Look of the Day: neon spring

Spring is finally here! I'm so excited for warm weather. This past winter really made me want to move to California. Trevor absolutely refuses, though.

Look! I got a package! It contained two wonderful treasures I won from a giveaway. A big thank you to Mona @La Boheme and MochiBeaucoup.com

I absolutely love the bracelet! Sad that the ring doesn't fit :( Stupid tiny fingers. It is adjustable, but my fingers are so small I would have to bend it weird to get it to fit.

Oh! And I got a new purse! I am so in love with it. I found it at Value Village for $10. It's in perfect shape and the faux croc texture makes it look so expensive. I wish it were leather, but beggars can't be choosers.

Forever21 Tank Top (click to buy similar) - Sheer vintage blouse - J.Crew belt - Thrifted sunglasses (similar) - Faux Croc purse (similar) - Forever21 trousers - Xhilaration flats (similar)

COVET. Charlotte Olympia Platform

Introducing my latest obsession, these Charlotte Olympia Platforms (more specifically, this painting I did of one). I can't find this specific style in any online shops, but you can pre-order this similar style at Nordstrom.

There's a scene in That Thing You Do, where they're having lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel; surrounded by that iconic banana leaf wallpaper. I remember, my 12 year old self, thinking "I want that wallpaper. I will have that wallpaper." Now, 15 years later, Charlotte Olympia has chosen it as a prominent pattern in her Spring 2012 collection. At prices that range from $625 for sandals, to $1,075 for the platforms, this pattern is still out of my reach.

At least, now I know I can replicate the pattern pretty well. Maybe I will just paint it on my walls.

spring wish list: illustrated

Clockwise from the left:

1. J.Crew Tippi Sweater $72.50
Great for layering (Spring weather can be unpredictable!) and the perfect preppy piece to pair with all of those crazy florals, which we'll get to later. Check out J.Crew for a million other colors.

2. Cat-Eye Glasses
This is one of those trends that seems to have real staying power. Vogue says it's because of the recession (no one has money to invest in new trends). Regardless, they're pretty awesome and go great with those other trends that don't seem to be going anywhere: 50's and 60's style

3. H&M Chiffon Blouse $49.95
Collars are EVERYWHERE. Classic oxford collars, patterned collars, peter pan collars, beaded collars; everything goes! They're an easy way to add some interest to an outfit. Layer it under your crew-neck sweater (see #1) for insta-prep.

4. M.A.C. Fake Lashes $15
What's nice about the trends this Spring is that they all go together! You don't have to worry about getting your space-age make-up to look right with Victorian-inspired dresses. Instead, most of everything looks straight outta the early 60's. So pair your cat-eye glasses with cat-eye make-up. Try fake lashes for extra oomph!

5. ASOS Floral Pants $72
Florals were seen all over the runways again for S/S 2012, but these are not your prissy mini-florals of years past. Think huge, bright, and kinda kitsch. Alexander Wang and Blumarine had some of the biggest, most over-the-top prints. Asos has some good ones, too!

6. J.Crew Tillary Bucket Tote $198
Ok, so neon is yet another trend that keeps coming back every spring. It just makes sense. It's fun, it's lively, and like masago adds such a pleasant pop to sushi, neon adds the nicest pop to an outfit. This leather bucket bag is a steal at just under $200. Also, check out the Celine-esque Tillary totes for $328.

#4 orange/coral

Orange/Coral by catiebeatty featuring retro shades

Orange & Coral lips were seen on many of the runways this spring, including Marc Jacobs and Nanette Lepore.

This shade is great because it works on a lot of skin tones. Warm oranges and corals bring out warm tones in anyone's skin! Also, similarly to the bright pink, it stands out so much that a lot coloring rules don't count anymore.

Try MAC's Morange or Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren. Pair with liquid liner and mascara for a bold & bright vintage look.

#3 classic/red

red/classic by catiebeatty featuring silk tops

Ok, well red lips are more than a trend, I suppose. All the same, they are very popular right now. In my opinion, though, it's always a good time to sport classic red lips.

The models at the Gucci and Dior Spring 2011 shows all sported this classic look. (If you have seen the Dior show, go watch it now! The dresses are possibly the most beautiful things ever created.)

I prefer a warm red, but most people like a cooler shade. I think it is mostly up to preference. If you like warmer tones, try Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in "Ravish Me Red." If you like the look of cooler reds, try "Fire & Ice."

Red lips can be quite overpowering, so it's best to keep the rest of your look simple. Go for a natural looking shadow and a little bit of mascara.

#2 burgundy/maroon

burgundy/maroon by catiebeatty featuring bikini bathing suits

Maybe bright is the wrong word for this lipstick shade, but we can all agree, it is anything but dull! This bold look was seen at YSL's Spring 2011 show, as well as on the runways at Louis Vuitton.

Dark burgundy and maroon lips are harder to pull off, but can look amazing if done correctly. I think it looks best on very pale or very dark complexions. If you're pale and NOT a model (like me) try for a very simple eye. A little bit of eyeliner or mascara is all you need. I also use Clinique's Redness Reducing Powder to even out my skin tone and give me an even fairer complexion.

Try YSL's No. 151 "Sweet Dark" or MAC's "Velvet Teen". I own "Viva Glam" from MAC, but I'm not sure if it's still available in stores.

Side Note: OMG I'M GETTING MARRIED IN AN HOUR! WHY AM I BLOGGING?? Seriously, this is the most laid back wedding day ever. Thank you all for your warm wishes and kind words :) I'm glad I can share this day with such a great community!

#1: Pink/Fuchsia

This week I have a little series planned. I love all the lipstick colors that are out right now, so I've made Polyvore sets for four of my favorite shades and written little articles for each. Enjoy!

Pink/Fuchsia by catiebeatty featuring a zip handbag

Neon pink and fuchsia lips have been popping up all over the place lately! Everyone from the models at the Spring 2011 Jil Sander show to Emma Stone have been donning this vibrant yet wearable color.

This color is so bright that it kind of breaks all the skin tone rules out there. I'm pretty sure anybody can pull off this look! It looks lovely paired with soft pastels, but can also be worn with other bold colors.

Try MAC's Lipstick in "Quite Cute". If you can find it! It's been very popular and has sold out at many MAC counters. If you can't find it or prefer something cheaper, try Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipcolor in "Fuchsia Fever." I own this one and it is pretty much identical to the MAC shade. Pair with eyeliner and false lashes for a super flirty look.