Spring is finally here! And with every season come the newest colors and this spring we're talking about nudey pinks and pastels from head to toe. "This nudey pink, we see in everything from blouses to tops to dresses to accessories. It's the new nude," explains our collections buyer, Jess. "Everyone is gravitating to it; it's feminine, soft but not too girly."
Cosmetic palettes such as icey blues, pale greys, and seagreens are also big this season. "An ethereal palette," our knitwear buyer, Kate explains.
And for those that love a little print Jess and Kate recommend dainty floral prints, watercolor and pale prints to enhance your look.
Wyatt with pale pink and off-the-shoulder looks, Marc by Marc Jacobs with a whole sorbet colored collection, along with Elizabeth & James, Free People, Joie, Leifsdottir, and Tucker lead the way as designers to watch for the hottest trends in color.
What will our buyers be wearing this spring? Kate is all about nude slouchy, rolled up khaki pants (in other words, a modified cargo pant) peep-toe booties and an easy boyfriend tee. While Jess will be rocking a nude blouse with a boyfriend jacket, maybe short shorts, though not to the office, she adds in and gladiator sandals.
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Forget soft and pretty, bold and beautiful is the way to go this spring! Bluefly fashion stylist, Tanesha, zestfully exclaims, "I'm really passionate about tribal this spring. It's really fun bright colors with neutral, khaki, and fun prints." Dress buyer, Sandra excitedly adds, "Think big graphics with African and Navajo influences." Other elements of the trend include warm earthy tones and natural accents such as straw, raffia, and beading. Safari-inspired elements such as rich khaki jackets and pants with epaulets and raised pockets are also important.
Some may be intimidated by the overpowering bold prints, but Tanesha insists that it's easy to integrate into any look. "Everybody can get in on it and make it their own. If you're more of a sporty girl you can wear a solid sweatshirt and add a printed scarf by Kashmere. If you're a girlie girl, you can wear a bold printed dress from JB by Julie Brown with neutral accessories like espadrilles and simple bangles. It's all about balance."
Both Tanesha and the buyers agree that having too much of one element can become too 'costume'. So a great way to recreate the look is to do it through accessories. Add a colorful woven belt by Motif 56 to a simple blouse or use bold tribal jewelry as a statement piece. "We have these gorgeous colorful Kenneth Jay Lane earrings that are like, 'whoa'. You can totally throw them on with anything and have a signature look," accessories buyer, Caroline adds.
The bottom line is: with a little balancing, mixing and matching the tribal/safari trend can work for anyone.
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Just like a cute hat can conceal a boring hair day, spring's coats will have you giving a fierce "look" while handling mundane tasks like getting the mail or grabbing a quart of milk.
"There's nothing like a trench and sunglasses to add some instant chic," quips our stylist Tanesha.
The fail-safe trench coat is your classic, iconic, statement piece that you've got to have in your closet. Try DKNY and Elie Tahari for bold color and Miss Sixty for studs and other on-trend details. If Catherine Deneuve is your style muse try Burberry or Michael Michael Kors.
"Of course every girl needs a cute trench for spring. But this season the must have style is a cropped leather jacket- no spring wardrobe will be complete without one," says Joanna our Coats buyer.
Spring's leathers are light and hyper-stylized. Many designers are offering all weather leathers that you will want to wear throughout the day as part of your outfit, not just to get from point A to B. They are draped and studded featuring just as many fashion details as your favorite tee or blouse.
Another big trend this season is the anorak. With their new flirty cinched waists and varied color palette, they are a far cry from the one your mom used to wear. "Fashion was feeling very camp this spring with sandy colored neutrals and bungee cord details, snaps, and pockets all over the place," Tanesha adds.
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Look down: are you wearing "just jeans?" Log-on and we'll hook you up! Spring's denim is all about embellishments.
Rip and Studs: Every rebel, with a cause or without, knows that some well-placed rips let the (sartorial) world know you mean business. See Genetic Denim and William Rast. Studs, like the now ubiquitous skulls, are more diva than delinquent. Blank NYC and Current/Elliott have some studs with your name on them.
While the 80's have been on the comeback trail for some time now, the 60's reign supreme in the world of washes. Tie-dyes and marble rinses are updated with bolder, more graphic prints than their patchouli-drenched predecessors.
Silhouette wise, ankles are the new erogenous zones (not really, but wouldn't that be something?). Ankle cropped lengths are marking a strong presence with both zippers and accidently-on-purpose cool cuffs.
Don't break up with your boyfriend just yet! Boyfriend shapes in both jeans and shorts are holding steady. The newest styles have studs and frayed cut off hems.
On the other end of the spectrum there are jeggings, which literally couldn't be more opposite than the slouchy relaxed boyfriend look. You'll love their easy fit and comfort as well as that additional "pants" feeling that regular leggings generally lack. The very coolest among them have motorcycle details and faded washes.
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