Spring 2011 Fashion Trends

Spring 2011 Fashion Trends

 

Well, it’s about that time of year again. The time of year where heavy winter coats come off and the thin jackets go on, the time of year when closed toed shoes turn to peep toe and when dark colors turn to gorgeous pastels and bright colors, that’s right ladies, it’s spring time once again. Since it’s a new season us ladies must know what the latest fashion trends are so that we (and our wardrobes!) are all up to date.

            Blast from the past, is the latest trend for spring 2011. The 70’s has arrived in full swing, with all of its bohemian flair and eccentric glamour. This trend has been popping up everywhere, with stars from Kourtney Kardashian rocking high wasted pants to Paris Hilton in oversized sun hats. The 70’s is definitely back… for this season anyways. 

            Horizontal, diagonal, vertical yes, that’s right stripes are totally in for this season! Theresa Ulrich, a makeup, fashion, and vlogger [video blogger] on youtube [her youtube channel is juicytuesday] has been doing a promotion with Winners, which is a form of Marshall’s and TJ Maxx, has been doing mini videos showing the latest spring trends, one trend this season of course is stripes. Theresa says that while normally horizontal stripes can be unflattering there are ways to counteract it. By adding pinstriped pants to your wardrobe you can pull off the stripes subtlety. She says that with a pair of pinstripe pants the stripes “are going to lean you out more, plus the stripes are going to give the illusion of you looking smaller than you actually are.”  Wearing stripes under solids is a must. Holding up a black and white strapless striped dress with ruffles at the top, Ulrich suggests adding a bright colored coat over the top; in this case she pulled a bright orange coat with black toggles on the front. Back to the black and white striped dress, she says with a dress like this she suggests that you can belt it to synch your waist and accentuate it. It can be worn with flip flops heels flats, she says. Now, If you were daring you could even, “wear it lower on your waist with a baggier shirt and use it as a skirt” horizontal stripes, on a t-shirt “will make your bust look bigger and your legs looks smaller” which is definitely a plus.  Diagonal stripes will help to make you look “leaner, slimmer and longer than if you were wearing stripes that go straight across because those can build you up a bit. So if you are concerned with your weight at all look for stripes that are diagonal or going pin striped down” says Ulrich. So Ladies, stripes it is this season. With these tips in mind go out and find yourself some stripes.

·                    So, lets talk shoes, one big thing about this spring is that the kitten heel is back, which is great for those of us who have an extremely difficult time teetering around in those four inch Louboutins! Kitten heels that have a heel, typically 2 inches or less; kitten heels don’t have a very good reputation. In fact many women refer to them as “the ugly step-sister of the heel family.” Kitten heels were mainly popular in the 50’s and 60’s; many stars such as Audrey Hepburn popularized this type of shoe. According to Fashionising.com the kitten heel are supposed to look dainty, yet sophisticated. That means kitten heels with pointed toes are preferable. The shoe should have feminine details like bows, and the desired look that will work for both modern and retro inspired ensembles; you are advised to go for pairs that are relatively neutral and simple.

Another shoe trend this spring is the platform, or rather “flatform.” A flatform shoe is a mix between a flat shoe, such as a pair of sneakers, and a platform heel. This trend was spotted all over the runway during NYC’s fashion week. The shoe will give you the height that you want, but will definitely be a lot more comfortable, which is an awesome thing for those who love the look but hate the pain of high heels. While this trend is just starting out, it is destined to be a big one this year so, keep an eye out!

Now, you want to paint your nails a “springy color” and you’re not sure what to choose. What colors are hot for this spring? This season “moon manicures” are the new thing they give your nails a retro feel. The trick to “nailing” this trend is having a neutral base, like a cream color and at the base of your nail creating a sort of half moon in black, a nail pen would probably be ideal in helping you with this. Another hot nail trend this season is metallic. Metallic was hot last summer and it’s seemingly making a comeback. Try giving your nails a gold sheen and if you like try O.P.I.’s “Black Shatter” which creates a shatter effect on your nails. It’s that perfect mix between girly and punk. Pop art nails are all the rage as well seen at such fashion shows like Betsey Johnson and Alice + Olivia. Seen at Alice + Olivia was a bright colored nail with white polka dots, Hot! Also try graphics and nail decals, which you can get at your local drugstore or any beauty supply store (Sally’s, Sephora, or Ulta.) On the opposite end of the spectrum neutrals are also really big. This season’s nail trend is either about being bold and bright or soft and sweet.

Makeup what’s hot for makeup? Is the cat eye back? How about bright eyeshadows or the smoky eye? Well as for eyes lips and even nails, coral is a major color this season. A gorgeous color, coral is the essence of spring/summer. With its pink and orange tones to it, it is the perfect color for any skin tone! As for eye liner try a violet one, this look is best suited for those with a brown eye. Fuchsia cheeks are back as well. Too give yourself that pinkish plum glow try a fuchsia color, it’s all about colorful cheeks this season. Super pigmented pinks are a must on your lips and nails also. For this look try Dolce & Gabbana; The Lipgloss in Bon Bon, $29. And of course the smoky eye is still here. Now try your smoky eye in different hues, dark blues or a rich plum color. For a plum eye try Chanel Ombres Perlees de Chanel Eyeshadow Palette, $65, available at Chanel and Chanel counters.

Now that you know the hottest styles, makeup and nail colors for this spring, go out and rock it gorgeous!