Spring 2012: The Must-Haves

Now that all of the fall fashion weeks have come to a close, I can focus on the season at hand--SPRING!  As temps are rising, so is my excitement about switching up my wardrobe.  Thankfully, there is an enticing crop of new trends to get inspired by.  Here are a few of my Must-Haves for the season:

ACID YELLOW

This vivid color is a long time favorite of mine, so I was delighted to see its appearance on spring runways, from Jason Wu to Proenza Schouler to Oscar de la Renta. I love an acid yellow pop against an all-neutral outfit, or even a head-to-toe fluorescent look (not for the faint of heart).

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2012, 1. Bauble Bar necklace, 2. J. Crew bucket bag, 3. J. Crew tee, 4. Reed Krakoff sandal, 5. Shourouk earrings, 6. Paul Smith belt, 7. Topshop skirt

GRAPHIC BLACK & WHITE

A graphic black and white look always has that strong, pulled-together feel.  These pieces are so cool--part Parisian chic, and part sporty minimalist.  Added bonus:  they mix and match amongst themselves, and with virtually anything else in your wardrobe.
 

Emporio Armani Spring 2012, 1. Topshop Unique dress, 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet, 3. Topshop sweater, 4. Adidas SLVR trench, 5. Fernando Frisoni pants, 6. Diane von Furstenberg Elsa shoes, and 7. Pour la Victoire Milano bag

METAL-TOED SHOES

Now, I'm not talking about steel-toe work boots.  Gleaming metal toe caps accent some of spring's most proper, ladylike shoes.  These beauties graced the runways of Thakoon, Yves Saint Laurent, and most notably, Louis Vuitton.  The cap toe update is the perfect way to take your work pumps to the next level.

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 pumps, 1. Zara pumps, 2. Michael Kors oxfords, 3. Stuart Weitzman Capsize pumps, and 4. Topshop pumps

PASTELS

For the past several seasons we've seen brights, jewel tones, and neutrals have their moment, but finally this spring, it's time for pastels to take the spotlight. Think mint, lavender, and baby pink--basically, any color that would seem appropriate on an Easter egg.

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2012, 1. Equipment blouse, 2. Illeseva sunglasses, 3. Zara jacket and shorts, 4. Kate Spade bag, 5. Block ballet flats, 6. MiH jeans, 7. ASOS bow belt, and 8. B Brian Atwood pumps

THE PEPLUM

One obvious takeaway from the spring shows: this is going to be the Season of the Peplum. EVERYONE was showing peplums on the runway this season, whether it was the ornate couture-level variety at McQueen or sleek and minimalist style at Celine.  This look gives you dramatic definition at the waist.

Celine Spring 2012, 1. J. Crew sateen top, 2. Tibi striped jacket, 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Hannah dress, 4. Alice + Olivia Carly skirt, 5. Ted Baker Jamthun dress

THE NEW FLORALS

I know, you're thinking, Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking (said dripping with sarcasm, as by Miranda Priestly).  But this year's crop of florals is original, with several fresh spins on the classic spring favorite.  Runways were populated with vintagey wallpaper florals, hawaiian florals, and digitized florals--something for everyone.

Jason Wu Spring 2012, 1. Topshop dress, 2. Topshop bag, 3. Aminaka Wilmont tank, 4. Alice + Olivia Riley skirt, 5. ASOS clutch, 6. Rozae Nichols skirt, and 7. Cynthia Rowley tuxedo jacket 

GET SPORTY

Athletic looks were all over the runways, from wetsuit interpretations, to gowns borrowing varsity detailing.  I loved the bold colors, practical fabrics, and comfort of these pieces.  For a fresh, sporty look this season, inject your wardrobe with mesh, neoprene, and zipper detailing.  

Alexander Wang Spring 2012, 1. VPL bra, 2. Michael Kors chronograph watch, 3. Lisa Marie Fernandez swimsuit, 4. Adidas by Stella McCartney shorts, 5. Alexander Wang sandals, 6. Adidas by Stella McCartney bag, 7. Ash Bowie sneaker, and 8. Karl mesh vest

FANCY PANTS

It is time for your lower half to yet some attention. Whether it's cropped trousers, skinny jeans or wide silky pants, the brighter and more patterned, the better for spring.

Prabal Gurung Spring 2012, 1. Current/Elliott jeans, 2. J. Crew eyelet pants, 3. Michael Michael Kors ikat pants, 4. Earnest Sewn jeans, 5. Rag & Bone palazzo pants, 6. J. Crew floral pants, and 7. Madewell stripe pants