Top Spring Trends

 

 

 

 



Try to look past that last bit of unexpected frost most of the nation has experienced and on the other end you will see spring! Yes it is right around the corner. As we embark on this time of year where we experience longer days, balmy evenings, and the shedding of winter layers. Cozy sweaters begin to resemble constricting chrysalis from which we seek escape. Our toes dream of playing peek- a- boo in a cute pair of peep toe pumps, knees and elbows long to make a guest appearance in our daily wardrobe choices once again. Luckily for you and I one of my favorite retailers is offering a variety of on trend items at a very affordable price.  Let’s have a look at ZARA’s interpretations of this spring’s trends.



 

Bold Graphic Mixing

This would be considered a micro-trend.  It has a very short lifespan. I would recommend investing the least in this trend. It will definitely read dated within a season or two.  If you are a fashion forward type of gal it is a fun way to stay ahead of the crowd as it is not for the faint of heart.

Mix Print Wide Trousers

 

 

 

Printed T-shirt

Evening Bag

  

 

 

Embroidered Clutch

 

Combination Print Sandal

 

 

Color Blocking

Color Blocking is a trend that has been returning for the last couple of seasons. Black is a great color option when color blocking because it ups the chic factor and allows it to correlate with a basic wardrobe and will provide the ability to mix and match with current wardrobe basics.Pairing black and white color block garments with brighter more traditional spring colors can add yet another layer of color blocking and showcase your personal style.  I would recommend spending a little more on this trend if it speaks to you. I do feel it will a trend that posses staying power.

Color Block Coat

 

Two Tone Dress

 

Dress can double as Tunic

 

Combination Heel

 

 

Combo Faux Leather T-shirt

 

 

Color Block Leather Mini Skirt

 

Two Tone Denim Shirt

 

Gold and Silver Choker

 

Colorblock Wedge

 

 

 

 

 

Ruffles

A staple feminine design detail showed up in a big way in this Spring's designer collections. GUCCI showed a variety of oversized ruffle sleeves in their collection.   Zara has made this trend very wearable with a few ruffle additions to sleeves and hemlines. I know these looks will fit very comfortably into anyones closet

Printed Ruffles

 

Top with Ruffled sleeve

 

Asymmetrical Ruffle Sleeves

 

 

 

 

Asian Influence

 

 

Add a little something to your world by taking your normal spring florals a step further…. Add Asian influence to the mix. Oriental prints are a fresh way to push past your comfort zone and yet stay comfort adjacent.

 

Printed Dress

 

Embroidered Flower Shirt

 

Print Blouse

 

 

Oriental Print Blouse

 

 

 

SHEER PANELS

Subtle sexy is the name of the game with this trend. The illusion of skin is a lot sexier than viewing the obvious chunks of flesh we are so often bombarded with in our present culture. Strategically placed sheer panels allow one to project a youthful image with out the fear of coming across as trashy.

 

Crocodile Textured Sheer Panel Top

 

Embroidered Shirt with Sheer Details

 

Sheer Hem Trouser

 

Sheer Waist Dress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Haute Designer : Max Azria

Max Azria

As stated on the Biography on bcbgmaxazriagroup.com

Executive Officer Max Azria. In 1981, after eleven years of designing a line of women's wear in his native Paris, Azria moved to the United States and launched Jess, a series of new-concept retail boutiques offering hip French fashion to American women. After years of success, Azria decided to pursue his dream of launching a design house that spoke to the modern woman-thus BCBGMAXAZRIA was born. Named for the French phrase bon chic, bon genre, a Parisian slang meaning "good style, good attitude," the brand embodies a true combination of European sophistication and American spirit.

Max and wife Lubova @ their home

 

He and his wife Lubova now work closely together and oversee the operation of the label and overall brand.

I find the Azria’s designs to be continuously fresh, offering up both on -trend and innovative looks. Tailoring is one of the designers strong suits. He presents a  variety of mix and match separates and youthful yet sophisticated dresses. His pieces are chicly cut and well tailored, collection after collection. Ive highlighted some of my favorites from his website www.bcbgmaxazriagroup.com

Dresses

 

COCKTAIL

 



Audra Wrap Cocktail Dress

 

Pleated Lace Cocktail Dress

 

Yolanda Asymmetrical Printed Dress

 

One Shoulder Cocktail Dress

 

 

 

WORK

 

Printed A-line

 

Printed Side Pleat

 



Pleated Shirtdress

 

Depending on where you work

 

 

Separates

 

JACKETS

 

Cutaway Blazer and Skinny Pant

 

Abree Relaxed Jacket

 

Candice Jacket

 

TOPS

 

Colorblock Tank 

 

Relaxed High Low Top

 

V-Neck Color Block Top

 

 

BOTTOMS

Sweater Pencil Skirt

 



 

Color Block Slim-leg Pant

 

Crepe Tuxedo Pant

 

Stretch Leather Leggings

 



I have strategically chosen looks that I feel will highlight or add to your Wardrobe Essentials. Each look has some classic feature yet makes a statement on its own, which will allow you to keep it in your collection of clothing for years to come. The choice of colors of several of the pieces are currently on trend but can be confidently worn during many springs to come or while vacationing in a warm climate, as bright colors are always appropriate in a hot climate. The trendier the item the more conscious I was of the price point. I hope these tips are helpful in your quest to remain Haute.

 

Between a Teen and a Twinset

Your Little Sister's Duds



Your Mom's Twinset

 

I recently had a discussion with one of my good friends where she was venting her frustration after visiting her local shopping mall. She complained that there seemed to be an overwhelming concentration of looks geared toward two types of women. The two choices available were the teeny bopper or the Grandma look, and we are not talking granny chic a la Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton Fall 2012.

 

So what is one to do when you are trying to avoid the skin tight flimsy looks of the junior department, but are not quite ready to don a stale cardigan twin set?

 

I am here for you ladies. I have been doing a little research of my own hunting for designers creating fashion forward yet age appropriate collections. I have decided to feature a new designer each month that embodies the Haute Trenta Woman in their work.

First up Designer Rachel Roy

 

Why she’s Haute: The former stylist turned Designer is the head of two collections

The first is her two collections is the Designer RR Collection and then she offers the more affordable Rachel Rachel Roy Collection . The designer describes her design aesthetic in an interview with the Huffington Post.

 

"I focus my designer collection on the idea of classic with a twist' so that women can keep the garments in their closets for years and still look unique and fresh every time they wear a piece."  

 

Drape Neck Dress

Cascade Dress

 

  

 

 

 

Petal Cape

 

 

Mandarin Pant

 

 

 

Rachel’s take on the classics with a twist is precisely why she is designing for the Haute Trenta lady. By using unexpected color combos and prints she allows for one to make a quiet statement that expresses personality without intimidating anyone in the process. Her looks also act as a great foundation to add your more trendy fun pieces when a fun street style look is in order. Luckily those fun trendy pieces can be found in her Rachel Rachel Roy Collection. Rachel describes the line for the Huffington Post.

 

“For my secondary line, I made sure everything was sold at an affordable price so that my customers also have the option of shopping in the moment without making a big investment.”

 

 

 Here is a look at a few of my current faves from the Rachel Rachel Roy Collection

 

Cardi Dress

 

Basket Weave Trench

 

Marilyn Trench

 

 

 

Rachel does a great job updating classic pieces by using current trends. Her wrap dress/trench dress has a military influence, she turns the dreaded cardigan into a fun high low dress, and updates the trench with a fun colorful leopard print inspired basket weave design. All of these items work towards keeping you current and would look great with lots of things you may already own. I will be sure to keep an eye out for more fabulous Rachel designs to share with you guys. For now stop by her website http://www.rachelroy.com/ and have a look around. She has a great archive of runway looks that is a great resource for styling tips.