We rank and file obsessive shoppers have a couple things to be grateful for this spring, not the least of which is that the winter’s predominance of dress-centered looks is carrying over for another season. While I’m not suggesting that our sweater dresses will be perfect for July, designer clearance racks are a great place to pick up well-made, neutral pieces that can carry right into spring looking fresh as can be.
Take the 70% off section of online designer boutique basic, for example. They’re a good choice for this little exercise because they carry a small, carefully edited selection that encapsulates a lot of incoming and outgoing trends. basic carries a mix of lines by both major and indie designers, and the prices for a cute little dress hover mainly in the $200-$300 range. Gems in this section include a $397 Rozae Nichols silk dress in a perfect neutral going for $119, pictured at top left, and this chiffon tank, also by Rozae Nichols, priced at $101 and pictured at top right. I’d love that top with knee-length, tailored shorts and mean heels.
For those of you with great legs, I’d love to see you in the silk Sally Tseng top at bottom right, $108, with a mini or little shorts and flats. (I cheated and this one’s from the 50% off section, but I couldn’t help it- the yellow feels so current.) At bottom left, the Ulla Johnson Daphne Dress- a steal at $89.10- just needs some self-tanner and a paper-thin, brightly colored scarf and it would transition easily to warmer weather. It’s a great sleeve and hem length; the skirt’s not gross-short but it’s still young and fun. The sheer fabric is a nice touch, too.
I know these still aren’t Forever 21 levels of cheap, but a clearance rack designer score is a great way to add something unexpected to the mix. You’ll notice that all of my picks are silks and chiffons- fabrics that breathe and carry over appropriately for warmer weather. Clearance rack dresses to avoid include those with bubble hems, allover metallics and some of the more exaggerated trapeze shapes, none of which feature in spring’s new stuff.

I’ve always liked when clothes don’t take themselves too seriously, which is why Betsey Johnson’s stuff is always fun to look at. She is known for mixing the weirdest things ever with other items that are surprisingly wearable, and she has fans as diverse as Kate Moss and Reese Witherspoon. Here’s a pretty, on-trend shoe from her spring collection that won’t make you feel like a crazy person when you wear them. If you DO want to feel like a crazy person, may I suggest this one?
By the way, did you know she has a whole mini-compound in Mexico that you can rent? Can you imagine what that must look like inside?

There are cute clothes with itty-bitty floral prints all over the place for spring, but they kind of freak me out when I think about actually wearing them. Will I look like I’m channeling an old lady? Will I suddenly revert to middle school, standing alone in my weird black and pink floral Rampage dress with the tie in back and my unsuccessfully straightened hair, wondering why Clint Locker won’t dance with me?
I’m a little more comfortable with this trend when the pattern’s more graphic and the color pallet is limited, like this nice frock by Laundry By Design. I’m usually pretty brave with clothes, but I think I’ll sit this one out and if I must, maybe I’ll go with a floral shoe instead. What do you guys think?
Top left, See by Chloe, $520, here.
Top right, Manoush, $99 on sale, here.
Bottom right, Kimchi and Blue, $68, here.
Bottom left, Plenty by Tracy Reese, $248, here.

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Organic products are turning up everywhere, in food, clothes and beauty! A lot of women products have been seen following this trend, but what about the men’s? According to an article, Love Your Man With All Natural Body Care, on The Today’s Show website says:

Whether you’re a guy who goes all the way – with eye cream, facial toner, lip balm and more – or a toothpaste-shampoo-bar-of-soap minimalist, now is the time to make the transition from conventional personal care products to organic and all natural.

I know we usually think of just ourselves when it comes to beauty, but let’s not forget our men!

We all know the infamous toothpaste on a zit trick. Now Cosmo Magazine has given more Wacky Beauty Tips That Work. Here’s there number 10 trick:

Buff with Baking Soda
If you find yourself streaking (not glowing) after applying self-tanner, put some baking soda on a loofah, and scrub away the stripes.

Some really helpful tips in this article girls, so try to check it out!