Spring Fling

So you want to update your look for spring, but you don’t have a lot of time to track down the best deals, and you’re low on funds to support your transformation. No worries: I spent this week scouting for the hottest trends and bargains for you!

It's not spring if you're not spotting sundresses out and about. This season, you'll see prints and patterns galore—especially nautical, animal, floral, abstract, and tropical motifs.  I shopped all around but Mango Fix is my favorite spot for an amazing selection of tropical dresses under $30. The tube-style dress I purchased is made of a light-weight, uber-comfortable fabric with a V-shaped halter. I paired it with velvet flip flops by LEI ($20) for a more casual daytime look, but you can dress it up with strappy heels for a night out.

Another look I love this spring is nautical prints and patterns. I found an adorable black-and-white dress by Worthington at JC Penney for under $30—also lightweight, but fully lined for good coverage. Bright red sling-back heels by Franco Sarto add a pop of color. These designer shoes normally retail for $89.95 but I paid only $25 for a gently-used pair from —another local shop where the entire inventory is au courant and oh-so-affordable.

What about hair, you ask? According to Cory Kennedy at , the key to spring hair is lightening up for a softer look. He gave my model partial highlights and a cut for $75. The color turned out gorgeous and the texture was like silk. My model—Elk Grove resident and certified massage therapist Gina Kurek, 42—could not have been happier with the results. Kennedy is a Brazilian Blowout–certified stylist and it’s a good thing, since the service is in big demand this spring. “I do at least one Brazilian Blowout a day these days," Kennedy said when I asked him about the latest hair trends. 

When it comes to makeup this spring, my top picks are Bare Minerals' “Faux Tan” ($18) and limited-edition “Sweet Siren” eye color and blush set, with shadow shades like sea foam mint and violet gold ($38). The all-natural makeup is sheer, flawless and great for hot weather. I buy it at and get rewarded with points that translate into savings on my next purchase. (Plus there is always a makeup artist available to help me match my skin tone.) My skin has actually improved since I started using Bare Minerals exclusively.

Accessories are also loud and proud this spring. Purses are sporting patterns too! My favorite ones are the animal-textured bags in solid colors, so that the look is in vogue but doesn't clash with the print of your dress. If you love bright patterned bags, check out local gem , where owner Kelley McClain stocks an exclusive collection from Vera Bradley, as unique as the boutique itself.

Finish your look with a spritz of a fresh spring scent. My favorites this year, in price order from splurge to steal, are Hermes Iris Ukiyoe ($235 at Hermes.com), Love Chloe ($85 at Neimanmarcus.com), and Halle Berry Reveal ($35 at Kohl’s and CVS). All are made of iris petals for a softer scent, instead of iris root like older fragrances. This is not your mom’s perfume.

There you have it! Let your spring fling begin now!