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It's Time to Update the Spring Closet

With the weather warming up all over the country, it is safe to say that spring is finally here! That also means that it is time to turn over the closet and check out the latest spring and summer trends. Here is a rundown of some of the trends to keep an eye out for.

The first major trend that we are seeing is color! Pants are really making this trend. They are available in any color, from dark or light neon, to pastels, to even patterns! 

The second big trend we are seeing is the twenties. This could result from some major movies that are set to be released in the next couple of months, especially The Great Gatsby. Major designers like Ralph Lauren are onto this trend, which includes fringed skirts, pleats, and heavily beaded dresses. 

Another trend is longer hem lines. In the past, we have seen miniskirts make a huge comeback, but this season is all about being modest and conservative. This year, we have seen leather make a statement in every season, and it will continue to do so. I think it is a great combination to wear leather for spring, as well as another obvious trend: florals. We have seen designers such as Hermes and Celine use this trend in their spring collections. 

There are some trends that are also running over from past seasons, so remember to keep them in your closet. We are still seeing plenty of lace, especially on the backs of shirts. The last trend we have spotted is the wide leg trouser, rather than the skinny cut pant. 

In the accessories and beauty category, we are seeing many trends, as well.  There are plenty of chunky, colorful jewelry this season, and there are purses in the style of doctors' bags, which are larger and boxy at the bottom. For hair, we have seen a change from pin-straight styles to some bounce. Whether it is natural curls or blow-out hair, there is some movement in hair for spring. The chignon is also continuing through the spring, as well as the french twist updo. 

Text Caitlin Beck

Image 5150mommy.com

V.S. PINK Launches Full MLB Collection

Earlier this week, Victoria’s Secret made a lot of baseball fans happy, as the company expanded the number of teams available in its Pink Major League Baseball collection to include all 30 teams. Leading the newly added teams are the Marlins, followed by the Braves, Blue Jays, Royals, Reds, Astros, and Pirates.

Now, female fans all over the United States can wear their favorite team’s tees, shorts, hats, hoodies, bags, and sweats to the ballpark, while still looking fashionable. Even team undies are available.

We have a strong feeling that the celebrity girlfriends of Major League Baseball players, like Jamie Edmondson, Torrie Wilson, Shannon James, Rima Fakih, and Brittany Binger, will all love the collection. Launched originally in 2010, the Victoria’s Secret and MLB collaboration is now available at 450 stores, including MLB stadium stores and online at the Victoria's Secret and MLB websites.

Text  Quamé A. Hamlin
Source  PR Newswire
Image  The Fashion Fiend

Tommy Hilfiger Joins ‘American Idol’

Legendary designer Tommy Hilfiger has joined the “American Idol” family as an image adviser to the show’s finalists.

“I admire risk takers who share my belief in the power of fashion to transform and influence, and I look forward to working with the artists to guide them in defining their performance style and identity,” Hilfiger said in a press release.

For Tommy Hilfiger fans, this new position may not come as much of a surprise, considering his connections with musicians in the past. Hilfiger has worked with well-known artists like Britney Spears, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and The Rolling Stones.

We cannot wait to see what Hilfiger comes up with for each finalist. If you are someone who stopped watching “Idol” a few cycles back, this may give you a reason to begin watching the show again.

Text Quamé A. Hamlin
Source PR Newswire
Image GQ

Fun, Freedom, and Fashion at BET’s ‘Rip the Runway’

BET’s eighth annual fashion show, “Rip the Runway,” has been taped and will premiere on March 21. Hosted by supermodel Selita Ebanks and actor Pooch Hall, this year’s show will feature up-and-coming designers like Samantha Black, Tannielle White, Monif C, and LaQuan Smith, as well as the debut of Ebanks’ swimwear line, Sass by Selita.

In addition to the models that will grace the runway, quite a few musical guests will make an appearance. Robin Thicke, B.o.B., Lil’ Kim, Estelle, Wale, Meek Mill, Diggy Simmons, and Jeremih will all perform at the special show.

“Fun, Freedom and Fashion” is the theme of this year’s show, and we doubt that “Rip The Runway” will lack any of the three. Produced by Cossette Productions, which has produced the Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards, BET's fashion show sounds like something you will not want to miss.

Text Quamé A. Hamlin
Source PR Newswire
Image Beauty Is Diverse

Watch Out for Kate Spade

If there’s one thing that handbag queen Kate Spade is good at, it is pops of color/ (Okay, and polka dots.) So it comes as no surprise that the designer’s first-ever line of watches is full of brights, like the canary yellow and hot pink Carousel bangles pictured above, which are also available in turquoise. Even some of the standard gold and silver pieces have soft pink accents, like the rosy-hued minute hand on both the gold and silver Gramercy Grand watches. But for us, the standout is certainly the bangle watches, which come with cute phrases engraved inside, just like Kate Spade’s adorable idiom bangles. The only thing we love more than the graphic black-and-cream design of the Delacorte bangle is the cheeky “When in Rome” inscription.

Are you sensing a geographical pattern to these names, which include Gramercy Hotel and Delacorte Theater? Kate Spade’s collection is inspired by New York City, so each design takes its name from a local landmark, including a Metro Strap watch. Perhaps, every watch should be inscribed with “New York minute.”

Text Kara Solarz
Image Racked.com

Watchmakers Turn Focus on women

Wearing a watch has been a trend in men's fashion for many years. But this year, watchmakers are turning their focus on women. The Swiss are working on a line of mechanical watches for women, and it is projected to become a more lucrative business than luxury men's watches. Tag Heuer, Chanel, and La Montre Hermes all predict that adding women's lines will increase sales by about 30 percent. 

The designers believe that women will like the mechanical aspect of the watches, as a result of the increased level of craftsmanship, as opposed to electric ones. Another reason that watch sales will rise is that they will make a great gift for women. Designers are also using a wide variety of materials to make these watches. The high-end watches will continue to consist of gold and diamonds, but designers have also begun to make watches with enamel, mother of pearl, and even feathers.

Text Caitlin Beck

Image vipo2v.com

Looks by Larissa: Jean Jacket

 

Today, I decided to show off my Levi’s vintage jean jacket. Levi’s vintage pieces are always timeless, and they can enhance an outfit without fail. This jacket is designed for men, and I love it because it’s large enough to wear layers underneath if it is cold, and I feel as if I’m wearing my boyfriend's jacket. There is just something so romantic about that concept.

My shirt is an old L.L. Bean button up, straight from my grandmother’s closet. The red and white stripes with the dark blue acid wash of the jacket creates an amazing juxtaposition. The jeans are jeggings, because I had yet to try out this pair. They look like jeans, but they have the comfort of leggings, which I love! The shoes are lace-ups from Urban Outfitters. These shoes have such a clean design, and my favorite part is the slight point at the end. Overall, I think this look is super chic.

Detail shot of the shoes after the jump...

Jewelry Dunn Right

Some may believe wearing skulls is gothic and scary, but we think otherwise. When sporting pieces from the Jewels By Dunn collection, you don’t have to be gothic and scary; you can be colorful, trendy, and bright. 

The Jewels By Dunn collection is made up of various bracelets and necklaces, designed with beautiful beads and stones. Each of the different designs presented in the collection bring something unique to the table. You can purchase pieces from the collection on the Jewels By Dunn website. Since each design contains just about every color, you can wear them everyday with all of your different outfits. You can dress them up or dress them down, and no matter what, you’ll end up getting a compliment. The Jewels By Dunn collection is definitely affordable and fitting for everyone.

Text Sydney Ruby 

Image www.dunnwithlove.com

Nominees & Honorees for the CFDA Fashion Awards

The Council of Fashion Designers of America has revealed the nominees for their Fashion Awards, which will mark the CFDA’s 50th  anniversary. There are five categories this year, along with three honorary awards.

Last year’s "Womenswear Designer of the Year" winner, Marc Jacobs, has been nominated again, competing against Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for The Row and Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler. Patrick Ervell, Billy Reid, and Simon Spurr have all been nominated for "Menswear Designer of the Year." McCollough and Lazaro for Proenza Schouler grabbed another nomination for "Accessory Designer of the Year," along with Alexander Wang and Reed Krakoff.

Emerging talents are honored with a Swarovkski award, and the crystal maker returns as the Awards’ underwriter. In the "Womenswear" category, Joseph Altuzarra, Chris Peters, and Shane Gabier for Creatures of the Wind, as well as Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty for Suno, have been nominated. The nominees for "Menswear" are Antonio Azzuolo, Todd Synder, and Phillip Lim. Rounding out the Swarovski Awards is "Accessory Design," where Tabitha Simmons, Pamela Love, and Irene Neuwirth were nominated. 

Tommy Hilfiger will be presented with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award by the CFDA. Rei Kawakubo will receive the International Award, and Johnny Depp is this year’s recipient of the Fashion Icon Award.

The CFDA Fashion Awards will take place on June 4 at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, where "Saturday Night Live" writer and star Seth Meyers will serve as host. Who are you routing for?

Text Ashley Amidon
Source WWD
Image Modern Destiny

Rainy Day Chic

Let’s face it: Rainy days are not the best look for fashion. With April showers just around the corner, there’s no better way to beat the rain than with a pair of Hunter rain boots.

Rain boots have never been considered the most stylish shoe, but Hunter boots completely revolutionized the rain boot by making them both stylish and trendy. They can be found on the pages of Vogue and on the feet of many celebrities and fashionistas.

So, what is it about these rainy day favorites that make them so special? They’re comfortable, practical, and fun, since they are offered in an assortment of great colors.

There’s nothing worse than running around soaking wet all day, so brighten up a rainy day with a pair of colored Hunter boots.

Wear with a fun pair of knee-high socks and skinny jeans, and you’ll actually be wishing for rainy days!

While you may be thinking that it’s a bit much to spend on rubber boots, the cozy factor and the versatility of the footwear will definitely change your mind.

Bring on the rain!

Text Sera Michael

Source The Chiconomist 

Philip Lim Reinvents the Loafer

The loafer happens to be the one shoe that has been brought back to life at the change of each season. Whether it is the penny loafer or the oxford-style loafer, these shoes just never seem to fade into the background of the grand fashion closet. So, Philip Lim acted on sheer whim when it came to dressing up the transitional loafer again. Lim took the loafer to new heights for his spring 2012 shoe collection. No, the loafer doesn't have a heel yet; it's a playful wedge that's perfect for errands and nautical strolls.

His brown, reptile-pattern loafer with its pristine wedge is fabulous for this time of the year, while Lim’s black leather, wedge loafer is a no-brainer for any season. If you're yearning for a studious look, but you don't want to sacrifice the height, Lim’s loafer-wedge concoction is just right.

Text Katelyn Chef 
Source and Image Style.com

Perfect Spring Break Hat to Pack

For those of you young fashionistas planning and packing for spring break trips, you will need to have everything that's needed to lay on the beach and do some exploring. Although you may be excited to get rid of your pale winter skin, you’ll need to look extra trendy when it’s time to protect it. Bloomingdale's has a wide array of hats to keep your face safe from the sun, for when you think you may have gotten too much. Some of you may be into big, floppy hats, but we recommend a simple and chic fedora. 

August Accessories has created the perfect paper fedora with a black bow. You can wear this fedora on the beach when the sun is starting to get in your way, or in a city while you are taking a nice shopping trip. The fedora is only $48, and it will be a great purchase before your spring break trip! You can head to Bloomingdale’s official website, or drive to the nearest store nearest to find the one that fits you best. 

Text Sydney Ruby 

Image Bloomingdale's

If the Shoe Fits, Buy It

Who says that women have to corner the market when it comes to shoes? True, it is typically the women who have closets and rooms dedicated to shoes. However, it is not that uncommon for a man to have his fair share of footwear. Men shouldn’t let a guy who has one pair of shoes that he thinks goes with everything dictate what men’s shoes should look like. Contrary to popular belief, that pair of Converse you’ve been wearing for way too long is not stylish, or any other redeeming adjective you can think of; in fact, it’s the opposite. It gives off the perception that you don’t care what you look like.

But there's no need to worry, because there are various alternatives. If you’re dead set on shoes like Converse, try to diversify. A pair of classic Chuck Taylors go well with casual jeans and T-shirt, but that look can get reductive. Try a pair of Tom's cordones. They have a similar look, but there’s a bit of a difference. Plus, buying Tom's supports a good cause, and who doesn’t want to feel warm and fuzzy when they are buying shoes?

So, the moral of this story is: Buy more shoes. Tons of them. We promise that you won’t hate yourself for it. Just step out of that comfort zone and try something new. Start small with Tom's, and then if you’re feeling especially daring, move up to wingtips. Heck, even Nike sells unconventional shoes you can try. If you branch out, then you will not regret it. You, too, can have a room dedicated to shoes.


Text Jarrod Wadsworth
Image Toms

Agyness Deyn Teams Up With Dr. Martens Footwear

After starring in two of the British brand’s campaigns, model Agyness Deyn will collaborate with Dr. Martens for a 2012 limited edition collection. Deyn, who's known for her androgynous appeal, bought her first pair of Docs in her early teen years. This is not Deyn’s first collaboration, as she has also designed a line of shirts for Uniqlo. 


“This brand is a great fit for me, as it stands for strong character and being able to shape your own personal identity,” she told WWD. 


Dr. Martens have maintained their appeal since they became a staple of nineties fashion. We’re excited to see what kinds of designs Agyness Deyn will launch with the brand. The line is supposed to launch in time for fall 2012, and it will be available worldwide.


Text Emily Thomas
Sources and Images WWD, Huffington Post

Ciaté Paint Pots Come to Sephora

With brands like Boots No. 7 and Simple Skincare arriving in the United States over the past few years, it seems only natural that English imports continue to fill the shelves of beauty departments nationwide. The latest products to make the trip to the states are Ciaté paint pots.

The name "paint pots" does not refer to the highly pigmented eye shadows from MAC Cosmetics. In this case, the paint pots are actually nail polishes. The Ciaté brand was born in London and created by nail expert Charlotte Knight. The nail colors are beautifully packaged in unique, rectangular bottles tied with bows.

Cute packaging aside, these polishes are free of formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, and other harmful ingredients which are commonly found in popular high-end brands like OPI and China Glaze. The gorgeous color range includes shades like Mistress, a vivid, creamy red, and Confetti, a clear polish filled with a fun mix of rainbow glitter.

Until now, these polishes were only available online for those in the U.S., but exchange rates and shipping made them even more pricey. Ciaté has recently partnered with Sephora, which will begin selling the polishes this month. The nail colors retail for $15 each, and they will also be sold on Sephora's website.

Text Esther Reisberg
Source and Image Style.com

Looks by Larissa: Gray and Yellow

This Sunday, I woke up and decided that I wanted to feel cute and cozy, so I opted for this fun sweater from Sparkle and Fade. The spots of color are what makes this one of my favorite pieces; it is very individual and can be paired perfectly with some dark-wash skinny jeans. I am wearing my favorite Silence and Noise jeans, because they just look good with everything.

Lately, I have been very into ankle boots. These are from Aldo, which is having amazing sales, and I can’t seem to stop buying more boots! They have a slight heel and are extremely basic, but that is what makes them worthwhile. They are great for almost any season, and I can still wear them with a cute summer dresses as the weather gets warmer! This is the perfect ensemble for meeting friends while snuggling up with a cup of coffee.

Detail shot of the sweater after the break...

New International Shoe Site

Calling all shoe lovers: Wouldn't it be great to get access to international brands from all around the world on one site? Well, dreams do come true! A brand new website called Shoescribe.com has just launched. 

The site has many cool, unique features. My personal favorite is "Ask Suzie," who is the resident shoe guru. This feature allows you to ask her anything, and then she will help solve your shoe-related problems. Another great aspect of the site is that the shoes range from sneakers to pumps, so there is something for everyone. There is an option to become a VIP member, as well, but it means that you will pay an annual fee to use this site. Benefits of becoming a member include tips on how to keep shoes in top condition, a gift on your birthday, and unlimited free shipping. 

In the future, there will be plenty of celebrity guest editors and access to video content. For the span of the site's launch, Oscar-nominated designer Arianne Phillips will be the guest editor. Make sure to check out Shoescribe for the latest in spring 2012 footwear! 

Text Caitlin Beck

Image herworldplus.com

Paris Fashion Week's Mother of Pearl Beading

The year of the sequins may be in full swing, but there was another embellishment that we couldn’t keep our eyes off of during fashion week: Pearl beading. Perfect for setting off a delicate design or adding a serious dose of bling to embroidered pieces, this detail dominated several runway shows. Take Balmain’s fall 2012 ready-to-wear collection, which showed during Paris Fashion Week. In addition to the multitude of intricately beaded jackets, suits, and dresses, all of which oozed opulence, model-of-the-moment Karlie Kloss made her usual head-turning appearance in a to-die-for pair of velvet pants dotted in thousands of pearls and crystal. The complex look was casually paired with a cream crew-neck sweater.

Balmain wasn’t the only big name to try out this trend. Valentino added some subtle pearl beading to its folk-inspired collection, and Dolce & Gabbana used it for a characteristically luxurious effect on their dresses. You don't have to wait for this runway must-have to hit retail stores. Snag a sparking pearl bead skirt from Top Shop, available in both yellow and silver, or keep it classy with a darling embellished pearl cardigan or a ladylike bead and faux pearl-embellished crepe top from Miu Miu.

Text Kara Solarz
Image Zimbio.com

Vera Wang Visits 'The View'

On March 10, superstar designer Vera Wang made an appearance on "The View," and she bought her spring 2012 bridal collection along with her. Whoopi, Joy, Sherri, and Elisabeth all enjoyed the nude-and-black-heavy collection, and they approved of the designer’s bold choice to veer away from traditional white gowns.

Draped in tulled fabrics and a heavy dose of lace, the bridal collection wowed audience members during the show’s weekly “Fashion Friday” segment. Aside from providing commentary on the her bold bridal dresses, the team of co-hosts managed to mix in a few questions, which made for a pretty decent interview.

Check out videos of Wang’s appearance on "The View" behind the jump...