RVAfashionista.com

My friends Melissa and Sid from Q94 asked me to do a segment on the hottest trends for spring on a budget! In times like these, we're all pinching our hard earned pennies and making financially friendly fashion choices aren't easy. My "Bargainista Babe" segment from the past has turned into a new Recessionista segment for Q94 that we hope to continue on a monthly basis. Don't forget to check out Melissa's Fashionista Files as well!

Bright colors are a big focus this season especially in shades of pink, orange, yellow, coral, and fuschia. The easiest way to add a little bit of bright in your wardrobe is with your accessories. Forever21 and their "sister" accessory store For Love 21 always have a fabulous selection of inexpensive accessories. I love that you can get a bundle of bracelets from Forever 21 for under $5. It's an inexpensive and easy to add color to the classic combo of a white tee and jeans.
Payless has a great pink patent t-strap wedge sandal that also comes in a wide width for under $20. The key to brights is to not overdo it - just add a pop of color and go simple with the rest of your look.

Going "green" is the big thing nowadays and it has taken over the beauty world as well. Physicians Formula was one of the first drugstore brands to go green with their Organic Wear line. Most of the Organic Wear products are certified by Ecocert which is an internationally recognized firm for organic certification. Almay has followed the green trend with their Pure Blends line (www.almaypureblends.com) which feature products with over 95% natural ingredients. Both the Organic Wear and Pure Blends lines have packaging containing post-consumer-recycled content and the packaging is usually recyclable as well. To go with your "green" and eco-concious makeup, you need the right tools and makeup brushes for application and Eco-Tools has affordable brushes with bamboo handles and synthetic bristles that are super soft yet durable. The Eco-Tools line can be found at Target and most drugstores. Even if you aren't buying "green" makeup, do your part to recycle what you can of the packaging that your makeup comes in!

Platform sandals with either a wedge or chunky heel are a summer trend that keeps coming back so dust off your pair from last summer or head over to Target and pick up a new pair. I love all of these styles at Target but the Mossimo Petrova Gladiator Sandals are my favorite. These shoes look great with a pair of the "boyfriend" jeans - use a pair of older jeans that are either too big or go to Goodwill to try to find a pair there. If you'd like to buy "new" - Target also has a great boyfriend jean on clearance. Roll up the bottoms into a loose cuff and voila - insta chic for instant cheap. The style is carefree and casual so your denim doesn't need to be super snug or fitted. Pair with a tank and you're good to go!