Trends for Spring 09

to be a ballerina... by kaliday featuring Balmain jeans

There are two distinct and different trend paths to follow for this Spring/Summer season. The first, "to be a ballerina" is dream-like, with pastel, washed out colors of beige, pink, blue, and gray. Ruffles are prominent in this trend, along with other feminine details, such as roses, pleats, and bare shoulders. Vintage looking accessories, from both this selection and my previous post, blend seamlessly with this trend.

Spice Trade by kaliday featuring Elizabeth and James cardigans

In a very different overall mood, Spice Trade embodies the other side of trends for Spring/Summer 09. Inspired by the warm colors of India and other exotic locales, this trend direction contains many bright florals and abstract prints. Fabric is draped and wrapped around the body, reminiscent of traditional Sari dress. Since the clothing is so loose, it is important to only wear a few pieces at a time, and to expose either your arms or your legs to avoid looking like a bag. Fringe is an of the moment accent...I personally do not believe fringe has the legs to go another season, and it will look dated in 6-12 months, so please do not invest too heavily in this trend. An inexpensive fringe bag or necklace will do the trick. Gladiator heels and flats are everywhere, and fit in perfectly with this mood. Accessories are made of leather and gold, and all have an ethnic influence behind them.

If you want to be on trend this season, I recommend buying at least one pair of great gladiator shoes. There are flats and heels, crazy dominatrix-like pairs and more tame versions such as the brown ones in my layout. Buy what you feel good in, always. Beyond that, you cannot go wrong with a ruffled, pleated, or otherwise draped dress in a bright print or a pale, pretty pastel. Pair with bohemian, vintage-inspired gold accessories and you're good to go!

A final word on trends...I recommend wearing no more than two trends at once. The key to being fashionable is in the subtlety. Inject yourself and your own style into everything you wear, and add in an on-trend bag or shoe to update your look. Looking good doesn't have to be expensive, as it only takes a little to go a long way!

stay stylish.
love,
kali day.