This spring, there are more opportunities to experiment with sheer fabrics.

From flowy sheers to print sheers to barely there sheers.

You can't walk into a store without seeing a plethora of playful numbers. They are everywhere. And it's up to you to determine the best route to take. 

Prints are fun. They tend to provide a bit more mystery. Flowy sheers are perfect for pairing with something fitted. And barely there sheers scream for creative layering.

While sheer fabrics — in tops, dresses and skirts — are feminine and beautiful, the right underpinnings are critical for pulling off the look with class. With the amount of bandeaus, bralettes, thin metallic tanks and shapewear, it's time to branch out.

So, have some fun!

Photo from Preppie Bettie

Instagram.

I resisted it forever. 

While my account is years old, I only became active on it a few weeks ago. I wish I had more time to devote to the various social media platforms. But I don't. In fact, if it wasn't for the urging of clients, I'm not sure I'd be on Instagram.

My biggest hurdle was figuring out my angle. When I founded my styling business, I made a conscious decision to not post before-and-after pictures of clients on my website (I'm all about confidentiality). And, I was not going to post pictures of what I was wearing, as my business is about what my clients are wearing.

Perplexed, I procrastinated — wondering how to utilize the tool to inspire clients, friends and family. Then it hit me. What if I post style vignettes? Ahh, that works. That feels right.

So today was my 'all-white Tuesday' vignette — showing a portion of my white ripped-up jeans and white popover tunic. A little Parisian edge. It's not forced. And more importantly, it seems to resonate with others.

The pressure is off and I'm simply having fun. Which is the point, right? So find me on Instagram and let's enjoy style together!

Photo from Luisaviaroma

Where did April go? We're not quite sure. But we know for certain that the products we reviewed over this flash of a month captured our attention. And made the time that passed too quickly oh so enjoyable.

Vincent Longo: The Curl mascara*
A lovely addition to the VL Cosmetics family, this mascara is easy to layer for a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed look, all day long. You can bend the tip to give you the best angle for application. The slim size means you can carry it with you to apply one more coat at the end of your work day as you are heading out to meet friends for dinner.

lululemon: Clari-Tee Short Sleeve in white/green
I have to admit, I like this tee too much to work out in it. The raglan style and fabulous green color make it a cinch to style for a sporty-meets-edgy look (think ripped up white jeans, long pendant necklace, layered bracelets and fabulous wedges). The tee is sheer, so layering underneath works best. It launders well, and it's even pre-shrunk. I did go up one size in this particular top to get more length. And I do wear it to and from my workout. I just prefer to wear it with jeans.

Natura Bissé: Oxygen Mousse*
I am no stranger to Natura Bissé. Just like I'm no stranger to the latest and greatest entries in a line. Enter, the new Oxygen Mousse in the Oxygen line. Smells just as delicious as every other product in this line, but performs to new standards. This purifying foam cleanses superbly while restoring skin’s youthfulness and radiance. It's formulated with biotechnological water extracted from Spirulina, a green algae containing proteins, vitamins and minerals. It also contains Mushroom extract to regulate and balance skin, visibly reducing pores. It finishes with an even, matte appearance. But watch out, the men in your lives will steal it. I've caught my son and hubby red-handed numerous times. You might want to get them their own.

Twisted Silver: Wonderland bracelet
This is one of those bracelets you won't want to layer around. It's fabulous all on its own. Made out of brass and cut to showcase a beautiful summer day, this statement piece has definitely been grabbing attention. And rightfully so!

Le Métier de Beauté: Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complex
I am a sucker for an amazing tinted moisturizer. Well, this one is all that and then some! More of a treatment, this formula contains retinol to improve skin over the long term. It's sheer and weightless, and its light-diffusing pigments reveal nothing less than a flawless complexion. It looks gorgeous on skin! Bonus — it contains Titanium Dioxide to help shield those harmful UVA and UVB rays. If you're prone to dry skin, use only during the warmer months of the year and switch to something more hydrating in the cooler months.

The team of testers were not paid to review these products. However, most of the products listed above were supplied as samples for review purposes.

*Available at Jeffre Scott in Charlotte and Turner and Scott in Asheville

From one milestone to another, life continues to move and change around us. As much as I feel like Wonder Woman some days, I cannot stop time. Which makes it even more important to enjoy every precious second of the day with family.

This mother's day, let your children cherish you. Take it all in. File it to memory, so that you can access that moment whenever you need it. Children grow so fast. And as of today, my oldest is officially taller than I am. As excited as he is, it makes me a titch sad. A mixed milestone, I guess you can say.

The reason we are mothers, what ties us together, is our children. And there is no greater gift in the world. Happy Mother's Day!

 

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.

- Marion C. Garretty

Photo from Vogue