Tri-Tone Heels

Let's step fashionably into the new spring season with a pair of tri-tone shoes that will surely become your new wardrobe essential! Whether they are available in bold, bright colors or a mixture of sophisticated neutrals, this trending footwear is bound to make heads turn. These heels bring a certain kind of twist to the well-known trend called color blocking that we all know and love. So, take this new fashion accessory out for a walk and rock the multi-colored footwear we are all obsessing over for the spring 2012 season. 

For those of you who don't mind breaking the bank, try the Samos Patent-Detailed Leather Sandals by Jimmy Choo that cost $875. These tri-tone sandals offer a sophisticated yet fun touch to any outfit with their contrasting textures and slight hint of retro glamour. Giuseppe Zanotti also offers a pair of fabulous Color Block Patent-Leather Sandals that costs $695. These stacked heels feature hyper-bright hues and luxurious patent leather material that are sure to make the finishing touch on a more monochrome ensemble. 

But don't worry, my money-savvy fashionistas. There's a plethora of less-expensive alternatives to choose from. Try on a pair of Brendle Sandals by Aldo that cost only $60 and feature fun, multi-color leather flat sandals with a cute ankle strap. Zara also offers a pair of sexy Wide Strap Sandals that costs a reasonable $100. These strappy heels are bound to add a bit of sex appeal to any outfit in need of a little vamping.

So, step out of your comfort zone this spring season and experiment with a pair of bold, sexy, and undeniably playful tri-tone heels!

Text Jasmine Song

Source and Image Who What Wear

Brilliantly Bright Shades

It's time to throw out those dull brown and black sunglasses and grab yourself a pair of vibrantly colored shades that will surely give your outfit the extra umph it needs to make a bold statement for this year's fast approaching spring season! From sultry red, to bright blue, to fluorescent pink, these strikingly colorful frames are currently the talk of the fashion industry, offering a fun and quirky twist to your classic style of eyewear. Even celebrity trendsetters by the likes of Alexa Chung, Jessica Alba, and Gwen Stefani have all been spotted sporting this lovely trend.

Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and color palettes, you will certainly find a flattering pair to suit your personal style. Stella McCartney has a fabulous pair of Round Frame Sunglasses that costs $225 and offers a playful pop of color to any outfit. Matthew Williamson also has a pair of splurge-worthy Curved-Square Sunglasses that costs $369 and gives your outfit that cool, effortless look that we all wish we could pull off naturally.

But, for all of you money-conscious fashionistas out there, don't worry; there are plenty of inexpensive alternatives to choose from. Try Urban Outfitters' Extreme Cat Eye Sunglasses that cost only $16. American Apparel also offers an irresistibly affordable pair of Jody Sunglasses for $35. So, brighten up your look with a pair of colorful frames, and bring high fashion to your wardrobe for spring 2012.

Text Jasmine Song
Source and Image Who What Wear

Wild Pliés Down the Runway

Just as eye-catching as their high-heeled counterparts, ballerina flats are back in style for the spring season with an assortment of wild prints and bold colors! Think you've seen enough unusually striking patterns and designs this season? Well, think again, because this dazzling trend is not leaving the runways anytime soon. Renowned fashion designers are adding a little twist to this once subtle-yet-playful trending accessory, incorporating eye-popping color arrangements and prints that will be sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone trying to sneak a peek of your fabulous footwear. 

Roger Vivier offers a breathtaking cotton-silk ballerina flat that costs $595 and features a colorful leopard-print design, his signature buckle, and skid-proof rubber soles. These stunning flats are not only comfortable because of their luxe fabric, but they are also wearable. So, forget about those sky-high heels, and give your feet a rest. Pair these gorgeous shoes with any outfit that's in need of a pop of color, and prepare yourself for spring 2012. 

Text Jasmine Song

Source and Image InStyle

Dainty Rings Make a Statement

While we have all gravitated towards statement jewelry because of its large size and stylistically bold appearance, more delicate pieces are beginning to take over and make just as big of a fashion statement! Hopefully you are all familiar with the cocktail ring, which typically features a rather substantial piece of hardware, big enough for anyone to spot from miles away. But, as the saying goes, out with the old and in with the new. It is time for this once-trending accessory to step aside and make way for a variety of more charming and delicate baubles just in time for the spring 2012 season.

Jacquie Aiche offers a fabulous Shell Prong Waif Ring, which costs $315 and features five exquisite shells placed delicately in a 14-karat gold setting. For a less-expensive alternative, try Madewell's Foxtrot Ring, which costs only $15 and features a brass-plated fox head in a vintage gold color.

Chic, charming, and conveniently versatile, feel free to stack these dainty rings for a more eye-catching appearance, or wear one on its own for a slightly more subdued look. Whatever way you choose to wear this delicate accessory, you will surely be making a statement for the fast-approaching spring season.

Text Jasmine Song
Image and Source Who What Wear

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

Graphics Galore

While we've seen techno-tribal bags, polka dot pumps, and other eye-popping, patterned accessories from seasons past, a plethora of lively graphics have captured the attention of the fashion industry once again! With an eclectic and exciting assortment of printed handbags and shoes, it's no wonder why designers have said goodbye to boring, solid-colored accessories and "hello" to energetic (and rather quirky) accent pieces for the spring 2012 season. 

Many prominent designers by the likes of Dolce and Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Kate Spade are bringing this wild and playful trend back into the spotlight. But let's be honest, has it ever left? Au contraire, this bold fashion statement is continuing to take the fashion world by storm. Even celebrity tastemakers such as Rihanna, Beyonce, and Whitney Port have all been spotted sporting this trend. 

So, spice up your wardrobe with a bold, graphic-printed accessory, and take a walk on the wild side. You will surely be strutting down the streets in style.

Text Jasmine Song

Image and Source WWD

That '70s Shoe

Let's take a moment to appreciate height and heft, because seriously stacked platforms are back! Swap out your warm winter boots for a pair of sky-high, chunky platforms, and prepare yourself for the 2012 spring season. These seventies-inspired shoes were quite popular back in the fall of 2011, especially among some of the most fashion-forward women who have walked the red carpet, like Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Beckinsale, just to name a few. Now, renowned designers by the likes of Kenneth Cole, Mulberry, Nina Ricci, Michael Kors, and Charles David are bringing this trend into the limelight with vibrant colors, eclectic patterns, and thick platform heels that are tall enough to make Lady Gaga proud.

Available in a chic assortment of designs, this trending footwear can be dressed up with your sexiest LBD or dressed down with a pair of your favorite jeans. Bold, versatile, and undeniably groovy, this fashion staple can suit almost anyone's personal style and is an absolute must-have for the fast approaching spring season.

Text Jasmine Song

Image and Source WWD

Peace, Love, and Shibori

Largely associated with the sixties hippie movement, tie-dye continues to be popular in present day. While the bold print is a major symbol of hippie fashion, you don’t need to be one to appreciate dyed duds. Brooklyn-based clothing brand Upstate is dedicated to art of dyeing fabric and offers a refined collection of textiles that are unlike the psychedelic prints of the sixties.

Originating in Japan, Shibori is a traditional method of hand dyeing, which was practiced centuries before the hippie movement. Using various techniques with the fabric, such as binding, folding, and compressing, the Shibori approach produces simple yet interesting patterns. Upstate complements Shibori style with their own touches that generate ethereal combinations of pattern and color.

The process of hand dyeing makes it nearly impossible to replicate an identical pattern from piece to piece. However, rather than this being a flaw, it’s a strength since each pattern is unique and results in one-of-a-kind pieces. Each piece is also extremely versatile and can be worn as clothing or an accessory. For example, their selection of sarongs can also be worn as scarves, and their handkerchiefs can be worn as head wraps or “cloth bracelets,” as seen in their spring 2012 collection. Essentially, purchasing one piece can yield many types of wear.

Upstate proves that tie-dye can be subtly chic by offering delicate alternatives to the powerful prints of hippie subculture. Check out their collections here.

Text Jennifer Bernard
Image and Source Upstate

Veiled Enthusiasm

Mourning the loss of the Marc Jacobs collection? Instead of opting for a classic, all-black ensemble, consider showing your sorrow with a modern-day veil. This ladylike look, which the New York Times notes as "usually reserved for religious ceremonies, goth brides and Daphne Guinness," is sure to be a top trend this spring. Perhaps a slightly more subtle answer to the Royal Wedding’s famous fastener hats, veils may become a street-style sensation faster than you can say “fedora.”

But, before you go out and buy a Lady Gaga-esque full-face net, take a look at Stephen Jones’s fifties-style veiled beanies for Jil Sander for inspiration (pictured above in blue)—they're much more “sight to be seen” than “beekeeper.” This cap, which was shown in several colors on the Milan runway, will actually be produced and sold in stores next spring. Can’t wait that long? We won’t judge if you decide to swing by a bridal store.

Text Kara Solarz
Image Glamour
Source New York Times