Primaries Galore!

When it comes to color, spring is typically a time for brights, neutrals, and pastels. Though all these shades will come into play this year, spring 2008 is also a time for bold and basic primary colors. Black, white, yellow, and red all look crisp and fresh this season, and are perfect transition pieces to pick up today!

This Donna Morgan floral print dress combines the best of all things spring: a cheery graphic floral print; bold blocks of red, black, and white; and a flattering empire waist. The matte jersey fabric is light enough for a warm spring day, but is still heavy enough to hold its own when layered between black knit tights and a short black jacket for the cooler days.

If you’d prefer a brighter shade as the weather turns, yellow is for you. This 525 America crochet sweater is hot in bright, bold canary. The cheery color looks fresh and new with crisp white pants and metallic sandals for those first teasing days of warmth, and the fitted shape goes great with a white peasant skirt when the weather really heats up. Or, wear it over a black camisole with black wide-leg pants to add a pop of color to your cool-weather wardrobe.

Looking for a more unusual piece? Kersh’s French Terry jacket in pomegranate is sure to get noticed in a crowd. With ¾ length sleeves, ribbed cuffs and hem, and oversized buttons, this uniquely-styled jacket is great addition to any spring wardrobe. It can be worn belted over a ribbed tee with boot-cut jeans for a great weekend look, or it can provide an extra bit of warmth over a short black dress. The vivid pomegranate shade is a winner, no matter what you pair it with!

Be sure to browse the rest of the site for even more great finds in an array of shades.

Kelly VanHoveln

Ruffles & Lace

In last week’s blog, I wrote that feminine-looking clothing will be big for spring. Though there are many interpretations of the look, Yaya’s carries a few great pieces that are pretty and girly, but not at all overdone. Pick one, two, or all three to update your spring wardrobe. Mix them with your all-time favorite outfits to reinterpret the trend perfectly flatter you!

First, check out this red and beige ruffled top from Chaudry. The tiny ruffles at the hem and neckline are feminine and flattering, adding the illusion of curves, and the tiny floral print is sweetly sexy. The slightly transparent fabric can be layered under a jacket for work, or worn alone for a night out. Casual enough to be worn with jeans or khaki capris, this top can also be dressed up with a pretty peasant skirt and wedge sandals.

Next, try this simple black and white ruffle top from Michael Simon. The classic contrast of black and white gives the soft silhouette a bit of an edge, making the top a perfect fit under a white suit or paired with white jeans. The full ruffle and V-neck combine to enhance the bust and draw attention upward.

If you’re in the mood for something flowy and flirty, just perfect for hot summer days, Chaudry’s peasant skirts are for you. The low waist and lace inset make them more “Sex in the City” than “Little House on the Prairie.” Complete the look with a slim lace tank top to impress you significant other, or with a belted cardigan to show off to the boss.

None of these pieces exactly what you’re looking for? Click on “Clothing” above to browse all of Yaya’s perfect picks.

Kelly

Six more weeks...

Puxatawney Phil saw his shadow a few days ago, which means six or more long weeks of winter. The forecast for the upcoming weeks echoes that with almost a foot of snow predicted, but I still think it’s a great time to touch on a few key spring trends. Maybe if we all start wishing hard enough for the warm weather, it will come early, despite the predictions!

The biggest trends for spring seem to juxtapose one another: frilly feminine and structured safari-type looks will both be hot. Though both are great on their own, they can be worn together for a look that’s sweet and sleek.

The feminine trend is one of the most prominent for spring 2008. Light, flowing fabrics; soft floral prints; muted neutrals; ruffles; and lace are the key notes for the trend. Transparent looks, pleats, and soft draping are also big. Try out this trend in a pretty floral-print slip dress with ruffled hem and dainty wrap sandals, or layer several lacy camisoles in complementary colors under a beige chiffon top so the colors are muted and soft. If you’re looking for a more elegant look, wear a one-shoulder draped dress in a gauzy fabric with metallic heels and some small sparkly earrings. The soft, flowing fabrics of this trend are great for camouflaging your less-than-perfect spots, and the muted colors look great on almost any skin tone.

If girly and pretty isn’t your thing, the safari trend might be more your style. This style takes its queues from the 70s in khaki pantsuits, curve-hugging overalls, and canvas shorts-and-jacket combos. Everything is belted to enhance the waist. The look is structured, sexy, and a bit rugged. Any of theses styles would look great with the other safari-inspired look: tribal prints. A complete opposition to the feminine trend, tribal prints are bold, bright, and fun. Liven up a pantsuit or khaki shorts with a tribal-print silk blouse or scarf, or cover a tribal-print dress with a belted canvas jacket. This trend is conservative enough for daytime wear, but still sexy enough for night

One final hot trend for this spring is the return of the high waist. Find it on everything from pencil skirts to trousers and from hot pants to jeans. Though I personally find this look a bit difficult to pull off (but I still have some baby fat on my tummy and hips), it can work if you are sure to get bottoms that fit perfectly and wear them with a fitted, tucked in top. Add a belt for some pizzaz, and you have a great look for work or play.

Finally, a note about color: bright, bold blocks of color are the way to go. Red, yellow, black, and white are the key colors for the season. Red looks fresh when worn in a flirty ruffled dress or silk blouse. Yellow is great in a satin top paired with clean white high-waist pants or, for a casual look, in a ribbed t-shirt with khaki cargo shorts and matching jacket. Black and white are especially hot when worn together in bold graphic designs or in sleek tailored separates.

The key for this spring is to make sure you love what you wear. There are so many different looks out there, you'll be sure to find one that fits your personality! Happy shopping!

~Kelly VanH