Spring is almost here– it is March after all. Spring clothing is already in stores and affordable is the name of the game– as well as plotting out your fashion shopping strategy so that it works with your closet and budget right into summer!
Here are the key trends according to Kohls:
· Bold Color–bright colors, fluorescents, jewel-tones
· Shine–metallic, sequins, pearl, glitter
· Exotics–animal print, tribal
· Open Stitch–chunky knits, edgy sweaters, lace
· White— color blocking using white as the main featured color mixed wtih other colors thatcomplement the main white accent of the outfit)
· Tropical–summery colors and prints, flowers, warm colors, flowy fabrics
Here’s where I would start– in your closet. Everything I am showing here illustrates a trend (or two) that make it in key with the summer trends but you can update it with other items in a variety of price points or colors that work with your personal look and closet.
What I am looking for in Spring 2012: things that work for me in color, style and shape- that make me look like I have longer legs, show off the curves I do have and camoflauge the figure flaws I do have or help them to look better. I am an eclectic stylist: I believe in taking some basics that everyone has and then jazzing them up with colors, tops, shoes and jewelry to make a personal statement that tells people I am a fun, fashion-savvy person.
Open Stitch Texture: Lace
Lace was huge in fall and holiday and it hasn’t stopped and mixes well with other stylistic trends that are shown on Kohls’ list. No matter if it’s a long-sleeved lacy top layered over a colored (or neutral tank as shown), it works with creating an edgy layered look and when you pop a crochet open sweater over this or some kind of cropped jacket paired with a bold color denim or twill pants, you will be rocking not only the textured trend but also the bold/color-blocking trend as well.
I went neutral here because as a rather petite person, I wanted to look long and lean. Note that the booties are in the same tone except for the bold red laces. I take a trend and make it work for me so that it maximizes my look. While texture is great, on me sometimes big chunky sweaters are overwhelming, so I choose things like pointelle, fine crochet and lace to give me texture and an au courant presentation.
To up the fashion quotient on this, I would head to Kohls and pick up some new tank tops and a variety of layered look jewelry.
White & Color-blocking:
I had a pair of skinny/straight white jeans and paired it with a bright casual loose top. Note the contrasting pumps and how I scrunched up the legs of the jeans. Roll up the hems even more if you want to rock stilettos or wedges with this look. The blocky, squared off top makes the white pants more of a statement piece.
Why this combination?
I wore this one because of the boxy presentation of the orange shirt wouldn’t work with the white wideleg pants I love. However skinnies are my “go-to” style and I like wearing them and wearing a slightly oversize shirt doesn’t overwhelm my petite frame and between the white and orange it makes a statement without being overwhelmed by prints that I would love to wear- but end up wearing me!
The interesting part about white and color-blocking was that I was torn between the wide leg white pants that I love wearing for summer because they are so light-weight. The swing of wide leg pants makes your legs look long and lean, allow for a wide variety of shoes (wedges, pumps, sandals) and the range of tops is endless. I had selected an orange and white diagonally striped tank top that had a slim cut that would be perfection for warmer days.
You can take a white pair of pants and go with long flowy tops or layered tanks in bright colors with contrasting jewelry and/or earrings to create your own personal statement. The great thing about Kohls is that you can do it affordably!
Exotic/Tropical:
(The dog wanted to be part of the show. He would NOT budge!)
This spaghetti strap dress is in various shades of olive green with a drop waist and metal studs down the front. The print of the dress is more exotic rather than tropical but the flowy style of the dress makes it more tropical and the dropwaist and the lightweight fabric make if very flowly and extremely fun to wear. The strappy multi-color sandals are fun and add more color to the dress.
Why did I choose this style?
I love to wear dresses but as I stated before, prints can be overwhelming on someone my size- I am pretty petite and I am slim. I like body concious clothing but I also like something flowy. I snagged this dress because it had a small exotic graphic print in a color that made my eyes even greener than they are plus it had some great metallic studs. The compliments I got from men and women when I have worn this dress were validation I made the right choice.
Now these are things in my closet. I would love to hit Kohls for other things that would work with this — a wrap, a new bag, some wedge sandals and some jewelry- not to mention a few more tops to add into the mix along with colored shorts and pants.
So you have your opportunity now to score some serious on target spring/summer trends now at Kohls – your affordable store.
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
What’s in and out in 2012? Find out at Beauty.com!
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