Nautical is always in for summer, but plain stripes on plain tees get old fast. The key to rocking this look through summer 2009 and beyond is to seek out stripes on tees with unexpected fabrics and fun stylistic flourishes. My favorite picks from a whole flock of hot tops in Striped Tops With a Twist are below (L-R):

Eco-Ganik Stripe Pocket Tank, Splendid White Rugby Stripe T-Shirt, BGD Scoopneck Tee

Cardigans are all over the place in fashion these days: they can be worn dressed up with a little fancy number, over a tank top with jeans and heels, or thrown on with jeans and flip flops for the ultimate in comfort.  In my opinion, the cardigan is the perfect lightweight, versatile layering piece. In fact, I always find myself buying slightly different versions of the same gray cardigan and have recently had to ban myself from buying gray cardigans.

I put together a list of some amazing spring cardigans. Seeing as how they are on everyone’s spring picks list, they weren’t very hard to find!  The mustard floral cardigan and  the Celine Versatile cardigan have that drapy, dramatic look that works great with jeans, and the varsity and striped sweaters have a casual sophisticated look. Of course, I had to throw in the quintessential gray one… Check the rest out: Hello Cardigans!

Clockwise from top left:

Cardigan in gray by Geren Ford Winter, Neal Sperling ZigZag Cardigan, Kimchi Blue Heathered Cardigan, Ditsy Floral Cardigan, Long Stripe Cardigan, Varsity Cardigan, Talia Pocket Cardigan.

Those who know me are aware of the fact that I’m not one to sport the clean-cut, polo shirt and khaki American Girl look. But I do admit to owning a pair of anchor earrings and a shorty striped nautical sweater. And I do want to holler at a polo shirt in the near future.

I think the fashion industry has succeeded in making Nautical Nancy less “Nancy” and more “Nikki.” It’s funkier (see Hey Sailor! Stretch Charm Bracelet), more pinup than prissy (see Ahoy Skirted Bikini), and way less reserved for those who want to add just a touch of sexy sailor style to their wardrobe (see Wideleg Sailor Trousers). Nautical’s hot (if you don’t go overboard with it! hehe). Add some cherry red lips for hotness ahoy!