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I've been asked to begin a blog that shows a "how-to" for the things that bring pleasure to my life. So, the intent of this blog is to share recipes, gardening, composting, sewing, crafts, art, everyday projects and even psychology tips to aid in healing wounds and living the life you're meant to live, a life with purpose!
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Ten Current Spring Fashion Trends & what to keep when Cleaning Out my Closet? : Shopping, Jewerly, Purse / bags, how to mix this season's patterns, and put together an outfit.

I'm preparing to work on my closet next. Do I really want to keep those pleated pants, and how about all the long suit coat jackets? I like to research most things, and current trends is included in that. Before I tackle the task of my closet, I am making a list of the current fashion trends, and what is still considered "in style" verses "out with the Salvation Army pick-up".
With my list, I can begin with an update of my closet.
Just what might be lurking in there? Hee...
1. Keep your classics, like essential plain or plaid button-down shirts, and never be afraid to stock up on more. They always look pulled together and can be paired w almost anything at any time of year.
Shirts like this one, I have at least three colors.

How comfy,... moccasins. A natural color or a "make a statement" color like a bolder green.

Throw one of these shirts on with a pair of jeans, moccasins and knockout statement jewelry and you’ll have a chic look without appearing like you’ve tried too hard.

Knock- Out Jewelry:
Statement jewelry pieces found at Bellamy's Boutique

 2. If you could only keep three items, hold onto a few black dresses to get you through any occasion. One should be short and chic, another long and breezy, and a third easy and casual. The lack of color makes accessorizing easy, plus they can all transition from winter to spring and back again.

3. It’s in the details. Let your accessories do the work. Keeping a closet full of monochrome staples and cleaning out the rest doesn’t mean that your outfits have to be boring or monotonous. Mix things up by interchanging accessories like delicate bags, unique scarves or dynamic jewels to give any outfit an instant boost.
Unique bags, clutches, & jewelry can be found: 
Kramer's Anything but Ordinary Art carries more than just jewelry and paintings; or just make up your own unique designs with patterns like Simplicity.  You can adjust the design to suit your needs for unique purses and scarves, let your imagination create one of a kind pieces that only you own. ;-)

Learn new ways to tie scarves. 
 Mix it up, even wearing a scarf tied differently each day can spice up your wardrobe!

Keep: white denim pants. They go with anything!


4. Bright Spot. Remember those three black dresses, button-downs and white denim basics that you’re meant to keep? Add one bright-hued accessory, like a pair of orange sandals, a green shoe, or a "bright statement bag", just something fun to give your outfit a nice kick up the fashion ladder from drab to fab. A bright spot is a big trend for spring, add to any of these key pieces and your outfit is complete without having to look for any more hanger or closet space.
 
5. Seventies-inspired style is once again big for spring, so if you didn’t clean out those jeans the last time around, you’re in luck! Hold onto your platform shoes or wedges from last season too as they are quintessential pieces to complete this look.  
6. Change it up. Choose versatile pieces to add to your wardrobe that can be dressed down for day and glammed up for night with pieces that you already own.
An embellished skirt can be worn with a plain white tee and a cool denim jacket or given a dressy makeover with.......................... a sleek black blazer.
How fun are these skirts?

A simple tee.Check out all these jean jacket trends. Have fun and mix it up, using a variation of these.

7. Keep white jeans and tees, as well as black cigarette pants or leggings, within arm’s reach for spring. They are essentially subtle pairings for those wild prints that are making a big statement this season. Or find wild skirts... to go with that simple Tee-shirt.
You can mix patterns, but it is a bit trickier. Simply remember to have one pattern smaller than the other. Like a bold large print (say on a dress) with a smaller one on (let us say a cardigan).

You can easily wear a small striped shirt with a bold flower pattered skirt, and a plain jacket. Or a bold striped shirt with a small flower printed skirt. ;-)


 You can even add a third if you like, just make sure each print is one-third the size of the other.

You can even do it with stripes.
Just remember one larger, bold pattern with the other print being smaller. (In the pictures: the vertical striped skirt is with a different and smaller printed top and an even smaller print in the jacket, and  in the second picture, the horizontal striped skirt is with a very different plaid pattern).
If in doubt, stay with one solid and one print together, like the pictures in #8. ;-)
8. Make use of winter cardigans and jackets. Store your coats and heavy slacks for the warmer months but be sure to keep those winter blazers and lightweight trousers handy. Layering is essential when the weather is still transitioning, not to mention air-conditioning can become too cold when dinning out. Pairing these pieces with a breezy top, like a floral cami, keeps the look seasonable.
Mix and match, blue, black, or khaki goes well with anything.
 Choose one print (like these tops), and pair with solids (like pants and jackets).

9. Go the long or short way. When it comes to skirt lengths this season, anything goes. While there’s no need to forgo your cute short skirts; however,

(Disclaimer: picture from Nomads) the maxi skirt is back in a big way and deserves some attention too. Try a wild style w a subtle top, or ease into the trend w a neutral shade that can be paired w anything.

10. Easy Elegance. Kaftan dresses and tunics are popping up everywhere. Timeless and versatile, these are key pieces to keep or add to your wardrobe. Tunics are travel musts as they can be gussied up at night or worn as beach cover-ups by day. Look for dresses that can be accessorized for a chic spring wedding ensemble or worn w sandals for a warm day in the city.
Such fun colors and patterns!


 How much fun are these new trends? I hope your inspired to tackle your closet too. ;-)

5 comments:

  1. thanks Lisa, helping me get motivated

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    1. Hey Lisa, I just revisited your blog on the wardrobe of spring. I loved it. I am taking a gob of stuff to the resale, but pulling a couple of jackets from the pile, like the white jean jacket, maybe I can revive..;), Patty

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    2. Thanks for the comment and compliment. I am glad you enjoyed the blog! Great on the saving of the wht jean jacket! You will have so much fun w it. Send me a pic of you wearing it, ;-) I'd love to post it as an add to a fashion blog. Hee, you'd be a fashion "Do." ;-) Again, thanks for the comment. Happy impending Spring to you!
      My email for any photos: lisakramerart@yahoo.com

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    3. Lisa, this is Patty, it showed me as unknown,, about anyhoot,, the jacket was too big and not right, so it still landed in the resale pile,, but, I did produce a huge amount to resale.. I would love if you did an article on those shaper-like garments.. that cover the tummy and lower back, or even ones' that show as part of outfit/? the shaper type make jeans 'slide around,especially jeans with the stretch lycra.. just a thought,ps, i went thru ur spring fashion again.

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  2. Patty, just saw this! Yikes! Lol, showing the blog to a 17 yr old who said she didn't know how to match colors or outfits. I will look into the shapewear... it will require some research. These days, perhaps we all could use a little help. ;0)

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