Well the warm weather may not be here quite yet, but the style trends certainly are! This spring, gingham, bold stripes, colored suede and a modern safari look are rocking the runways.  So how do you pull these trends into your wardrobe without buying pieces that will quickly go out of style? Here's the good news...these trends are actually classics, and if you choose the styles carefully you'll have them for years to come. Look for clean lines and simple styles...nothing too overdone or "way out there". In other words, tone DOWN the trends so you can wear your purchases season after season. Choose easy to wear pieces that you can easily mix into your current wardrobe.

Here are some ideas:

Bold stripes


Modern safari 

Gingham

I've put off buying new reading glasses for way too long. It's just one of those things that gets pushed to the bottom of my ever-growing to-do list.  Not only do I hate spending hours eye-glass shopping, but I just can't see paying hundreds of dollars for something I'll only wear occasionally and tend to lose (I've gone through SO many pairs!).

I just heard about a new company called Firmoo that makes eye-glass shopping easy and incredibly inexpensive. Sounds good to me.  My new glasses came in the mail yesterday so I thought I'd share my experience with you.

Firmoo makes things REALLY simple. With an online site that offers a nice selection (but not an overwhelming one!) of frames, I quickly found what I was looking for. I also liked the fact that Firmoo has a way to "virtually" try on glasses just by uploading your photo to their site.  I plugged in my prescription, hit "purchase" and for less than $50 ordered a new pair of glasses.

About ten days later my glasses arrived and they're great! Besides being slightly loose on my head (simple adjustment). I'm really happy with the quality....plus I can now read without squinting!

I'm in love with a loose boxy sweater. There is something so feminine about the drape and the way it swings. It also feels SO good on! I hate tops that cling and show off bumps -- this sweater hides it all!

Just about everyone can wear this type of top, but there are a few tricks to pull it off...

Boxy sweaters can run on the large side. Looseness is good, but you don't want to get lost in too much material. Try sizing down if needed.

Loose tops should hit at least mid-hip. The cropped boxy look does not work for most women.

Go skinny on the bottom. This type of sweater does not look as good with a wide leg or boot cut bottom. Wear with either skinny, straight or slim cut pants.

There is nothing easy about the 50's. At 53 in my mind I'm 20, but my body is not in-sync.  Not to sound like a whiner, but each day brings a new challenge...a new line on my face, a strange ache or pain, and lots of memory loss "what's the word for_____?" ..."oh yes, sandwich". Scary stuff.

• Necklines matter--As we age, high boxy necklines may no longer work. I haven't seen the likes of a turtleneck in years...it scrunches up my neck and makes me look ten years older! Some of the most flattering necklines are a soft cowl, scoop, boatneck and deep V.  If you are neck-concious, add a beautiful scarf or gorgeous necklace for a bit of coverage.

• Get tech savvy--Skincare has come a long way and the technology out there is amazing! I love the hydra-facial for instant plumping results. There are also long-term fixes such as Pelleve and laser facials that really work to tighten and firm the skin.
• Think positive thoughts--My friend "power of the mind expert" Fran Spayne always tells me about the amazing power our thoughts have over our bodies.  It's exercise for the brain!
• Laugh often...after all it sure beats the alternative!