Inspiration Board: Nikki & Brie - Earn Your Stipes

You neeeeeeeeed stripes this season. Like, will go toes up without stripes. A bevy of trends, from French Chic to maritime to Americana, all incorporate the stripe in some form or other. The Bella twins took up the stripe mantle recently, with Brie sporting a wide yachting-club or rugby gear type and Nikki going with a narrower version. Both ladies went with denim on the bottom; Brie paired her navy-and-white top with classic blue jean cutoffs, while Nikki matched hers with white.  I've re-imagined both these looks with spring-weather-appropriate pants, instead of shorts. And, although I've used navy stripes, I'd love either of these outfits with red or black! Brie's look gets brightened a bit with lighter wash denim. This pair is distressed but non-distressed works too. The crux of this ensemble is the interplay between the stripes and the polka dot blazer. Similar colors, different scales: this how you mix prints like a boss! If you own a floral jacket, def give that a try. Florals and stripes are amazeballs. If you don't own either a dot or floral jacket, ...get one now! ...Just kidding :). Use a solid jacket instead (you do have one of those, right?) and a floral or dot scarf or pocket square. Finish with lace-up heels or bowed ballet flats. Alternatively, pair your striped tee or sweater with sailor pants for a nautical feel. I've done practical navy, but if you're brave (read: "not a stain magnet like me"), feel free to do bright, gorgeous white a la Nikki. Play up the walking-on-a-French-quay idea by finishing with loafers. A cobalt shade makes a fun exclamation point, as would red or a metallic. Don't hesitate to tie a short square scarf at your neck for an extra punch of color. This is also the place for a bright red, coral or orange lip and nails. Hope you #GetStriped sometime soon :)