Bloomin' Crazy

In the Midwest if you look around signs of spring are everywhere. The sun is shining, it’s almost 70 degrees, days are getting longer and the birds are chirping. Melted snow reveals mud, brown grass and residual dog do irresponsible citizens left behind. I dream of tulips, crocus and daffodils. I make a run to the fresh market’s floral department and grab a bouquet of hot pink tulips. I need to brighten my world and erase the mucky canvas from my mind.

Standing at the check out line I eye the latest issue of In Style magazine on the news stand. The word "color" pops out at me alongside Gwen Stefani’s fabulous royal blue garb – anything but drab. I grab a copy and throw it on the conveyer belt.

Later in the afternoon I find some time before my spring fevered children arrive home from school to sit on my front porch and enjoy the sun. With a ginger ale in one hand and my In Style magazine in the other I’m ready to peruse the newest trends. If only my college anthropology teacher could see my study habits now.

I open the magazine and after turning a few pages I am mentally clapping my hands. Spring 2010 is a good year to be a girly girl. Splashed throughout the fashion bible are clothes and accessories in brilliant colors and flirty prints adorned with ruffles, bows and rosettes. How fun!

I go into the house, and return outside with my laptop. Technology is wonderful! I hit the Internet full speed. I love the Coach Madison Floral Audrey bag, Kate Spade’s Cross My Heart Rosette Sweater Tank, H&M’s Garden Collection dress (eco friendly, made from recycled fabric), and the piece de resistance Steve Madden’s Ven Rosette Platform Wedge.

My 1990’s flower child devil is speaking to me on one shoulder whispering, "You need to shop, shop, shop!" My 2010 angel, with the face of Suze Orman, says clearly with nothing to hide – "You have spring fever. Wait." I grudgingly swipe 1990’s flower child devil from my shoulder and chalk up the strong urge to shop as temporary sun induced insanity. After all, being a Midwesterner, I should know better – the sun is teasing me today. Snow is in the forecast this weekend. I file away my spring wish list to the back of mind for another day…in May.

Ready to wear?

There is no escaping, cooler weather will be here before we know it. The sun is vanishing earlier every day, making the days shorter. In the Midwest we can live in denial for at least a month longer – but the fashion industry is always ready.

On par Fall Fashion Week takes place every spring. Clothing, accessories and make up styles have been waiting months to appear in stores. It’s no shock mid July to see cool weather clothes magically replace the isles of swimwear and sundresses you need for that garden party or last summer beach vacation.

Fall/winter 2009-10 is shifting summer’s tropical colors to darker jewel tones. I for one am thrilled with the blue green, warm orange and purple fashions.

Makeup and clothing once again seem to be taking on an 80’s nuance. Dynasty inspired makeup application minus heavy foundation, black eyeliner, bright lips and winged eye shadow are some trends borrowed from the past we will be seeing. Fall’s nail polish color is magenta. The darker your skin the darker your polish should be.

Office wear is tailored with emphasis on strong shoulder designs. Poof sleeves and balloon skirts are here again – only wear one or the other. You don’t want to run the risk of looking like a crème puff. Fitted, military styled jackets were seen on the runways too. On the other end of the spectrum we have 1940's inspired attire.

Skinny jeans are still here – predominantly in dark washes. Breakfast Club babies – look out - distressed jeans are here again, actually a 90’s flashback. Hang onto scarves – they are surviving another season. Biker chic was also an influence on the runway. The cropped biker jacket is a must have topper. If you dare, experiment with plaids.

As for shoes – one of the biggest trends seen on the runway – was over the knee boots. Pretty Woman I am not – but I won’t knock your fashion choice. They look fantastic on the models and Rihanna. Stilettos, heels, platforms, and flats alike can be found studded, jeweled, animal printed, and exotic skinned. Pair new foot candy with textured and/or colored tights and look fashionable while battling cold winter temperatures.

Ornate cuff bracelets, elaborate belts and multi-strand statement necklaces are jewelry trends to be seen this fall/winter. Chains are revisiting us adorned on purses and their straps. Purses will also be found in rich colors and textured skins.

There is a reason not everything makes the transition from runway to everyday. Make this season’s trend choices according to your tastes, events, lifestyle, and comfort. You can still be stylish and yourself.