Spring/Summer Fashions
From Sexy to Conservative
By Elizabeth Cutler and Roycroft Walsh

“You have a much better life if you wear impressive clothes.” -Vivienne Westwood

WOMEN – By Elizabeth Cutler

Spring is a time of softness, of gentle sunshine, of delicate flowers ~ so there is no need to explode into spring with garish prints and loud patterns, ladies. Toss aside screaming colors. Instead, embrace the natural tones of the earth…like Dontatella Versace did during her rehab stint out West, which inspired her spring line. The color palette this season is full of cream, rose, and beige, along with conservative colors like white, black and navy.

The season is not about costumes; in fact, it’s about the complete opposite, honesty. Dressed in solid nude colors, a woman herself becomes more visible ~ like a man does in a business suit. So the key accessory this season is confidence, and, as always, being comfortable in your own skin. The usual accessories and bags were noticeably absent on the runway this season, so shoes became more important and expressive.

Hear ye, Hear ye ~ This spring and summer, there is to be no flip-flopping around town. Choose between extremes: high heels or flats, futuristically modern or antique formal shoes. Balenciaga’s “It” shoe is a mod-looking metallic silver color, adorned with large natural stones. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Prada’s deconstructed wicker wedge, which looks like it was made from grandma’s old rocking chair.

Victorian-era conservative is in. This might seem contradictory, since after all isn’t Spring about shedding layers? Yes. The only layering we are seeing on the runway is from kid-sister lines Miu Miu by Prada and Marc by Marc Jacobs. Priced cheaper and targeted at a younger market, the lines embrace the revival of 80s chic with leggings, arm warmers and even full body unitards. However, that look, when translated literally, is mostly a fringe shout-out for hipsters.

Most clothing this season is clean: clean cut, clean lines, clean colors. The conservative element is shown through high neckline, high waistlines, pleats, and buttons always buttoned all the way up. Lace, perfected by Balenciaga this season, is ideal for spring as it is breathable and conservative and hints at a repressed sexuality with its peek-a-boo quality.

Another key trend this season is the false empire top done by Calvin Klein. It is a camisole with triangle peaks and a seam that runs across the bust line rather than under it. For your other casual clothing needs, invest in a pair of skinny jeans. Stella McCartney re-introduced them to the world when she made them firstly affordable during her H&M debut. You can snag a marked-up pair of high-end ones on eBay or you can take look at Levi’s. They elongate and slenderize legs and draw your eye down the inner thigh to the heel. Needless to say, they are dripping with sexy.

Spring will mostly be punctuated with properly tailored knee-length dresses. Fabrics are either gauzy (though not see through) or, more commonly, crisp cotton. Shorts, which nearly vanished last year, are making a sparse comeback. BCBG MaxAzria has the best shorts, rolled at least twice and side-gartered in place.

If you are searching for the perfect outfits for all your spring needs, look no further. Here’s a way to dress your best for all kinds of success. When the first warm weather weekend announces spring is in the air, prepare to be a spring chick and get ready to soar:

SEXY PROFESSIONAL

Thank God It’s Friday! Grab your morning latte and head to the office in Kenneth Cole’s “Deep V Diver” blouse in Ginger ($98). It will keep clients gasping for breath with its nuanced neckline, sophisticated pleats, and Victorian sentiment. Add Victoria’s Secret’s Christie Fit Trouser pant ($78) to the mix. It fulfills obligatory professional dress codes and has the amazing ability to make anyone’s bottom look…amazing! Pair those with Anthropologie’s Zasu Kitten Heels in Pewter ($129.95) and the boardroom will purr.

Club-Jumping Nightingale

Friday night is a state of mind. Before you crack open that pre-martini beer in the fridge, do some spring cleaning. Throw away expired underwear and put on the perfect Friday night pair. If you don’t have any, get some. Target has great pairs for next to nothing. Just remember that no matter what brand of briefs you prefer, they should be just that…brief.

Now that you’ve got on your naughty knickers, the night can begin. Layer over them with Levi’s Sequin Cami ($28) and their 503 Skinny Jeans in Blush ($40). The tank top is demure with a false extra-high empire top, essential for this spring. The Skinny Jeans look like they are painted on, feel like they are second skin, and are a worthy investment that will be in style for the next five years. Go on, slide into Delia’s metallic Veronica Flats ($34). Break the taboo and shop at juvenile stores ~ the products are hot, cheap, and no one will know where you got them (Just don’t ever buy the pants ~ they have a 100-lb. weight limit and are for pre-pubescent girls only.) Accessorize with Filene’s Wood, Abalone, and Gold Disk Necklace ($16.75) and Gucci’s Green Tinted Bit Wrap sunglasses ($168)…if you’re going for broke. Toss your essentials into Queen Bee’s RPM Handbag in Silver Vinyl ($45), which is handmade from an old record. These handbags show you know how to old-school party ~ and who knows, you might just snag a DJ!

the Ladies Who Brunch
The next morning, once you’ve showered the stale cigarette smoke out of your hair and sipped an espresso, you can begin to prep for Saturday brunch. Wiggle into Urban Outfitters’ Lux Stripe Tank Dress in Sand/Black ($58) and La Rok’s Beige Beaded Pointelle Cardigan ($147). If your feet are swollen from dancing the night away, slide them into Keds’ Zero Maria Skimmer in Orange Lurex Linen ($120). They’re like walking on air and look like they are made from the beach. Coach’s Black Leather Soft Demi ($178) pulls the entire look together with just the right amount of prestige.
SUNDAY SATISFACTION

Generra tank tops are like cotton kisses. Perfected over two decades, they are spun so soft it’ll make you stutter. Their Rib Tank (on sale for $33.60) in key lime is subtle, seductive, and will have onlookers beggin for seconds. JCrew’s Ripstop Cargo Shorts in white are classically clean and the Espresso version is indulgent. Slide your little piggies into Camper Shoes’ new twin line, which fits asymmetrical shoes together like puzzle-pieces. They’ll bring a little color you’re your wardrobe with their lavender, mauve, lime and yellow strands…the only colors shown on the catwalks of London, Paris, Milan and New York. They are clever and made to the highest standards. Accessorize with Anthropologie’s Sweet Pea Handbag ($158) and Dirty Librarian Chains’ askew Atlas Necklace ($68) before rolling and romping the day away whether on the streets or in the sheets.

Slip softly into spring in blushed colors and creams. Allow your clothing to speak for itself rather than picking garments in harsh colors or boring pastels. Open yourself up to the angelic innocence of flowing whites, the visibility of tailored nude dresses and the regal Victorian quality of high necklines and lace. Jump between extremes of modern new school and antiquated old school, teetering heels and stable flats. On days when you’re feeling a bit angry and ready to rumble, you can slip into Miu Miu or Marc and sneer at the world from behind your 80s rocker garb. On days when you want to feel competent and pulled together, slip with confidence into a smart spring dress. Find the perfect weekend to wow the world. Pepper your wardrobe with a few new items that make you feel giddy and ready for love. After all, if you shower yourself with goodness in April, who knows what May will bring!

SHOP:

Sexy Professional
KennethCole.com
Victoria Secret
Anthropologie.com

Club-Jumping Nightingale
Levis.com
Filene’s
Delias.com
Bluefly.com for all your (discount) Gucci needs

The Ladies Who Brunch
Urban Outfitters (urbanoutfitters.com)
Bluefly.com carries La Rok
Keds.com
Coach

Sunday Satisfaction
Shopbop.com carries Generra
JCrew
Camper Shoes
Anthropologie.com
FactoryPeople.com carries Dirty Librarian Chains necklaces

MEN – By Roycroft Walsh

Contrary to popular belief, spring wear for men isn’t as simple as trading in your long-sleeved shirt for a short-sleeved one. There are patterns to consider, prints to contemplate, and solid colors over which to muse. There are fabrics, designers, and pant legs to ponder. But men, don’t let all the choices scare you, just take a deep breath and leave all the work to me ~ I’ll have you addicted to fashion in no time!

The adjectives fresh, crisp and oh-so-mod come to mind when perusing what’s in style for the light and airy warmer months ahead. All shades of blues, greens and browns will be jumping down from the shelves, begging to be bought. Spring 2006 for men will respect the tradition of the solid color but will also welcome an interloper ~ the retro pattern!

If you dig flashing your brand-name duds on your dates, check out the modern clean cuts and alluring metallic grays of Calvin Klein’s Spring line. Or try Banana Republic, who’s celebrating the season with natural tones in their boot cut pants and three button twill suits. If those lines are a bit too pricey for you, head over to Old Navy. They’re welcoming warmer temperatures with brightly colored striped polos that won’t break the bank.

OK, so even if you have the wardrobe, you still might not know how to put it all together for different occasions. So let’s find some opportunities for you to wow others (and yourself!) with your newfound knowledge of springtime garments:

THE FORMAL AFFAIR

Believe it or not, the one suit Mom bought you shortly after your college graduation won’t last forever ~ and no one really wants it to. Think of good suits as good investments. Yes, a well-fitted, clean-lined suit can take a nasty bite out of your wallet, but it pays for itself over time. Spring 2006 suits have a crisp cut to them. Neutral-toned fabrics like beiges, sands and camels will be popular and should be mixed with dashes of shimmery silver so the wearer doesn’t appear to be caught in a sandstorm. Try mixing a light khaki-colored suit jacket and pants with an eggshell shirt and a soft silver tie. For a sexy evening look, go with a black suit and use that same silver accent. As a bonus, fold a pale pink or cream handkerchief into your breast pocket and knock on-lookers off their feet.

Translation for the Fashion Impaired: Light colors are popular. Throw out that lousy cranberry shirt you believe goes so well with those hunter green pants. While you’re near the trash, throw out those pants. They’re pleated in the front, for crying out loud! That’s Fashion Crime Number 7867A!

The LAZ-Z-Z-Y SUNDAY

You should always be on top of your fashion game, even when you’re kicking back with your sweetheart, the newspaper and a cup of coffee on a Sunday morning. Keep the tousled bed hair and choose some comfortable navy blue or army green cargo pants. Grab a favorite matching icon Tt-shirt. If there’s still a bit of chill in the air, go for the slightly over-sized hoodie, but be wary of color choices. Navy blue cargo pants can be paired with a light blue tee and the sweatshirt should be blue or black, while khaki cargos can be paired with an olive tee and a brown hoodie. This look can be worn when you shop, attend class, or simply sit around on your butt all day.

Translation for the Fashion Impaired: Cargo pants = fashion + comfort. Remember those pants you love because there are about a million pockets to store all of those things you don’t really need? You’re in luck ~ they are in style. Go crazy. Use this as an excuse to hoard useless receipts, pennies, retractable pens, and the fuzzy breath mint. Sure, you’ll never be able to get through security at the airport, but at least you’ll be fashionable.

THE CHARMING BRUNCH

Yes, people still go to brunch! Even if you aren’t attempting to combine two mealtimes into one, there are several spring occasions that aren’t quite formal but aren’t quite casual, either. It is possible to combine two different wardrobe styles. Blues are huge this spring and, when sparing punctuated with sparkling whites and reds, can create a tasteful, more classic look without making you look like at any second you’ll burst into a chorus of “In the Navy.” Try white dress pants that fall slightly below the ankle and add a navy blue and white stripped polo shirt. Feel free to add that hint of red to the outfit ~ go for a shirt with thin red stripes, for example. I cannot stress enough that you should not go overboard with the red, white, and blue motif, though. There’s no need to look like an American flag. Finish the look with a simple navy blue suit jacket.

Translation for the Fashion Impaired You don’t need to wear a tie in order to look snappy-casual, but please, wash and iron your clothes. Stinky clothes and wrinkles are a no-no this spring (now that I think about it, were they ever popular?) Bold, blue colors are your friends as the days get longer and they can be worn with white and red. Just don’t dress by the credo that everyday is like the Fourth of July.

CLUBBIN’ IT UP

With spring comes warmer temperatures and with warmer temperatures comes more patience for waiting in long lines outside the clubs. Sure, you could pick up another black shirt and black pair of slacks and consider yourself cool. But why not get a little daring this year? Go with some of the eccentric patterns you’ll be seeing on the store shelves. If anyone asks why you’ve suddenly changed your wardrobe ways, blame it on Spring Fever. Choose the patterns that reflect your personality. If you’re comfortable with loud colors, go for some of the mod, psychedelic mixes of purples and blues when you choose your shirts. If you don’t care to make such a dramatic scene, opt for the lighter hues when choosing a pattern or go with simple stripes. Grab a pair of relaxed, distressed jeans and a thick belt if you’re heading to the bar. Swap the jeans for a pair of solid-colored pants when heading to the club.

Translation for the Fashion Impaired: Go a little crazy at the club this Spring. Patterns are not the scary monsters living under the bed of fashion. Mix patterned shirts (you know, the shirts with the big crazy swirls?) with matching solid-colored pants and jackets.

If all else fails, ask your girlfriend, mother, or closest female relative for help!

 

A Little Bit of Sole
Let Your Shoes Shine This Season
By Christine R. Walsh

Those beat-up Nikes from 1986 are calling to you, pleading to be put out of their misery. So just do it, toss them out. But once they hit the trash, you realize you haven’t bought new shoes in over a decade and might have forgotten how. Try some of these kicks for Spring 2006 to help you get over your Reebok separation anxiety.

For Everyone

The Flip Flop
Flip flops are everyone’s best friend. They look great with jeans, cargo pants, or shorts. Confident guys can even pull off a “sport jacket with flip flop” combo. This season, add some maturity to your flips by purchasing leather flip flops. With some spring looks concentrating on neutral and earth tones, leather flips will add the perfect finishing touch to an outfit. Drop into Old Navy and pick yours up today.

Plaid Canvas Slip-ons
These shoes are guaranteed to get you through all kinds of springtime outings. They’re great because they’re easy to slip on and kick off at the slightest whim. And they can be tossed in a washing machine without a second thought. They’re available in a variety of bright colors that demand attention. Look for them at Old Navy.

Snappy Sneakers
No one can go wrong with a stylish and comfortable Chuck Taylor, but the fun doesn’t need to stop at the beloved high top. Try Converse’s One Star for a sneaker that can be worn to concerts, BBQs and semi-formal parties without causing a stir. One Stars are available in the brightest of colors, but blues, greens, and browns will accent the spring colors perfectly. Check them out at www.converse.com

For Men Only

Wing Tip Oxfords
Need to dress to impress? You can’t go wrong with shiny leather wing tip Oxfords. There’s freedom when it comes to dress shoes this season. Don’t think you need to conform to a square toed shoe ~ both square and rounded are acceptable. Laces are welcome, but so are slip-ons. Find a variety of elegant dress shoes at Filene’s.

For the Ladies

Retro Chic for Chicks
While parading around in your delightfully coquettish spring outfits, don’t spoil the look by neglecting your feet. Retro heels ~ decorated with sequins, embroidery, jewels and even shells ~ will be popping up on shelves everywhere. And let the shoes do the most of the talking. Adorn your torso and hips in solid colors and go nuts with the heels. Look for these babies at Filene’s,

Walking on Wedges isn’t for Wimps
Wedges will claim the throne this season. Available in dazzling colors, they can go with any dressy spring outfit and can even make the transition into summer. For the ultimate feminine look, try the wedges with ankle wraps. These wraps draw attention to those sexy calves and go perfectly with skirts or shorts. Practice walking around the house before you hit the streets, however. With these high wedges, balance is key! Check out www.zappos.com for more wedge info.

Hot Stuff
New Designers to Watch for This Season

By Elizabeth Cutler

Viktor & Rolf
This design team’s flippant upside-down dresses for spring didn’t impress Vogue with their silly sense of invention. However, the best fashion is going to emerge from deconstructing clothing and looking at it in a different way. The Eastern European minimalism of this team often conveys a sense of isolation that’s reflective of our time.

Patrick Robinson for Paco Rabanne
He breathed new life into Perry Ellis two years ago, making their trench the reason I looked forward to spring. This year, he was the only designer to do color well. His cobalt and canary yellow dresses with carefully placed floral bouquets are reminiscent of Oriental art. I would surely travel half way around the world for them.

Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga
The strong femininity found is his lace slips is breath-taking. Everyone of his pieces is a work of art worth collecting. It’s no wonder he was named the winner of Best New Fashion Collection by Wallpaper* magazine’s design issue.