Sweden is responsible for much more than tasty meatballs, cheap modern furniture and stylish cars that hot vampires drive. Have you seen the latest to roll out from Swedish design duo, Odd Molly? Our guess is no, since their frills and flourishes are typically relegated to racks of boutiques some 750 miles away.

Lucky for us, Kaleidoscope is here yet again to satiate our L.A. shopping blues. The Provo boutique and YHO sponsor keeps its walls chock full of new pretties from Odd Molly that are outshining even Edward’s Swedish-made Volvo C30. Think embellished smocks and textured, tiered tops in bright colors and layered, floral patterns. There are dresses and light sweaters, too, that are perfect for stepping out in this spring, especially if you want to make it memorable.

{Odd Girl Out}

Odd Molly at Kaleidoscope
4801 N. University Avenue #350
Provo, Utah
(801) 225-1352
www.notamallstore.com

Let this ensemble take you from March’s snow to April’s showers. A sturdy-meets-stylish boot keeps your toes out of the snow and shields your stems from sleet. Throw a sharp double-breasted trench over the whole thing, and you’ve got serious class—even if your dress’s print is lumberjack-inspired.

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Here’s a silhouette to help you harness your inner Blair Waldorf—minus the Waldorf wallet. Plaid patterning, ruffle details and crisp black topped with a headband scream grown-up prepster chic. If you want to take it down a notch (and stay cozy), try throwing on your boyfriend’s oversize cardigan.

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Here’s a black-and-gray combo that’s anything but drab. Details like oversize gold buttons and pockets—not to mention tights with bow patterning—only have a cheery effect at this time of year. ‘Tis not the season to be buying for yourself, but that F21 dress is ringing in at just $22.80, which gives your holiday wallet some welcome wiggle room.

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Plain, long-sleeved tee? Check. Casual jacquard sweater vest? Check. Supersoft purple scarf? Check. How about dark jeans? Yep, we’ve got them too. And we threw in some holiday-ready glitter-fab shoes, for extra credit. All for just over $100, and great for a day of shopping or night out with friends.

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Spotted: High-quality and high-design dresses for holiday gatherings

Good For: Making a short-term investment in your wardrobe for silhouettes that will outlast December 25.

Where: Kaleidoscope Boutique (4801 N. University Avenue, Provo)

How Much: Prices range from $120 – $150

Why not let the colors on your clothes match the colors on the trees … or on the lawn? (Where is that rake, anyway? And where did all this snow come from?) We embraced yellow and added a poppy orange for a fall ensemble that’s set to spring.

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By Jessica Goldfond

We have banished yellow for far too long to the lands of daffodils, spring time and easter bunnies. Let this versatile hue be a refreshing and unexpected option in the cold winter months ahead. As daylight fades, ease out of your summer wardrobe by pairing this sunny color with toned-down neutrals like camels, slate, even black.

Before you reach for that reliable little black dress, rethink this new color option for your formal occasion, where you’ll undoubtedly shine. Too bold for you? Be a part of the huge hosiery comeback, which won’t break your sense of style nor your bank. Before the winter weather brings you down, let yellow help you stay positive and bright this season. It could lighten your life and your day … from the outside in.

Image credits and links; left to right, top to bottom: Editorial image from British Vogue, February 2005 (via This is Glamorous); A.P.C. Pea Coat in Lambswool from Le Garconne; A Peace Treaty scarf from ShopBop.com; “Mouse” by Sherbet Tone; Haute Hippie Stripe Sequin Dress from Otte; Off the Gold Chain necklace by Yokoo; editorial image from British Vogue, February 2005 (via This is Glamorous); VPL Cowl Knit from Creatures of Comfort.

How about a high style—even expensive-in-appearance—silhouette, all for just over $100? This romantic swing jacket is the kind we see Rachel Zoe swooning over at her fave Malibu vintage shop, and right now, it’s yours for $69.99 at J.Crew. Match it with a structured, pleated skirt and some grown-up Mary Janes, and you’ve got yourself an outfit, as well as some timeless pieces without getting in trouble with your significant other. (Unlike our friend Rachel.)

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By Jessica Goldfond

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed that cardigans are everywhere this season. (Turn over a stone, and you might find one there, too.) From the ever-popular boyfriend cardigan to long and oversized, this once-drab sweater that’s anything but mini is making its way into everyone’s wardrobes as well as onto the runway.

Once relegated to prep schools, the cardigan can pull off more than a school-bound silhouette. Use one to brighten an otherwise-muted outfit or to subdue a loud-and-fun dress. With so many styles and so many uses, we’re starting to feel like you can’t own enough of these versatile knits. Just do some shopping around to find the best one for your style and body—you’ve got plenty of options.

Thin and Wispy: This style is best worn with delicate and feminine pieces that accentuate your curves. Try a slip dress, sky-rocketing heels, or if you’re feeling daring, a little fur.

Bold and Beautiful: Use bright, printed cardigans to offset high-waisted, wide-leg jeans and a paper-thin tee. Pick up a set of stacked wooden heels and a pocketbook to hang at your hip to recreate a cool and pulled-together ’70s vibe.

Bigger the Better: If there’s just one cardigan to slide your arms into this fall, this is the one. It’ll make a statement, especially if it has a bold color or stitching. Don’t be afraid of making a bit of an investment—you’ll be reaching for it each time you dive into your closet. Trust us.

Image credits and links; left to right, top to bottom: Silence and Noise Slub Open Cardigan from Urban Outfitters, Felix Wrap Sweater from Le Train Bleu, Lutz & Patmos Mitered Cardigan from Le Garconne, streetwear look from facehunter.blogspot.com, streetwear look from www.hel-looks.com, Batwing Cardigan from Pixie Market, editorial image from Vogue.

By Jessica Goldfond

Right now, designs from the catwalk and styles from the street are showing us that Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 are times for mixing and matching. From feminine, comfy knits to bold-colored hosiery and accessories, why not use this new-found freedom to have some fun and mix the season’s trends? Transform summer clothes to reinvent your autumn wardrobe by layering, while picking up some fall staples (tights, cardigans, tights, thermals … did you notice the tights?) that will carry you through winter.

Keep it Bright: Avoid the fall blues (or traditional browns) and humdrum palettes by adding colors that pop. Get a head start on hot-for-spring tones like bright-but-burnt orange and golden chartreuse.

Social Patterns: When it comes to print and pattern, stay in the same family either by style (floral on floral) or color (red stripes on red floral). To flatter your figure, it’s best to keep large patterns up top.

All to Pieces: This season, don’t be afraid to layer deep-colored tights beneath your high-waisted wool shorts. Revisit an oversize blazer. Balance out the micro length of a knit sweater dress with comfy, thick leggings. Experiment with the length of your cardigan—let it fall well below your waistline. Cinch that skirt with a skinny belt. And don’t forget a pair of ’70s inspired heels for boosting your stovepipes.

Image credits: Spring 2009 runway looks from Style.com, current streetwear looks from Hel-looks.com, Orla Kiely ensembles from Fall 2008 lookbook at OrlaKiely.com.

One of the looks we love most for fall is the layered one. This season, don’t be afraid to throw a nice fitted tee ‘neath that streamlined strapless number you’ve been achin’ to buy. (We’re not kiddin’.) The look is fresh and modern and—maybe best of all—comfortable. Add necklaces for extra fun, though the waterfall effect on this LBD might be calling for bracelets instead.

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We’re holding on to the last bits of summer but stepping into autumn with this ensemble. Anthropologie’s crisp white top oozes with summer’s fresh appeal but is classic enough to make it through the next season (if not the next few years … plus, it’s ripe for pairing with a cardi). Slender grays are still cool for fall in ’08, and we like the idea of offsetting their washed-out quality with slick flats and a sleek, hinged bangle. Maybe you will like it too. Old Navy has pulled out some great shoes for fall, and in fun colors like Monaco Plum (pictured) and Pepperoncini.

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Pulling out your inner prepster never hurt anyone, especially with fall just around the corner. (Eek!) But here’s to looking forward to jeans and jacket weather. You’ll get extra points for tying the sweater around your shoulders, or slinging on a set of pearls. But, really, a pair of black keds with white laces would dress the look down adequately … and fashionably, especially if the sweater’s left unbuttoned to hang lazily at your waist.

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This one’s a little bit country, but still sweet and sexy. If you want to make it a little more rock and roll, trade out your brown leather for black. Maybe even black skinnies, if you’ve got them on-hand.

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It’s July and it’s hot hot hot. What better to wear than the problem-solving, outfit-all-in-one summer dress? Here are a few of our picks, covering enough to beat the UV rays but seamless enough to withstand the temps, too. Just grab your sandals and some SPF and you’re good to go.

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Dawn Shirtdress / $39 / Delia’s
Ombre Plaid Dress / $54.50 / Alloy
Abigail Shift Dress / $29.80 / Forever 21

Mossimo Empire Dress / $19.99 / Target
Striped Cotton-Slub Shift Dress / $54.99 / Gap
Isaac Mizrahi Striped Scoop-Neck Dress / $29.99 / Target

Cap-Sleeve Apron Dress / $29.50 / Old Navy
Paisley Kimono-Sleeve Dress / $110 / Banana Republic
S/S Shirt Dress / $40.50 / Alloy

Blast. We’re over budget. Usually we pride ourselves on our genteel thriftiness but there are occasions when throwing down a little more cash will definitely pay off. Occasions like your high school reunion, for example, where you’ll need to be pulling off all that if-they-could-see-me-now business without any (obvious) effort.

For a nice sit-down dinner on a summer evening, we recommend something along these lines: The ’70s-inspired print on this silk twill dress yields your 17-year-old retro wardrobe but shows you’ve put some sophistication in your back pocket since ’98. The thick heel on a metallic summer shoe means you still know how to have fun … and shake it on the dance floor even if you’re all grown up.

And if you’re cold or need to cover up, we found a little sweater that should do the job. Add some clanky bangles, and you’re good to go. As long as you have a hot date. Or better, a hot BFF or two.

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p.s. With the dress at an additional 25% off and a set of budget bracelets, this entire ensemble weighs in at less than $200. And we think you’ll wear them all again (without any sneers or sly remarks from your school’s Patty Simcocks).

Ah-ha! One of our favorite spring tops finally went on sale, and in our favorite color too. (Keep yer eyes peeled; those prices sometimes drop even more.)

We like the idea of stepping into summer in this chic-meets-casual ensemble: pair the eye-catching, billowy blouse with cropped black denim and snakeskin flats, and then polish it off with an unexpected retro-yielding bangle.

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We’re finally liking the looks of the five-day forecast. Wethinks it’s fair to say that jacket weather has officially arrived—throw a cropped mini-coat over your favorite tee, or let the hem of your trench meet the hem of your knee-length sundress.

Here’s a handful of our current faves. Looks like poppy is the color for spring, but we like that subtle metallic tone too.

Clockwise: Textured Canvas Bomber from Tulle; Jaunty Jacket from Anthropologie; Mossimo Bib A-Line Coat from Target; Double Breasted Blazer from Topshop; Lux Cropped Trench from Urban Outfitters; Lillian Trench from Delia’s, Short Sleeve Trench Jacket from Banana Republic; Metallic Patch Pocket Jacket from Gap; Textured Cotton Coat from Boden; Solid Tulip Jacket from J.Crew

How’s about all this good stuff for less than a hunsky? Pretty handy for spring weather, we think, and pretty fancy too. Follow the image links to start your shopping. All that’s required of you is your favorite undertee or tank, and a dab of your favorite red lipgloss.