Themes for Spring 2012

Last weekend’s snowfall fast-forwarded me into a spring fashion daydream.  Early reports on spring 2012 fashion trends  include tribal themes, floral prints so bold that you can smell the roses, the roaring ‘20s, and minimalism.  Do you feel like daydreaming?  Let me give you a little taste of each look. 

Tribal - I want to stroll the golden Savannas of Africa wearing these punches of saturated color. Swirls of vermillion, russet, and tangerine marching alongside moss green and copper stripes.  Missoni, Bottega Veneta, and Hermes are showing gorgeous dresses inspired by artists from Africa and the Caribbean.  Some of these pieces are works of art suitable for framing. 

Florals - These ain't your Auntie May’s florals!  Forget about Laura Ashley and the dainty prints from the ‘80s and ‘90s.  Many new floral prints are bold digital images that recreate an entire greenhouse.  Imagine giant zinnias and psychedelic bouquets of chrysanthemums marching up a minidress.  Prada, Thakoon, and Christopher Kane will delight you with their eye catching motifs.  We’re talking total color immersion--not for the faint of heart! 

Roaring ‘20s - Jazz Age fever.  Flapper-influenced styles were on the runway for spring.  The style symbolizes the era when young women shimmied away from their parents’ and grandparents’ rigid expectations.  Hemlines rose as inhibitions fell.  Smoking and drinking became popular pastimes, “petting parties” were hot, and women won the right to vote.  Look for designs from Etro, Gucci, and Oscar de la Renta to capture the mood.

Minimalism - It’s clean, serene.  The focus is on the wearer, not the worn.  You’ve got sleek, sophisticated silhouettes and a farewell to frou-frou.  Are you a practical, sleek sister?  Do you like muted colors and neutrals?  Do you adore androgyny?  If so, you’ll love the stylish wardrobe pieces from Chloe, Lanvin, and Marc Jacobs.

Reality check--we're two months away from spring.  I'm staying curled up under a microfleece throw, but this fashionista's wish list is growing!

Never Can Say Good-Buy

Filene’s Basement is closing.  For good.  This week.  Where’s my black armband and veil?

Today I wore a black leather Kenneth Cole car coat that I bought from Filene’s Basement in 1996.  The coat is a classic double-breasted style with roomy pockets.  It’s heavy with a silk Sunback lining.  The leather is a bit distressed on the seams and around the buttonholes, and all the buttons have been replaced.  The coat was relined was in 2006.  It always gets compliments and is widely coveted by friends and strangers.  I’m thinking about handcuffing it to myself whenever I wear it.  Anyone who tries to steal it gets me as part of the deal. 

Filene’s Basement was my playground.  I always found the hottest labels (BCBG, Earl Jeans, Nicole Miller, Theory, Prada, Donna Karan) at prices that didn’t send me swooning to the ladies lounge.  Filene’s Basement in Center City Philadelphia also featured a fur department--a little something for the wealthy who appreciate a bargain. 

During a long-ago morning commute a big rusty smudge attached itself to my freshly dry-cleaned beige slacks.  I had an important meeting that day, so it was Filene’s to the rescue.  I dashed to the store that was three blocks from my office and bought a pair of dependable black pants.  Filene’s motto should have been, “here I come to save the day,” but my buddy Mighty Mouse had a lock on it.

The end of an era came much too soon.  I loved the stores in Washington DC, where I scored great stuff like silver star-studded Converse, a Vivienne Tam Mod-inspired black knit tunic, and a cute color block dress that screams for 60s-style go-go boots.  I’ll always cherish the retail therapy sessions that Filene’s offered.  A moment of silence, please.

Shooting Stars

These cute Anne Klein shoes remind me of shooting stars--those silver streaks that light up the black night sky and delight skygazers everywhere. They'll add sparkle and excitement to dark chilly evenings and brighten up abbreviated winter days.  I want to wear them with everything, but if I don't respect this heel height I'll become a falling star!

I Am Not My Hair

The tribal love rock musical “Hair” is coming to Philadelphia in January. The lyrics of the title song fit this hair show post better than spandex on J. Lo’s hips. Here’s what composers James Rado and Gerome Ragni wrote in the mid-1960s:

“There ain’t no words for the beauty, the splendor, the wonder of my….HAIR!! I want it long, straight, curly, fuzzy, snaggy, shaggy, ratty, matty, oily, greasy, fleecy, shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen, knotted, polka dotted, twisted, beaded, braided, powdered, flowered, confettied, bangled, tangled, spangled, and spaghettied!”

Check out this display of Black creativity, enjoy one of our unique avenues of self-expression. This slide show will either leave you speechless, gasping for breath while laughing hysterically, or muttering “damn, wow, or oy.”

You can access the show at this URL:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/the-20th-annual-golden-scissors-awards/2011/12/12/gIQAq2PJqO_gallery.html#  My only caveat for you, dear reader, is don’t try this at home!
 

Paint it Black, or Blue, or Green

Guys! Whether you’re nurturing your inner Jean-Michel Basquiat or slapping a fresh coat of Eggshell White on the back door, hang onto your paint splattered shoes.  Distressed boots and brogues that look as if you tripped over a bucket of Sherwin Williams is the latest baffling fashion trend for men.  Check out this post from stylesight.com for more.