be a recessionista: this seasons hottest trends

This past week, I had the opportunity to take part in a chat with style expert and TV personality Sam Saboura hosted by Clorox 2 called "How to Be a Recessionista: Style Tips for the Season."

So fun!!! I learned so much from him that I just have to share it all with you! So for the next few weeks, I'll be sharing his answers to my burning fashion questions.

First of all, can I just tell you how amazing it was to hear a celebrity stylist telling us to 'not splurge' and head out to our local Target or H&M? Usually, a magazine's definition of "budget" is $100 for a t-shirt – whatever! These were style tips for real women that we could really use!

Sam's number one tip on saving money on fashion? Taking care of what you have is one of the best ways to save money!! Are you like me and you end up buying new white tshirts every season (because yours got stained again) and new black shirts? (because yours are now so faded or -worse- they don't match! Non-matching black! ACK!)
Treat your stains! Spend a few pennies extra to protect your colors with Clorox 2, which fights stains and keeps them from fading and looking old. Wash your jeans inside out in cold water and with Clorox 2 to keep them from fading, then hang them to dry. Don't waste your money replacing what you already have – where's the fun is that?

Anyway, my first question to Sam: What are this seasons hottest trends?

1. bold color: bright peach/coral, reds, greens and ocean colors
Don't go crazy! Limit yourself to wearing two colors at most per outfit, maybe adding a third color with an accessory.
2. ruffles! fun!! you don't have to go all girly-girly: if you're timid, pair them with simple jeans or a fitted blazer or cardigan.
3. lightweight layering Try a long tank with a cardigan and scarf, or a jean jacket over a maxi dress
4. accessories, accessories and accessories! Accessories are an easy, inexpensive way to update your wardrobe. Plus, they're a great way to try trends without overdoing it!

So I did a little interneting and came up with these:

How cute is this cardigan from Old Navy? I love the detailing and the bold color. Adorable over a tank with a skirt or jeans – adding a funky necklace would make it even cuter!!

I'm not a real "ruffle-y" kind-a girl, but Kohls has this cute sweater that adds ruffles without feeling too frilly:
or if you're little more daring:

Sam recommends Forever 21 for accessories – and he's right! They have trendy, adorable accessories, most of which are under $10. Look at this adorable necklace for $8:

I could post the 20 other things I loved, but lets save that for another post ;-)
 

What trends are you trying this summer?