Spring 2012 Fashion Trend Forecast

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.

Carolina Herrera

Donna Karan

Herve Leger

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.

Philip Lim

Jonathan Saunders

Erdem

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.

SPRING 2010 Fashion Trend Forecast

Patterns and clean lines will be opposing and equally prevalent trends this season. For those fearful of making a wrong move when it comes to wearing a print or pattern, you'll be happy to know that this season anything goes. Maybe you like geometric, structural shapes, or perhaps you prefer 'My Little Pony' inspired dream-like patterns, or it is possible that you are just itching to rock African inspired 80's prints; any direction you choose there will be no wrong way to wear a pattern. Mix and match opposing patterns for a fun and sophisticated devil-may-care look. Budget conscious? Try purchasing a fun patterned piece in a classic shape. Look for a patterned kimono-sleeve blouse or a pencil skirt and turn a seasonal trend into a wardrobe staple.

Dries Van Noten

Etro

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Shifting to the other side of the spectrum, this spring will also see a very feminine take on minimalism. Cleans lines will abound with infusions of girly frills and billows. Nudes and every shade of white imaginable will be an important color story. Some very feminine tailoring will liven up a one-dimensional palette, seen especially in the SS2010 YSL and Wayne collections. And, staying true to historical roots, Calvin Klein is tiptop in the minimalism genre.

Calvin Klein

Wayne

Matthew Ames

Going to the country...many looks this spring will be of the rural persuasion. Grab a blanket and pack a lunch because there will be gingham, pinafores, and plaid frocks made perfect for summer afternoon picnics. Beautiful embroidery fit for Heidi of the Swiss Alps and floral patterns will reign supreme. This season nothing is too feminine or too girly. Shoes are not exempt from the rural craze, with clogs as the designated shoe of the moment. The chunkier the better and, for the heel averse, you will be happy to know that shorter is finally the way to go (2inches and below).

Chanel

Vivienne Westwood

Roberto Cavalli

Oscar de la Renta

Bold lips are IN. Whatever color you choose- wear ‘em to make a statement: red, blood orange, pink, magenta, fuchsia, even grays.

Grey

Blood Orange

Fuchsia

False eyelashes and glitter will also be a popular way to amp up your eye makeup this season. The cat eye is achieved well with a liquid eyeliner, but keep the rest of your makeup simple if you do this.

Luminous skin is also a great look. Concentrate on highlighting the cheekbones and keeping the eye makeup fresh and light. Hair pulled back from the face also helps give this look an especially youthful and fresh appeal.

2010’s answer to the side ponytail is the side braid and side fish plait. This look can also be worn well with bangs. The hair must be parted on the side and the braid should be worn on the opposite side from the part. This style works well with any hair color. Be sure not to braid your bangs into the it but rather leave them swept to the side, or laying on the forehead if they are too short.

Slicked back hair is also a refreshingly easy look that we will see a lot of this Spring season. It can be worn with either long of short hair, even combined to the side and worn with the side plait. Great with both long and short hair, don't be afraid to experiment! Worn with a side part, it's a great alternative to last year's half-shaved style.

1970s style long wavy, bed head hair is easy to pull off but you do have to have looooong hair. Wear it with a slightly centered or an off center part. This tousled look is most appropriate for summer. In the winter, wear it straight but voluminous. The point of this style is to be flowing, textured and sexy.

Women everywhere will be wearing buns and knots at the tippy top of their noggins. This look goes well both slicked or with a bang. The knot can be worn at dead center or slightly off to the side.  The style works best with straight hair.  You can add a ribbon or pretty clips to enhance the ballerina femininity of the look.

Bows worn on the head will be a definite trend. We warn you to be careful with this statement and wear a bow that is playful, stands upright, and makes a statement, avoiding the floppy Madonna 1980s bow. Don't skimp when purchasing this item- otherwise it could look cheap. Go for bows made of luxurious and/or unique material.

Scarves are a spring must have and they can be worn many ways: in a knot, loosely around the neck even on the head. The scarf is a great way to experiment with the trend of mixing and matching patterns this season without committing to buying or wearing an entire garment.

The small, shoulder strap bag will be a hot ticket item this spring season. Try decorating your bag with a foxtail or a feaux foxtail, another furry little accessory of which we will see a lot more of (see green purse below). Straps made of chain metal and leather are especially popular. The good news is that you can trade in  your hobos (and the 20 pounds of stuff you keep in them) this spring for a smaller, lighter alternative!

Braiding will not just be a trend for hair but it will also be a major design detail for accessories this season. We’ll see braiding details everywhere from shoes, to bags, and jewelry.

Fall 2009 Fashion Forecast

This Fall, "Everything old is new again," and by old we mean retro looks making a comeback. You can look forward to a season full of red lips, demure silhouettes and papaya?

It's time to channel your inner recessionista and update your wardrobe by adding a few key pieces and an open mind. By adding pattern, texture and bold accessories, your look will be "As fresh as is the month of May," or in the case, September.

When shopping, always keep in mind it's okay to splurge on staple items, such as, a Burberry trench and save on trendy pieces by shopping at stores like H&M. Don't worry, we won't tell.

Accessories

Above all else this season, bold accessories are a must-have. You can find all the essentials anywhere from J.Crew to Jimmy Choo. Whichever fits your budget. It is important to focus on the accessory at hand and not get carried away. Head to toe embellishment is definitely overkill. Instead, opt for one statement piece like a studded ankle boot or chunky necklace. The best part about this concept is that it gives even the most basic outfit and instant update. Take your favorite jeans and white T-shirt, add one stand-out piece and you are immediately sporting one stylish ensemble.

Draping

Draping is so flattering on all figures it's like a gift from the gods. It creates an ultra-chic look while masking insecurities. Lucky for us, designers have embraced this trend for Fall. Rouche hour can come day or night. For a day look, we suggest minimal draping in a jersey knit. For an evening look, go for all over draping in silk charmeuse for some drama.

Lady Like Luxury

There's nothing as timeless as dressing like a lady. Designers are showing a lot of refinement in women's clothing this year. A tweed pencil skirt paired with a silk top is a balanced way to carry this look without looking too prim. There is a secret sensuality in mixing textures and fabrics. If you just want to add a touch of lady like luxury to your outfit, try adding a frame purse in an exotic skin or a classic pump.

Best Fall Colors - Teal, Amethyst and Papaya

Teal is best paired with warm neutrals like camel. It is also a great color for accessories like a handbag or a basic piece like a wool coat. Teal looks great on light complexions.

Papaya is a bold new color for Fall. You can wear it with khaki for a casual look or use it to brighten a black ensemble. Papaya looks best on dark and olive skin tones.

Amethyst is such a flattering color that it is suitable for all skin tones. It works great for anything from a floor length gown or a belt.

Make-up this season is all about red lips and dark eyes.

Hair is up and easy. Think off-center parts and messy chignons. Don't forget about hair jewelry to make a simple do look more special.

Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Forecast

Get ready to take an adventure this spring and summer season. Designers have presented the perfect pick-me-up fashion trends for both the daring and the demure. For the cool and collected, simplicity is in style this season with muted colors and clean silhouettes that are perfect for accessorizing. However, bold hues and geometric designs are guaranteed to make a strong statement for the outrageous. So, let’s spring forward by snagging some tips to how to dress for success this year.

Gowns

You will be smitten with the alluring gowns that grace the runways this season. The beautiful, elegant, and often one-shoulder shapes will have you feeling like a goddess. 'Tis the season for neutral and muted colors such as peach, rose, gold and white, which complement the airy and draped looks that are made of the finest silks, satins, and laces.

The embroidered silk roses that were modeled at Fendi are spot-on, while the nude colored dresses at Christian Lacroix are offset with neckline ruffles in eye-popping colors. Bare dresses are often designed in see-through material that reflects the spacious style that Spring brings.  Dress this look with luxurious jewels or keep it classic for a divine look this season.

80s Are back


Calling all material girls! The next stop on our fashion journey is through a time travel trip back to the 1980s. Think denim, leather, lace and neon and throw in some rubber, mesh and studs and you have yourself a recipe for 80s glam. With all things all things ripped, shredded and torn, the best 1980s fashion has returned to the runway. This season, designers have added that 80s flair to skinny jeans with the deconstructed style being seen on both the William Rast and Balmain runways. Frequently accented with leather pieces and bright colors from Alexander Wang’s collection, the demolished denim look was seen in hues than ranged from black to acid wash blue.

Jackets were a ubiquitous piece this season as well on most runways. The highly structured, tuxedo-inspired pieces have accentuated shoulders, thus adding to the 80s power woman mystique. Complemented by removable shoulder pads, the tailored jacket will definitely provide that sharp silhouette for a savvy look. Band leader jackets are also a popular trend this season, for their metallic stitching and big buttons will have you in the lead. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. In addition, both cropped and over-sized jackets were often paired with high-waisted trousers or simple shorts.