Trending: Shirt-dresses To Take You Everywhere in Spring

Although shirt-dresses never really left the fashion scene, the designers behind Rag & Bone, Phillip Lim and NAHM revisited and reinvented the classic silhouette for A/W 2011. The shirt-dress can take you anywhere from day to night and work to play, not to mention that it flatters all shapes and sizes, making anyone look put together without really trying at all (that's the trick, isn't it?). Of course as with any classic staple, it doesn't hurt to accessorize to make it all your own. So whether wear these with combat boots, wedges, a belt or some quirky jewelry, look smart in these fun must-haves for spring!

I Don't Like Mondays Evil Twin Revolution in the Classroom Shirt-dress (pictured above), $37.20; Cheap Monday Whitney Dress, $90; Madewell Scenic Route Dress, $126; Shakuhachi Army Mesh Shirt-dress, $187.20; Something Else Haze Slash Shirt-dress, $128; Urban Outfitters Sparkle and Fade Dress, $59. Levi's x Opening Ceremony Onesie Skirt Dress, $280.

Text Kristina Bravo

Source: Fashionologie.com

Spring Essentials: What to Wear This Spring

It's official, spring has sprung in New York and left a lot of people suprised, too layered, and sweaty (it's not pretty...take my word for it.) Really that only leaves one thing: TIME TO BREAK OUT THE NEW WARDROBE! Ok, maybe you don't have the new wardrobe down yet, so it's time to get some new spring time ideas to freshen up that closet.

But what to wear? Here seems to be the general consensus of this years top 10 essentials for the warmer season!

1) Maxi Dress

2) Heavy Wedges (think wood, and leather types)

3) Fold over cross-body bags

4) The fancy jumper (just beware of bathroom breaks!)

5) Oversized hats (this year is all about variety for hats, you really can't seem to go wrong so go crazy and try every kind you can!)

6) Neon colors

7) Nude palettes

8) A-symmetrical pieces

9) Thrown together layers

10) Any kind of floral/tie die/stripe print. Prints galore!

So what will you be adding to your must have list?

Text Corinna Fabre

Spring's Chicest Sack

Michael Kors Rattan and Leather Box Clutch at Net-a-porter

Peel open the ambrosial pages of any reputable fashion rag and you'll spot the same spring accessory, over and over again: the day clutch. Unlike its sleek and sparkly evening counterpart, the day clutch adds subtle structure to a designer jean and blouse combo. It's the perfect way to add sophistication to a beachy maxi dress and if played right, it can transition to a casual evening out. Opt for a casual woven clutch to add a bohemian flavor or a matte, melon colored leather.

DKNY 2011

DKNY's ad from the Spring collection is absolutely lovely. When I look at this photo, I am taken to Paris. What makes this look so Parisian Perfect is combination of the pink on top of red as well as the fun additions like little black bow for the belt and the beige-colored skirt. It is refreshingly sweet and sassy. This outfit is perfect for Spring and causes me to be curious and excited about the rest of the collection. Pink blazers are rare to find and I would love to have this one! And even though I'm more of a black blazer type of girl, I absolutely love pink. I never thought to combine the two. This is absolutely perfect.

P.S. The rest of the collection is just as lovely.

http://dkny.donnakaran.com/women/on-the-runway/spring-2011/runway-video

Text Alexandra Faye

Spring's New, Cropped Cut

This summer, fashion brought new life to old trends, one of the most popular being cropped clothing. Crop tops, cropped trousers, and now, cropped hair. While the pixie cut has been around for quite some time, it’s never seemed so fresh or unexpected. Models such as Agyness Deyn and celebrity muses like Michelle Williams have had us loving shorter hair for a while now, but the rendition that supermodel Carmen Kass debuted on the Balmain runway in Paris is something we haven’t quite seen before. Kass, the face of Michael Kors, is known for her long, lustrous blonde locks, so the simple act of removing so much length caught may people off-guard. However, unlike the cropped cuts of the past, Kass’ new ‘do was sultry rather than spunky. Instead of cutting it super short, stylist Sam McKnight chose to give the Estonian beauty a more androgynous look. Opting for long, undone layers in the front, the cut gets shorter and more structured as it reaches the back of the neck. Many have started calling it the “backwards mullet”, but not a single person has seen the look without singing its praises. This hairstyle truly accentuates the trends of the season, as it gives off a more rugged, androgynous feel without losing its femininity. The best thing about this style is not just that it’s unexpected, but it is unbelievably versatile. It can add toughness to the sweetest floral frock, keep things casual with cargo skinnies or basic denim, and will complete a look rather than compete with it. Of course, just like any other haircut, it is better suited for certain face shapes. However, the look is spreading like wildfire, so any stylist should be able to see a picture and create a custom version for each individual client. With that said, no one should dodge the cut in fear that it will look too harsh. It’s daring, yes, but the long layers will accentuate feminine features and make anyone’s bone structure appear more defined- something that “too short” styles fail to do. After seeing this look pop up more than once at several different shows throughout fashion week, it’s safe to say that “the Carmen” just may be the must-have hairstyle this spring.

By Ali Antonucci

Badgley Mischka Spring 2011 RTW

While it comes as no surprise that there was no shortage of exquisite evening gowns at the Badgley Mischka Spring 2011 RTW show yesterday at the first fashion week held at Lincoln Center, design duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka definitely stirred the pot. Amid the divine dresses that will surely grace many a red carpet come awards season, were chic sportswear pieces that evoked the seventies. Also delectably unexpected was the team’s decision to feature three collections during one show—couture, ready-to-wear, and the more modestly priced Mark & James line. This interplay made for a very dynamic display in which a bikini top with sheer overlay and high waisted silk shorts were followed by a dreamy blue Grecian gown. Despite the presentation of three distinct styles the show never lacked a feeling of consistency; and though other collections also favored floppy hats and high waists, Mark Badgley and James Mischka elevated the look with elegant embellishments all their own.

Text Jessica Best