Pantone's Colors for Spring

It's that time of year again when Pantone releases their selects for the top colors for Spring'13, just as Fashion Week gets under way. Their choices include Monaco and Dusk Blues, Emerald, Grayed Jade (my favorite), Linen, Poppy Red, African Violet, Tender Shoots, Lemon Zest and Nectarine. All of the shades work really well together, complementing eachother for a supremely sunny season.

(photo: courtesy of WWD)

A New Look for Sequins

We went through a big trend of wearing sequins for day, pairing sequin skirts (I have one from J. Crew) with chambray shirts for a great, unexpected daytime look. Now I'm seeing more iridescent and even matted paillettes and sequins that give more of a mermaid effect that's a new way to interpret the trend. Designers are doing it in opalescent shades and silvers and it's beautiful for a fancy night out and quite pretty with denim for a sophisticated daytime look that needs a little polish.

(photo: courtesy of Knittcat)

First Look: Gryphon for Spring '13

And so it begins! New York Fashion Week is here once again, giving us an inside glimpse into everything we're going to be wanting in Spring '13. I love the look from Gryphon. They may have started with just trenches way back when but what they've conceived of since is quite modern. You can see traces of what put them on a map but in real modern ways that are wearable and real and made for every day--ways that we'll want to wear the outerwear trend in a new, refreshing way.

(photo: courtesy of Style.com)

What's In My Bag

This photo is a not so subtle reminder that if the contents of my bag were to spill out, I would be horrified. And yet, this looks so chic. Why can't my stuff look so good? I always thing streamline looks better but I'm starting to think that wonderfully vibrant accessories in textured leathers (embossed or lambskin will do) would suffice. They'll endure, they won't show wear and tear and they'll show up when I look for them inside my large duffel of a bag. This is what I will now strive for.

(photo: courtesy of The Coveteur)

The Varsity Jacket

One of the hottest trends that is finally making it way into our closets after a few teasing runs down the runway is the varsity jacket. With soft leather sleeves and warm wool bodices, it seems like the ideal shape and fabric play for Winter. It's also somewhat cheeky, which means it's the perfect pairing with sleek pants, high-waisted flair jeans and anything streamlined. A great alternative to predictable outerwear.

(photo: courtesy of Fashionista)

Wanting: Print Pants

Everyone's been wearing colored denim for a few years now and this Summer's been all about colorful printed pairs. So how best to transition the look into Fall now that the season has officially come to a close? I like subtle geometric prints in Fall and Wintry fabrics. Go for a pair that has darker colors on the outer part of the thigh, so it elongates your leg and avoid cropped versions so the effect is lengthening. They'll be a fun alternative to jeans that you'll want to grab daily.

(photo: courtesy of Net-a-Porter)

Required Reading

I did myself a favor last year and stopped buying Us Weekly. If it just so happens to land in my gaze, I'll read it, but at the newstand, I'll go for more substantial fare. That includes the likes of Rookie Mag which is similar to its predecessors in influence and inspirational material. From Tavi, the 13 year old blogger who's turned into a sixteen year old sensation and worldwide name before my very eyes, everything she churns out is worth taking a look at. This marks the year anniversary of her creative concept website. Happy Birthday!