As winter melts away, fashion for spring and summer 2012 blooms with color!

The 50’s and 60’s influence brings back polished, feminine styles with full, pleated, and tiered skirts and shifts. Embellishments go 3D with petals, blooms, sequins and embroidery adding elegance to any outfit. Lace and openwork cutout fabrics add sophistication. Watch for crochet, mesh and organza fabrics to show up in your favorite stores.

Take a chance on prints

The print craze is exploding on the runway. Bright and bold colors with digital variations are loud and clear choices for your spring wardrobe. Floral prints, along with watercolors, graphics, paisleys, photo prints, stripes and more are ready to go wherever you want to take them.

Don’t be afraid of a bold pattern. These are statement pieces to have some fun with! Pair some print pants with a colorful tank or sweater for a versatile choice to take you into spring.

This season the athletic look is more of a sporty couture then the traditional gym wear. Mesh, drawstrings, racer backs, extra large zippers and sporty anoraks are making their impact on mainstream fashion. Consider trading your evening cardigan for a voluminous anorak.

Add some sugar to your look

Colors inspired by candy stores and ice cream parlors will give you a fashion high this season. Choose from luscious limoncello, pistachio, raspberry, bubblegum and melon. Go icy and pale or bright and juicy. If the soda shop colors are too pale for you then look for the candy store brights.

Cyber age shimmering color brings mineral rich metallics like copper, platinum, and ocean inspired greens and blues into the spring palette. The look is enhanced with futuristic tailoring featuring voluminous silhouettes and radiant embellishments.

Ease into color

If all this color feels a bit overwhelming then look to the tribal influence. Consider batiks, tie dyes, animal prints and don’t forget the leather.  If you’re looking for something new for spring, consider the leather sleeveless top, sheath or jacket for an updated seasonal look.

For accessories, rhinestone and silver jewelry, gloves and pointed toe pumps are on our shopping list this season.  Consider adding them to yours too.

One Tip Wonder: We can’t resist the little pastel dress. Nothing says spring like a gelato colored dress with pointy pumps and some silver accessories.

There is much to choose from this spring so have fun finding a delicious style that’s all your own.

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Sleek and chic, classy pieces with new daring combinations

A flashback to the 50s brings us sophisticated Hollywood elegance. Perfectly finished from head to toe, this look is about polished distinction. Look for dresses that go past the knee, skirt suits and three quarter sleeve coats. Bold accessorizes help achieve this elegant look.

Spring meets fall for the first time with dresses showing up in a mosaic of floral prints. The 60′s look returns with bold graphic prints. Hems are dropping… and dropping fast! Mid calf and floor length hemlines are a big departure from the ultra-minis seen last season. Side slits have made a come back in the winter dress. Add the sleeveless drop-waisted shift to your wardrobe this season.

90’s minimalism has made its way onto the runways. Tailoring builds the contours for this season’s fashion fair. Precision cut draping and structure defines jackets and trousers. Simplicity reigns with the return of the pencil skirts topped with a loose fitting blouse.

What’s hot when it comes to color and fabric?

Color abounds! Creamy coffee, camel, bright crimson, citrus and burnt orange along with the rich emerald jewel shades of jade and azure make their statement in the stores this season. These rich hues are found in coats, bags, belts, shoes and dresses.

Textures are mixed to add style and flare. Leather, faux fur, vinyls, feathers and brocades give a strong look. Velvet is everywhere in the fall collections. This luxurious and romantic fabric can elevate any look, taking your outfit easily from daytime to eveningwear.

Plaids in a tartan to a rustic weave are making their return. Check out the pleated schoolgirl skirt paired with a turtleneck. Stripes, checks, even polka dots are also a carry over from the 70’s.

Glamour abounds this holiday season. Sequins make a statement in a variety of colors and shapes. Oversize post it note sequins are iridescent fun and futuristic.

Trousers

Flare and wide leg bottoms with a high waist give an elegant look when worn with a loose satin blouse. Cropped or slim fit pants will still find room in your wardrobe this winter.

Accessorize

Layered necklaces add style to a simple neckline. Motif pins give flare to a classic outfit. Choker necklaces and cuff bracelets in gold, copper or silver add prominence and style to a dress in the back of your closet. Hollywood 50′s elegance dictates pearls, gloves and fur wraps.

Shoes are bold with choices from patent, suede and reptile skins such as python and croc. Colors are fun with the addition of fringes, bows or straps. Heels are tall with either a spike or a wedge.

The bag collections include a range from a patent clutch to reptile skins with chain handles. Have fun bringing life to a simple black dress with a crimson reptile bag and matching suede shoes!

Textured stockings are an easy way to add interest to a simple outfit.

This Season’s One Tip Wonder

Add a camel coat in a sleek classic silhouette to your outerwear this season. Camel is a chic and eye catching shade. Consider some faux fur trim to add warmth and interest. Every woman can wear this classic addition with great confidence!

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Juicy bright with whites says it all.

Dress it up!

Romantic lace dresses and skirts grace the runway with nostalgic elegance. The 60’s influence brings us the hourglass dress.  A Jackie Kennedy inspired sheath dress is lovely falling just below the knee. Full skirts bring us back into ultra-feminine elegance.

The maxi dress is great for either daytime or evening wear and flatters almost any figure. Choose one in a soft flowing fabric for comfort. The little white dress makes a statement and moves the little black dress to the back of the closet.

70s inspired

This season also takes us back to the 70′s but with a sophisticated twist. The best of the disco era includes shimmering fabrics, fringes and flares. Groovy high-waisted, wide leg pants are paired with an elegant lux top. Stripes are back. Chose thick or thin in this spring’s technicolors. Lacy peasant blouses and homespun knits are all ready to go for spring.

The right pair of shoes will always finish your look. Elegant kitten heels, strappy stilettos, towering wedges with cork heels, gladiators or clogs – your look can be changed by unique footwear. Details such as rosettes, snakeskin, metallics and bows showcase what’s on the runway.

Spring and summer handbags are bright and beautiful. Choose a practical shoulder bag or a clutch purse in a sizzling hot color. Pair a feminine dress with a rich jeweled pendant necklace.

Finish your look with a sleeveless jacket or trench coat. Varying fabrics and colors can provide either a sporty, feminine or classic look.

One Tip Wonder: Put some vivid color in your wardrobe this season. Have fun shopping for a new dress that flatters your figure and add a clutch bag for a splash of color. Enjoy looking great this season!

It may have been a few years since you needed a new backpack in September, but there’s something about this time of year that makes you want to shop.

In their article, “2010 Fall-Winter Fashion Flare” list the colors, trends and accessories to take you from fall to winter in style.  This season it’s all in the details.  Look for luxurious fabrics in rich colors.  Take advantage of layering to put the fickle weather to work for you.

If a whole outfit is out of range at the moment, one great accessory can completely change your look.  Try a fitted cuff bracelet or add a chunky, sparkling broach to transform any jacket in your wardrobe.  If you’re looking for something unusual sites like etsy.com have hundreds of hand made pieces to choose from, many of them one of a kind.

Read the rest of “2010 Fall-Winter Fashion Flare” to get the inside scoop on what’s in style for Fall.

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Autumn hues have arrived!

Luxurious satin and silk fabrics are decorated with feminine ruffles and bows. Voluminous silhouettes or lace over-lays keep a hint of that romantic look on the scene. 1950’s nostalgia is back with the ‘flirt skirt’, a classic with a high necked sweater. Graphic prints have arrived to add some bold variety to your wardrobe.

Get ready for a night out

Sophisticated evening wear is glittering and gorgeous! Strong silhouettes with demure cuts add a new elegance to the scene.  Magical metalics in silver, pewter, bronze, copper and gold provide a perfect palette to shine for a stunning evening look.

Cooler weather calls for layering and there is plenty available this season. Vests and  structured military jackets in leather or suede are dramatically decorated with zippers and buttons. Plush velvet or brocade fitted jackets look stunning with a sleek pair of pencil pants or leggings.  Add a fashion scarf to a cape or faux fur vest to compliment your outdoor look.

High velocity shoes make the scene in bright colors or prints. Flats, pumps or skyscraper heels make a dramatic statement with large buckles, bows, gemstones and fur.  High-rise or ankle boots work worn with skirts or leggings will take you into the winter months ahead.

Chunky gemstone jewelry is everywhere! Try pairing a cuffed bracelet or a glittering pin on your fitted jacket. Take your favorite blouse and give it a fresh seasonal look by replacing the buttons with assorted ornamental jeweled buttons.  Structured handbags in vivid colors or animal prints add punch to any classic outfit.

Have fun shopping while you choose the trends this season that work best for your personality and budget!

One tip wonder:  Add a new fashion scarf to update any neckline!  A fringed, ruffled, sequined or faux fur scarf is sure to change up any neckline and take you into this season’s fabulous fall look.

Get ready for romance as the spring and summer fashions of 2010 hit the stores!

Sparkle and shine hit the runway again as embellishment continues to climb the fashion charts with sequins, crystals, beading and glitter. Even the most basic T-shirt is upgraded to total decadence this season.  If embellishment and romance aren’t on your fashion palette then consider the alternate styles offered this season.

The minimal urban look gives a clean line with a precise silhouette. This architectural clothing is sleek and sophisticated especially in neutral colors. The minimalist style, shy on accessories, offers a simple yet elegant look.

Underwear is the new outerwear. Lingerie inspired pieces such as frilly lace bras over shirts and bustiers will make you blush. Victoria’s Secret is moving out of the store and into the streets.

Simple and sporty weekend wear moves into the weekday. Sleeveless hoodies and drawstring details on track pants with mesh inserts provide comfort and style.  The military look carries over from last season with khaki hues in an officer jacket or trench  coat, cargo pants and chinos.

The tunic white blouse is a fashion must-try. Add a button down, wrapped or pleated style, whatever best suits your body type.

Shoes this season are skyscrapers with platform heels. Mary Janes with cut out details, T-strap diva shoes, cork wedge heels and high sling backs look great but prove difficult to wear for those long days at the office. Pointed toe flats with pretty detailing and bows or two strap sandals such as gladiators will offer casual comfort.

Transparent accessories are hot! Shop for Lucite bracelets, plastic earrings, or crystal shoes. Even Cinderella would be impressed!

One Wish Fashion List:    With so much variety this season shop til you drop and enjoy browsing the racks to create your own distinctive  style. A romantic flowing dress with skyscraper heels, a crisp white  blouse with a pair of chinos or a sporty ensemble for the weekend will  take you from the office to the beach.  Have fun with the variety of this season!

Decadent and edgy, this season’s fashion hits the runway with a touch of the 80′s.

Fall announces rich textures in an array of fabrics from tweeds to patent and distressed leathers, shiny metallics and soft suedes. Deep jewel tones of ruby, amethyst, sapphire and emerald show their high luster in shiny tones or velvet decadence.

Comfy and cozy in totally tweed, choose black and white or autumn shades. Black rules with grey, midnight blue and brown close behind. Elegant fabrics of silk, satin and brocade take us back to the 50′s.  Art gallery collages adorn the fall runways – look for patchwork patterns of texture and color. Bold geometrics are loud and fun.

Sky scraper heels, high bohemian boots and cropped ankle booties will take you to the new level of fashion opulence. Cloaks, capes and wraps are making a comeback. For an elegant look drape a fur lined cape over your evening wear. Sequins, jewels, leather and faux fur create over the top glamour. Chunky beads and jewelled metallic necklaces are statement pieces. Shimmer and shine day or night with this season’s metallics and bold accessories.

One Tip Wonder: Go for some glamour! Purchase a fashion item adorned with sequins, jewels or an art gallery collage. Enjoy the season’s decadence!

Let the sun shine this season on a fashion beach buffet! A variety of options include bright colors and soft neutrals, flat shoes and mega platforms, bright faux reptile leathers and super sized jewelry. Lift your spirits with this season’s glamor fashion themes of up-to-date vintage or sheer romance, pick what you like and run into the sun!

Colors range from vivid greens and yellows, powdery pastels, classic black and white combo, pink blush, lavender, turquoise, or lapis blue. Enhance any of these summery hues with pristine white or a dark blue. Neutrals are big, wear tone on tone or deliberately pair with opulent purple, red or indigos

Key pieces for the season include loose flowing pants or slim ankle hugging slacks skirts both slim and voluminous or the sleek city shorts. For dresses look for a basic sheath,  tailored shirt dress or a strapless or strappy sun dress. One shoulder tops and dresses are new to the fashion line up and are making a statement. Add a cardigan or a short flounced jacket over your colored tank.  Sculpted sleeved blouses and structured trench coats have also made the scene.

Fabrics include fine silks and satins, sheers, textured weaves, raw denims and bleached pastels. Tie die, floral prints, graphics- stripes, polka dots, plaids  or geometrics are fun for the season.
Shine in the sparkling gold and silver metallics. Rock star glitter or sequins will help to embellish that special outfit.

Super sized accessories add glamor. Large scale jewelry such as oversize necklaces with colored gems, beaded cuff bangles, and oversize sunglasses. Add a Princess Grace inspired neck scarf or a wide belt this season to your wardrobe. Brightly colored embossed faux reptile leather clutch purses and vivid patent big totes are  everywhere. This seasons trendy footwear includes glamorous thin heeled stilettos, jeweled metallic flats, skyscraper platform heels, strappy sandals and chunky heel sandals. Cut-out footwear is edgy and cool.

One Wish Fashion List: Buy a bright, shiny faux reptile clutch purse for an in-season touch. Keep in mind that a few key items can make a big impression such as a new sun dress, a trendy pair of pants or a big chunky neck piece. If you want a simple touch that will add elegance to your outfit add a spring scarf.

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