I've been flipping to every magazine's spring trend articles in search for the hottest trends, to find that I either converge wholeheartedly and have already made some a staple in my wardrobe, or, well...*wrinkles nose*.
Fair enough - I will divy to you what I intend to make a part of my fling with Spring!
She loves me #5: Nude
I love nude, because it's a neutral color that can be as provocative as black when used as a main color, but it's lighter, spritelier, and has a dancer's grace to it. Pairing with crimson (like a dramatic red lip, for instance) is a fantastic tried-and-true, but I would also try neon orange, yellow or green (like Valentino did here) as accents for a more poppy, springy feel. I've been experimenting with amber shades for lipstick as well - if applied carefully, it can have the same effect for olive skin that a bubblegum pink has for lighter, cooler skin tones.
Zara has become the go-to shop for hues and shoes as far as I'm concerned. I currently own four pairs of shoes from them and wear them all as if their the only pairs of shoes I own! Zara has some great nude items, including some skin tight leggings ($39.90) that are divine with boots, and some nud-ish/blush-ish leather ballet flats ($29.90). Another great place for nude is Forever 21, which lately has an assortment of tees and dresses in the shade.
Forget Me Not #4: Military-inspiration
If you tend to shy away from this trend for its masculine vibe, I ask you to re-consider - the military trend has
endured several seasons on the runway, and despite the androgynous look it aimed for a couple of years ago (which I totally love, as well) designers like the late
Alexander McQueen are pairing menswear with curve-conscious, drap-ey feminine touches which are translating to more flattering silhouettes.
Khaki and Olive are my favorite colors for warm-weather wear, especially as a hue coupled with military-inspired details (pockets, buttons, etc). Apparently, slouchy military jackets are in, but I would opt for a slouchy shirt-dress alternative รก la Gap (pictured left, $39) or Asos, which would allow you to experiment with fabrics and accessories to soften the look - go for linen or silk, or pair with a braided belt that hugs the waist to give the dress more contour.
Sweet Surrender # 3: Lingerie Peek-A Boo
Not for the faint at heart or ample at bosom, this trend is a do if you dare. I happen to think that it is an extremely sensual "summ'n-summ'n" to add allure to a blazer, or provide texture and coverage to a sheer or loose fitting shirt. Wearing a slip as a dress looks tacky to me, but the little lace from a camisole/bra, especially in a punchy color opposite your skin tone (cool tones like limes and ceruleans for olive complexion, peaches and red-oranges for blue undertones) that will add just the right amount of ooh la la. To make sure you don't over-expose, you should just be able to see the lining, detailing or strap, nothing more (that'd be more of a flash than a peek). Victoria knows how to keep her secret! (pictured here, $38)
Puppy Love # 2: Rompers
I recently purchased a floral romper from Charlotte Russe that I am in love with, (pictured right, $26) since it hugs and poofs at exactly the right places. They also have something similar in gray and lavender which I think is so sweet! I love the combo of rompers and florals, especially with a corset bodice, but a hooded or strapless fit can work, too ( stripes and colorful digi-prints are other options). I like to pair rompers with a fitted, peplum blazer and oxfords or ballet flats. If you do go with a print, don't go too accessory happy, though -- the print does a lot for the ensemble.
April Showers # 1: Bright Colored Rainwear
I find wearing black and beige for rain gear gets a little boring - so I harnessed my inner child and went all out on fun raingear, from bright yellow rainboots to an apple red trench. I even purchased a clear plastic umbrella with bright color dotted accents via Amazon (pictured below; the round, bubble-shaped top is great for resisting windy rain), and now I feel more excited than ever for those wet days! Bring it, puddles! :)
