Botanical Bottoms

Amid the recent sea of colored denim, I'm glad the fashion world has finally realized that tops shouldn't get to have all the fun. The big-time European-based retailer Zara shed any reservations for their recent line, flinging feminine floral prints not only on their blouses, dresses, and skirts but on a pair of their trousers as well. And I can't get enough.

It's really a simple formula: basic, close-cut cigarette pants with a typical zipper plus a fresh and eye-popping flower pattern. But the combination somehow strikes gold. Maybe it's the color scheme: greens, grays, lavenders, and even pinks. Maybe it's the real, almost photo-like quality of the flowers. Maybe it's the contrasting black band that tops off the trousers. 

Or maybe, and this is the reason I'm banking on, it's the way you can pair the pants with anything. And I mean anything. Well, almost. Basic t-shirt? Do it. Unmatched floral blouse? Go for it. Unmatched patterned top (but in the same color scheme as the pants)? Why not? But my favorite way to wear these statement pants is exactly what Zara has already done in the picture: collaborating them with a completely matching shirt. Ultra-modern and undeniably polished, donning the loud print on both top and bottom creates a pseudo-jumpsuit effect, very working-girl-meets-flower-child. 

To finish the outfit, a pair of pointy toe pumps cuts the softness without losing femininity, and minimal jewelry is vital for obvious reasons. And voila! You're a walking piece of artwork, the picture of ladylike--but crossing your legs isn't required. Cause, let's be honest, sometimes sitting back with your knees far apart is so much more comfortable.

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Roman Reloaded" by Nicki Minaj. Available on iTunes.]

The Anti-LBD

[Not a Plain Jane in the bunch.]

L-R: Diane Kruger in 10 Crosby Derek Lam, Brooklyn Decker in Altuzarra, Rashida Jones in Oscar de la Renta, Olivia Wilde in Gucci, Jennifer Aniston in Chanel, Elizabeth Banks in Timo Weiland, Anna Kendrick in McQ by Alexander McQueen

How refreshing! At recent events, celebs have been forgoing the expected little black dress  in favor of more effervescent frocks. And forget solid colors and sparkles as well. The new glam-time go-to? An exuberant, wildly patterned dress. Botanical, floral, abstract, tropical, ocean-inspired--it's all fair game. As long as it's unforced and bright with modern features (think Jen's midi, Anna and Brooklyn's leather trim, or Elizabeth's thigh slit), a uniquely graphic print dress is a surefire way to perk up and stand out.

Add some crazy to your closet with these picks:

Clover Field Dress in Pink, $58, spool72.com

Dress with Bow at the Back, $89.90, zara.com

ASOS Skater Dress in Mexican Print, $134.29, asos.com

Oriental T-Shirt Dress, $100, topshop.com

Urban Renewal High Neck Mod Dress, $59, urbanoutfitters.com

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye. Available on iTunes.] 

March On

One of my favorite months, March is the perfect balance of brisk chill, singing birds, and sprouting flowers. At least it's supposed to be--it's been snowing in the Midwest for the last few days. Unfortunate as that is, I won't let the weather put a damper on my favorite things about this time of year.

1. I'm turning 21. And hey, I'm a college girl. I think the importance of this age speaks for itself. But what I'm most looking forward to about the milestone is being able to pretend I'm classy--I can have wine with cheese if I feel like it.

2. Spring Break means travel. Even if by travel I mean merely going home to IL, the thought of shaking up my routine a little is undeniably appealing in the middle of a mundane semester. The fun part: using my Vera Bradley bags. But I'm lusting after this new pattern. 

3. Even though it isn't until the month's end, March means the start of spring! As a lover of flowers, their expected abundance has me thrilled. And peonies are my favorite. Just in case you were wondering. For any particular reason (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).

4. Bathing suits are popping up in stores everywhere. I can't decide if I'm more eager or nervous to get into a swimsuit, though. So I should probably ixnay with the eating-pizza-almost-daily habit before April. 

5. St. Patrick's Day means green rules the month. I've always loved green but had trouble wearing it with my pale skin tone. The solution? The newly popular mint green. Softer and less brazen, this shade is easy to pair with most colors, and it reminds me of my 7th favorite facet of March.

6. For fashion houses, spring means new lines, and new lines mean new campaigns. I get so giddy when I flip through my magazines and see all the new spring ads for designers. Even though I can't afford to actually buy any of the featured products, the photos are so creative and pretty. I'll use ones like the above Kate Spade and Tory Burch ads as inspiration for my own wardrobe (but my clothes will probably come from Forever 21).

7. Shamrock shakes! If you haven't had one, you've clearly never experienced heaven in your mouth. Go to McDonald's NOW and snap up the seasonal treasure before it disappears for another year! And here's an insider tip--dip your fries in it. Just trust me on this one.

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Starlight" by Muse. Available on iTunes.]