THE SPRING 10

Now that the temps have hit 70, I am having to restrain myself daily (sometimes hourly) from running out and buying an entire new spring wardrobe.  These are the ten trends I'm obsessing over.

1.  FLATFORMS

I have sloooowly warmed up to these shoes (yes, they look weird).  I love a heel with a steep pitch, so the idea of a flat platform did not initially hold much appeal...but something about the blocky shape just looks fresh and modern.  On top of that, the flatform gives you height with all of the comfort of a flat shoe.  Sign me up.

Fendi Spring 2011, Via Spiga sandal, Calvin Klein Collection sandal, and Elizabeth & James sandal

2.  FLORALS

Spring's flowery prints may be reminiscent of grandma's curtains, but the effect changes when they are mixed/clashed.  The spring collections of Erdem, Versus, and D&G featured mishmashed dense floral prints.  The trick is to choose two (or three if you're up for the challenge) prints of similar scale that have 1-2 common colors, then combine.

D&G Spring 2011, ASOS sunglasses, ASOS bag, Jeffrey Campbell sandals, and Sachin + Babi dress

3.  MIDI TO MAXI

After years and years of mini skirts, the new hemline length for spring is mid-calf or longer.  The midi skirt can be tricky to wear (unless you're Alexa Chung, who rocks these on the regular).  To avoid looking frumpy, these skirts should be styled with modern separates and accessories.  The maxi skirt, on the other hand, is universally flattering.  Pairing it with a white tee (a la Jil Sander) or slouchy tank is a foolproof modern look.

Chloe Spring 2011, ASOS maxi skirt, Topshop midi skirt, and T by Alexander Wang dress



4.  ANYTHING PRADA INSPIRED

Prada's spring collection was THE trendsetting collection of the season, and I'm dying to recreate some of those brightly colored runway looks.  From the banana prints (any fruit print will do) to the raffia covered platforms to the bold horizontal stripes to the white Baroque shades, the key is mixing bold color and prints in an unexpected way.

ASOS banana shirt, Stuart Weitzman sandals, Topshop skirt, Lumete sunglasses, and ASOS dress



5.  WIDE LEG PANTS

The wider the leg and the higher the waist, the better.  This '70s staple dominated runways, and the cut is a refreshing departure from season after season of skinny pants.

Jason Wu Spring 2011, ASOS pants, Diane von Furstenberg pants, and Theory pants

6.  NEON

A pop of neon will freshen up any outfit.  The cheapest way to try out this trend is to incorporate it into a beauty look--a bright pink lipstick or fluorescent nail polish is easy on the wallet and can transform a look.  Alternately, a piece of punchy neon jewelry, belt, or bag livens things up.

Pink lipstick at Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2011, Christopher Kane sandals, Kate Spade bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelets, Rumbatime watch, and Kate Spade earrings

7.  DENIM

Stella McCartney and Celine's spring collections showed plenty denim on denim looks, and I'm not talking about Levis 501s and a jean jacket.  The modern take on denim features clean lines and boxy shapes, preferrably in a lightweight fabric like chambray. 

Celine Spring 2011, Talbots dress, Rachel Rachel Roy jumpsuit, Talbots vest and pants, and Acne jacket and shorts

8.  POINTY TOE HEELS

On the opposite end of the spectrum from flatforms are this spring's pointed pumps.  Classic and refined, these are a must have.  Added bonus--I'm pretty sure I have some of these shoes from the last time they were in style.

Isabel Marant Spring 2011, Topshop pumps, Schutz pumps, and Kate Spade pumps

9.  COLORBLOCKING

If you can't tell already, the big trend for spring is COLOR.  Wearing one color from head to toe or mixing solids for a color-blocked effect are both fashion forward, and the latter is easier to pull off.  Saturated cobalt, emerald, orange, and purple were runway hits, but really any color will work.  For maximim impact, resist pairing these brights with neutrals (it just waters down the look).

Jil Sander Spring 2011, Diane von Furstenberg blouse, ASOS sandals, Diane von Furstemberg skirt, and Equipment shirt

10.  TRANSPARENCY

Whether it's lace, chiffon, or an open weave, sheer fabric is the way to go for spring.  This means it is time to purchase a bra/camisole hybrid that will not look too scandalous when exposed (which seems downright demure in comparison to many runway looks).

Proenza Schouler Spring 2011, Kensie sweater, Rachel Rachel Roy shirt, and Alice by Temperly top