TREND ALERT!

  Spring is in the air!  The breeze is cool and fresh, bunnies are hopping in the yard, birds chirp excitedly above your head, and butterflies flitter to and fro.

  Speaking of butterflies, a new trend, begun slowly last spring, has awakened and ascended gracefully in the fashion world... butterfly sleeve tops.  Feminine, artistic, and statement-making, atleast one needs to take harbour (and cocoon for the winter) in your closet!

  The tops are everywhere, and hard to miss.  Here are a few examples I discovered on a recent trip to the mall...

  Notice the "it" color of the season, peach/salmon/honeysuckle, and the use of embroidery.

  Another, more literal, example of a butterfly sleeve top...

 

  Perhaps you may feel a bit insecure taking a bit of a leap from the ordinary t-shirts and jeans of our culture, but the benefits outweigh the sacrifices.  These tops fit similarly to a tee, and are affordable if you do a bit of shopping around (I reccommend Kohls.com for a good deal!).  They can be easily paired with jeans of any cut (I wear mine with skinnies) or shorts (bermudas or short). Wearing this top is a simple way to acheive a perfectly feminine, fresh look.

Rave or Waive?

A new trend is on the rise… denim shirts and dresses.  These items, popular among conservatives now and trendy in the 90s, are making a comeback.

Already, stores are carrying these denim items, especially summer dresses.

Say What? by Kohl's

I <3 Ronson by JC Penny's

"Chambray Ruffle Tier Dress" by Forever 21

What do you think? Is versatile denim a has-been or a diamond in the rough?  Could a trend from the 90s, when fashion ceased to exist, really be successful in this tough fashion climate?

Spring 2011.

As the season changes, female minds turn to fashion.  What colors should I be introducing into my wardrobe for spring?  What textures and patterns are prominent this spring? What particular autumn and winter trends will carry over into spring, and how to transition my pieces? What “so last year” items should I toss? Are there any completely new trends I should consider?

Well, shall I give you my Spring 2011 fashion assessment?

I think I shall.

Spring 2011’s key colors are royal navy blue and variations of coral pink.  These two colors can be worn as accents, such as in a scarf, with more neutral colors, as individual pieces, such as a silk blouse (trend carried over from winter), or even daringly worn together. 

The patterns and textures of Spring 2011 are those of winter, but amplified!  Florals, which, over winter, were small, are bigger and brighter this spring.  Experiment loosely with floral dresses and scarves in pinks and blues.  Lace, another winter texture, is changing to subtle lining to entire sleeves.  Lace goes with almost anything! Invest in a tank or two lined or layered with lace, as well as a basic, feminine top with lace sleeves; both items are good for layering.  Shine, the third texture of winter, is hanging around in silk blouses, and accents such as sequins, stacked pumps, and bold jewelry.

How then should one transition from winter to spring fashion? Grey and dusty pink, the two “it” colors for Winter 2010, are transitioning easily into spring.  Dusty pink can be paired with cream, and grey is a common base color for outfits.  Thankfully, Winter 2010’s textures are all staying afloat this spring, providing easy transition.  Mixing and matching new pieces and old to discover updated outfits is recommended.

Out with the old and in with the new, especially this season!  Fashion is making determined strides towards sophistication.  Toss the leggings, those are completely scarce on the runways now.  The crop tops and jumpsuits, which attempted at popularity early 2010, are not acceptable in any shape or form for a true fashionista.  Logo screened tees, particularly those with irritating slogans, are a no-no.  You can keep the flow-y vests of last spring, but, if you need add one to your wardrobe, spring for a crocheted vest.

The new trends this spring are the boxy top and the flare jean.  The boxy top is for the daring —it is typically a rayon-polyester mix tee or a silky tank generously cut, providing a boxy shape.  The look can either be feminine and petite or just disastrous.  For those who dare, try pairing it with a cardigan or blazer and either skinnies or flared jeans.  Speaking of which, jeans are making a definite move away from skinny to loose.  While jeggings were the “it” pant all winter, Spring 2011 fashions are aimed toward a more 70s inspired look.

Fashion is on the up and up.  It is all feminine details and textures, colors that pop paired with muted tones, and a touch of shine.  Fare well, fashionistas.