Pastel // 5 Ways

By Erin Barnes
On May 11, 2015

This post appears in the Skirting The Issue campaign.

I have loved glossy magazines for as long as I can remember.  As a young girl (a budding teenager, desperate for things like boobs and real bras but not even close to training bra status) I would even corner fold the J.Crew catalog if I couldn't get my hands on a glossy fashion mag.  I wasn't just into fashion mags, I had a notebook full of the ripped-out pages of home decor mags too; those were the beginnings of inspiration boards - yesterday's Pinterest.  I still splurge (okay, Target sales - like the buy any two participating mags PEOPLE®, Real Simple® or All You® and save $2 - no coupon necessary* one happening now through March 28 and while supplies last) - make it more budget-friendly) on magazine's every once in awhile; call it therapy, call it me-time, a little adult reading - this has become a little escape I love that accomplished two things: staying caught up on current events, trends and ideas all while escaping from my daily chores.

Earlier I posted an <a href="https://instagram.com/p/0SxusCEK_v/?taken-by=_triplep" target="_blank">instagram pic</a> of a few things I picked up at Target for my carry-on bag for this year's Spring Break.  Inspired by some of the trends found inside the pages of Real Simple® and PEOPLE®, I created an inspiration board for any of you that want to try out the pastel trend.

If I haven't inspired you to try the pastel trend, here are a few tips for helping anyone <a href="http://prettypolishedperfect.com/trend-fringe-5-ways/" target="_blank">incorporate any trend</a> they want to try - without breaking the bank and without walking around looking like a walking ad for trends.

<h1>How to Incorporate Any Trend</h1>

1.  Handbags - Especially the faux leather ones for under $20 at Target.  You may love it this spring and be tempted to buy the latest Kate Spade (whose quality is without question worth every penny,) but believe me when I say that next Spring you won't be interested.  If you do invest in a trendy colored, real leather handbag, be sure to resale it at <a title="Things You Should Be Consigning" href="http://prettypolishedperfect.com/5-tips-things-you-should-consignment-resell/">consignment</a> or on <a title="Sell Those Clothes" href="http://prettypolishedperfect.com/ways-to-sell-clothes-fall/">resale sites</a> (like ebay and Poshmark.)  If you buy an inexpensive piece, you won't feel bad adding it to your niece's dress-up closet or donating it to your local thrift store.

2.  Shoes - I am a huge fan of investment shoes, but thank goodness for retailers like Target (I know I sound like a broken record, but come on!) that offer cute, fun and trendy shoes that are terribly budget-friendly.  I can't cry over a $15 pair of shoes that I wear until they fall apart at the end of any season (just be sure to let them go when they are dead - don't hold onto a pair of worn out shoes. Let. It. Go.)

3.  Jewelry - is there ever a reason to not buy more jewelry?  Well, yes.  Inexpensive trendy jewelry can be found at nearly every retailer, so this makes it the easiest way to enter the world of any trend, any color.  They can also be as small as ball stud earrings or as long and obnoxious as peacock-feather earrings that drag below your collarbone.

4.  Watches - functional and trendy.  Why not?  This polka dotty, minty watch was under $20.

5.  Hair Bows - or hair ties, headbands, etc.  You could even dye the tips of your hair if you are feeling really brave.

*Score big with Cartwheel Digital Offers  through April 17 - 15% off select special issue magazines, while supplies last!