Contrast

Pale Nails are a delightful trend that has captured the heart of designers this season. Marc Jacobs, Rag and Bone, and Chanel are embracing this trend. Pure white, neutrals, and cream colors are EVERYWHERE for spring. This trend has gained momentum for a while, but this spring it has definitely exploded. Pale Nails are a fitting alternative to the usual colors associated with spring and summer. It evokes the same soft and delicate feel you associate with femininity. There is an angelic quality that intrigues the viewer. These minimalist looks are here to stay.

 

                                                    

          On the opposite side of the spectrum we also have very dark nails. It's all about contrast this year, and this trend could go either way. Although I usually love dark nails, be careful it doesn't look too costumey or goth. In other words I would skip black. Unless it's Halloween and your playing a vampire, keep the look simple, or avoid it all together. The first look shows black nails done well. The second look has too much going on and is almost a caricature.  

Another fun trend for spring are a two toned manicure. For me, it seems like a bit of work...and nothing I could do myself. However, I can certainly appreciate the finished product. This trend is a new twist on the french manicure. Just grab a small brush to paint your graphics on your nails. I also suggest you select contrasting colors that match your skin tone. Some fun things to try are a half moon, a vertical split, a V shape, or a diagonal strip. Whether it is pale, dark, or two tones contrast is the way to go for spring.

     

Strong Eyebrow

Strong thick eyebrows are everywhere this spring. Forget about lighting your eyebrows to match your hair shade. This season the darker the better. This trend favors a more natural shape of the eyebrow. That means that waxing and threading are out this season. So you should be able to save a few bucks as well as avoid discomfort, at least till next season... If you want extra pizzazz you can fill in your eyebrow with eye shadows to make it look darker. I recommend practicing this technique a few times before you wear it out in public. Some people can look quite silly if it's overdone. This model wears the trend well. Her eyebrows are the predominate feature on her face.

Over at Marc Jacobs there is also an emphasis on a strong eyebrow. His muse is Edie Sedwick and  when most people think of her, they associate a Strong brow. This model exemplifies the direction Marc Jacob wanted to go this season.

One example of an eyebrow that looks horrendous is at Thakoon. I don't know what this makeup artist was thinking. He or she risks her model looking ridiculous. This is not sexy or a natural look. Her audience can tell that the eyebrows are drawn on. She looks more like an alien than a fashion model. Please do not adopt this trend. 

Candy Colored Hair

So the juries out for spring and it seems Candy Colored Hair is-- unfortunately here to stay. Think of pastels in shades of blue and pink as well as candy colored aqua. Usually to me, pink hair screams out Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna to me. Trend setters, most definitely, but my problem is will the majority of the public be able to pull this off? Or will they look like their playing dress up for Halloween?!? When I see an entirely blue head is, my first thought is you've got to be kidding me. Please dye it back. Call me boring but this trend seems a bit juvenile to me.

However, Oscar De la Renta features this trend in a more flattering way. Think Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's with a bit of edge. This look is elegant. She looks modern and quirky with pink highlights in a chic updo. The key for me is  embracing the trend subtly with highlights, not blue hair all over! Just saying... Unless your a ROCKSTAR or a MODEL, you look silly.

Anna Sui in her spring 2013 collection also embraced candy colors-- this time in the form of short wigs. The short hair, even though it's a wig, seems more put together and more fashion forward. I like some of these looks, albeit begrudgingly. They are interesting and have a point of view. Anna Sui mixes punk masterfully with just the right amount of girly style. And the wigs cap off the look in an eclectic way. This is not my style, but I see the appeal to a more edgy type of customer.

Tailored Shorts

Nothing says spring/summer to me more than shorts. This year gowns and mini's might just have to take a back seat to tailored shorts...This trend can be dressed up or down. There is a ton of short suits on the runway. When you think suits... you might think stuffy. But these definitely are not! It's the perfect mix of professionalism for the office, mixed with a touch of fun if your going out on the town with the girls after work. Who says suits can't be fun! These suits are a little out of the box with a touch of edge. Probably not appropriate if your working in a law office though. Here are some of my favorites.

 

This spring we are seeing a variety of prints and textures, which I love. Obviously with the tailored short, the length is a little longer which show's taste and refinement. My personal favorite type of tailored shorts is stripes and polka dots featured by Paul and Joe. I think it flatters most body types. Another standout was a high-waisted striped pair of shorts by Dolce and Gabbana paired with an eastern type print, which really blew me away... Whatever trend you trend you try, it is certain you will be looking fashion forward.