By Joi Louviere

Maya’s edgy nerd look gets an A+ from me! Thrift interesting is what I would call her high-waisted shorts and suspenders set with floral top. Her camel flats are great for a festival stroll, shopping venture or just a day of gathering materials for a super cool science project. Take this up a notch with an engaging headband or some jazzy bracelets.

Photo Credit: Forever 21

High-Waisted and Hip

Forever 21, Harborplace Mall
200 E Pratt St # 2096
Baltimore, Md. 21202
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun noon-6 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info

High-waisted anything is in. Make the trend a summertime look with shorts of any color. The lengths vary but look good on most body types, oftentimes accenting the thighs and flattening any evidence of a tummy. The cut on this short is particularly nice and it can be found at Forever 21, along with many other high-waisted short options in different styles ranging in price from $10.50-$22.80.

Photo Credit: Delia’s

Flower Power

Delias
Towson Towne Center
825 Dulaney Valley Road, space 1045
Towson, Md. 21204
(410) 821-7542
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun noon-6 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info

A floral shirt doesn’t have to look like your grandma’s.  A button-down with larger flowers is attractive with most any bottom. This shirt from Delia’s is a steal (on sale online for $5.99, original price $36.99) and balances out a look like Maya’s.

Photo Credit: Sears

Suspenders

Sears
Security Square Mall
6901 Security Square Boulevard
Window Mill, Md. 21244
(410) 265-6000
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Sun noon-6 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Channeling Steve Urkel is now fashionable. Suspenders are entering the scene again since their 90s sitcom visit. Although women aren’t using them to hold their pants up, they’re a cute accessory for a true geek or just a wannabe. A solid color suspender looks nice planted against a busy shirt and breaks up the pattern. While I suggest a darker color in most cases, suspenders are available in bright reds, hot pinks and alien green. This pair of Levi’s can be found at Sears for $18.

Photo Credit: Nine West

Leather Flats

Nine West, Harborplace Mall
200 E Pratt St Ste 322
Baltimore, Md. 21202
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun noon-6 p.m.

Reviews, Directions & More Info

Want a flat that offers more support than a flimsy flip flop? Leather flats are good alternatives and in a neutral color can be paired with any trendy look. Maya had camel colored ones but this light taupe pair from Nine West Outlet goes nicely as well. Priced at $79 in the main store but you are guaranteed to find a deal on these at the outlets.

Joi is a recent college graduate and has written for various newspapers and news wire services. She is a writer by day and a scrapbooking reality T.V. enthusiast by night.