Look of the Day: Spring Patterns

This past weekend, Seattle was blessed with sunny, fair weather. It felt like Spring, despite the chilly breeze. I tried to dress like the wind didn't exist and ended up freezing by the evening on both Friday and Saturday. It's hard not to get overly exited by sun in March. Thank goodness Spring is only a week away!

I took these photos out back, but the very bright photos were shot on the roof again. It was too sunny up there so it was hard to get good shots where my face wasn't all squished up and grumpy-looking. The reflective coating on the roof makes it very warm, as well as bright, so it always feels like summer up there! I'm still experimenting, but I think the roof is going to be a good place to shoot photos on darker days.

My mom made this amazing bracelet for me last year. The beetle is an old clasp of some sort, which she attached to a piece of velvet. I love bugs, especially beetles, so I'm pretty crazy about this bracelet!

Too bright.

I'm so glad I bought this blazer. A blazer is one of those items that every closet needs. It goes with almost everything; even this colorful, pattern-saturated outfit!

H&M striped shirt (similar)- H&M blazer - thrifted skirt (similar)- H&M purse (similar)- handmade bracelet - Banana Republic sling-backs (similar) - Rivet & Sway Spitfire frames

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#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!