How sad to hear that fashion industry leaders are not too thrilled with Lauren Conrad’s full line. I follow her like a hawk on INO because I think she is so adorable and really knows how to put together an outfit. But her runway show was not satisfying to the writers over at New York Magazine. Click here to read their full (sad) report.

Flat, t-strap sandals are showing up all over the place this spring. I like them because they’re not as out there as a gladiator sandal, but they’ve still got a subtle earthiness that complements a dress really nicely. They’re a good way to tone down an outfit and as comfortable as a flip-flop.

I picked some of the most stripped-down versions I could find- this makes them more versatile than a pair with fake jewels glued all over them, and with this year’s brights, I think it’s kind of nice to keep embellishment to a minimum when you’re embracing so much color.

At top left, this Hugo Boss take is preppy and restrained, but at $279, they’ll set you back a bit. Available here. A top right is a very spare take on the look in a color that really pops. $100, Anne Klein New York, available here. At bottom right you’ll see a pair from American Eagle- simple, cute, and the price is right at $38. Available here. My favorite is this narrow, bohemian interpretation by Frye, bottom left, $98. I’d wear these so many times the price would cancel out. Available here.

Vests are still all over for spring, as folks experiment with new ways to wear them. Some of them just seem to get smaller and smaller- eventually you’ll see girls with a strip of fabric around each shoulder, I guess.

Vests are still all over the place because they rein in some of the billowy dresses, peasant skirts and shorter shapes, helping them look a little more tailored and showing off the shape of the girl underneath just a touch. They also have just a touch of rock-star vibe going on. Many of the vests people wore this winter will carry through spring, but I personally would like to get away from all that black and try some lighter fabrics and colors. The four above are some I liked.

Top left, Plenty by Tracy Reese vest, $200. Such a sharp office piece but so expensive! Available here. Top right, this version from Free People, called Mission For Peace, picks up Spring’s bohemian trend. $78, available here. Bottom right, this velveteen vest has a great, out-there shape and is made from a reconstructed mens’ suit. On sale for $69.99 at Urban Outfitters. Bottom left, YaYa Pagoda’s $88 version, available at Bloomingdales, is whisper-light and cut like a mock scarf. Get it here.

Cutting edge Viva Radio, one of the hottest on-line hipster destinations, has teemed up with American Apparel to offer their Favorite Contributor DJ T-Shirts for the sweet American Apparel price of $15!

Right now you can order a t-shirt featuring San-Fran’s KSAN & Viva DJ Ben Fong-Torres, or Canadian celebrity DJ & Viva host Sheri Barclay. And if you want to keep it hip but basic, consider the Viva t-shirt.

If you’re a serious DJ fanatic or want to impress someone who is, you’ll want to bookmark the American Apparel-Viva Shop & collect them all, as they come out!

A few people have asked, so here’s the 411 on Lauren Conrad’s sunglasses… the designer is DITA, the style is “Supa Dupa Black Cream/ Dark Grey Gradient” and they’re available online from Eye 5 for $175.

Or you can pick up these vintage pair of Vogue 10 from American Apparel in blue with cream highlights for $45.

Only you have to hurry if you want this pair, because American Apparel buys vintage in bulk and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.