Spring is in the air, everytime you look around and it’s no wonder most DC glam girls are bum rushing stores to get the latest spring looks. One thing you must learn to do is mix and match peices in your closet; whether it’s a mix of expesive and inexpensive pieces or a mix of florals and stripes, fashion is all about fun and risk and this spring is no exception.

Check out this look I put together for work and a happy hour or dinner with the girls. This outfit is a mix of expensive pieces from Neiman Marcus and a couple of accessories that pull the entire look together. I started with the dress, which reminds is so vintage and chic and began layering with the Tom Ford sunglasses and then the other accessories followed. The total look here is around $817 but you can definitely get this look for less by switching the sunglasses to some H&M shades for around $3.99. The most expensive piece in this collection is the Tom Ford shades but I love them. Read on for more inspiration. Don’t forget to carry a trench because as they say, “April showers bring May flowers.”

This Cynthia Steffe Audrey Silk Dress is so adorable and channels my inner Audrey Hepburn. I know the starlet chose more muted neutrals and blacks but this dress is an update of Ms. Hepburn. I am loving side pockets designers are putting on dresses this spring. It gives me a place to put my hands and my keys or phone. Different shades of pink swirl around in a sea of navy silk. The dress is available at Neiman Marcus for $300.

The earrings look expensive but trust me, they are not. I saw these at Emitations, the imitation celebrity jewelry site. The Roma Topaz Gold earrings are a steal at just $35.99 so you do not have to break the bank. Beyonce Knowles was spotted wearing the pricey original earrings at Kelly Rowland’s album release party in this haute number. Get the same look for incredibly less.

The shoes are hot. I love the criss-cross front. It is a twist on the usual boring Mary Janes. The thick heels and the rounded toe gives this shoe a retro feel and goes extremely well with the vintage look of the dress. The shoe is updated with the patent leather front but retains the retro look with the velvet straps…so unexpected. Oh yea it’s not black, it’s navy. The Velvet Strap Round Toe Shoe is available at ASOS for $50

I went over my budget on these Tom Ford Claudia Round-Lens sunglasses but they are so worth it. The oval frames floar around the bamboo texture frames. Now personally I cannot see myself paying $400 for these sunglasses but they if I were at the right place at the wrong time, I would definitely buy them. I usually end up loosing my sunglasses or breaking them one way or another so I think I can live without these for now. I will stick with my Chanel and Gucci sunglasses for the spring/summer. If you are looking to splurge on a new pair of shades, do not pass this Tom Ford number by.

This faux patent leather bag matches the shoes for this outfit. The distressed look is chic and retro, which is what I am going for. I found this at Forever 21 for $32.80. I am not sure if this bag will last a long time but if you want something to take you through this year and perhaps the next, then this bag is for you. I don’t really like spending a lot of money on trendy bags so I would buy this bag to go with the trend for this year.

Complete this entire outfit by throwing a trench coat over the dress. You can go for the classic neutral trench and honestly you do not need to splurge on a Burberry trench. This is the season to purchase a trench coat and I am certain that you can find one at Marshalls or Nordstrom’s lower end lines for less than $300. Add a couple of bangles and perhaps a headband (although it might be overboard depending on the color.)

Where can you get these looks?

  • Neiman Marcus at Tyson’s Corner: Dress, Sunglasses
  • Forever 21 at Pentagon City, Springfield or Potomac Mills Mall: for the bag
  • ASOS.com: Shoes
  • Emitations.com: Earrings