A teenage dream cheat sheet

When asked to do a style spread for teens on the upcoming spring months, I thought how great it would be to borrow from the cool it girl’s closet.  Teenagers have the advantage of borrowing from the boys, from the runways, from super high-end designs and mixing it up to make it all their own. The day I realized I could no longer shop at teen stores was a sad, scary day. Youth is fashion’s muse. Fearful of nothing but their own self-doubts, teenagers can experiment with cool new trends. Lucky for me, I have a teenage daughter that was ready for her closeup. Say hello to Alex, my muse for the day. She’s been watching my blog grow and as a collaboration, we thought this one out loud together. I took a few highlights from the spring collections, mixed with the items she already had in her closet, threw in some ultra-hip finds from the it girls closet (mine) and played dress up. This is also a chance to show off my styling skills, so if you are one of my young readers, or a mom in need of some advice, head over here and ask me a question, shoot me an email. You owe it to yourself to look your best. Moving right along, we start off with a neon story just in time for this mild weather: colored jeans, mixing brights, yadda yadda yadda.

Jacket J.Crew, Jeans Rag and Bone, clutch Kara Ross, red lace top American Apparel, sneaker Converse.

Sweater Phillip Lim, jeans Seven, bag Cambridge Satchel, sneakers Ash

I do support the term geek chic. I didn’t invent it, Tavi probably did or the dudes from Silicon Valley, but being smart of just looking that way is always in. Nonetheless, here’s the look. Plaid shirt, Letter jacket, high-waisted shorts (big from Balenciaga) backpack, specs, ponytails, colored socks.

Jacket Sans Souci, backpack American Apparel, tights Wolford , booties Castaner, socks stylists own, shirt Abercrombie, shorts Vintage Havana

…and what’s a day without checking out what The Fashion Hunter is up to?

Another big trend for spring is the statement collar, lace, and the track pant. Always accept the unexpected and you won’t be surprised.

Top Topshop, pant French Connection, bag Tory Burch, sandals Jessica Simpson.

Finally different shades of denim on lace , wide leg jeans, with a splash of electric blue.

Jeans J.Brand, denim vest lace top LF, shoes Steve Madden 

And then just like that, with a nod to Grandma‘s closet, the debate team, a little bit of the English countryside, we have floral pants and a white collared shirt.

Shirt Elizabeth and James, cardigan J.Crew, pants Zara, flats Repetto, necklace Lanvin, bag Marni

Long live floral prints, but if she ultimately barfs at the thought of putting them on her body doesn’t think the trend is so fly, there are millions of alternatives. Pastels, sporty vibe, peplums, you get where I’m going. So, I’m going to stop right here while I have your attention. Consider this a lesson from your mother:  Be who you are ~ it’s the best there is.  Love, mom xoxo