I can’t help it  - I’m dying for spring and summer to get here. I never thought I would crave it this badly, and yet, here I am starving for it. It wasn’t until the last quarter of summer that I really started to get excited for winter, so I guess we’re on track. I stumbled across these OTBT sandals while browsing Goldyn, a lovely Denver-based boutique who offered B&B readers 20% off anything – including sale – with the code BROKEANDBEAUT20. (& Goldyn offers free shipping 24/7!) The code is good until the end of February 2012 - use it!

I know these bring to mind the flatforms of yesteryear (do I seem more fashion-y when I exaggerate the amount of time that has passed?), which should make sense because they’re practically identical. This gentle heel and saltwater-sandal-esque straps are nothing short of a classic, timeless staple – perfect for transitioning to the warmer seasons!

20% off anything – including sale – with the code BROKEANDBEAUT20.

OTBT Bee Cave Sandals in Taupe Grey – Reg. $125, Price: $100 on ShopGoldyn.com!

Julia C. on Lookbook

I can’t believe how much cobalt blue suede and velvet I’ve been seeing lately! Our last trip through Marshalls yielded three pairs by three different brands! One strappy platform, one closed-toe pump, and one of those popular loafer-slipper styles that have been popping up everywhere lately. We were having trouble remembering which pair was velvet, and which was suede, but as Jen points out: “Velvet is the broke girl’s suede.”

I couldn’t resist trying on those gorgeous platforms. (& Jen snagged these adorable Ikat pumps for less than $30!)

Steve Madden’s “Dynemite” Platforms (#99). These suckers were like 5″ with a 1.5″ platform – hardcore!
PS – respect the footie.

I’m really excited about this, as a trend. I love the way that velvet and suede make colors saturate and become matte. Whether it’s a pale tone or a vibrant one, it really doesn’t matter. It’s going to look good. (I do love a dusty pink velvet, I must say.) (Wow, if you say that with a British accent, it sounds so snobby.)

While I admit that I have a weakness for velvet blazers, this feels more like a Shoe Porn moment, don’t you think?

Cobalt Blue Suede & Velvet Shoes

Love Yap N. on Lookbook

1. Levity Sandy Pump: $69.95
2. Betsey Johnson Mareyy Platforms: $99.95
3. DV by Dolce Vita Rojo Bootie: $72.08
4. Steve Madden Cirkus: $79.98
5. Nine West Bracey Wedge: $71.99
6. BCBGeneration Capone Pumps: $98
7. Rampage Milla Pump: $39.95
8. Kelsi Dagger Felicia Sandals: $89.95
9. Vince Camuto Bronco Bootie: $70

Would you ever wear blue suede or velvet?

It’s the same feeling I get when I look at vintage fabrics. Old patterns and prints remind me of various wallpapers, textiles, and furniture I’ve seen in my life. With the rampant popularity of vintage-inspired clothing, finding these heartwarming prints is becoming easier and easier. They give a wonderful nostalgic, heirloom feel to any outfit.

Day After Day Dress in Bamboo: $99.99 | Dots To Give Dress: $44.99

Cheer & Charm Dress: $49.99 | Living Pouf Dress: 52.99

If the dresses feel too kitschy for you..

You’re in luck! My personal favorite way to wear a vintage print is through separates. If you are ever lucky enough to find a beautiful pair of toile pants, or a classic polka dot sweater – snag it ASAP! You are sitting on a goldmine of awesome!

If you want to give it a go, but aren’t sure how to wear them…

Start out with the basics by pairing a bold patterned separate with a sleek, neutral color palette and make the pattern the focus. I always say that a failsafe pairing is a bold pattern with a solid-colored, black, grey or white sweater, or fitted, neutral bottoms. Easy peasy, and a surefire way to get a great outfit.

But!… if you wake up feeling ballsy – I highly suggest harnessing that in the form of mixing prints. (Caution: not for the faint of heart.)

        

Floral Print Blazer & Pants: $116.38 & $71.62 | Geo Print Cigarette Trousers: $76

Lacoste Dandelion Print Sweatshirt: $61.99 | Kimono Print Sleeveless Shirt: $25.07

Strawberry Sweater: $62.67 | A Splash of Citrus Skirt: $99.99

Irregular Choice Abigail’s Party Pump: $80.92 | Poetic License Dear Diary Flat: 98

Lace Print Tote: $19.99 | Lodis Posey Daisy Laptop/Technology Sleeve: $54.99

The best places online to find vintage-inspired prints:

• ModCloth: Obvious choice! Their extensive inventory is a haven for printophiles. Yep. Just made it up. Roll with it.
• Ruche: A cute, budget-friendly shop with tons of separates, dresses, and jackets – even interior stuff! (Bonus for AA readers: there’s an eco-friendly section, too!)
• Mata Traders: This cute boutique is full of fair-trade fashion that is so cute and simple – it screams ”vintage whimsy!” …Which I don’t ever recommend screaming, yourself. You will look like a bit of a tool. Just sayin’.

What’s your favorite way to wear vintage prints?

I just kinda wish it was warmer. A little.

Well, what I really want is to be able to wear the spring silhouettes against a natural background of winter colors. The warm browns, bright whites, frosty pastels, dark greys… But mixed with shorter skirts, bare arms, sleeveless frocks and strappy heels. Why, oh why can’t I have all the things I want? This one only distorts nature a little bit…

Here are some of the things I’d love to wear in spring with a winter palette:

Illumination Sheer Maxi: $45

Waldorf Dynasty Coat: $59.99

Mixed Media Wedge: $38.50

Skinny Moto Pants: $34.99

Collarless Wool-Blend Coat: $40

Saydie T-Strap Platforms: $54
(These are perfect!)

Might have to collage this idea… I can’t get these colors out of my head!

MOTO Ditsy Print Floral Leigh Jeans, $80; RVCA Providence Jeans, $80; MOTO Unicorn Print Jeans…?, $90; MINKPINK Wisteria Lane Jeans, $88;

Printed Denim.

I have my doubt and concerns about this style… but overall, I think it could be a really interesting wardrobe element if it’s done well!

Would you wear printed jeans?