Spring” (yelling would be much too Summer).

(All Oscar de la Renta)

In white, black or nudes, this Black Swan look works day or night.

Looking for some ballet inspired pieces that are a little more...budget friendly?

(Gap)

(Banana)

Also check out Ann Taylor for some wonderful feminine and ballet inspired day wear.

I love this skirt!

The shape is adorable, and will work equally well in Winter as well as in Spring.

The polka-dots seemingly random placement looks like confetti, and the pink stripes remind me of a candy-striper's uniform.

Also, p.s., it's got pockets (love!).

I'd pair it with a plain white shirt (tucked in and slightly bloused out), and a shrunken denim jacket. Sweet flats would complete the ensemble perfectly.

Buy it here.