We’ve been having some pretty decent weather lately. One day last week we hit about 60 degrees. Some people were ridiculous with their attire though. It is not time to shed all of your warm clothes, but here is a little spring time outfit inspiration.

Style Files: Spring Blossom

I love pastels and florals for spring. This look here would be great for work, church, an early afternoon date, and a fancy brunch with your girls.

Click the image for outfit details.

Next month I will be on a plane headed to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.  I must say I’m super excited. I haven’t really traveled and forever, so I am definitely looking forward to this trip. Our hotels are booked and the itinerary is almost finalized.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai are known for their richness in Arabic and Islamic culture, so there are customs that they follow and as a sign of respect, visitors should follow as well.

abudhabi-dubai

Knowing a little something about culture it is important to dress and act accordingly. I’m sorry, but I’m not about that jail life and if you do not research and understand where you are going, you are risking your freedom in a foreign place. Yes it can be that serious. With that being said, I’ve come up with a list of things you should pack when visiting places in the UAE.

The key here is modesty, so leave the booty shorts home. Most places that you may visit require your legs and shoulders to be covered up. If you visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, men must wear long pants and women must have their head, legs, and shoulders covered. This is a non-negotiable.

sheikhzayedmosque

I know some may ask, “How do you dress modestly when it is extremely hot?!?” Although this place requires women to be modest in public places that represent the culture, you don’t have to forsake your style in the heat.

Here are some key items to pack if you are traveling to these places to show your style and remain cool

What to Wear in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

 

Now the nightlife in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will give way to more leniency when it comes to clothing. Most of the places have been “westernized,” so finding a cute party dress shouldn’t be that difficult.

I plan on packing all of the above. We plan on doing a lot of sight seeing, eating (yummm), and safaris, so I need to be comfortable. I will probably pack more printed pants than anything. I lived in light weight printed pants over the last few summers. They were low maintenance, but very stylish. So pack according to the activities you will be doing as well.

Special shoutout to my friend Kim. When I was in a blogging rut, she gave me an idea to do this post. That was back in December/January lol. Better late than never.

Have any of you traveled to a place with specific cultural norms when it came to clothing? What did you wear?

Since I moved into my new apartment last August, my accessories game has taken a turn for the worst. With the exception of a few pieces that my mom bought me for my birthday, I have not updated my accessories in forever. I have lost tons of earrings and only wear a few pairs now, because that’s all that I have left.

I had an accessory cork board before, but the way my new bedroom is setup, there isn’t enough wall space for it, and it would look awkward in any other place other than my bedroom. So I barely wear the necklaces that I do have, and when it is time to “dig in the boxes” I just get lazy and do not feel like searching. I’m not going to even talk about bracelets and rings. SMH.

I’m just not inspired by what I currently have anymore, so I’m on the search of new pieces to update my look. Accessories can make or break an outfit so I like to have multiple options. I want to do a wardrobe update for the spring (whenever it decides to show up) and new accessories are a top priority.

Here are a few pieces that I am currently scouting all under $50:

Fab Under $50 Accessories

 


Flower jewelry
$31 – newlook.com

Guess necklace
guess.com

How are you going to update your spring wardrobe?

This weather has been a drag. I know, I know, it is winter and this is the “normal” weather for winter…. I don’t think I’ve experienced such frigid temperatures and consistent snow. I’m so over it. I hate dressing for the cold temperatures. People always say, “You can tell who has true style based on how they dress in the fall and winter.” I think that’s a bunch of bologna. When it’s cold I honestly just want to throw on a sweater, some leggings or jeans, and my UGGs. That’s it. Comfort and warmth are key. This weather does not have me motivated to get dressed at all. I try to spice it up a little for date nights with the boo, and occasionally for work but that’s about it.

I’m not going to count the days until spring. Every season has it’s purpose, so I’m going to try to make the best of winter.

This look I created below would definitely be a nice pick me up.

Beat the Winter Blues

 

This goes to show a little color goes a long way. I’m used to just wearing gray and black. Occasionally, I’ll throw in some burgundy and oxblood. Colors do help change your mood, so add some color to your wardrobe to beat the blues!

How do you get out of your winter style rut?

Our favorite former Spice Girl besides Victoria Beckham and favorite X-Factor judge has been on it with her fashion game lately. Mel B. She chooses the right pieces to highlight those curves in a classy way. She is not over the top with her hair and makeup and she lets the clothes speak.

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Look One-Office Chic- I love pencil skirts because, when the fit is right and with a  nice pair of heels, it shows that you mean business. Mel B. paired her skirt with black pumps, beige button up, yellow birkin, and a fly pair of shades. This is a great fall look. Since it’s still summer I would opt for a pencil skirt that’s not leather and a short sleeve or sleeveless blouse. In the office I’d throw on a blazer for a more professional look.

Look Two-Date Night- This look is the perfect balance of sexiness and class. She’s showing her killer legs while covered up top. I love lace because it is super feminine and classy. The lace mini paired with the pumps are great for a chic evening look.

Look Three-Bold and Beautiful- Hot pink dresses make the world a better place. No really they do. Well maybe not all, but this dress that Mel B. is rocking on the red carpet of the X-Factor auditions does. I’m all for neutrals, but to spice up your look you need color and that’s exactly what Mel B. did.

What’s your favorite look from this week’s Style Files?