Spring Trends
This Spring's Hottest All In One Place
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Be Aggressive
Whether it's a pair of shoes, a new bag, belt or sunglasses, it's all about the "aggressive," over-the-top statement piece, our Accessories Buyers, Andrea and Erica explain. For shoes, think sky-scraping platforms heavy on the straps, studs, buckles, grommets, cut outs, fringe or perforations. Prada, Gucci, Pour la Victoire and Report Signature all have "hi" and "lo" examples.For bags, think bright-colored or exotic-skin leathers, hardware like studs and grommets, and less obvious shapes like the clutch. "Big bags haven't gone away," Andrea says, "but the clutch is versatile."
"It's about updating your wardrobe with that unique novelty item," Andrea continues. "That's what people want to invest in right now." But, if you can't afford a designer bag, hot contemporary brands like Rebecca Minkoff (a celebrity fave), Kooba, Furla and Treesje have amazing wallet-friendly pieces that are equally unique and totally on-trend.
Finally, jewelry needs to be collar-grabbing too. Literally. Starting with a bib necklace, chandelier earrings, stacks of bangles, Grecian cuffs, charms and ethnic pieces. Kenneth Jay Lane, Lee Angel and CC Skye are the go-to brands when it comes to the bling for spring.
"Being feminine doesn't mean delicate anymore," Andrea observes. "You can be strong, aggressive and girly all at the same time."
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Everything's Coming Up Rosy!
It's not surprising that pink is pushing through the gloom, our CEO, Melissa observes. "When times are tough and it becomes emotionally stressful, people gravitate toward hope - and what's more hopeful or playful than pink?" But lest you're thinking overly-frilly, cloyingly-girly pink has no place in your '80s-edgy/boho glam wardrobe, Melissa says it's about using the shade - from the softest petal to the deepest raspberry - to make a strong statement.
"It has to do with how you feel." Or how you want to feel.
The quieter shades, she points out, will make you feel pretty, "Because it's light airy and springy," Melissa explains - and it'll take the edge off spring's more aggressive studded, cut-out, spiked styles. In the same way, stained berries and funky fuchsias will amp up the '80s rockstar look that's so big right now. "The deeper you go, the bolder the statement."
It's worth noting that even the darkest pinks make a decidedly different statement than red does. Same with neutrals. "Red says 'vamp.' Nudes say 'uncertainty,'" Melissa delineates. "Pink says 'feminine, girlie - happy.'" "It can be a bright pink bag, those pink sequined platforms, or even a head-to-toe outfit. Everyone will do it in a different way," Melissa knows - which is exactly the point. "Whatever perks you up. Whatever makes you smile."
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For The Guys: Loosen Up!
"The looks for spring have moved away from formality," Bluefly's menswear buyer, Ben observes. "Men don't want to look corporate."
Instead of the sharply tailored suit look Justin Timberlake rocked a few years ago, albeit with sneakers, or the dandy blazers Gossip Girl's Chuck Bass has faithfully modeled on the series, spring's jackets are "unconstructed." "Instead of the square 'pop' at the shoulders, the shoulder is rounded. There is no real lining and the seams are exposed on the inside. And instead of wearing a dress shirt with your jacket, '80s inspired graphic print tees, even graphic polos are the way to go. D.Squared, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and D&G have some great shirts for spring," Ben says.
Also on Ben's list are a pair of cuffed shorts. "It's part of that slouchy yet preppy look that's hot right now," Ben notes, citing Theory as a go-to brand for this style.
But the most important "must" for spring is a lightweight pair of jeans that fit really well, Ben says, listing Paige Premium Denim and PRPS as the brands to trust.
"It's 'the new preppy'," Ben observes of spring's looser look. "Sharp, but not as buttoned up."
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FOR THE GUYS: IT'S THE DETAILS
"It's simple. Dress up your tee and jeans with designer accessories to really make a statement," Men's Accessories Buyer, Laura says, explaining what's hot in men's accoutrements right now. Here's what you need for spring:1. A SOFT LEATHER BAG
Instead of a briefcase, go with a leather messenger bag, Laura advises, adding, "For the fashion-forward guy, the updated messenger bag is the tote."2. A PAIR OF DESIGNER LOAFERS & TRAINERS
"For work or to dress up a casual look, do a classic loafer," Laura says, suggesting Gucci's horsebit detail style, or the updated version with the brand's signature red and green stripe. Prada and Cole Haan are also on her "it" list. "For fun, it's still designer - a pair of Lanvin trainers, for example."3. A "CONVERSATION" TIE
"Stay away from stiff or stodgy. For spring, the hottest ties are the most adventurous." Laura recommends fun patterns by Ferragamo and Hermès.The point is to polish up by paying attention to every detail, Laura notes, while remaining true to what's so great about being a guy - keeping it simple.
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This
OldNew Tee
Graphic prints and blinding pops of neon color in relaxed "boyfriend" fits are what it's about for Spring '09. "It's very 'I just threw it on,'" tees buyer, Kate notes, explaining why the fabric - a cotton called "slub" - deliberately looks worn and torn. Black Hearts Brigade and Wildfox Couture also offer A-line shapes and tunic-lengths perfect for pairing with leggings or skinny jeans.
"It's the whole idea of a broken in top that won't have you smelling like a vintage store," Kate says, "the alternative to your favorite tee with too many holes in it or your boring old v-neck." Precisely why you still need a white tee - a piece Kate calls "timeless." LnA, Aude, and James Perse are her 'go-to' brands when replacing old tees, "Because let's face it, there's cool broken-in, and there's yellowed deodorant armpits. Not cute."
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Spring's Must-Have Dresses
This spring, the dress trends abound. One-shoulder dresses, florals, ombres, graphic prints, boho looks and maxis are all hot, but our dress buyer, Sandy, says the bottom line is "Flirty, flowy femininity," adding "It's about sorting through the trends; knowing when and where to wear each look so they have the most impact."First off, Sandy says, don't start spring without a Day-to-Night Dress - "Something that transforms with just a change of shoes," she explains. "There are so many dip-dyed boho-inspired chiffon maxis and simple strapless styles that look effortless with a pair of gladiators, and then make a strong evening statement when you throw on a pair of fabulous heels. ADAM, Nicole Miller, and Alice & Olivia have phenomenal dresses this season."
If you have somewhere "super-fancy" to go, Sandy suggests a Statement Dress - a one-shoulder, dramatic print or body-conscious silhouette. "Printed silks, cut-outs, and curve huggers," she recommends, citing Eva Longoria - and Jessica Biel-favorite, Black Halo as one go-to label for statement frocks.
And finally, you need a Dress that Packs Well. "It's all about the jersey dress for your spring/summer weekenders," Sandy says, adding that she can't live without her staple jersey dresses. She rattles off Design History and Rachel Pally as the brands to browse when you need a look like this. "You can just roll 'em up, throw 'em in a bag with some flats and some heels and you don't have to think about it," she raves. Which, speaking of, is what's so awesome about this time of year. "After six straight months of heavy, bulky layers, finally, it's the season of the dress."
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Go Boho At The Beach
For summer, swimwear is all about boho glamour. "Think graphic tribal prints, one-shoulder one-pieces, gold and jeweled hardware details, and embroidered cover-ups," says our Swimwear buyer, Joanna."Basically, suits you can wear all day at the pool, on the beach, or at the resort; then throw on a pair of heels and fabulous cover-up or jeans/flirty skirt for an easy, but haute summer night look."
If you're in the market for a one-piece, some of the best ones are made by Trina Turk and Melissa Odabash, Vitamin A, Gottex, and DKNY.
Diane Von Furstenberg and Melissa Odabash make amazing cover-ups too (which, for the record, are not the same thing as a sundress - they're often made of quick-drying or waterproof fabrics, and they're made to look amazing over your suit, Joanna explains). "And since we know there are many many Bikini Girls among you," Joanna says, "we've got tons of on-trend two-pieces and separates like this Lisa Curran halter bandeau style with ring details that scream wild flower child."
The name of the game is easy boho glamour this summer, but it's always about what suits you.
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Trench Spotting!
"This spring, it's the trench," our outerwear buyer Joanna says. Which is why she personally owns more than she'll admit on the record - and why she's bought a boatload of spring trench styles for Bluefly.Her focus was a trench for every look that's hot this season that would also be an affordable way in to spring's biggest trends.
"Right now it's all about the '80s - rainbow brights, animal prints, and cropped silhouettes," Joanna observes.
"A coat or jacket is a smart and practical way to buy into the trend because, like an accessory, it's a complimentary layer that can transform your basics - affordably." (FYI: most of the coats Joanna bought retail for less than $150 on Bluefly.)
Joanna singles out Soia & Kyo's single-breasted trench as spring's sleeper hit piece. "The wide belt and oversized buttons add a stylish update to the classic trench and will look cute with what's shaping up to be the uniform of spring: leggings and boots you can splash in."
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Eighties Enough
Turns out ankle booties, studded cuffs and "brights" were just the gateways. The '80s are officially back with boyfriend jeans, rocker chic motorcycle cuts, and boho styles with worn, torn, whiskered and "distressed" washes.And because we know you threw yours out in a fit of late '90s minimalist snobbery, we've got remakes on every '80s classic you're hankering for now: worn & torn styles in white, black and blue, cropped skinnies, and motorcycle jeans in all the brands you made big in the '90s - Paper Denim, Paige, Diesel and Joe's Jeans.
"It's about finding the silhouette that works for you - skinny or boyfriend," our denim buyer, Jessica says, "or choosing a style you'd normally wear in a wash that's lighter or looks more broken in."
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Yacht-Ready Cardigans
You know the striped cardigan Serena wore on Gossip Girl the other day? We just got it in.Plus the one Paris Hilton allegedly bought to match her new blue Bentley. Both sweaters are CARDIGAN by Lynne Hiriak and they're basically the only thing you need to know about for spring if you're planning a windy day out on your dad's yacht... or wanna look like you are.
The idea - and the trend behind it - is to capture the chunky, cozy, but totally luxe aesthetic of a nautical sweater. So think stripes, big buttons, pop colors, and hoodies too. Something you can throw on and zip/button up over a tee and skirt or tank and white jeans that will keep you warm on those chilly spring nights.
