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It's easy to go overboard spending-wise when springtime rolls around. All of our gray and black winter frocks seem so boring in contrast to the gorgeous colors that are on full display in every store. But you don't have to break the bank to look fantastic this season. With my shopping budget of basically $0 (fine, maybe a tiny bit more than that), it's tough to find ways to update my style. Sticking to accessories is the easiest way for me. You can update what you already have (ie: a little black dress, anything denim, a plain white t-shirt, etc.) with a few great accessories and make a huge difference in the way you look. Here are a few springtime delights that won't leave you penniless.
Scarves
Buying a few scarves is a great way to step-up your wardrobe in the cheapest way possible. Not only does it warm you up during this transitional period, it also can turn your normal, everyday "blah" look into a totally
different outfit. There are countless
options out there. I like to go to flea markets and try to find deals, but if you're wary of that, there are some great finds all over the place! This scarf from Old Navy is on sale for about $11. You can find this and many others at oldnavy.com.
Eye Shadow
My fave thing about spring style is that I get to bust out all my pretty brightly-colored makeup. Winter is usually all about neutral colors, but springtime is the perfect time to kick it up a notch and take some beauty risks. Try lining your eyes with a bright green hue, or do a smokey eye with a lavender shade. I like to buy palettes like this one from Sephora, so that I can play around with different combinations. This one even comes with a blush! And rosy cheeks are a definite must for spring. This palette is $15 at sephora.com
Floral
Accessories
No matter what, flowers will always be stylish in the spring. I'm a huge fan of big cocktail rings and the warm weather doesn't change that. If you've got a fab ring or two on, you're pretty much set in the jewelry department. You could wear them with a simple
t-shirt and jeans and look fashion forward. And how cute are these rings? Let's take a moment to appreciate that. And the fact that the set of three is a mere $10 at fredflare.com.
Bright
Handbags
A handbag can bring a punch of color to any outfit. There are colorful bags everywhere, so it's easy to get overwhelmed. Handbags are my personal weakness, so keeping on a budget while purchasing one is difficult. Thankfully, there are a lot of cheaper options out there that don't look cheap (which is really the key). This bag from Forever 21 is great. It's large enough to hold everything you could possibly need without being hugely oversized, and the color is versatile enough to wear it with a lot of different outfits. An added bonus with this bag: Studs are hugely in this season, so the detail at the top of the bag makes it extra stylish. You can get your own for about $33 at
forever21.com.
Flirty Shoes
Of course, any season change is a good excuse to buy a new pair of shoes. Now is the time to bring out pretty sandals after months of stuffing our feet into boots. I like to go for a cute pair of wedges, but wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Payless has an amazing collection of shoes for the season. These adorable wedges are only $20. If you're not in love with the pink, they're also available in blue and black. You can buy a pair at payless.com.
Alana Finnie is the owner and writer of Sassy Fashionista (www.sassy-fashionista.com). Visit her blog for more beauty and fashion insight.
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