summer 2012

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)

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)

Belts for the spring 2012 season

 in General Fashion / Trends  tagged belts / spring 2012 / summer 2012 by

This spring season, silhouettes have become less constricting and many dresses have less structure than in past seasons. This has made the belt incredibly important as it is one of the few ways to create a waistline on a dress. Many dresses are offering a loose top and body conscious skirt with a thin, elastic waistline; this begs and pleads for a belt-and not just any belt, a fabulous belt!

Belts for the spring season are available in every thickness and fabrication imaginable. There are Kimono belts in solid colors and color blocking as well as traditional belts which boast a large buckle. Many belts are elastic with a hidden closure which works really well on dresses and offer timeless appeal.

When adding a belt to a dress, or long top, it is important to look for the right style. If the dress or top offers a loud print and multiple colors, it would be wise to look for a solid colored belt which matches the fabric or is in a neural which blends well with the color combination. If you are belting a solid colored garment, look for a color blocked kimono belt or buckle belt. Solid colored garments also look fabulous with complicated woven belts and texture.

We found a few different styles of belts through Polyvore and created the set below. Happy shopping and stay fabulous

y (20)