Bay Area Fashionista

Pleated skirts take spring 2012 by storm

 in General Fashion / Trends  tagged dresses / skirts / spring 2012 / summer 2012 by

The pleated skirt is one of the most popular types of skirts for the spring 2012 season. This flattering style was spotted on many spring runways last fall and has taken over store shelves, and streets, by storm. The pleated skirt has been spotted in three different hem lengths and offers a flattering, soft a-line silhouette which works well on almost any body type; no wonder it is so popular!

The three types of pleated skirts for spring are hitting mid-thigh, knee length and maxi style. Pleated skirts are being shown in all of the bright colors for spring as well as neutrals such as black, beige and white. They are an easy way to color block and can also go from day into evening with a quick change from satchel to clutch.

The pleated skirt has also been spotted as the bottom half of a dress this season. While most dresses with pleated skirts are shown in knee-length styles, the pleated skirt has also appeared on floor length dresses and short dresses. On a dress, the knee-length hem is the most flattering for most body types.

Pleated skirts can also be worn casually with flats, flat sandals or even flip flops as well as dressy with glittering high heeled sandals. The pleated skirt is so versatile and universally flattering; it would be a shame to skip this trend!

We assembled the three lengths of pleated skirts for spring in the Polyvore set below. Which length do you prefer?

y (23)

Kal Rieman reveals fall 2012 collection

 in General Fashion  tagged emerging designers / fall 2012 / kal rieman by

Kal Rieman has revealed her fall 2012 collection and it is nothing short of amazing! The collection features a mix of skinny pants, cropped skinnies and trousers as well as dresses with asymmetrical hemlines. The color palette features this year’s most important color, orange; as well as autumn classics such as chocolate brown, neutrals shades and black.

The silhouettes are flattering and include wrapped tops, belted pieces and body conscious designs. The platform booties and daytime clutches are the perfect accessories for the fall and winter seasons; especially since the daytime clutch is one of the most important trends of the year!

Below are photos from Kal Rieman’s fall 2012 collection. For more information about Kal Rieman, please visit kalrieman.com

KR2728 KR1314  kalreiman

Is yellow the new neutral for spring 2012?

 in Color Trends / General Fashion / Shopping / Trends  tagged neiman marcus / spring 2012 / summer 2012 / yellow by

Neiman Marcus recently declared yellow to be the new neutral for spring 2012. This is an interesting declaration since neutral shades of beige, ivory, white, tan, brown and black are hard to come by this spring season. Out of all the spring colors, yellow is one of the more “neutral” shades as it blends well with both cool shades and warm shades.

Yellow is being shown with cool shades of blue and green while also being paired with warm shades of orange or “Tangerine Tango” to be exact. While yellow is still an actual “color,” the hue is easy to blend with most other colors of the rainbow and can easily add a pop of color to a “real” neutral ensemble in white or beige.

The easiest way to use yellow as a neutral shade is with accessories such as a handbag or pair of shoes. On cooler days, a yellow blazer, jacket or coat can add the perfect pop of color to any outfit. Yellow is also an easy color to use when color blocking an outfit.

The interesting thing about yellow is that it is more than just an on-trend color for spring 2012 and fall 2012. The shade also has psychiatric benefits for one’s mood! Yellow is considered a happy color which is said to help increase optimism. The hue is also said to increase concentration and productivity. Love that!

We assembled a few yellow pieces through Polyvore to brighten your day and inspire your spring-through-fall wardrobe. After all, yellow is gracing the fall runways and is one of Pantone’s top ten fall 2012 colors. Fabulous!

y (22)