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

New York Fashion Week Schedule

New York Fashion week is almost here! With so many great designers and shows, it is hard to keep it all straight as to when each designer is showing. There are also some great and exciting new designers to be on the lookout for! This year's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week begins on February 9 and ends on February16.

The week starts off with a show by BCBG MaxAzria. On February 10, Nicole Miller and the Academy of Art University will be showing their collections. February 11 will have collections by L.A.M.B, Jill Stuart , and Lacoste. On February 15, Whitney Port will show her first collection at fashion week, Whitney Eve. The week will end with collections by fashion staples Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.

This fashion week promises to be a good one, with plenty of new talent and so many new trends in the making!

Text Caitlin Beck
Image Cipulita

The Bigger the Buckle, the Better

Strap yourselves into your next outfit with a fun accessory that is sure to make a strong fashion statement, because big buckle belts are stealing the spotlight! While we have all used this particular accent piece as a mere waist-defining accessory, this fashion staple has definitely transformed into something bigger and better. Already attracting quite a lot of attention from celebrity trendsetters like Rooney Mara and Byrdie Bell, this stylish accessory will undoubtedly be popular for the spring 2012 season. Although these large buckle belts have appeared on the spring runways of acclaimed designers by the likes of Phoebe Philo, Yves Saint Laurent, and Lanvin, there is an assortment of affordable alternatives to choose from that won't break the bank.

If you are worried about splurging on this bold trend, try Banana Republic's Leather Contour Belt, which costs $50 and introduces a sleek, effortless look to any outfit in need of cinching. Lauren by Ralph Lauren also has a less-expensive substitute for this spring accessory, with a $38 Patent Stretch Belt that can spice up any outfit and help you feel chic and sexy. So, add this eye-catching statement piece to your wardrobe and stand out from the crowd in a stylishly cinched frock.

Text Jasmine Song

Image and Source Who What Wear

From Lumberjack to Ralph Lauren

There was a time when flannel was only worn for practicality. It was a durable fabric that was lightweight, warm, and maybe a little itchy — the go-to style for the old-school lumberjack.

Fast forward to the nineties: Flannel was no longer seen as something practical for lumberjacks, as it became a staple in grunge fashion. People like Kurt Cobain wore the material with disheveled pride. It worked. Much like anything in fashion, flannel underwent a transformation. It evolved.

Now, fast forward to the present: We’re still lacking in the flying car area here in 2012, but there’s some good news — Flannel has undergone yet another transformation. It is no longer boxed into the category of “grunge” fashion. The material has been worked into designer collections like Ralph Lauren. Before you write flannel off as a passing fad, remember its practical uses. It is a great substitute for a heavy coat when layered properly, and don’t worry! They’ve essentially eliminated that annoying itch. Flannel is a versatile must-have for the winter months.

Now that you’ve been presented with this new information, what will you do with it? You could go rummaging through your father’s closet, you could go fishing for vintage flannel at a local thrift store, or you can head over to your local American Eagle, as they’ve got stockpiles in every color combination imaginable. The options are plentiful, especially if you know where to look.

Text Jarrod Wadsworth
Image Ralph Lauren

Saddle Up In These Western Shirts

We love Ralph Lauren: The pioneer in American menswear consistently delivers quality clothing. If you build your wardrobe with only Ralph Lauren sport (or dress) shirts for the rest of your life, others may consider you a hoarder – an intelligent hoarder.

Sometimes sport shirts risk becoming mundane and uniform, and while that’s not necessarily a setback, it should be a concern. Our suggestion? Get yourself a western or work shirt from Ralph Lauren.

Remember the days of your youth playing cowboys and Indians? Well, these shirts are akin to that, except the Indians are actually beautiful women and you’re sitting down to break bread, not make war. These shirts are vintage-inspired, western workwear looks garrisoned for the modern man. All are available at polo.com. Yippie-Ki-Yay!

More of the rugged collection after the jump...