The temperature is finally starting to rise and the snow is beginning to melt – spring is on the way! And nothing makes us more excited for the new season than fashion.

Updating your wardrobe with some spring essentials is a fun and easy way to shed those winter blues and get ready for the upcoming season – and there are tons of new trends from Hollywood’s red carpets to Milan’s runways to inspire you! We know you are savvy when it comes to fashion too.

Here are some affordable tips to help you incorporate some haute couture looks into your wardrobe.

This spring, look for fresh bursts of color, asymmetrical lines and exotic skins. Avoid trying all trends at once – instead, try mixing just a couple of this season’s newest looks for a show-stopping ensemble. We find that pink, yellow or orange accents look especially fresh and open the door to tons of fun outfit combinations. One-shoulder dresses and blouses are hot right now. For an extra chic look, try offsetting this ultra-feminine trend with some edgy metal accessories or a snakeskin clutch in a neutral black or silver that will last you beyond just this season.

One of our favorite trends that Elle magazine has reported on is the ocean-themed look. What better way to get geared up for warm weather than to wear something that reminds you of sun, surf and sand? We love the idea of a fun seashell necklace without the budget-breaking Gucci price of a designer find.

How about creating your own look with a simple project and make matching necklaces for you and your daughter, sister or niece?

Many of us have a collection of seashells from family trips to the beach – keepsakes from wonderful times with loved ones. Carry these mementos with you in a chic and creative way by stringing them on a luxurious satin or lace ribbon.

Let’s get started! First, if you don’t already have some, you and your fellow fashionistas go beachcombing for some seashells that are not too thin, free from cracks or nicks, and with a hole in the top. If you love the color pink, little scalloped shells are a real find, but really anything with a little hole in it works. If the beach is too far away, they are readily and inexpensively available at your local craft store.

An optional step here is to add a little extra glitz to your seashell, which is a great way for you and your daughter, sister, niece, or anyone to get creative! At the craft store, buy little gems or glitter to put on the shells. Just use some craft glue to stick the gems along the edges, or water down some white glue and apply it with a Q-tip along the shell’s ridges then sprinkle on a little glitter. Step back, if you can, and let your little one’s creativity inspire you! After your shells are dried, string them on to your ribbons, tie to secure or slip them on to chains, and voilà! You and your little one have adorable, fashion-forward matching necklaces just in time for spring!

The Itzy Ritzy Fashionistas