A Diva State of Mind

It is barely 20 degrees outside and stores have already changed their floor sets to spring collections.  You know I like to wait until at least the end of February or early March to start talking about Spring trends and collections because it’s hard to focus on Spring when you’re still wearing sweaters. However, after I previewed the alice + olivia Trunk Show online, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to start talking about Spring now!

I receive email notifications from Neiman Marcus that focus on the latest collections, trends and in-store/online sales.  Last week I received an email that gave customers a look into the alice + olivia Spring Collection and it’s fabulous!

The Collection features animal print, wide leg pants, bohemian styles and floral prints.   What else does a girl need for spring?! While the online Trunk Show is only a small glimpse into the Spring line, it was enough to get me excited for the trends we can expect to see this Spring. Check out some of my favorite looks featured on the Neiman Marcus website:

Riley Blouse with Tie and Erica Wide Leg Pants

My name is Keri and I’m in love with wide leg pants! These Erica Wide Leg Pants are hot.  Wide leg pants are one of the most flattering pants a woman can own.  As you know, masculine styles have been incorporated in women’s fashion for many seasons and this look is a masculine ensemble that is polished, modern and sexy all at the same time. Wide leg pants look great with a blouse or fitted top and heels or wedges.

Printed Silk Romper

The color combination in this romper gives you so many options with accessories. You can pair it with tan shoes and tan/gold accessories or you can brighten up the look by adding a bold belt like the red one pictured above. The great thing about rompers in the spring/summer is that they are easy to transition from day to night. Rock your romper with flats and a long necklace during the day for a casual look.  Switch into fun heels, bolder accessories and a belt at night.  (I’m still trying to find a romper that fits me right. I’ve tried them in the past and they just haven’t worked for me yet, but it is definitely a cute spring/summer look).

Bridget Poet Bohemian Dress

This is a great option for the weekend when you’re meeting friends for lunch or going on a casual afternoon date. It’s trendy yet simple which makes this type of a dress a must have in any woman’s wardrobe.

Matilda Boquet-Print Dress

Don’t be afraid of floral prints this Spring. I’m the type that typically loves to wear black dresses because they can be matched with any color accessory. But a floral printed dress like this will definitely make me want to step out of my comfort zone and you should too! This is a fun and flirty dress, great for a summer night out on the town.  You can dress down for a day look by pairing with flats.

Check out the Alice + Olivia Trunk show HERE. You can also check out the entire Spring collection at www.aliceandolivia.com

Now if only the weather could be 60 degrees warmer!

MAC Cosmetics has teamed up with Alice + Olivia for a limited edition of lip gloss, eye shadows and nail lacquer.  The collection is fun and edgy!!  I absolutely LOVE the nail lacquer colors; two of them are my favorite colors (teal and purple).  I usually don’t step outside of dark purple during the winter and french manicures during the spring/summer, but the Alice + Olivia collection has me considering stepping out of my comfort zone (these colors would be great for my Miami vacation!!!)
 
Check your local MAC Cosmetics stores for the Alice + Olivia collection because many of the products are SOLD OUT online.  Clearly I missed the memo!

Neutrals

We should all have neutrals if we’re talking about summer. Neutrals are not only flattering, but they also help you stay cool. If we end up having an extreme summer like we did winter, we’re all going to be looking for light weight and light color clothes to keep us cool. Neutrals in any style of apparel (shirts, skirts, and dresses) are definitely an investment. It’s a trend that will keep coming back.

Ruffles:

Ruffles are here and can look great if worn correctly.  Try ruffle skirts and dresses for a fun and flirty look this season.  Ruffles on the bottom of a skirt are great on those of you who are slim; gives the illusion that you have a little “meat on your bones.”

Short Shorts:

Please keep in mind, short shorts are NOT for everyone, however, they will be around this year.  Last year, the biggest trend was dresses and skirts, but shorts are making a come back.  If you’re going to wear short shorts, keep the top simple with a tank top or tee shirt, but nothing too revealing.  Let your legs do the talking.

Masculine Elements - Blazers & Vests

One of my favorite fashion pieces; I love wearing them with skinny jeans and especially leggings and heels.  Expect to see strong shoulder blazers, shorter blazers and white blazers. I’ve seen two sites already feature cute blazers in white.  (I may have to purchase one myself).  White would look great over an all black ensemble or over vibrant colors such as orange, yellow and teal.  They are great to dress up with heels or dress down with jeans and flats.   Always compliment the masculine element with a little femininity, like a long necklace, big earrings or multiple bangles. 

Abstract Prints & Bold Colors

Prints and bold colors are taking over.  Everything I’ve seen is in a print or solid bold color.  Use patterns and colors to add a little flare to your style and stand out in the crowd.  For darker skin tones, yellow, orange and teal look really good! For lighter skin tones, teal, shades of pink and purple compliment your look.

Add these fives trends to your wardrobe and you’ll be sure to make a statement this Spring & Summer season!

I know I know, I’m suppose to be talking about Spring and Summer fashions but this sweater is too cute!!  This is a great piece to wear while we transition between season.  If you don’t want to wear a Spring jacket, this is a great sweater to throw on instead.

I absolutely love linen wide leg pants for the summer. They are very versatile: you can wear them with flats or dress them up with wedges for a casual night out on the town.

Fun & Flirt! Need I say more.  This is a great dress for a fun night out.  There are enough parties going on in the summertime that a new dress is ALWAYS going to be needed!

Patterns are a major Spring/Summer 2010 trend this season, so it’s only appropriate that alice + olivia offer this black and white striped skirt.  Very cute look!!!

Check out the complete online alice + olivia shop at http://shop.aliceandolivia.com/