Spring 2012: Trendsetting Fashion

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Calling all fashionistas! This past autumn, some of you may remember I posted my thoughts on the “trends of autumn 2011” and had some fun doing so. That made me think that it could be fun to share thoughts on what I am seeing is popular for this season. Plus, spring is just around the corner – is there any better excuse? Some of them I quite detest and others I think have potential but there really isn’t one that I thought was all that alluring.

Read on to find out which I did like – and if any are to your tastes.

SPRING 2012: TRENDSETTING FASHION

Color for the spring collection consists of pastels according to several popular outlets. Pale color palettes are not my favorite shades for clothing; although I am fond of skin-color tones like peach tones. The “it color” for the season though is something much brighter – “tangerine tango.” (Can’t get much more conflicting than that now can we!) If that bright of a shade doesn’t compliment your skin tone, I have it on good authority that any shade in the orange family goes. Also “in” this season is color blocking. As long as the wearer doesn’t mix “more than three” colors, it’s a look fashion experts are loving. Me, not so much. I do like the idea to mix colors but how designers are doing it is not my tastes… it isn’t a look that seems like it fits in today’s 21st century style.

For overlapping color trends, black on yellow seems to be the one that pops up the most. Yeah, not a look I plan to follow. (Bumble bees, anyone?) I have seen an adorable black-and-white striped cardi with a simple, thin yellow belt and a cute clutch that looks really adorable. But other than those subtle touches (or the use of jewelry to incorporate yellow), I don’t think those are two colors I’ll mix frequently.

When it comes to patterns, the thing to look out for is florals. Depending on the print, I can definitely go with that – personally, I think I will like it best in a cute sundress or blouse. Like the fall scene, polka-dots also seem to still be a go-to look. I like the pattern but not for an entire ensemble. Or if I would wear the print as a dress (saw one at JCP that I did take a fancy to), I’d break it up by pairing a brightly-colored cardigan with it. Plus, the look tends to be best for a younger age-group because it does tend towards a flirty pattern; or in the mind of the eight-year-old I babysit, she’s already past the age of pulling off polka-dots.

Really, the only beauty tip that I saw that works for those of us who are not super models and is doable are “super bright nails.” Artists also are liking brown eye shadow with some “shine” and gray eye shadows that bring a look of sophistication. Also a popular choice are peachy lips – can’t get much more “spring” than that.

Unfortunately for me, I didn’t find many “trends” that jump out. But all that means is I’ll be able to recycle looks in my closet from last year. Really, any look can be made to look fresh by adding accessories like a trendy scarf or belt (belts in particular are “good” for me even though I rarely wear them). For jewelry, I’m loving the “chunky” bracelets; they just seem fun.

I did find an awesome new clothing store – it’s now probably my favorite on-line place to shop and I want to buy nearly everything in their last catalog. It’s Down East. I love its vintage-like, classic styles that are still fun and modern. I’ve purchased a lovely “maxi dress” (something I never expected to like until I saw their styling) from them in a basic taupe color. I’m looking forward to the endless possibilities I can mix and match with the color and the dress. Warmer weather, where are you?

What are some your favorite Spring 2012: Trendsetting Fashion this season – or do you have a favorite clothing store? Any thoughts are, as always most welcome.