Cake Divas Wedding Cake. Photo courtesy of Jen O'Sullivan Photography.
Being 19, the thought of my own wedding is just too far away, but that doesn’t stop me from dreaming and making a list in my head for everything that I would need for that perfect wedding. But how am I supposed to plan my future wedding without some inspiration of what’s available and, more importantly, possible (as I have some crazy ideas in mind)? A Soolip Wedding, a stylish gathering of all things beautiful for one of life’s most inspirational moments – the wedding — is designed so “couples leave truly inspired with their wedding planning galvanized,” says Wanda Wen, creative visionary of A Soolip Wedding and founder of Soolip Paperie & Press, a fine stationery company.
Korean American Kim Halzle, co-founder of the fashion website Runway Rundown, gives us the shopping report on what to buy now (nab them at the sales!), wear now, and still be on trend come spring.
It’s a great time to shop as the New Year sales are in full swing. Be the smartest shopper you can be by buying clearance fall items items that will be on trend for spring 2011. Not sure what the key trends for Spring are? Fret not — I’ve got 5 must-have trends that you’ll soon be seeing gracing the blogs and red carpets. If you keep these trends in mind for your shopping and styling needs, you are sure to have a fashion forward, on-trend look to start off your new year!
Trend 1: Floor-Length Skirts
Retire your maxi dress until summer and take on a new, refined yet classic look of a floor-length skirt. With a variety of silhouettes like fit and flare, A-line and even a full skirt that resembles wide leg pants, the options to style this look are endless. I suggest keeping your top fitted and always tuck it into the skirt as to not take away from the grandiose effect of the skirt.
Some inspirations from the runway:
From left: Reem Acra, Carolina Herrera and Lanvin.
Get the look now with these easy buys:
From left: Slinky Maxi Skirt from Forever 21, $19.80; Desert Florals Maxi Skirt from Free People, $98; and Draped Wrap Maxi Skirt from Forever 21, $22.80.
Trend 2: Wide Leg Pants
This trend will kill two birds with one stone as wide leg pants and ’70s styles are both going to be big for spring. It’s almost impossible to not give off a ’70s vibe when wearing wide leg pants so be prepared to channel your inner hippie. This is a trend that continues to pop up across the runways from season to season so if you haven’t already, take this spring as your opportunity to invest in a great pair of wide leg pants. I promise you will get your money’s worth from them as it is a trend sure to repeat itself.
Inspiration from the runway:
From left: Marc Jacobs, Monique Lhuillier, Hermes.
Say goodbye to those exaggerated harem-cut pants and welcome a classic look that keeps repeating itself … wide leg pants. You can even rock a spin off of the wide leg pant with a flared trouser. Here are my top picks to buy:
ASOS Tailored Ponti High Waisted Slim Flare Pants, $51.72.
- From left: ASOS Tailored Extreme Wide Leg Wool Pant, $72.41; ASOS Tailored Flannel Wide Leg Pant, $36.20.
Sparkle & Fade Wide Leg Chiffon Pant from Urban Outfitters, $54.
Trend 3: A Pop of Orange
Every season has a few colors that stand out as a trendy tone. However, this spring it is all about orange. Seen on several runway shows for spring, this bright citrus hue is sure to be a huge hit for spring. And what better way to gear up for a warm summer than with a burst of color? Wear it as the only shade in your ensemble, mix it up in a fun print or color block your outfit with a solid chunk of orange paired with a subdued tone.
Inspiration from the runway:
From left: Halston, Prada, Yves St. Laurent.
Get the look with these pieces available now:
From left: Patterson J. Kincaid dress from REVOLVE, $168; Orange Fringe Bag from Topshop, $60; Richard Nicoll Color block tank from The Outnet, $85.50.
In our Spring issue, I highlighted one of my favorite trends for spring: the techno alien.
Chanel Iman in Nathan Jenden.
It’s what I like to call a hybrid of digitized prints, alien anatomy and tie dye gone awry.
Liu Wen in Alexander McQueen.
I love the way the embellishment on this Leyendecker tank mimics the alienesque print of Alexander McQueen.
A lot of designers showed variations on the theme, from Proenza Schouler’s surf-inspired looks that had a distinct alien-reptilian bent.
Proenza Schouler.
Emilio Pucci’s shine directly referenced the trend, but it’s the abstract, alien pattern that makes it a real contender.
- Tao Okamoto in Emilio Pucci.
Even the more classic Carolina Herrera got into it, showing a ligamental print on an otherwise ladylike silhouette.
Liu Wen in Carolina Herrera.
Of course, if you don’t want to beat around the bush, nothing beats Rodarte’s goth alien.
Liu Wen in Rodarte.
Now, you don’t have to go as extreme as any of the above to get the look. A touch of tie dye gone askew, some slashed cut-outs here or there, or some melting Jolly Rancher-like watercolors will suffice. Try pairing a tie dye tee with an abstract print floral skirt (just make sure the floral print has a similar hue in it for a perfectly clashing-matching look).
Riley tie dye tee.
Leyendecker beaded tie dye tee.
Laeken "Saga" top in granite.
Add a space age-worthy shoe, and you’ve got the look down.
La Rare "In & Out Metal" shoe.
For a more subtle reference, pick an accessory with a techno detail, whether it’s a knotted rubber necklace or a bag with spacey detailing.
Mothe knotted necklace.
Rebecca Minkoff tie dye bag.
- Bryna Nicole “Willow” clutch.
The ultimate way to get the techno-alien look? Add these leggings. It’ll definitely get you noticed.
Wanted snakeskin print leggings.
Get more info on the styles above at: Leyendecker, Riley, LaRare, Mothe, Rebecca Minkoff, Bryna Nicole, Wanted, and Laeken.
What do you think of the techno-alien trend? Are you a fan like I am? Talk to me!
