Buy This, Not That

Old Navy Open-Toe Espadrilles $24.50
Marc Jacobs Mouse Espadrille $445

After wearing espadrille wedges for years, I've decided to branch out with a flat version this season.  I was fixated on the Marc Jacobs pair as well as these Lanvin flats until I spotted the Old Navy peep toe flat, which I actually prefer. They come in six great colors (including metallic gold, olive green, and blue and white stripes), go with every outfit, and are only $24.  Score! Which shoes would you prefer?

Buy This, Not That

Old Navy Women's Long Button Front Trench Coat $49.99
French Connection Macks Trench Coat $298

The classic trench coat is something that had been on my wish list for years. However, in Southern California, a long coat isn't usually necessary so I didn't want to break the bank for this trend. I found the perfect tan trench over the summer at Banana Republic at a major discount, which helped justify the purchase. I later found out it was on back order and is being sent to me in a few weeks. In the meantime, I've spotted this Old Navy trench that's making me second guess the one I bought. Either way, I'll be excited to wear this with my Hunter boots on many upcoming rainy days.

Flat Sandals

1. Nicole Peace $69

2. Matt Bernson Gladiator $170

3. Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan $146

4. Old Navy Faux-Leather Thong Sandals $9.50

5. Boutique 9 Pinky $89

6. Nine West Bungalow $69

7. Jessica Simpson Nikina Sandal $79

8. DV by Dolce Vita Angelina Leather Sandal $49.95

9. Dolce Vita Effie Sandal $129.95

To me, Springtime is synonymous with flat sandals and sundresses. I love the way I can throw these two things on, run out the door and feel completely put together in a matter of minutes. These are some of my top picks in the sandal department this season.

The Best Bikini in Town

Women's String-Bikini Tops $16.50
Women's String-Bikini Bottoms $16.50
Women's Jersey Tube Sundown Gowns $20 (sale)
Women's Hammered Metallic Rings $7.50
Women's Pyramid-Embossed Flip-Flops $3.50

I know this is a bold statement, but hear me out before you make any assessments. Hands down, Old Navy has the best string bikini around. During the summer, I spend the majority of my free time at the beach and therefore practically live in bikinis and sundresses when the weather is warm (at least on the weekends). Every year, I'm on the lookout for the perfect bikini and every year I'm appalled by the price tag on every swimsuit I find. But tried and true, Old Navy always comes through for me and provides the perfect string bikini at the right price. They fit well, machine wash nicely, and have cute styles look great all summer long. You can almost always find a coupon code or sale somewhere online to make it even cheaper. The rest of the clothes at Old Navy are very inconsistent in my opinion. Once in a great while I'll find a sundress, sweater, or tank top that I can't live without and wear as if it's my uniform, but these cases are rare for me. So go for the bikinis and take a look around. But go early, they sell out fast.