No Thanks, I’m Just Browsing

While Fashion Week had the epicenters of style in tremors last week over Fall Fashion 2015, there was additional excitement over the early arrivals of Spring fashion into stores. Ah, yes, Spring…it may not seem like it will ever arrive, but there is something about trying on Spring clothes that assures you that all will soon be well. Even if you feel like “just browsing”.

Last week, as I watched some Spring Runway Events live online, I was amazed at the gorgeous looks going down the runway from a variety of brands…and also a bit stunned about some of the big style changes that are in our very near future.  So yesterday, I noticed, as I gingerly walked  down icy sidewalks, that the South Side Works location of BCBGMaxazria had the very same clothes in their windows that I had seen modeled in the fashion show, with a big sign to check out the Spring 2015 Fashion. Arctic air blasted into the showroom along with me, but the salesperson apparently didn’t hold a grudge, as she said with a warm tone worthy of our wishful thinking, “Welcome to our Spring Trend Event! May I help you find something?” And oh, the beauty of Spring clothes! I was so glad I walked in.

“No, thanks, I’m just browsing,” I answered politely. And I really meant it, because I decided to follow Allison’s advice to window shop the designers and higher end clothes so you know what pieces you want to buy. And to also take her other suggestion to go back home to assess your closet and make a list of what you actually need to update and determine your budget before buying. With that approach in mind,  I thought it would be fun to try on some of the clothes I saw on the runway and explore some of the new styles being featured,.

Here are my thoughts on what I tried:

Cut-outs. Don’t panic when you see all the graphic cut-outs. It seems they are placed in so many different areas – hips, midriff, little triangles right over the solar plexus, and even diagonal cuts above the bust – that I think there is some part of all of our bodies where we aren’t afraid to play peek-a boo. This is a huge trend seen in many of the spring clothes.

//BCBGMax Azria Women’s Amelia Printed Cutout Dress//

Jump suits and rompers. Ah, I love love love them. Always did, and I’m glad they are back. If you are too young to have worn jumpsuits in their last iteration, don’t hesitate. There is something sexy and edgy and fashion forward about jumpsuits, whether long or short, that I think you will simply love once you try them on. Just be prepared that a trip to the bathroom becomes a little bit more complicated when you have to unzip or unbutton and take both the top and bottom part down, but hey, this is fashion we are talking about!

//BCBGMAXAZRIA Women’s Rossana Cutout Back Jumpsuit//

Pastels. Wow, it’s like walking into an ice cream store seeing all the soft shades of vanilla, pale strawberry, light mocha, and even the lightest shades of blueberry and mint. These quiet hues are a surprisingly bold sea change, and will surely be seen everywhere. Go in and browse to find just the right shade for YOUR hair and skin tone.

Odd construction. I don’t really know what else to call it, but it makes the clothes look modern and elegant and very very stylish. Crops and panels and unusual uneven hems are employed in a multitude of ways, seen in many skirts, jackets, dresses, and tops.

//BCBGMAXAZRIA Women’s Akira Skirt//

High-Low.  I’m still not a fan of High-Low. But if you are, there is plenty out there for you. And for Spring the high part is even higher and the low all the way past your ankles. Another related look is bohemian style long dresses with long sleeves in silky airy prints, that look like what we used to call caftans. They gave me the feeling I should be wearing one around the mansion in my dreams as I have breakfast on the veranda with my debonair husband in his satin robe. But fashion is full of surprises, and I’m pretty sure we’ll be seeing these long effortless dresses on the streets throughout the warm weather to come.

Ah, pencil skirts. This is truly the It Skirt for Spring.  Pencil skirts are featured in arrays of colors and prints and textures, like this gorgeous black and white print from the Spring Trends Lookbook. And all of the trends in tops, such as crops, bandage, and even shirts, will look smashing with your pencil skirt silhouette. As a rule, let the busy part play out on either the top or the bottom, and then sleek out with the rest of your look. So, wear your  layered and complexly constructed tops with sleek skirts or pants, or if your busy layers are on the bottom, wear them with a plainer top.

//BCBGMAXAZRIA Women’s Sascha Scallop Hem Pencil Skirt//

One last comment about what I noticed before I walked out of the store without buying: It was really good to watch the runway show before browsing, because I already knew how smashing some of these pieces could look.  There were several items that didn’t look very special on the rack that actually were gorgeous once combined with other separates.  This is something to remember…take the time to browse, and try pieces on with the intended companion pieces before you decide!

And soon enough,  I’ll be beyond browsing and moving into buying! And so will you!

What are you excited about that is trending for Spring? We are sharing more of our favorites + how every woman can wear the most coveting spring looks in our first ever, Project Motherhood spring 2015 Look Book! We have been manifesting this project for a year now and are so excited to deliver it to you! Want to check it out for yourself? SUBSCRIBE HERE!

Fashionably yours,

Deborah