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Friday, March 28, 2008

Shine on!

Sparkly and outgoing or shimmery and subtle, metallics are hot, hot, hot this year. They are a great compliment to a variety of colors, from out-there brights to soft pastels to basic black and white.

This beautiful patterned top is a great piece with just a hint of shimmer. It adds a modern touch to a classic suit or gives a glamorous touch to a simple jeans-and-sandals ensemble. Accessorize with a simple silver chain or a few hematite-toned bangle bracelets, and you have a versatile look for a variety of occasions.

Gold foil lilies are gorgeous on this ¾ length sleeve top from G Wheels. They give an elegant touch to a top with a simple silhouette. Wear it with white capris for a fun warm-weather look, or with jeans on a cool spring day. Complete your outfit with gold wrap sandals and a small gold tote.

If you’re not ready for an all-out metallic look, accessories with a metallic touch can be a good way to ease into the trend. This “sunflower” bag from Amy Kathryn has bronze faux leather accents on a tan base. Bronze is a great subtle metallic shade, muted enough to work as a neutral, but with enough shimmer to stand out. This bag is a perfect one for hauling books, toting a towel to the beach, or just carrying your everyday necessities.

Remember, metallics are perfect because they can change to fit your mood, from subtle and soft to wild and crazy. Enjoy!

~Kelly VanH

Thursday, March 20, 2008

More new trends!

As the snow continues to melt and rain washes away the last of the sandy, salty mess, I am reminded that spring is a time for revitalization, refreshment and new life. With that in mind, I think it is a perfect time to touch on a few additional trends for spring. These trends are both sophisticated and fun, making them perfect additions to a versatile spring wardrobe.

Metallics continue to be hot this year, especially in footwear. Metallics are great because they are so versatile. In a flat or wrap sandal, silver or gold are cool and casual. In a stiletto or peep-toe high heel, they are dressy and alluring. A top with a foil print or few metallic threads woven in can be casual with jeans or khaki walking shorts, while a draped top in a pale champagne gold dresses up a summer suit or pencil skirt. Colors like champagne gold, faded silver, and bronze are perfect compliments to the basic black and white that will also be hot.

Color plays a big role in spring fashion trends this year. Tie-dye and ombre fabrics are cheerful, bright, summery fabrics that liven up the season. Ombre, a dip-dye technique where color is graduated from dark to light, is a more subtle and almost elegant version of the bright colorful look, as compared to tie-dye. A very simple skirt or dress in an ombre fabric would be a great addition to any wardrobe! Or, if bold color is too much for you, try an ombre scarf or headband for just a touch.

Menswear is back in a big way this spring. Suits, trousers, blazers, and button-down tops are all hot, especially when feminized with nipped-in waists, lace trim, or ruffles. These looks are obviously perfect for the workday, with their tailored, professional looks, but they can be made more casual by use of linen or cotton fabrics or pale, pretty colors.

Greek-inspired dressing is a perfect look for evening this spring. Dresses are folded, twisted, pleated, and draped to hang gracefully on the body, skimming curves and adding shape. If you love the look, as I do, but don’t have anywhere to show off a fantastic dress, a wonderful draped blouse worn with loose black pants or even jeans would be a great compromise.

If you’re on the lookout for more great spring trends, stop by next week or check out a few of the links above. Until next week……

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Welcome to the Jungle

The Safari look is one of my favorites for the season. Though it seems a little hard to interpret for everyday wear, this is actually one of the easiest looks to reinvent. Khaki, beige, cream, or olive drab pants fit this look, as do shirt dresses in the same colors. Or, belt a jacket or cardigan over bootcut pants and a white button-down top. Yaya’s has two great jackets that would be perfect for this look.

First, try this Maestro silver glazed linen coat. The empire waist and double-breast are classy and flattering, adding a look of elegance to any outfit. The light silver fabric compliments an array of skin tones. Wear it with jeans for a dressed-up weekend look or black pants for a workday look.

Armand & Alba’s one-button cardigan in khaki is a great look for this trend. The lightweight knit and ¾ length sleeves are great for warm spring days, worn over a floral dress or with khaki capris and a white silk top. The swingy, cropped silhouette is fun and fresh for the season, and the khaki color compliments any outfit. Try it in yellow, too.

To update your winter wardrobe, pick a fitted cardigan or jacket and add a great belt. Even a ribbon tied around the waist would be a great fresh touch. Click on the “jackets and sweaters” link above for more great finds.

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