Hampton’s Summer Fashion 2012: Montauk Edition

Heading out east this summer? Whether jamming out to Ziggy Marley at the trendy Surf Lodge or star spotting at the local IGA (hello @Julianne Moore!), Montauk is the place to be and be seen this summer.  There is a laid back charm to this town that can be felt the minute you step off the Jitney. Get ready to shed that work attire and plan for a complete summer style makeover!

Spotted directly from Montauk’s gorgeous beaches, bars and restaurants, we have rounded up some of the hottest fashion trends to help you pack for your weekend getaway. Think Bohemian chic meets Palm Beach.

Maxi Dresses 

Maxi dresses are a wardrobe staple for watching the sunset at Navy Beach. We are especially loving maxi dresses in tribal patterns and brightly colored prints.  The flowier the better but don’t be afraid to show off some of that bronzed skin – a plunging neckline or an open back is right on trend for the rising temperatures. Choose a maxi in a light-weight jersey fabric for extra comfort. Worn with a pair of simple metallic flats you will ease right in with the locals.

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Halle Berry in a deep V-maxi halter dress/ Ella Moss Printed Maxi Dress

Crochet tops & fringe

Crochet is one of the biggest trends out east this summer because nothing feels better than the breeze of the beach on your skin. We especially like over-sized crochet tops in off-white hues. Throw one on over your bikini and a pair of denim cut-offs for the perfect bathing suit cover up. Then head over to the beach-side Sloppy Tuna to cool off with a delicious cocktail.

We are seeing a lot of fringe this year especially on crop tops and cross body bags. Wear a fringed crop top with a pair of floral printed high wasted shorts for daytime festivities or layer a fringe adorned top over a casual form fitting mini-dress for a night of steamers at Gosman’s Dock. A mini cross-body bag in a bright hue with fringe adornments is an ultra stylish way to carry around the essentials (think camera, sunscreen, lip gloss and cell phone).

Free People Tape Yarn Beach Sweater in optic white/ Ralph Lauren small fringe cross body/ Heartloom Bohemian Fringe Crop Top

Tribal-chic flat sandals

Flats are a fashionistas best friend in Montauk. Don’t get stuck trying to maneuver the sandy, beach-themed bars in 4-inch heels. Instead, style your night time ensemble with a pair of flat sandals in a bright Chinle print or ones with beaded Ikat accents. (Read what fashion’s “tribal” prints are really called @Refinery29). Find a unique pair of flat sandals at the Brooklyn flea market and you will not only be comfortable but you will be the talk of the town. Before you know it the locals will be looking to you for their own fashion makeover inspiration!

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Cynthia Vincent Love Sandal in Multi (also available in coral and black/white)/ Giuseppe Zanotti Tribal Cuffed Flat Sandal

 

 

Spring 2012 – What’s Trendy This Season

Though the weather outside is frightful, the thought of spring style is certainly delightful. While we’re still a few months away from warmer weather, it’s always good to be prepared when it comes to looking good. This is why it is the perfect time to get to the trends that will be popping up in boutiques this season. After all, shopping savvy is the key to getting those wardrobe pieces that you want, need, and must have in your life!

With the return of tribal prints to the style palette, it seems that déjà vu is a theme this spring. Fans of the funky print will be happy to know that that it has carried over from last fall via safari-inspired pieces. Designers such as Carolina Herrera and Michael Kors embraced eye-popping color in their mixed prints, while Donna Karan and Herve Leger played with raw textures to highlight the tribal theme. You can easily work the tribal trend into your spring wardrobe by pairing it with solid neutrals such as a simple top or leather accessories such as a braided brown belt.

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On the flip side, pastels are back in fine form as this season’s version of the classic neutral standard. Equally posh and it is pretty, this palette showcases the gentle side to spring while highlighting femininity in all women. DVF and Erdem presented polished versions of pastel in their Spring 2012 collections, while 3.1 Philip Lim and Jonathan Saunders offered a flouncy take on these beloved hues. Have fun with these colors and try out the color-blocking effect by pairing a peach top with a pair of mint-colored pedal pushers.

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Spring 2012 has also given way to edgier fashion in the form of fabulous footwear. Statement heels, in particular, have made a powerful impression on the catwalk as they created quite the buzz. Barbara Bui‘s heels competed with Balenciaga‘s and Walter Steiger‘s for the title of most sensational skyscrapers, while Aperlai and Manolo Blahnik gave pastels a nod with their head-turning designs. Consider statement heels as your opportunity to add an edgy touch to your spring wardrobe as you pair them with a chic minidress.

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With the spring season providing you with ample ways to embrace fabulous fashion, it is a great reason to punch up your style. After all, you want to make sure that you look your very best in the latest trends, as we have shown you plenty of ways to make this happen. Do stay tuned to our next report on this spring’s fashion Dos, as we at New York Image Consultant have got the inside scoop of what is hot and happening this season!