If you're searching for one of those oh-so-seductive and lovely feminine blouses which have been taking fashion by storm, we've got ya covered! There are tons out there in designer  brands like Stella McCartney, RED Valentino, Sea and Self-Portrait, which I'm wild over.  On the flip side, I do have to pay attention to my budget :) So, here are some gorgeous pieces that caught my eye which you won't need to pawn a valuable for (ps if designer is in your budget or you find it to be worth saving up for - or blowing your tax refund on (not that I know anyone who does that. Nope. Def not.), by all means, go for it! ;)):
1. Elodie Tunic at Anthropologie
2. Ruffle Blouse at Nordstrom
3. Hinge Lace Peplum at Nordstrom
4. ASTR Embroidered Blouse at Nordstrom
5. Lita Lace Blouse at Anthropologie
6. English Factory Ruffle Button Down at Shopbop
7. NM Lace Front Bell Sleeve Top at Last Call
8. Max Studio Pleated Bell Sleeve Tunic at Last Call
9. Cold Shoulder Peplum by BCBG Max Azria

On one of my favorite blogs, TaySwiftStyle, Sarah - the stylish sweetheart of an owner - has a Questions section which from time to time receives specific fashion queries. A recent one got my fashion brain revving. It involved "maturing" Taylor's girly Fearless/Speak Now era fashion. As a Jackie-come-lately to super feminine style, I've tended to take the approach of adding frothy pieces to femme-ify a fairly minimalist, classic wardrobe. But, what if Swift-esque frills have always been your thing? How do you grow with the look, especially if you're taking those sensibilities to college or the workplace? And even more especially, if you are slim and/or slight of height, how do stay true to you without looking like you're twelve? Naturally, I have ideas and  I wanted to expound on them here :). The secret is to incorporate a bit of structure and polish, while still keeping enough frothy detail to leave you feeling gorgeous. There are a number of really stunning, artisanal blouses out right now that are flawless for doing this (and which also happen to be spot on-trend ;)). Think lace, ruffles, florals, embroidery, appliquees. They're your new non-dress go-to. For realz. Don't fear sweet shades like blush and lavender, either! You can balance all the candy out on the bottom. Pair these crave-worthy confections with slim, polished chinos and refined knee length pencil skirts (avoid minis - they'll look either too young or as if you're trying too hard). Midi skirts are completely do-able here, as are maxis - there is something unavoidably chic and mature about a maxi skirt, done in the right materials (eschew jersey knits and crinkle cottons and choose silk, woven cottons, taffeta or georgette). (Alternatively, definitely consider going for a gives-you-heart-eyes ruffled, pleated or be-tulled maxi - just reverse the frilly-to-minimal relationship and go simple on top). Use soft neutrals like blush, pearl gray and beige to ground sentimental pastels or try out enchanting jewel tones like plum and deep pine. If you simply *have* to pair multiple colors, it can be done - just use one lighter and one darker tone. Mint and lilac looks quite young, but lilac and burgundy, blush and navy or sky blue and mustard evoke wisdom and style competence in a confidently romantic way. Lastly: shoes. This is crucial: when you're trying to grow up a girly look, stay away from bowed flats, sequins and similar youthful-in-feel footwear. Instead, think refined but vivacious styles like block-heeled ankle straps, lace-up flats, urban-leaning ankle booties and pointy-toe pumps. Happy styling, Fancies!

The term "blue period" is famous because of Picasso, who spent essentially three years of his painting life working in essentially no colors other than blue and blue-green. He then spent two following years painting predominantly in shades of pink and orange - his "rose period".  I recently realized that, vaguely akin to Picasso,  I go through stages in my fashion as well.  It's like shifting gears. Same me, same car, same gear box, but slightly different directions. A couple of years ago, I was all about glam - pile on the sparkle and  was a happy camper. Massive crystals - in bunches - were my go-to's.  I was forever in dark neutrals to offset all that sparkle. My next phase was a more refined, ladylike spin, where I was loving boucle jackets and button-downs. I was all about pumps and wore them religiously, even through the chilly winter. This metamorphosis really came home to me this winter because I have been eschewing pumps for boots, especially my leather OTK's, which I often reached for in my glam period. Now, though, instead of pairing them with sparklies, they're finishing outfits that have textural interest and laidback comfort: chunky sweaters and flannel shirts. The raison d'etre for the OTK's is a the same - that shot of fierce! - but they grounded the glam outfits and ramp up my current more casual ones. It's fun to mentally scan my fashion and realize how it shifts, without diverging from authenticity. I wonder where I'll go in future? :) There are some fun color stories on the horizon for spring, which make me foresee a sorbet-shaded shift in the not-too-distant future. How does your personal style shift over time?