What's Your Vision for Spring?

SPRING is upon us! It's time to sip wine spritzers on the stoop and wear lightweight jackets with spring dresses and look fabulous. (Or fabu-LASH if wearing fake eyelashes is a part of your spring look, which it should!). It's a time to be inspired by the warmer weather, to overhaul your wardrobe and trade out the wool for the cotton. But sadly, I have very little inspiration for this season fashion-wise. I lack a cohesive VISION. But I urge readers to write into nowhiteafterlaborday@gmail.com with their spring vision and I'll include your comments in a future post.

That said, I can offer these few trend predictions:

1) Flats are still in, but with a slight twist. Instead of the super thin soles of last year's ballet flats, designers are making flats with a half-inch to an inch of wedge heel. Very cute, very vintage. Check out Steve Madden's Naddine (left) and Daeley styles. They're almost an exact replica of a woven-leather Nine West pair from the 80s that I found at a thrift store for $10. You'll see wood, faux-wood and espadrille bottoms on these new styles. As for heels, definitely wood and cork wedges, and in all colors.

2) Dresses, tops and skirts with BOLD, 60s-inspired prints. For dresses, I see this working with halters, shifts or wrap-around styles (a la Diane von Furstenberg). These prints might not work on everyone, so if you're worried about over-accentuating your curves, you might want to try just one bold print in a skirt or a scarf as an accent.

3) A great transitional piece for spring is a cap-sleeved or short-sleeved sweater. I'm picturing v-neck or boatneck. Wear these with jeans and flats under a jean jacket or blazer and they're perfect for work and for going out. They also look great with a miniskirt and flats or a long denim skirt and boots. A lot of these are in thrift stores now and I think they're going to be big this season. If they're slightly oversized, they look great with a wide belt slung low over a pair of straight leg jeans. I also think we're going to continue to see wifebeaters this season and a lot of tunic-style and/or belted tops, but let's hope the babydoll look will be kept to a minimum.

4) Chunky jewelry is still around, both in neutral and bold colors. The key is to not overload. Pick one chunky bangle or beaded necklace as an accent piece to an otherwise lowkey outfit. I saw this girl on the subway the other day who looked absolutely adorable in a black fitted jacket and camisole over dark jeans paired with a white belt, white pointy-toed flats and a chunky, turquoise beaded necklace. The necklace was the only splash of color in her ensemble and she just looked so cute and cool! Wherever you are, Ms. Thing on the L-Train, I salute you!

OK, that's all I have for now! please send ideas. And pics!