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!

Lighten up for spring! Hues straight out of candy shop, long chain handles (perfect for nonchalantly slinging across your body — even dressed up!), and a sprinkling of hardware add some levity to the new season.

Tao Okamoto in Bottega Veneta.

Chinese Laundry’s quilted tote in a lovely lavender hue brings any khaki or all-white ensemble right into spring.

Chinese Laundry tote.

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Oh, the ever-present dilemma. Where to put your bag at a party? And no, it’s not cute sticking them in the middle of your all-girl dance circle and then freaking around them like some primitive sacrificial rain dance. You spent all that time glamming up — why let a chunky, unwieldy bag drag your style down?

And then there’s the clutch-champagne-flute-handshake shuffle that makes the most graceful among us look like overexcited apes. You’re not gonna not drink, but if you resort to sticking your clutch under your armpit, you invariable get that upper arm widening-flattening that isn’t a pretty picture on anyone, FLOTUS biceps or not.

This season, cross body and long strap bags are everywhere. And for holiday, there’s plenty of dainty ones, complete with gold or silver chain straps. There’s plenty to choose from, and a delicate chain adds a bit of sparkle to your ensemble.

We love Indian American designer Rachel Roy‘s secondary line Rachel Rachel Roy, especially her super affordable and right-on-trend accessories. And right now, some these styles are on sale!

Rachel Rachel Roy “Material Girl” sequin bag, $58.99, www.rachelroy.com.

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