Spring 2012: Color Trends

As season after season goes by we are seeing similar trends repeating themselves metallic, sheer, color-blocking and colorful pants. And don’t worry, they’re still in but spring will be bringing some new twists on these trends! Some of the top spring trends included iridescent, perforations, pastels and bright orange! In honor of the official start of spring, I’ll share some of this spring’s color trends with you!

Pastels: These soft milky colors are perfect for spring! Personally, I'm dying for some mint and/or peach jeans but pastels look so pretty and feminine on any article of clothing! If pretty and feminine isn’t your thing, try pastel in a smaller dose with nail polish!

Neon: On the opposite end of the spectrum, neons are also in for spring! What a better way to get excited for summer than some neon apparel! If you don’t think you can pull of neon, think again! Neon pink looks great on everyone, you just have to pick a style that flatters you! If you don’t want to put any neon clothes on your body try a small neon bag!

Bright Orange: This past fall, I had a weird obsession with the color orange and I’m regretting not stocking up then! Bright oranges are in this spring and they will translate great into summer and maybe even fall! I really want an orange bag and orange cropped jeans! (Have you noticed I really like colored pants?)

Neutrals: Wearing head to toe neutrals, might make you feel like you’re on a safari, but that’s the point! This spring’s fashion is all about escapism and what better way to escape than on a safari? Plus, your global accessories will look great with this style!

Spring Cleaning for Your Closet!

The weather is heating up and spring is quickly approaching! Maybe it’s time to do some spring cleaning in your closet! For starters, donate any clothes that you know you won’t wear and you won’t miss. If you’re looking to make a little extra cash try to sell it to a consignment store! Also get rid of any worn out clothes that have gotten a little too much love (sometimes these can be hard to part with). I personally like to hold on to clothes that are a little too big or small because they could potentially fit again in a few months, but pack them away for some wiggle room in your closet. I’m sure you’ll fill it quickly to get some new spring clothes to replace them! The same rules go for accessories, if it’s beat up, get rid of it! If you are hating that bag you bought impulsively bring it along with the clothes to donate or sell. If you are into crafting like myself, try to rework pieces you have. Make old jeans in to a bag or vest! Bedazzle a bag or beat up tee! If it doesn’t work out, you weren’t going to keep it anyway!  

Now let’s talk about somethings you should have in your closet. Trench coats and great jackets are necessary to get through the spring! Don’t be afraid to wear something colorful! Ankle pants are great for spring weather its a chilly or warm day! Plus they look great with nearly anything wedges or flats, tank tops or sweaters! If you don’t want to spend extra money on seasonally limited pants, roll the pants you already own to achieve the cropped look! My personal spring favorites are skirts and dresses! They are so easy to throw on and always look adorable! I love wearing them with my cowboy boots but you really can’t go wrong! If you’re stocked up on these spring staples, you’ll have a stylish season every year!

My Recent Infashuation: Maxi Shirts

Getting bored of your usual winter look? Try a maxi skirt! I used to picture maxi skirts as s flowing white or floral skirt that you would wear on a warm summer day. However, my latest infashuation is maxi skirts for the winter! I recently bought two ( a black one and a gray one, both a jersey knit) but it took me a little while to gather up the courage to wear them! It wasn’t that I didn’t know how to wear a maxi shirt, I just didn’t know where to wear it (I didn’t want to look like a total diva!). When I finally did, I got a lot of complements and didn’t feel overdressed (even though I was just going to class!) So if you’re interested in this look but not quite sure how to pull it off here’s some tips:

• Wear a simple top and tuck it in
•  If you need some height, wear heeled boots (flats and combat boots also work well with the look)
•   Wear an interesting belt or statement necklace
• Pair a fitted maxi skirt with a chunky sweater and suede booties
• Extra chilly outside? Wear tights underneath for warmth!

If you think you can pull it off (or act like you can) then everyone else will believe it! The most important accessory when trying a new look is confidence! A bonus to the maxi skirt? The look can be carried in to spring! 

BE MINE?

Don’t have a valentine for the quickly approaching holiday? Not to fret, you aren’t alone on the disliked mushy day! Just because you haven’t found prince charming yet, doesn’t mean you can’t show a little love for February 14^th. Gather up some fellow single ladies and celebrate with heart cookies and sappy love movies (I’ll just stick with the cookies). Make valentines for your friends, have conversation hearts with every meal, or decorate your room! I LOVE Valentine’s Day! Any excuse to wear pink, eat candy, and make cute cards is good with me! I highly recommend being your own valentine! Who knows what you love better than yourself? Here are a few Valentine’s Day presents (from Urban Outfitters) you might want to buy yourself! 

 

Black is the New Black

Once I finished packing my clothes to head back to college, I found myself looking at a suitcase of nearly all black clothing (naturally with some gray in the mix as well). Then I thought back to the night before when I told my brother to wear black and he responded with, “I’m not goth!” or the time I walk out of my dorm only to be greeted with “Where’s the funeral?”.  I’ll admit I do wear a lot of black, especially this time of year. But, wearing black doesn’t have to be boring or depressing! Black should be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe. It’s flattering, slimming, and goes with nearly everything! Every woman is advised to own a little black dress…. I have at least four. In addition to the LBD, every woman should own a few other basic black articles of clothing: casual pants, dress pants, tights, a variety of tees, and a few pairs of shoes. It seems a little overboard but black goes with everything and is perfect for every occasion. If solid black is too boring for you, there’s plenty of ways to add some excitement. Add a brightly colored accessory such as a belt, clutch, or pink shoes!  Look for black with ruffles, sequins or other fun details. Black is my go to color, even if it isn’t yours stock up your closet with some basic black pieces. Trust me, you’ll wear it! 

Infashuation on the Red Carpet

When award season rolls around, it’s not really the awards I’m looking forward, it’s the red carpet! I love see what everyone is wearing and who is wearing who. For this year’s red carpet at the Golden Globe’s I was not disappointed! Almost everyone looked really amazing! My favorite three looks were worn by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Charlize Theron, and Piper Perabo. Michelle Gellar’s fun but beautiful dress from Monique Lhullier gown chosen by her 2-year-old. Charlize Theron wore a gorgeous Dior gown. Although the gown is revealing, it possesses as soft and elegant look. One of my other favorites, which did not receive the best reviews, was Piper Perabo. Her soft gray gown had a very voluminous skirt and a fitted top. Why I liked this dress wasn’t the shape, as much as the sheerness. When Piper Perabo was presenting on stage, you could see her legs through the full gray skirt! It was such a unique look! Hopefully the other upcoming award shows will have as many gorgeous gowns!

Look Good While Getting Fit!

If you’re trying to stay fit for 2012 or recovering from holiday indulgences, you might be looking for some motivation to hit the gym. So why not but yourself a snazzy pair of sneakers and some new work out apparel? As I’ve mentioned before, I like to look stylish and put together all the time, and that includes when I’m hitting the gym. Dozens of active wear brands offer cute, affordable and most importantly, functional apparel and accessories. The textiles used in activewear create breathable and comfortable garments. The details, patterns and colors used in active wear create stylish looks that can range from sleek to fun!

Simple and stylish details on yoga pants and tops, like these from lululemon, give the casual basics a modern look.

Bright colors and patterns make working out more fun (or at least look more fun). For a fun look, try a bright or pattered sports bra like the one below from Champion. These shorts, also from Champion, are reversible and available in a variety of colors creating endless options!

 Any of these items will keep you looking way more fabulous than wearing a ratty old t-shirt! I hope treating your self to some cute new work-out gear will help you get motivated to stay fit in 2012!