HOT PICKS SPRING 2013 TRENDS

We started to see graphic black and white prints pop up for Fall 2012. But the trend exploded for spring, basically taking up Marc Jacobs’ entire runway! If you’re not into patterns, black and white separates were equally as popular.

Thank to all the sheer fabrics (another spring trend!) undergarments were meant to be seen outside the bedroom. To make the trend work in real life, opt for a bright color or metallic bralette. Nude doesn’t translate as well in real life.

Polka dots are still going strong. While perfect dots are still chic, for an updated look try an artistic pattern, like the blotchy spots at Reem Acra.

2012 was the year of Tangerine Tango. And orange is certainly continuing into 2013. But it’s not the only colorful citrus peel in style. Lemon, citron and lime are also holding their own.

Spring is usually a time for color to bloom. But designers tapped into their dark side this season. Head-to-toe black looked sweet thanks to flirty silhouettes and lacy fabrics. The result? A little good-girl, a little bad.

Geometric patterns popped up on all types of clothing for spring. Use the print to your advantage. Bottom heavy? Wear a printed top with black pants to draw attention up top. Top heavy? Swap the printed top for a skirt or patterned pant. Also use diagonal lines of a dress to highlight curves.

Last season, before the 50 Shades of Gray craze, Lubov Azria shocked fashionistas by accenting Hervé Léger dresses with harnesses in the label’s fall collection.  Clearly other designer’s took note. For spring, feminine lace and conservative sheaths got a dose of sex appeal with leather accents. It’s remarkable how one accessory can completely change a look.

I always find the inspiration behind a collection fascinating. And for spring, many designers look to the islands. Some interpretations were subtle, with palm and hibiscus prints fit to wear for every day. Others were quite literal, meant to be reserved for beach vacations.

Lace certainly is not a new trend. But for spring it’s a major trend. Just about every other designer incorporated the feminine fabric into their collection. The good news? You can buy lace when it goes on sale over the holidays and you’ll be be prepared by the time spring rolls around.

Spring saw the return of the naked dress. Except unlike Carrie Bradshaw’s slinky 90s version, thee silhouettes were feminine with pleating in soft blush and creamy beige. There were also shorts, pants an sweaters in neutral silks and lightweight knits

As you can probably tell by what I wore to fashion week, I’m obsessed with the peplum trend. So I was thrilled to see it’s not going anywhere. An updated silhouette is the sportier, racerback peplum, paired with looser pants. Also on my list? A peplum jacket.

The 60s are having a major moment in fashion. Think mod prints, swing coats and party shifts. To keep the look modern, add an of-the-moment shoe, like the sparkling Christian Louboutin platforms at Jenny Packham.

From watercolor prints to silky patterns, florals were soft and romantic on the runways. If you’re more edgy then feminine try adding a studded belt or leather jacket to a floral dress.

Spring is the season of the suit. There was every type on the runway: pant suits, skirt suits and shorts suits. The great part about buying a suit you can also wear them as separates. a bright blazer gets dressed down with jeans. While a crisp pair of trousers looks perfect with a blouse at the office.