Spring into Spring With Your Best Foot Forward

Though many regard the blooming of flowers and buzzing bees as the call of spring’s arrival. Sadly, the only call the blooming flowers signal to me is that it is time to call my internist to renew my allergy prescription! For me, spring has sprung when the department stores and boutique racks bloom! When the store windows burst with the spring colors, styles, silhouettes that graced the runways, the season’s possibilities bloom. The spring lines reflect a colorful, vibrant, sophisticated and fresh palette for the season — and this Mother’s Day, treat yourself and your wardrobe to some new fresh pieces for spring and summer!   Here is my guide to the most accessible, mom friendly, and wearable trends that have graced the runways and fashion magazines– and will hopefully grace your closets this season!

 

1. The Cropped top: This is the season defining trend!   Much like what Helen of Troy did for history, the 10 Crosby Derek Lam crop top blouse combo will forever change the way the crop top is regarded. No longer does one need rock hard abs — or be 20 years old– to don a crop top. This top, a marled charcoal grey and white striped cropped top with a built in gorgeous, architectural blouse underneath (left picture below), opened up the world of possibilities for the average woman who may have a few souvenirs left from her pregnancy around the mid-section. By wearing the crop top with it’s built-in layering piece, or alone, paired with high waisted bottoms, women young and seasoned can embrace this trend in an age appropriate and flattering way. Below, I have paired the 10 Crosby top with an oldie but goodie that is oh-so-back: the denim pencil skirt; and show a remarkably similar top from Zara (1/3 of the price!), paired with a high waisted skirt for a more formal, streamlined look, perfect for dinner or early cocktails after work. 

2. Pastels: Though some bold colors will always remain en vogue, they have given way to their softer counterparts this spring. Lovely lavenders, soothing blues, baby pinks have graced the runways and racks alike.   Wearing this trend is easy — pair it with whites for a fresh look, or faded denim. Whether you choose a fabulous accessory, like the pistachio “Bobbie” from Sarah Jessica Parker’s new shoe collection( created in partnership with Manolo Blahnik); or a spring wardrobe staple, like the Emder dress, a floor length tiered maxi dress by Calypso St. Barth, in a blue reminiscent of the waters in the Mediterranean, savor the soft sophistication it emanates.

 

3. Perforation trend: I love the “perforation trend” because you can incorporate it literally in any way you want to, at any price point; and in fabrics ranging from leather to cotton, cashmere and back — whether it’s a belt from Gap, to a Vince pullover sweater, to a laser cut leather bootie from Barney’s. From head to toe, and everywhere in between, this trend adds interest, dimension and character — and can be an accent or THE statement piece of your look.

 

5. Embellished sweatshirt:  The embellished sweatshirt trend mixes fashion forward with cozy! Take your comfy clothes up a notch! Pair it denim boyfriend jeans and either sneakers or flats for day, or rock it with or over a fit and flare skirt and heels for evening.

 

6. Athletic Trend:  The athletic trend is back this season in full force! While I highlighted it last year as a go to, it was not as fully embraced as it is by designers this season. In a variety of fabrics and cuts, you can achieve this look at any price point — in fact, from a fit standpoint, some more affordable brands, like Old Navy, knocked it out of the park.  This trend can be worn literally, with a printed tee shirt and sneakers and a denim jacket for a great day time look; or paired with a silk tank and heels and a blazer for evening with a long pendant necklace. Whether you choose a cotton knit, a rayon draped fabric, or even linen, it’s chic and easy, and transitions day to night with ease with the right accessories.            

 7. Global prints: Another oldie but goodie, this trend recycles from year to year. But, this season, it has manifested itself in bolder ways, and in silhouettes other than the peasant top. Whether in a bold print shoe, an embellished maxi dress or in magnificent leather fringe clutch or bag, this trend compliments both sophisticated and classic styles alike!

  

 8. Floral trend: The floral trend is the most prevalent trend this season — and mostly because of the diversity in which it has been presented. Whether digitally enhanced and manipulated, superimposed over geometric elements, or in paying homage to the Impressionists, the key to this trend is juxtaposition: pair sweet florals with edgy pieces, such as waxed skinny jeans, or leather: or choose a more edgy silhouette, fabric or color, like a cropped top, neoprene material (which is all the rage this season) or a black and grey floral tee to wear with basics.

 

9. The shirt dress: Designers have brought this classic back with a vengeance. In fabrics ranging from cotton poplin, to stretch jersey, there is both a fabric and silhouette to accommodate every woman– whether you work in or out of the home. It is such a versatile piece that transcends seasons, and is a closet keeper.

 

If you have more of a boyish figure, stick with a straight cut; and if you are more of a pear shape or hourglass, look for something with an A-line skirt that ties at the waist to highlight your mid-section, while elongating your legs. My all time favorite shirt dress is the wrap dress. If you invest in any piece, this is one well worth the splurge. It is regarded as a universal “must have” in every woman’s wardrobe– whether it is by DVF ( Diane VonFurstenburg) or another designer. Universally flattering, it goes day to night, decade to decade, and is guaranteed to stand the test of time!

 10. The Neutral shoe: Shoe designers are all over the gamut this season with spring footwear’s silhouettes– a few to keep an eye out for are the peep toe bootie, the gladiator, the fisherman’s sandal, and the block heeled sandal. The one thing these all have in common is hue: neutral. Neutral this season refers to beige, taupe, and often times, shades of cognac and whiskey brown. Great when paired with neutrals ( aka navy, black, white), the neutral shoe not only goes with just about everything, but if the color choice matches your skin tone, you’ve just added length to your legs, and height to your physique.

 

Whichever trends you embrace this spring, have fun with them; and you are guaranteed to walk out the door each and every day with your best foot forward!

 

 

Spring into Spring With Your Best Foot Forward

Though many regard the blooming of flowers and buzzing bees as the call of spring’s arrival. Sadly, the only call the blooming flowers signal to me is that it is time to call my internist to renew my allergy prescription! For me, spring has sprung when the department stores and boutique racks bloom! When the store windows burst with the spring colors, styles, silhouettes that graced the runways, the season’s possibilities bloom. The spring lines reflect a colorful, vibrant, sophisticated and fresh palette for the season — and this Mother’s Day, treat yourself and your wardrobe to some new fresh pieces for spring and summer!   Here is my guide to the most accessible, mom friendly, and wearable trends that have graced the runways and fashion magazines– and will hopefully grace your closets this season!

 

1. The Cropped top: This is the season defining trend!   Much like what Helen of Troy did for history, the 10 Crosby Derek Lam crop top blouse combo will forever change the way the crop top is regarded. No longer does one need rock hard abs — or be 20 years old– to don a crop top. This top, a marled charcoal grey and white striped cropped top with a built in gorgeous, architectural blouse underneath (left picture below), opened up the world of possibilities for the average woman who may have a few souvenirs left from her pregnancy around the mid-section. By wearing the crop top with it’s built-in layering piece, or alone, paired with high waisted bottoms, women young and seasoned can embrace this trend in an age appropriate and flattering way. Below, I have paired the 10 Crosby top with an oldie but goodie that is oh-so-back: the denim pencil skirt; and show a remarkably similar top from Zara (1/3 of the price!), paired with a high waisted skirt for a more formal, streamlined look, perfect for dinner or early cocktails after work. 

2. Pastels: Though some bold colors will always remain en vogue, they have given way to their softer counterparts this spring. Lovely lavenders, soothing blues, baby pinks have graced the runways and racks alike.   Wearing this trend is easy — pair it with whites for a fresh look, or faded denim. Whether you choose a fabulous accessory, like the pistachio “Bobbie” from Sarah Jessica Parker’s new shoe collection( created in partnership with Manolo Blahnik); or a spring wardrobe staple, like the Emder dress, a floor length tiered maxi dress by Calypso St. Barth, in a blue reminiscent of the waters in the Mediterranean, savor the soft sophistication it emanates.

 

3. Perforation trend: I love the “perforation trend” because you can incorporate it literally in any way you want to, at any price point; and in fabrics ranging from leather to cotton, cashmere and back — whether it’s a belt from Gap, to a Vince pullover sweater, to a laser cut leather bootie from Barney’s. From head to toe, and everywhere in between, this trend adds interest, dimension and character — and can be an accent or THE statement piece of your look.

 

5. Embellished sweatshirt:  The embellished sweatshirt trend mixes fashion forward with cozy! Take your comfy clothes up a notch! Pair it denim boyfriend jeans and either sneakers or flats for day, or rock it with or over a fit and flare skirt and heels for evening.

 

6. Athletic Trend:  The athletic trend is back this season in full force! While I highlighted it last year as a go to, it was not as fully embraced as it is by designers this season. In a variety of fabrics and cuts, you can achieve this look at any price point — in fact, from a fit standpoint, some more affordable brands, like Old Navy, knocked it out of the park.  This trend can be worn literally, with a printed tee shirt and sneakers and a denim jacket for a great day time look; or paired with a silk tank and heels and a blazer for evening with a long pendant necklace. Whether you choose a cotton knit, a rayon draped fabric, or even linen, it’s chic and easy, and transitions day to night with ease with the right accessories.            

 7. Global prints: Another oldie but goodie, this trend recycles from year to year. But, this season, it has manifested itself in bolder ways, and in silhouettes other than the peasant top. Whether in a bold print shoe, an embellished maxi dress or in magnificent leather fringe clutch or bag, this trend compliments both sophisticated and classic styles alike!

  

 8. Floral trend: The floral trend is the most prevalent trend this season — and mostly because of the diversity in which it has been presented. Whether digitally enhanced and manipulated, superimposed over geometric elements, or in paying homage to the Impressionists, the key to this trend is juxtaposition: pair sweet florals with edgy pieces, such as waxed skinny jeans, or leather: or choose a more edgy silhouette, fabric or color, like a cropped top, neoprene material (which is all the rage this season) or a black and grey floral tee to wear with basics.

 

9. The shirt dress: Designers have brought this classic back with a vengeance. In fabrics ranging from cotton poplin, to stretch jersey, there is both a fabric and silhouette to accommodate every woman– whether you work in or out of the home. It is such a versatile piece that transcends seasons, and is a closet keeper.

 

If you have more of a boyish figure, stick with a straight cut; and if you are more of a pear shape or hourglass, look for something with an A-line skirt that ties at the waist to highlight your mid-section, while elongating your legs. My all time favorite shirt dress is the wrap dress. If you invest in any piece, this is one well worth the splurge. It is regarded as a universal “must have” in every woman’s wardrobe– whether it is by DVF ( Diane VonFurstenburg) or another designer. Universally flattering, it goes day to night, decade to decade, and is guaranteed to stand the test of time!

 10. The Neutral shoe: Shoe designers are all over the gamut this season with spring footwear’s silhouettes– a few to keep an eye out for are the peep toe bootie, the gladiator, the fisherman’s sandal, and the block heeled sandal. The one thing these all have in common is hue: neutral. Neutral this season refers to beige, taupe, and often times, shades of cognac and whiskey brown. Great when paired with neutrals ( aka navy, black, white), the neutral shoe not only goes with just about everything, but if the color choice matches your skin tone, you’ve just added length to your legs, and height to your physique.

 

Whichever trends you embrace this spring, have fun with them; and you are guaranteed to walk out the door each and every day with your best foot forward!