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

Fit to Print

The eighties had their power suits (thanks, Jil Sander) and the aughts had the ever-ubiquitous tuxedo jacket. But now, the blazer is making the transition from a traditional menswear-inspired piece to a decidedly ladylike wardrobe staple. The printed blazer, seen on the spring 2012 and resort 2012 runways, is sure to be this season’s knockout piece. This trend has taken shape in bold, graphic designs, like the ornately patterned blazer from Balmain’s resort 2012 line  — 25-year-old head designer Olivier Rousteing even sent out a beaded, gold chain–trimmed evening jacket that put the basic black blazer to shame. Jil Sander, of course, took a turn at punching up the working-woman look in the plaid and paisley two-button blazers in her spring 2012 collection. Our favorite, however, is the feminine florals featured in Celine’s resort 2012 collection, like the Laura Ashley–inspired jacket.

While this garden-party perfect piece is a shoe-in for spring, there’s no reason for you to wait it out through winter. Pair these bright blazers with neutral pieces, like an all-black ensemble or a pale winter dress. And, if the aforementioned high fashion selections just look like a wearable rent check to you, fear not. Hit Top Shop for affordable variations on the printed blazer look, like this unstructured co-ord oil feather jacket, or try the trend in toile, like this scenic ASOS blazer.

Text Kara Solarz
Images Style and Vogue

Karolina Kurkova: Versatile. Who Knew?

Karolina Kurkova is known for being a very sexy, Victoria's Secret model. She is a Czech, blonde bombshell with a 5'11" rockin' bod. She has walked the runway in the famous Victoria's Secret Fashion Show as a knockout angel and after having a baby in 2009, she returned to the lingerie powerhouse shortly after to grace the pages of the catalogue. Now, with a completely different look, you can see her in the latest editions of any fashion magazine as a model for Max Mara.

Though I have rarely seen Kurkova in any other campaigns, she has been in Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Oscar De La Renta, Dior and Celine campaigns. Needless to say, this is the most artful look I have ever seen on her. She looks highly sophisticated and sharp. Her features appear precise.

Many models always look the same in every photo and with certain models, you don't notice because they are so stunning. Karolina Kurkova is that type of model. Her look for this campaign is unlike her typical sexy and gorgeous look, and it threw me off a little bit. I needed to take a second and take it in because I wasn't sure if it really was her. Then I noticed it was, and I was stunned. I thought, "Wow. This model really is versatile." That right there proves that she deserves her "Supermodel" status.

Text Alexandra Faye

New Trend to Fill Your Post Christmas Shopping

(Eugenie Dalland showing her easy-chic styling of the tailored look, jacket by May Kosaka)

Each year as the fashion seasons come and go, so to the trends that explode onto the front stage with astonishing power. A teacher of mine best described a trend as something that appears absurd in the beginning but slowly takes hold as the days past; something you first see in disbelief and refuse to believe you would ever wear, but slowly creeps into your world until you wake up one morning and all of a sudden, you are one of the masses. Everyone has fallen trap to it, hell…a few days ago I caught myself wearing leggings with an over sized shirt just short enough to make the leggings function as pants, something I vowed never to do (and will still fight even myself on). This season is no different with styles emerging that leave everyone wonder….how WOULD I wear that?

The newer trends that are emerging range everywhere from vibrant fluorescent prints (ala Prada), dark leather bondage (ala Givenchy masks…in fact I saw this one on a blog’s gift guide…go figure…give the gift of gags for Christmas…), and lots of structure with a little bit of a harder edge (this strong suiting and tailored looks ala Celine). So, with Christmas past, and shopping for yourself back to the guilt free zone, how will you be bringing these out-there trends into your wardrobe for the New Year? Myself…I think I’ll try a little bit of all of them!

Text by Corinna Fabre