Looking forward to the trends of this season, I browsed online through a few designers' Spring 2011 collections via my favorite high-end specialty stores... and by favorite, I mean I favor ogling at georgeous items with prices just a tad above my normal range. And by a tad, I mean three miles. I digress...
I flipped through the (web)pages of fashion magazines, flipped through channels airing the what's what of red-carpet events, and basically flipped off my blah-as-hell wardrobe. Everything I owned either fit me no longer (thanks, post-partum body!) or was out of season. By out of season I mean that it's hot as Hades in Houston and most of the clothes were for trekking through Antartica.
I noted two themes in the current fashion trends. See if you can guess one of these trends, and a few eye-catchers in which it is featured:
Stella McCartney Multi Botanical Pansy Skirt
$525.00
Lanvin Flower Embellished Top (left)
$8430.00
Lanvin Jersey Chiffon Flower TShirt (right)
$1440.00
Giambattista Valli Peony Dress
$2230.00
Roberto Cavalli Low-Back Jersey Dress
$895.00
Jil Sander Floral Trapeze Tunic
$2445.00
Valentino Sweet Garden Printed Chiffon (Silk) Dress
$3980.00
Did you guess the Spring 2011 trend yet? Weren't those pieces reminiscent of, oh I don't know, traipsing through a garden? That's right, floral print is the new TDF (To Die For) print for this season. The Stella McCartney Multi Botanical Pansy Skirt was one of those TDF moments I had recently. Much so that I had to show my other half what I was giddy over. (He wasn't giddy about the price... but it's Stella, babe! Stella!!!) I did a little tour of her Spring 2011 collection and my presumption rang true in my little head... Floral print is the new "it" thing this season, along with another spring trend that I shall discuss in the near future ("Part 2" here we come).
If you need any more convincing that floral print is indeed a gorgeous trend that this gal is sure to buy into (and trust that I already have), how about these key pieces to feast your eyes on:
Manolo Blahnik Floral Mid-Heel Halter
$665.00
Valentino Flower Flap Bag (left)
$2295.00
Valentino Landscape Printed Tote (right)
$1595.00
Fendi Floral Baguette
$1960.00
Manolo Blahnik Sederaby
$715.00
Alexander McQueen Floral Heel T-Strap Wedge
$995.00
Ahhh, in my dreams, I can see myself strutting around downtown in those Manolo Floral Mid-Heel Halters. But my sleepless reality kicks in and guess what, I'm a woman on a budget and I have formula and diapers to buy! Below are a few of the stylishly affordable examples of our floral trend:
Amy Butler Nora Clutch
in four colors (from top to bottom):
Tropicali Shale Gray
Poppy Flower Blue
Buttercups Turquoise
Fuschia Tree Navy
The Amy Butler Nora Clutch, available in TWELVE different prints, is available at the endless.com site for $50.00. Whether you choose to pair it as an accessory for an all white get-up or a solid colored cocktail number, these prints on a sizable clutch is sure to stand out (and in a good way). Take advantage of the FREE two day shipping (we love the word FREE!) and should you find yourself unsatisfied with your purchase, FREE return shipping is also available.
Looking for a beautiful shoe with bold print but afraid you'll overdo it? Look no further than the Nine West Ambitious Pump in Black Floral Print! Also available at endless.com, the beautiful shoe runs at an affordable $69.00 and FREE overnight shipping with FREE returns as well. But I doubt you'd want to return the shoes... These pumps are super comfortable and the heel height is, well, perfect. I own a pair of the pumps in a taupe hue and was able to stand around carrying my son for a solid three hours! The insole has a soft padding that proves it to be work-friendly, and you wouldn't mind dancing the night away in these puppies either. I want to purchase these shoes in this particular print, and since I've enjoyed the pair I own in taupe, I highly consider this a future buy in the next five minutes. 
If you don't mind an off-brand but cute shoulder bag to tote around this spring, try Gia Milani's Floral Print Handbag, available at both Target online and in store for $19.99. It's perfect for an on-the-go lunch, a quick trip to the market, or a quick play date with baby's friend and his mommy. Small enough to attract just the right amount of attention but large enough for keys, your wallet and a diaper (yes, I do carry around a diaper in my purse), this bag is practical and cute enough to last a couple more seasons.
How about another one of my TDF moments? The GUESS? Strapless Sweetheart Floral A-Line Dress (right) is available at Macy's for $98.00. Refer to the AdDRESSing Your Summer Wear blog entry for ideas and suggestions on how to wear and accessorize a flirty piece like this. Another beautiful find on the same website is the Eliza J Sleeveless A-Line Floral Dress (below), which runs at $128.00. A buck twenty-eight, you ask? I normally wouldn't suggest my dear darlings to go out and spend a grocery shopping day's worth on one item, but fortunately for you, this dress is guaranteed to last you more than one season, if not more than one year! The silhouette and length of the dress is surely timeless and perfect for more than just going on a girl's day out. Throw it on for a summer wedding with some nude pumps and a gold cuff, or wear it with cute ballet flats to the museum or your local wine dive. You may also want to consider the FREE shipping on purchases over $99! Don't you love that word, "FREE"?
Love the trend but don't really fancy wearing it on your torso? Try out Glaze by Journee 'Nicole-2-Black' Floral Print Platforms (below) which is available at overstock.com for $36.99. The 4.5-inch stiletto dares courageous women to tame this sexy shoe. Labeled as a "Very High Sell Out Risk," the shoe is slated to arrive at your doorstep for just $1.00 for delivery charges!
Looking everywhere for an almost-perfect ringer for the Manolo Blahnik Sedaraby Floral Shoes, I stumbled across this gorgeous pair, Anne Klein's Kalei 2 Floral Pumps. Available at Peltz Shoes for $39.50, the shoe is 50% off its original price of $79.00. Considering that the shoe is from a bona fide label, this price tag is almost a steal. Consider me off-beat and non-conventional, but I give these pumps my stamp of approval to be worn with your wedding dress! The 3.5-inch heel is of perfect height, and the demure yet eye-catching design compliments a beautiful white wedding gown without totally taking all the attention from it. Another shoe I found appropriate for a special occassion such as a graduation party or even just a trip to the salon is the Rampage Grayson Slingback Pump (below), eligible for FREE overnight shipping at endless.com.
Something I am really excited to share with you is this epitome of the spring floral trend: Betsey Johnson's Glitzy Floral Shopper (left). With only ONE left available at 6pm.com, the ultra-femme, on-the-go bag is 62% off the original price of $298.00... A designer label bag for $112.50?! If you have been living under a fashion deprived rock, Betsey Johnson is a CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Award winning designer who is known for her whimsical, Warholian style of dress. Her items are usually sold in specialty high-end stores, so to get this garden shopper at such a great price is quite an honor to have in your bag collection. The printed sequin covering epitomizes the glitz and sass that Betsey Johnson is known for; the cheetah print lining contrasts wildly with the flirty, girly outside. Perfect for a future famous fashion designer to tote her tools around in, and perfect for a mama to bring her phone, lip gloss and baby's snacks on-the-go. And on top of that, you can tell your girlfriends it's an authentic Betsey Johnson item. No shame in the game!
Want another designer piece with a sizeable price cut? Elie Tahari's Priscilla Blouse (right) is available at 6pm.com's website for $166.80, 40% off the original tag of $278.00. Aside from the beautiful artwork printed on the shirt, I also adore the tie closure at the neckline and the elegant collar that is flush around the neck but not overly tight. The 100% silk sleeveless blouse is great for a hot and humid climate as it is lightweight, breathable and elegantly a signature Elie Tahari. Forget the trendiness of the print for this season! The blouse is timeless, tasteful, and luxurious for plenty of seasons to come. The uplifting Elie Tahari story of a struggling immigrant (he slept on park benches at night) who found great success in America is so inspirational, it makes me an even bigger fan of the designer and his brand of graceful clothing. Usually found in high-end department stores like Neiman Marcus or Bloomingdale's, I give this beautiful piece my stamp of approval style-wise and price-wise. 
How about a throwback twist to the current fashion trend? The Kensie Vintage Florals Print Top (above) reminds me of a button-down blouse tucked neatly into a poodle skirt a la 1950s American housewife. The tiered layers flow away from the body to give the torso some volume without accentuating excess lady lumps around the middle. Sold at Piperlime's website for $68.00, the tank can be at your doorstep FREE of all shipping charges. Wear it with dark skinny jeans and strappy booties for a quick weekday dinner out. Opt for jean shorts, aviator sunglasses and sandals for a casual look.
Take the trend to the office with Ralph Lauren's Louvenia Cap Sleeve Dress (below) which is now newly available at Macy's site for $129.00. The empire waist is a higher than the normal waistline to cinch you at the smallest part of your upper body while the cap sleeves show off the sexy collar line and perhaps the arms you've been working out on the past few weeks. Wear with matte black pumps or throw on a spring color with some purple open-toe heels. And with a $99.00 purchase or higher, enjoy Macy's FREE shipping.
If you are really (really) on a budget and still want the opportunity to participate in this cute spring trend, dont' sell yourself short! I myself would be in this category of shoppers, so I found some great pieces with equally great prices. The Strapless Floral Tunic (below, left) by Forever 21 costs $15.80 at the Forever 21 website. Win on the affordability but don't lose out on the chicness factor. Another piece from the site is a personal favorite of mine. The Forever 21 Abstract Woven Tunic (below, right) is satin and unlined, which makes it an awesome pick for the warm weather. For the price of $19.80, this guiltless pleasure can be taken from day to night with a few key changes like shoes and accessories.
If you are really digging this warm weather trend much like I am, Forever 21 and Macys.com are a great jump off point to get your wardrobe going without breaking the bank. **JUST REMEMBER** not to go overboard with the trend. One piece at a time should do the trick, as you do not want to look like a swatch of wallpaper walking around on heels.
How do you feel about this trend? Do you think it will last after this season and this year?
- Arlene H.J.
1 comment:
Favorite entry thus far! I love the floral look. Reminds me of a pair of pumps I ended up returning... reading this makes me regret that I didn't keep them. :-( Boo.
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