affordable spring 2013 fashion

Let's be honest - though we want to be fashionable, we don't want to wear the sometimes very strange styles that appear on the runways, and we definitely can't afford them! In today's post I'll mention six of this spring and summer's top trends and then list affordable, not-too-weird options for real women to consider. There's no reason why we can't wear the season's very latest fashions without looking out-of-place or spending thousands of dollars! Many of the items we list here are also timeless and will last quite a long time. The Express Minus-the-Leather Peplum Seamed Moto Jacket, in particular, is a favourite of both Eli and myself: for a little more than $100, this all-season jacket is a great investment. We both bought this faux-leather jacket from Express a couple years ago and wear it almost every day!

This season's trends include:

Express

Leather and Metal: These have been in for a while now: you certainly saw all the leather jackets and sequins in style this past year. They’re still in!! Lighter leather jackets, studs, sequins, and sparkles have carried through to spring and summer. Pairing a white or black leather jacket with a slim-fitting, studded dress for a night out in the summer will look fantastic and very sexy. On the runway: Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang. Affordable options: Express Minus-the-Leather Peplum Seamed Moto Jacket, $118.00. Charlotte Russe Studded Shoulder Body-Con Dress, $25.99, Mossimo Ona Patent Ballet Flat, $14.99. Mango Metallic Biker Jacket, $99.99.Urban Outfitters MINKPINK Fireworks Sequin Dress, $19.99. 

H&M

Elongated silhouettes: Classically and timelessly flattering. Pencil skirts and dresses will always look beautiful on a woman, and can dress up any casual outfit. Wear a pencil skirt with a blouse or one of these dresses out shopping, to lunch, or to dinner. On the runway: Jenny Packham, Victoria Beckham. Affordable options: H&M Dress, $39.95. Topshop Organza Insert Shift Dress, $130.00. Charlotte Russe Millennium Mid-Length Pencil Skirt, $18.99. Mango Monochromatic Dress, $79.99.

Topshop

Cutouts: Whether it’s showing a little tummy, an open back, having mesh cutouts, or missing chunks all up and down a dress, this is definitely in for summer – and it’s a good thing too! Being able to show even a bit more skin always helps conquer the heat. On the runway: Victoria Beckham, Donna Karan, Roberto Cavalli, Versace. Affordable options:  Topshop Sporty Mesh Panel Dress by Boutique, $190.00. Charlotte Russe Clear Cutout Pointy Toe Pump, $30.00. Papaya Net Yoke Chiffon Blouse, $21.99. SABO Black Accomplice Dress, $46.00. Urban Outfitters Sparkle and Fade Chiffon Blocked Sweater Knit Top, $39.00.

Monochrome: Checks and stripes were brought to the forefront of recent fashion by the iconic Louis Vuitton autumn/winter collection this past year. This trend is continuing into the summer with more nautical black and white stripes on jackets, skirts, and dresses. See the Michael Kors striped suit below! On the runway: Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger. Affordable options: H&M Jacket, $39.95. Topshop Stripe Jersey Blazer, $90.00. Topshop Mini Quilt Biker Jacket, $110.00. Charlotte Russe Striped Top Knit Maxi Dress $19.99. Merona Ellie Genuine Leather Cap Toe Flat, $39.99. 

Michael Kors

Boy cut: Suits, tuxedo jackets, blazers. Full-length, wide trousers, especially in white and black.  Menswear is almost always fashionable for women – the mix of the petite feminine form and sharply cut, contrasting jackets and suits is timelessly sexy. On the runway: Armani, Hermes. Affordable options: Express Minus-the-Leather Blazer, $98.00. H&M Blazer, $19.00. Mango Textured Panels Jacket, $119.99. 

Flora and Florescents: Always a springtime favourite. Light, delicate florals and brilliant florescents herald in warm weather and look fantastic next to tanned skin! On the runway: Diane von Furstenburg, Chado Ralph Rucci. Affordable options: Express Stretch Cotton Skater Dress, $27.93. H&M Dress, $24.95. Charlotte