Spring 2016: Trend Capsule

Daylight savings time has begun and spring will be officially here in a week, making it time to have a look-see at the trends that are rocking the fashion world and get some ideas for want to dig out of storage, what to keep and what to move to the back of the closet :). For starters, keep your fit-and-flare pieces front and center. This trend is sticking around and that's fab in my book. The beautiful shape is comfortable, graceful and flatters a number of body types. Gotta love any trend that ticks all those boxes! Also, STRIPES. They are here. they are huge. They can done be via the Americana, the maritime or the French Chic facets of current trendiness, but they must be done. Navy and bright blue ones are my faves (probably because they go so well with yellow ;)). There is a lovely wave of femininity making an impact on fashion as well. Suddenly, it's hip to be girly. Ruffle blouses, handkerchief hemlines, pretty embroidery or crochet: if it speaks of delicate artistry, it's something to embrace this season..and hopefully beyond. After years of disavowing my girly-ness, I'm suddenly finding myself in love with all things femme. It's something of a revelation and a bit of an unexpected journey...but fun!  After a few seasons of the high bun being a thing, now low is the way to go: the low knot is a major look to try this summer. That's one for my inspiration board, as it's not a look I tend to think of...I'm def a high pony kind of girl, since a bit of a poof is the best look for my face shape. The poof+low knot combo might be a tad tricky to reconcile, but I'll work on it. I love challenge. Knotted tees (and button downs) have always had a place in my fashion arsenal, but if you haven't given them a try yet, you'll want to this season. They're a great way to self-crop any top. Go with a sized-up piece for a looser, slouchy look. Don't put your red lipstick away just yet - it's still a big look for spring. That's a given with all the red-navy-white combos that are out and about, in keeping with the "stripes" trend referenced above. With classic colors, the most classic of lip shades rules. That being said, there's also a strong trend coming in for pastels - soft, candy-hued palettes that are the essence of spring. Be sure to give that a try with some of your soft neutral or bright outfits. The shape of denim this season is the flare, especially the high-waisted, wide leg variety. It's that 70's thing, ya know :). I love that it opens up a whole range of look options that you just don't get with skinny/slim jeans. It's a great time to take advantage of the fact that both styles are currently on-trend, letting you do whatever moves your spirit. One silhouette one day, the exact opposite the next: doesn't it make your mouth water? Speaking of salivating, perhaps my favorite trend of the season is the return of shine...particularly in SHOES. You read right: SHOES. Crystal-embellished footwear was shown by a number of designers, and not just a random glittering afterthought here and there. We're talking confections, absolute artistry, a shoe-lovers wildest daydreams kind of crystals: multiple colors blended on one shoe, interspersed within printed fabrics, or (be still my fluttering heart) at the centers and edges of leather, suede and fabric flowers strewn across the shoe. Oh. My. Crystal-speckled, floral-bedecked stilettos? Hello, Spring! (Goodbye, style budget ;)).