Think of our ultimate Spring shopping guide as an easy, no-fail cheat sheet to all of the hottest trends and styles for the season. That being said, it's time to embrace bold prints, standout sandals, and bright minibags from top designers like Alexander Wang, Dolce & Gabbana, and Reed Krakoff. Dress season is also in full bloom, and we have the prettiest picks and most flattering silhouettes for you to slip into right now. Shop our editor's picks below.
Spring's bucket-bag trend is a slam dunk in our style book this season, and here's why. Striking an even balance between casual and chic, this classic silhouette can look just as cool with your pretty printed dresses as it does with a pair of laid-back jeans. Depending on how you wear it — we love them worn crossbody — bucket bags inject an effortless aesthetic we're all want to channel on our more relaxed styling days. What's more, this medium-size bag is perfect for any (and all) of your upcoming music-fest outings and warm-weather adventures. From 3.1 Phillip Lim's floral Scout bag to Baggu's neon yellow minimal masterpiece, shop our top picks below.
We're all about Summer fun, but sometimes that's difficult to do in heels. That's where the borrowed-from-the-boys oxford comes in. The lower-heel profile makes them comfortable, but don't fret, they don't lose an ounce of cool. Whether the silhouette is classic (think brogue detailing and a patent finish) or culls fashion-forward accents like metallic shine, exotic texture, leather cutouts, or colorblocking, there's certainly a more dynamic way to interpret (read: wear) the flat oxford look. Luckily, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and even Zara have all crafted their own versions to appeal to a handful of style personalities. As for execution? Remember that these shoes work for day and night — and as long as you show a little ankle (at the very least), you're good to go. Click on for 19 of our favorite Summer oxford picks now.
— Additional reporting by Melody Nazarian
Alexander Wang presented his much-anticipated Fall 2013 collection for Balenciaga in Paris on Thursday. Wang has been lauded by critics and editors for paying homage to the Balenciaga archives while making the clothes feel modern, and for his use of texture. Read through some of the reactions to the collection below, and see every look here in the gallery.
Anna Wintour: "I'm very proud. I thought it was a very smart way to start, by not giving us too many fireworks."
Cathy Horyn: "If he continues to strike that modern balance between couture and the street, he will renew a great name — and win over doubters."
Lorraine Candy: "This was a strong, elegant, and feminine debut collection, which gives us hope of even greater things to come from Alex."
Alexander Wang debuted his highly anticipated collection for Balenciaga Fall 2013 this morning in an intimate salon on Paris's Avenue George-V. Drawing influence from the brand's archives, Wang showcased an impressive array of structural, streamlined silhouettes using a strict black and white color palette. See the full collection now.
According the New York Fashion Week runways, Fall 2013 hair trends will likely lean in the direction of braids, ponytails, and '90s grunge. In short, there's something for everyone: slicked-back ponytails like we saw from stylist Orlando Pita at Michael Kors, milkmaid braids spotted at Alice + Olivia, and plenty of grungy texture, as lead stylist Paul Hanlon created on models' strands backstage at 3.1 Phillip Lim. Not convinced you can pull any of this off? Watch our video to discover all the tricks to Fall 2013 hairstyling.
Alexander Wang's first show for Balenciaga won't be a full-scale runway spectacle. Instead, the designer's debut at the house will take the form of an "intimate" and "salon-style format," a spokesperson for the brand told Vogue UK.
That means the show will have fewer attendees than Balenciaga's last few outings, which have been staged at the Crillon Hotel in Paris or at its offices on the Rue Cassette. The show is scheduled for 9:15 on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 28. Other details, like what the clothes will look like or who is — or isn't — invited, are being closely guarded.
A smaller, more intimate affair in some ways echoes Tom Ford's return to designing women's ready-to-wear for Spring 2011. But instead of wanting to preserve a sense of mystery about the clothing, the brand's spokesperson said it decided to scale back because this is Wang's "introductory season." The American designer took over for Nicolas Ghesquière, who'd been Balenciaga's creative director for 15 years, last November.
Backstage at Alexander Wang, a debate was raging over the name of the hair color that was being wrapped around the models' ponytails. Was it cognac, like Redken lead stylist Guido suggested? Or Maker's Mark? Perhaps Jack Daniel's was more appropriate? Whatever you call it, the typical Wang girl received an atypical hairstyle that definitely had people talking.
The look: Two-toned hair, hooded eye makeup, and sandstone-inspired nail art
The inspiration: Irina Kravchenko, one of the models from Wang's Spring 2013 show, had the hair color he and Guido attempted to mimic
Backstage ambience: Incredibly calm and serene, despite the many people milling about
