Spring Shoe: Single Strap

★★★

Showcased in many Spring and Fall runways is the single strap heel. Also known as the ankle strap, these shoes are classic, simple and chic.

The ankle strap heel can be found in a multitude of variations. From chunky heels to ornate details, this strappy heel is super versatile and wearable.

I love the simplicity of the single strap. Even in bold and bright colors, the design is classic. This shoe can be worn with everything. Great when wanting to show-off some leg, the small detail makes any pair of shoes slightly more flattering. The strap draws attention to the ankle, the thinnest part of the leg. Thinner = longer in this equation.

Available in a wide array of colors and styles, here are a few of my favorite single strap heels:

Alexander Wang ~ Antonia Sandal: $495.00

Manolo Blahnik ~ Chaos Cuff Sandal: $695.00

Prabal Gurung for Target ~ Ankle Strap Pump: $39.99

ASOS ~ Hollywood Heeled Sandals: $69.83

5 under $50: Curb Chain Jewelry

◈◈◈

Curb chains come in all shapes and sizes. From chunky and thin to geometric and ornate, these classic pieces are available everywhere and affordable.

These all-purpose pieces are very versatile. Don’t be afraid to pull out your pliers and turn a necklace into a few bracelets and earrings or customize your piece by interchanging large links, small links and mixed metals.

Never spend too much money on these simple accessories. If you have ever been to a jewelry wholesaler you know one can buy miles of chain for pennies. There are a ton of inexpensive options almost identical to high-end jewelry lines.

Whether wrapped around the wrist or safely secured at the neck the classic curb chain is a great everyday accessory option.

Here are a five under $50:

Forever 21 ~ Angular Chain Link Necklace: $12.80

ASOS ~ Pack of Three Mixed Chain Bracelets: $16.95

Topshop ~ Chain Hoop Earrings: $20.00

BaubleBar ~ Silver Link Ring: $32.00

ASOS ~ Extra Long Chain Necklace: $25.43

5 under $50: High-Low Skirts

☀☀☀

A new style trend for skirts this spring/summer features a unique high-low hemline. The high-low hemline, short in the front/long in the back, is like wearing a mini-skirt and a maxi-skirt all-in-one. This playful look shows the perfect amount of skin without being too daring.

This style is uber flattering on any body shape. The asymmetric hemline creates a lengthening effect that instantly makes legs appear longer. Showing-off a little leg can be an effective way to elongate the entire frame.

Styling these skirts is simple. Depending on the color or print of the skirt, it is always safe to coordinate with pared-down basics. Try a simple tee, tank or my favorite – a slouchy grey sweatshirt top. The high-low hemline provides the perfect showcase for this season’s quintessential shoe. Show off your favorite flats, sandals, wedges or booties.

The high-low skirt is available everywhere in a multitude of colors, prints and textures. Here are 5 under $50:

Zara ~ Skirt with Asymmetric Hem: $39.90

Asos ~ River Island Heart Hi-Lo Midi Skirt: $38.27

Express ~ Hi-Lo Hem Maxi Skirt: $49.90

Forever 21 ~ Sheer Floral High-Low Skirt: $19.80

Nordstrom ~ Rubbish – Asymmetrical Circle Hem Maxi Skirt: $42.00

5 under $50: Electric Belts

↣↣↣

Add some color to an outfit with a brightly-hued belt. From pastel to neon, a solid-colored belt will add dimension to an outfit as well as a pop of color. A simple belt accentuates not only the ensemble but the figure. Cinched at the waist, these belts provide figure-friendly curves. Pick your favorite color pattern, then pick up one (or a couple) of these electric belts, all under $50.00.

J.Crew ~ Patent Leather Skinny Belt: $36.50

Asos ~ FLURO Skinny Belt: $10.74

Mango ~ TOUCH Two Buckle Belt: $34.99

Banana Republic ~ Skinny Lizard Belt: $34.50

Old Navy ~ Skinny Faux-Patent Belt: $15.00

Fringe Benefits: The Clutch

⧆⧆⧆

The fringe clutch is a perfect accessory for day or night. Available in bright or muted colors, shapes and styles, it is a great twist on the classic clutch. The lush cascade of leather and suede fringe create movement and personality. Carrying this item will instantly add texture and style to any ensemble. Embrace your inner free-spirit and bohemian sensibility with a fringe clutch.

ASOS ~ River Island Suede Fringe Clutch: $53.72

Nordstrom ~  Tory Burch ‘Sawla’ Fringe Clutch: $234.00

Endless.com ~ Tylie Malibu Lizzy FL1506 Clutch: $225.00

House of Harlow 1960 ~ Red Fringe Clutch: No Longer Available

The Trend Boutique ~ JJ Winters Suede Fringe Clutch: $297.00

5 under $50: Party Dress

✯✯✯

New Years is right around the corner. A fun party dress does not have to break the bank. Play with colors and textures, accessories and shoes – to complete your perfect outfit. Pair these dresses with a rugged leather jacket or sparkly sequin blazer to add a little something extra. Try a pair of ankle boots or wildly bright pumps – just don’t skimp on shoes, dancing all night in cheap shoes is never fun.  From form-fitting cut-outs to leopard print, here are a few ideas all under $50.00.

Lulu’s ~ Sail the Universe Little Black Dress: $43.00

ASOS ~ Exclusive Peter Pan Collar Open Back Dress: $43.63

Forever 21 ~ Love 21 Leopard Woven Dress w/Belt: $29.80

ASOS ~ Dress with Fringing Drop Hem: $32.72

Mango ~ Straight Cut Dress – Caspio: $49.90

Outfit Ideas: Party Season

✯✯✯

Banish the party dress this season and try-on statement pieces. One item can compliment an entire outfit… skillfully.

✴ Play with texture, leather and sequins contrast nicely with knits and silk.

✴ Add a little sparkle with a sequin jacket or lamé skirt.

✴ Experiment with color, whether it be bright trousers or vivid blouse.

Here are a few statement pieces and ensembles to try during party season. Pair these items with simple coordinates to emphasize them.

Zara ~ Short Sequined Jacket: $129.00

Mango ~ Metallic Finish Skirt: $79.90

ASOS ~ Whistles Tiffany Tailored Crop Pants: $172.71

Mango ~ Leather Bermuda Shorts: $139.90

DVF ~ Elley Mini Skirt: $285.00

5 under $50: Earrings by ASOS

✯✯✯

This season, swap out the statement necklace for a pair of elaborate earrings. A great way to finish a look, earrings draw attention to the face as well as inhance the shape. For example:

Round Face: Long dangly earrings will elongate and slim the face and neck.

Heart-Shaped Face: Tear drop and chandelier, any bottom-heavy earring, will soften a pointed chin.

Square Face: Round hoops and bottom-heavy earrings will soften the contours of the face.

Oval Face: A classic shape that works with any style, but stay away from thin and long, will pull the face down.

ASOS is fantastic for inexpensive accessories. Constantly stocking new and unique pieces that are made with quality and detail. Here are 5 under $50:

Deco Drop Stone Earrings: $21.56

Python Print Chandelier Earrings: $17.07

Drop Earrings with Vintage Look Stone and Fan Detail: $26.96

Teardrop Rope Doorknocker Earrings: $21.56

Geometric Drop Earrings: $17.07

5 under $50: Cuff Bracelets

✯✯✯

Cuff-style bracelets are the perfect accessory for the minimalist. One statement wrist ornament is all that is needed to tie a look together. Available in all sorts of colors, textures and designs here are 5 under $50.

Max & Chloe – Bellissima Carved Flower Cuff ~ $40.00

ASOS – French Connection Chainmail & Tassel Clasp Bracelet ~ $45.74

Nordstroms – Moschitto Designs Wide Cuff ~ $32.00

ASOS – Textured Curved Wide Cuff ~ $14.64

Juicy Couture – Leather Charm Cuff Bracelet ~ $47.99

5 under $50: Maxi Dress

✯✯✯

The Maxi Dress is the perfect way to achieve an ‘effortlessly chic’ look. This dress comes in a myriad of colors, patterns, textures and styles. This item can be casual-wear, paired with flats, flip-flops, denim jacket or a cardigan. Or it can be modified into formal-wear, dressed-up with heels, blazer or a ton of jewels. Available everywhere this season, here are a few pieces that all range under $50.00.

Forever 21 Smocked Maxi Dress: $10.00

Asos Selected Femme Sleeveless Jersey Maxi Dress: $44.32

Heritage 1981 Ruffled Floral Maxi Dress: $29.90

Urban Outfitters Ecote Tiedye Maxi Dress: $49.00

Alloy Erika Maxi Dress: $34.90

A Little Love: Asos Mini “Love” Necklace

✯✯✯

ASOS Mini 'Love' Necklace

This delicate necklace is the perfect subtle ornament to any décollage. Featuring a long gold-metal curb chain with mini “Love” lettering, this Asos (www.asos.com) necklace is simple and unadorned. The best part… for around $10.00 this modest little bauble can be yours!