Spring Fling 2013//Top 12 Seasonal Necessities

Happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a lovely, bright & exciting week. Mine has been pretty cray (yes, cray...not craZy) with work, training, and socializing. Oh, and I found out today I was awarded the Scholar of Promise AND the President's Volunteer Service Award by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars! So humbled and honored. 

Let's get down to business. Spring is in full swing (rhymes), which means it's about that time for a Spring Fling 2013 Necessities List. Here are my favorite trends//products//styles for this gloriously preppy season:

1. Festive Nail Polish: Nail polish can go a long way. Nothing sparks up an outfit more than well-manicured//bright//classy nails. The collection shown here is actually Essie's Summer 2012 collection, but I don't care. I actually find these colors more appropriate for Spring than their 2013 Spring Collection. Fail, Essie. Also, check out Butter London's Sweetie Shop Collection for Spring 2013 (featured in the previous post) and Dior's Vernis Color Block Collection. 

2. Ruffles: To be honest, I recommend wearing ruffles year-round. They add a certain oomph to any outfit. Lilly Pulitzer (whose designs emanate a love of spring throughout the year) uses ruffles constantly throughout her collections, keeping her clothing looking fun//girly//fabulous.

3. White Lace: As a born and raised Floridian, I don't really understand the whole "no white after Labor Day" rule, but I do know that white is off limits from September to around February. I also know that Spring is prime white time, and lace exudes delicacy, femininity, and crispness. Wear those white lace garments now before society tells us it's inappropriate! 

4. Pastel Dresses: It's time to bring out the adorable little bright dresses, ladies (the shorter, the better)! If you define yourself as a "prep," this is your season to shine. My favorite designers are (again) Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, and Lacoste. 

5. Pearls: Let's get real... pearls are always a good idea (so is Paris). They offer an aura of elegance//refinement, and since spring embraces a lighter pastel pallate, they can be worn with virtually any outfit. Target, Wal-Mart, and practically all small fashion boutiques carry fake pearls for under $10. I for one intend on taking advantage of this primo pearl-wearing season. 

6. Lululemon: This "necessity" is influenced by my new goal of running a marathon; however, being pro-actively physical is always in style. Plus, girls need to work extra hard March-June to look fabulous July-September (hello, summer!). Lululemon designs fabulously colorful exercise gear, specifically for runners and yogis, and I've heard nothing but raves about the quality//style. I just placed my first order this past weekend... can't wait to get my gear!

7. Wedges: I. Love.Wedges. You get the height of heels without the hurt! It's normally too cold for them (even in Florida) during Fall-Winter, so now it's time for my wedges to see sunlight once again. I adore these white Tory Burch wedges, and other glamorous designers like BCBG, Guess, and Michael Kors make great//comfortable ones, too. 

8. Colored Watches: I've said it before, and I'll say it again... every young professional should wear a watch... every day. It's so much more professional than pulling out your phone. Ergo, this is the season to spice up your timepiece! I'm a personal advocate of the boyfriend style, but I adore the smaller, more delicate faces, as well. This Michael Kors Color Chronograph Quartz Women's Watch in pink is to die for. Fossil also makes gorgeous (and less expensive) vibrant watches. One of my favorite Fossil watches with colorful spring stones around the dial is this Women's Chronograph Stella Stainless Steel Watch. 

9. Bright Accessories: I know this is a pretty vague "necessity," but this applies to all accessories. Why wouldn't you want to stand out? Dr. Seuss says you were born to! Wear those bright, colorful, conspicuous necklaces//rings//bracelets//whatever with confidence.

10. Statement Clutches: Bring clutches with you wherever you go (work excluded). They're less cumbersome, fresh, and totally appropriate for all springtime festivities. Additional bonus: they're cheaper than full-sized handbags. 

11. Derby Hats: This year I am obsessed with derby hats. I've convinced myself they look funny on my head, but that doesn't make me love them any less. I preemptively purchased a monogrammed derby hat from Marley Lilly in December for this season, and I'm actively finding excuses to wear it.

12. Monograms: If I could, I would get everything I own monogrammed. That would be very expensive, unfortunately. For whatever reason, I'm inspired to start up this unfortunate obsession every spring... at least I have cute (and branded) things! :) Marley Lilly is my go-to store for all monogrammed gifts and apparel. Other favorites of mine are Preppy Monogrammed Gifts, Zazzle, and Etsy. 

Anything y'all think I missed? Let me know! I'm a devoutly seasonal dresser, if you couldn't already tell. Have a fabulous rest of the week, gorgeous readers! 

Oh, and Happy early St. Patty's Day!