Summer Hats

Some face shapes are lucky enough that you can wear anything.  Summer hats are a great way to keep the sun off your face while looking cool.   Hats also have a great way of creating a new character and bringing out another side of your personality.

The Fedora is one of the most popular for summer.  It's a classic style that is usually known as a men's hat but has become equally popular for women over the years.  It's a style trend that doesn't seem to ever go away year after year.  If you pick one up this season you can rest assured you'll still be on trend next year.    

  A fedora looks best on a narrow, longer face.  The style typically has a smaller brim and isn't too overpowering.

Banana Republic Fedora
available in stores and online.

  Visors are an alternative to the traditional hat when you're looking to shade yourself from the sun.  Not just for athletes, this style has several variations that could take you from the beach to just everyday wear.  
 
The bucket hat complements several different face shapes.  The way it's cut fits closer to the face.  If you have a bigger head or face this look might not have the best fit.
 
  Avoid hats that are too high when you have a longer face shape.  They will only make your face look longer.  The floppy hat is great for women with bolder faces because it helps to soften your look.  Extra large brims can be molded and shaped to frame your face.  It's cool to shift it to the side and get that sophisticated, classy look of what I like to call 'ladies who lunch'.  I personally love large floppy hats because they are amazing statement pieces.
        

The Maxi Dress

Stylist Tameka Foster (ex-wife of Usher Raymond) looks radiant
in this bright printed maxi-dress. 

The maxi dress is one of the easiest style pieces this season.  They look great on most body types as long as you pick the right fit.  If you're tall make sure you find a dress that actually reaches your ankles.  There is nothing worse than a maxi dress that hits you in the middle of your calf.  It doesn't look right.

For fuller figures try to find a balance with print and style.  Avoid a pattern that is too busy and go for one like the print you see pictured on Tameka Foster above.  Wrap maxi-dresses look great on everyone.

A maxi-dress on pregnant women looks best in a solid color that skims the body.  That doesn't mean you should avoid patterns altogether but, you should be careful of the prints you select because it can make you look much bigger than you actually are.

If your body is straight, go for styles with a defined waist so it give you a little bit of curve.  Also a neckline that is more open with give you the look of a fuller bust-line.  

BCBG Pleated maxi-dress

Ready to Take a Dip?

Swimsuit by Zero + Maria Cornejo. (Photo: Imaxtree)

Kick into gear this summer with some of the hottest swimsuit trends.  It's not too late to grab a suit for the beach or poolside.  Bright color is always the way to go when picking a suit.  It is the perfect complement to the rich tones of summer bronzed and chocolate cocoa skin.  

Ethnic inspired prints have made their way into the swimsuit trend of the season too.  Look for a variety of color combinations, geometric patterns and floral prints.

Yigal Azrouel summer 2012

The deep-V is always classic and very sexy.  This one pictured above was inspired by the designs of Halston.  You can't go wrong with a white swimsuit because it looks great most skin tones; especially in the summer when we all have that sun-kissed glow.

Jason Wu.

Retro-inspired silhouettes make a splash for your summer.  With a higher waist and more coverage up top, this suit by Jason Wu will make you feel like you've gone back in a time capsule.  Even with so much coverage, you can feel like a sexy lady with class and style while enjoying the summer sun. 

The Cap-toe

Cap-toe pumps by Schultz. (Photo: Lauren DiLello)

The metallic cap-toe is the latest trend in ladies footwear.  They have a little bit of retro inspiration that sort of has that ode to the 80's feel to them.  This is one trend that goes from feminine to edgy.  It all depends on your personality for what works for you in your wardrobe.  A variety of styles are available from the high end down to low priced styles.

Nearly every designer from Manolo Blahnik to Sam Edelman have their own version of the captoe.  You don't have to be a celebrity to slip into a pair of these; stars like Solange Knowles and Gwyneth Paltrow have been spotted wearing them.  Anyone can pick up a pair.  It's the perfect accessory to add something to your outfit.  Whether you're wearing jeans or all dressed up, it doesn't matter, it's a look you can work.

Stuart Weitzman captoe Mary-Janes.

Petal Power

Petal power is where it's at for the summer season.  There's nothing prettier than stepping out on the town in a pretty floral printed dress.  It's the time of year when mixing brights and patterns is the way to get noticed.  You'll find everything from small prints to large sunflower patters on flowing sundresses.

Now that it's mid-season it's the best time to find these dresses on sale.  Get yours while the summer heat is still here.

Y-3

The spring collection for Y-3 had a real London vibe to it.  It was streetwear influenced by youth culture and a perfect mix of Japanese avant-garde with and English feel.

Yellow Fever

Yellow was all over the runways.

One of fashion's trends this summer is yellow.  This one promises to stick around into the fall season too.  As nice as this color can be, it's not one that every skin tone can get away with.  Be careful with what shade of yellow you choose because it can make some people look like they are sick.  But once you find the right shade you can be the sunshine in any room with this hue.  

Printed Pumps

Nicholas Kirkwood  - Spring 2012

Printed pumps and other footwear are one of spring's biggest trends.  You'll find patterns on everything from pumps to wedges and even some ballet flats.  You'll love the bold patterns, ethnic inspirations and brilliant color combinations.

The best way to wear this trend is to make your shoe the center-piece.  Wear all one color and add your shoes as the focal point and you're sure to turn heads.

Burberry Prorsum Woven Raffia

Sterling Shoes (Canada)

Victoria by Victoria Beckham

Fashion videos are an interesting way of showcasing a collection instead of the typical runway show.  Victoria by Victoria Beckham, the junior line by the former pop star turned designer, is shown creatively in this short video directed by Quentin Jones.

What do you think of the spring collection?

The Short Suit

The short suit left to right: Proenza Schouler, Jill Stuart, Ralph Lauren, Rachel Zoe, Rachel Roy

The short suit is the perfect adaptation to office attire in the summer.  Of course, depending on the environment you work in, this might not be considered appropriate.  For more conservative businesses opt for a longer short like the one by Rachel Roy pictured above on the far right.  

For those working in fields like fashion, music, art and design, where creative expression is embraced,  the shorter styles are a great way to show off this trend.  Pair the suit with this seasons wedges, platforms or espadrilles and a great pair of legs and you're good to go.  

Will you wear the short suit this season?

Animal Instincts

Michael Kors, Spring 2012

Ethnic inspired style from the wildlife of Africa is small trend for spring/summer 2012.  Designers including Michael Kors, Gucci, Donna Karan and Salvatore Ferragamo all had their own variations of animal prints in dresses, caftans and belted jackets.

This season you will find everything from cat inspired prints; leopard and tiger, to the strong black and white zebra inspired stripes.  Usually worn in the fall season, this is a trend that will add a different dimension to your spring wardrobe.  

Naomi Campbell in Roberto Cavalli Spring 2012 campaign.

H&M Conscious Exclusive Glamour Collection

With designer collaborations over the last few years H&M often sells out of limited edition merchandise very quickly.  This spring the company launches it's exclusive Eco-friendly Glamour collection.  For the past few seasons their Eco-initiative has brought items to the masses through the Conscious collection featuring items made using organic cotton and recycled materials.

The 2012 Conscious Collection is an exclusive Glamour collection with looks designed for the red carpet.  Celebrities have already taken a liking to the pieces.  Viola Davis, Michelle Williams and Amanda Seyfried have been spotted wearing items from the line.  Seyfried arrived at the London premier of the film In Time wearing the blue tuxedo blazer and short combo.

The entire collection will be available in 100 selected H&M stores around the world on April 12.  The items are all made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester.  The styles range from short mini dresses to floor length gowns.  You will find pretty gathers, peplums, soft pleats and pretty applique details.  

You don't need to be a celebrity to snag one of these items.  They are perfect for proms, gala events, weddings and any other special occasion where it calls for glamour.

Scroll down for a peek at some of the styles coming to stores or online very soon.

  

Amanda Seyfried on the red carpet in this blue short suit.

White organic cotton and silk dress. Limited edition only 1000 available.

Pretty Peplums For Spring

Actress Kerry Washington wears in a peplum blazer and pencil skirt.

The Peplum is a trend that is quickly gaining steam for this season.  Wear it on a skirt, top or even as a seperate item worn over a tunic or pencil skirt.  This look was popular in the 1940's and again in the 1980's.  

Thakoon, Givenchy and Jason Wu all showing peplum silhouettes on the runway. 

Now designers have been showing this look for spring and it's the perfect feminine look for a lady.  Depending on your body type it can be a look that draws too much focus on the hips.  Be careful of the style you choose because it can either streamline your figure or make you look fuller.  You find there are various styles of peplums, some gathered more than others.  Pick what fits you best and pair it with a slimmer skirt or trousers to stay lean.  If you want to add fullness, wear a gathered skirt like Thakoon (above left) showed  on the runway.

What do you think of this trend.  Will you wear it?

Spring 2012 Preview from H&M

Spring season is a time for new beginnings.  In fashion that means packing away the cozy winter knits and embracing the light fluid shapes of spring and summer.  Watch this video as Ann-Sofie Johansson, Head of Design at H&M discusses some of the trends coming to stores.  We also hearf from Natalie Hartley from In Style Magazine.  Color blocking, pencil skirts and fluid trousers are all key parts of this collection.

Color Blocked

Color-blocking reigns for spring.

Bold brights continue to dominate fashion this spring.  According to Pantone orange, blue and yellow are some of the top color trends for the year.  Last year color-blocking made its way down several runways.  This season it has become more mainstream and is one of this season's biggest trends.  Wearing two or three colors is best.  Too much can be overload.  Unless it's like the rainbow top by Christopher Kane (pictured below far right corner) worn with a solid skirt.

Will you wear this trend?

Vibrant Color for A New Year

Last year bold, bright colors were dominating the runways and retail stores.  That trend continues into this new year.  The easiest way to wear this trend is by selecting a good fitting pair of trousers in a bright color like blue, green or red.  Pair it with a simple top in a solid neutral color like white or grey.  If you're really daring go all out and wear a bright color on top too.  Make sure it's complementary to your pants or you could look too garish.

Joseph Abboud Men's

Joseph Abboud, spring 2012
(Photo: Kyle Ericksen)

Joseph Abboud's spring 2012 collection for men is inspired by John Malkovich's character in the 1990 film,  "The Sheltering Sky".  It was a film about a couple who traveled through Africa while working to grow their relationship.  The collection was created with the modern man in mind.  One who travels and isn't afraid to incorporate color into his wardrobe.  Shades of blues, rust and greens are central to the color palette and complemented with neutral tones of gray, beige and white.  Jackets are tailored with an unstructured feel while suits are cut using a slim silhouette.  Abboud's form-fitting safari jackets also put a modern take on the classic style.     

Joseph Abboud, spring 2012
(Photo: Kyle Ericksen)