People get tired of winter and are eager to brighten their mood as well as their wardrobe.
Philadelphia fashion expert Nicole Cashman says this year's designs are brighter than most. Color choices are far from the usual pastels, ranging to bright shades of blue, purple, even orange.
But they're not the neon versions we saw a few years ago. Especially in casual wear, the retro look is "in".
Flare-leg jeans are back, especially with pocket flaps. You might top yours with a throwback t-shirt featuring a print straight out of history. Retrophilly.com offers several. Or go for a retro jacket touting your favorite sports team. Philly's Mitchell and Ness in Center City has them all.
Women will enjoy the return of floral prints bigger and bolder than in recent years. But even a solid-color dress takes flight with an accent of this year's spring colors.
Men's shirts favor patterns this season. One we saw had a contrasting pattern on its cuffs for extra "energy."
Even men's suits are part of the color trend. Gray and navy fabrics have it all over black this year, and while neckties are coming in solid colors, those colors will add a splash of brightness.
Women's jewelry is also new. Designers favor mixing metal tones, so gold and silver might show up in one piece, perhaps joined by other colors. Stones, precious or otherwise, also tend to be in brighter colors, or you may see black-and-white accents.
One way to explore these trends is by just going shopping, but note that things are running more expensive compared to a year ago. Part of the reason is that fabric prices are higher. That's due in part to processing costs, and partly because shoppers are now more interested in "green" products with natural fabrics and earth-friendly dyes.
To cope, Cashman suggests looking around and choosing your purchases with care. For example, a pair of jeans may be worth the extra cost, but you might save on a T-shirt that goes with them.
Another way to explore fashion trends is in print, with magazines like "Philadelphia Style," or by checking out websites you trust.
Women's makeup and hairstyles are also new this spring. Stylists favor a flowing look; even the traditional "bun" is looser than a year ago.
As for makeup, our advisors say to keep it fresh. The "in" lipstick color this year is pink. If you're not sure how to put it all together, ask your favorite salon, or, again, browse your favorite magazines for ideas. Here's a list of the looks we presented in our feature:
WOMEN'S SPRING FASHIONS
Casually Cool
Jeans and a T-shirt are a go-to combination for casual days; give yours a fashion fix with a little retro flair!
Jeans: 70's-style flared jeans are huge for spring! These Hudson Woodstock Flap Pocket Flares from Denim Habit are one of my favorites ($189)!
Denim Habit
The Promenade
500 Route 73 South
Marlton, NJ 08053
(856) 596-2121
or
Suburban Square
47 St. George's Road
Ardmore, PA 19001
610-649-3419
T-shirt - Keeping with the vintage feel, choose a lightweight fitted tee from RetroPhilly featuring an authentic icon from Philly's past. So unique! ($19.95)
Available online only at RetroPhilly.com
Bag - "Skorpios" flap shoulder bag in "walnut" from Michael Kors at The Pier Shops at Caesars ($995)
Michael Kors at The Pier Shops at Caesars
One Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 345-3100
Jewelry - Silver bangles with semi-precious stones in pretty, springtime hues, such as these by Ippolita, add subtle sparkle to a casual outfit. (Starting at $525). Paired with Ippolita tear drop earrings in "Sky" ($475). Available at Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelers.
Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelers
Locations in PA (The Radnor Hotel, Newtown) and NJ (Marlton, Somers Point and Atlantic City.)
Call 1.800.BERNIE.R
visit http://www.bernierobbins.com for information.
Hair - Loose, textured waves with center part.
Make-up - Colorful blush gives a pretty flushed glow that brightens your whole face.
Trendy Transition
(Fun "going out" look; can be dressed down for day or dressed up for night.)
Florals and brights are big for spring and are a welcome change from the drab shades of winter. Add a lightweight jacket or sweater to make it more versatile.
Dress - Roberto Cavalli Spring/ Summer 2011 fitted floral dress with draped neck from Eleganza at The Pier Shops at Caesars ($725).
Eleganza at The Pier Shops at Caesars
One Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(6090) 345-3100
Jacket - Black lightweight leather blazer by Emu, available at Denim Habit ($365).
Denim Habit
The Promenade
500 Route 73 South
Marlton, NJ 08053
(856) 596-2121
Suburban Square
47 St. George's Road
Ardmore, PA 19001
(610) 649-3419
Jewelry - Jewelry is a great way to incorporate black and white with your brights, too! Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry has great black and white pieces, such as these rose gold, onyx and diamond earrings ($2,300) and ring ($1,900), available at Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelers.
Hair - Loose bun.
Makeup - Juicy, watermelon colored lips pop and look chic when the rest of the face is kept fresh and natural.
Out on the Town (Dressy evening look)
An evening outing doesn't have to mean resorting to black; spring is a great time to experiment with color in your wardrobe. Tribal-inspired prints are another big trend for spring; this dress elegantly combines a sophisticated shape and boho print for evening.
Dress - Purple silk cocktail dress with rosette detailing at the shoulder and ikat draping by local designer Irina Sigal ($565). Irina Sigal
8120 Old York Road
170 Yorktown Plaza
Elkins Park, PA 19027
(215) 885-7547
www.irinasigal.com
Jewelry - With the return of more luxurious fabrics and sophisticated shapes, diamonds and crystals are hard to beat! Hearts On Fire, known for providing the world's most perfectly cut diamond, makes stunning jewelry such as these earrings ($14,500), bracelet ($25,00) and ring ($10,000), available at Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelers.
Hair - Deep side part and polished low ponytail
Makeup - Smoky eye with a green/turquoise wash.
Hair - Hair styles this spring are easy and breezy. Play up volume and
texture by making the most of your natural waves or using a curling iron or hot rollers.
Part down the middle and wear loose for a carefree, boho look
Wrap into a bun for an "unperfect" yet polished look
Try a deep side part and pull into a low ponytail for an easy yet
sophisticated look.
Makeup - In complete contradiction of spring hair trends, spring makeup trends were bold with bright colors on cheeks, lips and eyes.
Juicy lip colors are hot for spring, especially orange-reds and
corals, and watermelon pinks.
Violet, turquoise, even red and yellow eye shadow was seen on the
spring runways.
Go sheer or layer over your smoky shades to make this trend wearable in real life.
Hair and makeup looks by Laura from Giovanni & Pileggi
256 S. 16th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-568-3040
http://www.giovannipileggi.com
MEN'S SPRING FASHIONS
Casually Cool (Casual day look)
Vintage-inspired casual wear is hot for men this spring, too! Show your team spirit with a Phillies jacket; pair with vintage-style jeans and a lightweight plaid shirt for a winning combination!
Philadelphia Phillies Vintage Twill Jacket with Metal baseball tack pin from Mitchell & Ness ($160).
Mitchell & Ness
1201 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 273-7621
http://www.mitchellandness.com
Shirt - True Religion "Jefferson" plaid poplin shirt with antique snap buttons ($132).
Jeans - True Religion "Ricky" Jeans - part of their new vintage collection. Low rise, straight leg in "Medium Drifter" wash ($196.)
Both available at the True Religion store at The Pier Shops at Caesars
One Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 345-3100
Accessories - Choose a watch with features a sporty rubber band and cool blue accents like this TAG Heuer, available at Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelers. • Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelers
Trendy Transition
(Fun "going out" look, can be dressed down for day or dressed up for evening)
A colorful printed shirt adds excitement to crisp, classic khakis. Pair with leather flip flops for a relaxed yet pulled together look.
Printed collared shirt - by local brand 611 Lifestyle Luxe Life Collection ($120).
The 611 Lifestyle
"Puerto Chino" pants - in khakis by Tommy Bahama ($98).
Beach Walker Flip Flops - in brown leather with natural stitching by Tommy Bahama ($68).
Both available at Tommy Bahama at The Pier Shops at Caesars
One Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 345-3100
Accessories - Bracelets aren't just for the ladies and all the stylish men in Hollywood are wearing them! Several jewelry companies have lines exclusively for men, such as this one by John Hardy ($950) from Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelers
Out on the Town (Dressy evening look)
"Mad Men" continues to inspire mens wear and nothing is more dapper than a slim, three-piece suit. For spring, opt for gray or navy, rather than traditional black, and pair with soft colors such as lavender and sky blue. The details make the difference - check out the coordinating striped shirt, solid silk tie, pocket square.
Suit - Three-piece, 2 button slim cut wool/mohair super 130 suit in gray by Hugo Boss ($1,045)
Shirt - Slim Fit Spread Collar Dress Shirt in white and blue stripe by BOSS Black ($125)
Tie - Regular silk solid tie in Light Blue by BOSS Black ($95)
Pocket Square - Paisley pocket square in "Open Beige" - beige with purple and light blue paisley by BOSS Black ($30)
Shoes - Hankie perforated leather dress shoe in Medium Brown by BOSS Black ($225)
All available at BOSS HUGO BOSS at The Pier Shops at Caesars
One Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 345-3100
Accessories - You can't go wrong with a classic watch but the rose gold on this Carl F Bucherer watch makes it new and current ($20,400). Available at Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelers.
