Tag Archives: spring 2012 trends

Spring 2012 Must Have Colors – Runway to Real Way


Now that we’re in the swing of spring, we’ve covered the must have pieces, the must have prints, and now it is time to dive into color.  And for spring it is diverse and fabulous.  The colors go two ways: dark and moody and light and sunny.

Chambray Wishes: While this is technically a fabric, the color appeared multiple times throughout the runway shows.  The look is sun washed, casual and in these applications a bit worn in, for an easy, breezy spring.

Chambray Wishes Real Way:Shop: Sweater, Top, Blouse, Short, Pant, Short, Oxfords, Ballets, Hat, Belt
 

Yellow + Gray:  The yellow this season is a softened lemon or saturated gold, and richer than previous seasons neon.  The yellows are contrasted with washed out grays, charcoals and black.

Yellow + Gray Real Way:
Shop: Dress, Henley, Dress, Bangles, Maxi, Sandal, Wedge, Earring
 

Sorbet Ice: The spring runway was also print filled and so the assortment of sorbet colored pieces was a palette cleanser.  The freshness of color was light, clean and icy bright, without ever feeling cold or sterile. 

Sorbet Ice Real Way:Shop: Dress, Jacket, Dress, Lip, Short, Wedge, Clutch, Sandal, Nail
 

Greige Goddess: This is more of a muted combination of colors, but the Greige Goddess look was in full effect on the Spring runways.  Featuring gathered and draped fabric, gentle sheen, and the muted tones of beige with hints of metallic woven through.

Greige Goddess Real Way:Shop: Dress, Dress, Top, Bangle, Sandal, Pant
 

Which trend are you most excited about?  Which have you tried so far?  Tell me in the comments!

Spring 2012 Must Have Prints – Runway to Real Way


In addition to id’ing the must have pieces for spring 2012, I’ve also picked up on some have prints.  The idea is to be inspired  by the designer’s dossier that danced down the runway – and  not to mimic it exactly.  You can pick up a tribal element here and a floral piece there to achieve spring trend balance, not abundance.

Make the Cut Runway: Not technically a “print” this trend appeared on a variety of runways and each application the specific fabric details catch your eye like a print would.  This trend can be playful, sophisticated and full on bombshell interpretation.

Make the Cut Real Way:Shop: Strapless, Strappy, Lip, Gown, Sandal, Clutch

 

Garden Party Runway:For certain there were runway looks with soft petals, and sweet posies, but these styles feature flowers that could not be confused with shrinking violets.  The color is bold, cheerful elevates the sweet flower beyond the Easter Egg roll.

Garden Party Real Way:Shop: Blouse, Cami, Dress, Short, Skirt, Bangle, Pump
 
 

Tribe Leader Runway: The look for the safari chic, and tribal inspired runways was not fashionable tourist on safari, it was Queen of the Jungle, and Leader of the Pack. 

Tribe Leader Real Way:Shop: Sweater, Dress, Wrap, Short, Sandal, Necklace, Pump
 
 

Which print trends are you most excited to translate from the runway to real way?  Tell me in the comments!

Spring 2012 Must Have Pieces – Runway to Real Way


Last fall, after scouring the runways, I identified the must have pieces for spring 2012.  Several months later it is time to shop… And we will shop, but with purpose and with key trends in mind and clever ways to take them from the runway to real life.

Gym Class Hero Runway: If this is the trend for you keep it streamlined and focus on details: an unexpected hoodie, zipper details, jersey and nylon fabrics, and racerback tops.

Gym Class Hero Real Way:Shop: Jacket, Dress, Vest, Sandals, Bag, Wedge, Skirt, Shorts, Tank, Bracelets, Buds, Bag
 

Trail Blazer Runway:It is completely over sized, has masculine structuring and detailing, and reminds me of the look when a dad offers his suit jacket to his daughter to keep her warm.

Trail Blazer Real Way:Shop: Dress, Blue, Black, White, Espadrille, Tunic, Short, Sunglasses, Belt, Hat
 

Jumpsuit Fever Runway: Highly reminiscent of the 1970′s, but with a twist from an earlier era of the 1920′s,  the standard jumpsuit looks more polished in flowing silks, deep deco necklines, slim waists and wide legs.

Jumpsuit Fever Real Way:Shop: Black, Floral, Cobalt, Headband, Belt, Earrings
 

1920’s Nightgown Runway: This look features perfect knife pleating, sheer panels, soft whispers of color, flowing chiffon, delicate beading.  The look is delicate, refined and secretly an alluring throw back to the 1920′s bedroom dressing.

1920’s Nightgown Real Way:Shop: Blouse, Dress, T-Strap, Dress, Cardigan, Short, Slip, Earring
 

Modern Marilyn Runway: The halter, the open back, bare arms, plunging neckline are made modern by new silhouettes and fresh detailing at the waist.

Modern Marilyn Runway Real Way: Shop: Blouse, Dress, Dress, Jacket, Denim, Espadrille, Earrings, Skirt, Clutch
 
Lady Who Lunches Runway: The Spring 2012 look has taken the ladylike suit, all prim and proper and made it pop.  In these styles it doesn’t feel costume  and it is not primed for next season’s Mad Men, it feels fresh.  The slim silhouettes, the modern details, the bold colors, all fabulous.  And for the lady who lunches, this look is all business.Lady Who Lunches Real Way:Shop: Jacket, Glove, Blouse, Dress, Short, Earring, Captoe, Skirt
 
Simply Bold Runway: It’s not going to be easy to wear, and rarely will you have an occasion for a large shimmering tent of a ballgown skirt, but it should make you consider the concept of a simple top paired with a dramatic bottom for spring, or all year long.Simply Bold Real Way:Shop: Tie Tee, Heathered Tee, Sweater, Print Skirt, Geometric Skirt, Glitter Skirt
 

Which piece trends are you most excited to translate from the runway to real way?  Tell me in the comments!

Trendspotting: Must Have Pieces at NYFW Spring 2012


So far I have shared the trends I identified based on color (sorbet, yellows, greige and chambray), and by prints (cut outs, safari, bold florals) and now we’re in the home stretch, the last set of trends based on the items that will be must have for Spring 2012.

As a shopper these might be the easiest to aspire to owning and achieving.  If the market picks up on these trends you’ll be able to find all of these pieces at a variety of prices, which will make shopping a breeze.

With this set, like the previous two, all of the trends had to appear at least three times, and often they appeared more than that.

Let’s get started, I think you’ll love them (or at least one of them!)

Gym Class Hero: This might be the easiest trend of all to pull off, and I couldn’t be more pleased.  Several designers sent looks down the runway that were influenced if not down right inspired by gym class, if your P.E. teacher was Anna Wintour… If this is the trend for you keep it streamlined and focus on details: an unexpected hoodie, zipper details, jersey and nylon fabrics, and racerback tops.

Gym Class Hero, Spring 2012

 

Trail Blazer: For the last few years everyone from Kate Moss to Kate Middleton has sported some variation of the schoolboy (a slightly too small) blazer to the boyfriend (a slightly too large) blazer.  The trend from the Spring 2012 runway is look is a bit more mature, and I have termed it as dad’s blazer.  It is completely over sized, has masculine structuring and detailing, and reminds me of the look when a dad offers his suit jacket to his daughter to keep her warm.  I am completely into the look and how it translates from runway to real life with ease.

Trail Blazer, Spring 2012

 

Jumpsuit Fever: Several looks on the Spring 2012 runways were inspired by a very specific fashion moment in time, and the abundance of fit and flared jumpsuits is no different.  Highly reminiscent of the 1970’s, but with a twist from an earlier era of the 1920’s,  the standard jumpsuit looks more polished in flowing silks, deep deco necklines, slim waists and wide legs.

Jumpsuit Fever, Spring 2012

 

1920’s Nightgown: The Spring 2012 runways featured lots of looks that could have been borrowed from a very highly edited boudoir.  This look features perfect knife pleating, sheer panels, soft whispers of color, flowing chiffon, delicate beading.  The look is delicate, refined and secretly an alluring throw back to the 1920’s bedroom dressing.

1920's Nightgown, Spring 2012

 

Modern Marilyn: In fashion there are iconic women, and then there are iconic dresses, few dresses are more iconic than Marilyn Monroe’s knife pleated white halter dress from the Seven-Year Itch.  The Spring 2012 runways featured dresses that were clearly inspired by the icon.  The halter, the open back, bare arms, plunging neckline are made modern by new silhouettes and fresh detailing at the waist.  This may be the foreshadowing of the perfect spring time dress.

Modern Marilyn, Spring 2012

 

Lady Who Lunches: Some people say you’re either a Marilyn, or a Jackie.  If you’re the former, see above, if you’re the latter let’s continue.  The Spring 2012 look has taken the ladylike suit, all prim and proper and made it pop.  In these styles it doesn’t feel costume  and it is not primed for next season’s Mad Men, it feels fresh.  The slim silhouettes, the modern details, the bold colors, all fabulous.  And for the lady who lunches, this look is all business.

Lady Who Lunches, Spring 2012

 


Simply Bold:
I have always been a jeans and a t-shirt girl, and so something about the look of a top that is naturally a match with jeans being paired with an evening worthy bottom, just delights me.  This look was seen on a few runways for Spring 2012 and I love it.  It’s not going to be easy to wear, and rarely will you have an occasion for a large shimmering tent of a ballgown skirt, but it should make you consider the concept of a simple top paired with a dramatic bottom for spring, or all year long.

Simply Bold, Spring 2012

Colors, patterns, prints, and fabulous pieces round out the favorite trends from the Spring 2012 runways.

Which of these trends are your favorites?

Trendspotting: Print Trends at NYFW Spring 2012


Yesterday I showcased the trends I identified based on colors, and fabulous, and today we’re taking a look at the trends based on patterns and prints.  My rule for identifying a trend is that it has to appear at least three times, three times a charm (and a trend)!

Let’s not waste another minute.

Make the Cut: Not technically a “print” this trend appeared on a variety of runways and I am categorizing it in the trend category because of the way the specific fabric details catch your eye like a print would.  Showcased here are three examples of the cut out look, there is a playful, sophisticated and full on bombshell interpretation.  I like that in a few months we could all interpret this trend to fit our own style.

Make the Cut, Spring 2012

 

Garden Party: This trend for spring isn’t necessarily a surprise, flowers in spring – who knew?  But, I really loved the execution.  For certain there were runway looks with soft petals, and sweet posies, but these styles feature flowers that could not be confused with shrinking violets.  The color is bold, cheerful elevates the sweet flower beyond the Easter Egg roll.

Garden Party, Spring 2012

 

Tribe Leader: All through the summer and into the early fall I have shared my love for the tribal trend for home and fashion.  I was delighted to see it continue with a more fierce and wild interpretation.  The look for the safari chic, and tribal inspired runways was not fashionable tourist on safari, it was Queen of the Jungle, and Leader of the Pack – something we can all aspire to be for Spring 2012.

Tribe Leader, Spring 2012

Colors, patterns, prints, oh my!  Are any of these make you excited for Spring 2012?

Trendspotting: Color Trends at NYFW Spring 2012


I clicked through every single fashion show and presentation of New York Fashion Week for Spring 2012.  And, along the way I started noticing a few trends and themes, and as the weather turned colder in DC, again I began to long for longer days, tanner skin, and shorts.

I have divided up all the themes into three segments, trends based on color (love!), trends based on patterns and prints (love, love!), trends based on pieces (love x 3!).

Let’s not waste another minute.

Chambray Wishes: While this is technically a fabric, the color appeared multiple times throughout the runway shows.  The look is sun washed, casual and in these applications a bit worn in, for an easy, breezy spring.

Chambray Wishes, Spring 2012

Yellow + Gray: This color combination was EVERYWHERE on the runway, in casual looks and evening styles.  The yellow this season is a softened lemon or saturated gold, and richer than previous seasons neon.  The yellows are contrasted with washed out grays, charcoals and black.

Yellow + Gray, Spring 2012

Sorbet Ice: The spring runway was also print filled and so the assortment of sorbet colored pieces was a palette cleanser.  The freshness of color was light, clean and icy bright, without ever feeling cold or sterile.

Sorbet Ice, Spring 2012

Greige Goddess: This is more of a muted combination of colors, but the Greige Goddess look was in full effect on the Spring runways.  Featuring gathered and draped fabric, gentle sheen, and the muted tones of beige with hints of metallic woven through.

Greige Goddess, Spring 2012

More trends coming soon!  But first, do any of these make you excited for Spring 2012?