Along with living my life aquatic, this Spring I'll be a walking, talking army brat. I've always had an affinity for army green — I swear it complements every color. But the Spring runways were attacked by khaki, utilitarianism, belts, leather, bandage, pins, and rugged ruffles. Armed forces? Armed fashion.
This Spring, one-piece bathing suits are making a comeback. But a bigger, better(?), overarching trend is the life aquatic. Steve Zissou and crew would appreciate the multitude of scuba-inspired, palm tree-emblazoned, seascape-styled getups that swam up and down the runways. Spring always pays homage to beach life, but never so blatantly. Proenza Schouler's aquatic cool collection was the tour de force; I guarantee we'll be seeing the ocean-toned, feathered, textured pieces everywhere. Early adopters? Kate Bosworth in the ray print dress and Kristen Stewart in mismatched cuteness. You ready to live the life aquatic?
I'm about to whisk away to New York for the Fall collections. I hope I leave you feeling prepared for Spring. Spring shopping is right around the corner — have you started your wish list? You know I have. While compiling my Spring peeks I came across some stunning shoes, bags, jewelry, and headgear; I couldn't ignore them — say hi to Michael Kors's stunning visored babe — so enjoy this menagerie of awesome Spring extras.
Amidst my favorite trends for Spring, there was one item of clothing that appeared on every other runway. Jumpsuits bloomed last year, but this year they have officially blossomed. Whether short, long, lean, boxy, printed, sporty, sexy, or cloudy, there is a jumper for everyone. I already have a couple, but after seeing these 50 examples — yes, 50 — I'm going to add to my collection come Spring. Notice how some of these jumpers are fabulous and some are downright dowdy. Make your choice. I choose Donna Karan's deep-v watercolor silk jumpsuit — laid-back drama all in one
Metallics are nothing new. But blinding beading, luxe fabrics, sheer sheen, Lurex lovin', and sequin overload, were runway dominant. Think of it as an evolution; this season's offerings are far from shy, they are as heavy hitting as Metallica. In-your-face, it's time to shine shine shine.
Can you refuse Versace's gold and silver beaded mini dress? I didn't think so. Yves Saint Laurent's forest green sequin jumper may be overboard for some, but I wouldn't kick it out of my bed. Lastly, I die for Karl Lagerfeld's silver liquid gown. Metal heads, are you with me?
To listen to Metallica, read more
What's the saying? When the economy is tight, hemlines go up? Yes. So when the economy is really tight, hemlines go into a frenzied high/low hemline state? Apparently. This skirt silhouette, seen mainly on dresses on the Spring runways, is part provocative, part princess. However, Balmain's bondage high/low dresses were positively provocative (left). The princess was spotted at Nina Ricci and its Edwardian frocks and Temperley's dreamy poufy white dress. Just when I thought I'd experimented with every hemline, Spring presents a new one. Rocky economy aside, these are rockin'.
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The opposing force of Luxotica is Geo Max. For the rare days I'm not feeling like an island girl and want to be serious, graphic prints, stripes, 3-D shapes, and polka dots will modernize my look. Most of these equations came in black and white, with the occasional blue, but one of my favorite Spring collections — Dries Van Noten — delivered it in marigold. The happy color made the geo seem less max, know what I mean? Notice the bold accessories though. Michael Kors also delivered his dots with whimsy, while on the flip side, Gareth Pugh took his dolls to space and back. Small doses, or to the max, choose your poison.
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Just when I had my Fab necklace collection down, the Spring runways were all ears. I love jewelry, period, but I will be paying special attention to my ears come Spring. Really, costume jewelry is omnipresent, but statement necklaces had a good run last year, and bangles aren't typing-friendly. Come bad hair day, a slick pony and oversize earrings will seem fresh.
Whether flashy at Zac Posen (left), sculptured like Jil Sander's collab with Damiani, or cheeky shells at Stella (so cute), ears are a fashion erogenous zone once again.
For more earrings of Spring, read more
I'd like to think the fashion world is always ahead of the game and, last Fall, knew the world was going to unravel. Yikes — am I being a killjoy? It's just that a throw of Spring runways sent wrinkled, undone, mismatched, crinkled, off-kilter clothes into the mix. I like it. Disheveled chic is promising to be all the rage.
The funny thing is, this look is very calculated. Many clothing items and accessories come into play. It's not minimal, it's not tidy, but it requires styling skills. Take some notes from the fashion farm of Burberry (left). From the floppy hat, to the asymmetrical (rumpled) cardi, to the thrown-on trench, to those delish ombre pants, this girl appears wonderfully nonchalant. Looking like you rolled out of bed never looked so good.
To see some more disheveled chic, read more
If anything stood out on the Spring runways it was the new pant styles. Harem, bermuda, pedal pusher, leggings, rolled, tailored — we witnessed them all. As someone who has always been keen on cropped pants — what better way to show off your Fab shoes? — I am psyched.
I know what you're thinking shorter-than-thou ladies, and 'tis not true; you too can get in on this fresh trend. Just add some heels (wedges are cute here) for height and keep your silhouette loose and lean and you'll actually appear that much taller. The real beauty is there are so many styles to choose from and you can create looks from items you already own.
My favorites are these cool gray scrunched leggings from the slick Celine runway, Derek Lam's simple black slims, and, for drama's sake, McQueen's yellow harem pants.
To see more of my favorite cropped pants of Spring, read more
