Remember in elementary school when you would trade your Ho-Ho for an Oreo or your PB&J for your classmate’s much cooler Lunchable?  For some reason, we always want what other people have.  It’s no different when it comes to fashion.  I went to an Accessories Swap at a girlfriend’s house tonight.  Instead of trading lunches, we swapped bags, jewelry, belts, and sunglasses. I chatted, drank some wine, scarfed down a brownie or two (ok three) and left with an adorable belt and bag for FREE!  Girl-time, free stuff, and not a hairnet in sight!  Brilliance!

For everything you need to know about hosting your own Accessories Swap?  Click Here. 

Everyone has guilty pleasures, right?  I, for one, could lose an ENTIRE day watching Sex and the City reruns.  I enjoy a good buffet and wear drug store makeup.  I read tabloid magazines, love sour patch kids, and there was a point in my life when I dunked cheese doodles in chocolate pudding (thankfully this was just a phase and sadly it wasn’t when I was pregnant).

When it comes to fashion, my guilty pleasure is Forever21.  The blaring dance music, synthetic fabrics, way-too-bright fluorescent lighting, and the fact that I am usually the oldest person in the store should make me question my desire to shop there, but it doesn’t.  I look the other way because the clothes are cute and they are CHEAP!  Plus, there is something cathartic about digging through racks overloaded with merchandise while trying not to run over 90 pound teenage girls with my stroller.  It’s my go-to place for basic T’s, skinny jeans, fun tops, accessories and trendy pieces.  Who cares if its out of style next year?  At these prices, you add a few trendy pieces each season without breaking the bank.

The thing about Forever 21 is that they carry limited stock, so if you see something you like you have to jump on it.  When I saw this vintage-inspired blue polka dot dress, I grabbed it right away.  I paid full price: a whopping $27.80!

A.D.D. Moment:  Was this chick on Top Model a few years ago?

I am so ready for summer!  I was very unpleasantly surprised when I walked out of my house this morning without a jacket.  35 degrees?  Really Rochester?  I’ve had enough.

Enough of the clouds, enough of the cold, enough of my winter wardrobe!   I want to wear dresses!  Dresses instantly make you feel feminine and put together, and they are perfect for the style-impaired.  We are talking one piece, ladies.  How easy is it to throw on a maxi dress, sunglasses, some big earrings, and a pair of sandals?  No pesky layers.  No clunky boots.  No puffy coat to make you look 15 pounds heavier.  Just simple clean lines, airy fabrics, fun patterns, and instant style.  Now if only the weather would cooperate.

Lucky for me, I’ll be in sunny Florida in less than two weeks, so despite chilly temperatures, I have ocean breezes, frozen cocktails, and summer style on my mind.  This morning, I went to one of my favorite places:  Your Best Friends Closet Consignment Boutique in Fairport.  The selection is wonderful, they get new merchandise constantly, carry top brands and designers, and have amazing prices.  Today I found two great maxi dresses and paid…wait for it… wait for it… $30 for BOTH of them!  They look brand new and are super comfortable.

How great will these look with a tan and a Mai Tai?

If you haven’t been to YBFC Boutique, you need to check them out.  It’s a great place to shop, especially if you want fashion-forward, name brand clothing at a fraction of the retail price.