Spring Forecast – Sunny days bring bright smiles, as we think about all to come with this spring’s fashion trends.
If you listen hard enough, you can probably detect high-pitched squeals coming from inside your beloved local retailers. Those sounds of joy are most likely coming from us, because we are simply elated at the thought of wearing this spring’s gorgeous floral dresses, sassy sandals and wickedly smart sunglasses. Spring 2015 fashion calls for polar extremes. One day you may want to channel your inner flower child goddess, and, the next day, you may want to embrace something edgy yet refined with effortless trousers and a mesh paneled top. Whatever your style psyche should decide, revel in spring fashion and gloriously warmer temperatures. We are jubilant at our right to bare arms… and legs and toes!
Fringe Benefits
The pervasive fringe trend is adorning every article of clothing and every manner of accessory. Relish this idea for festival season on super soft suede vests, cross-body bags and fest-worthy footwear. Hemline should be your go-to boutique for items “on the fringe.” Mary Marchand, manager at Hemline on Magazine Street, loves how much fun one can have with just fringe accessories. “A girl can put on some comfy cut-off denim shorts, a cool white V-neck tee, and accessorize her ensemble with a fringe cross-body bag and ultra-suede fringe sandals.” she says. “She is ready and on-trend for Jazz Fest.” Hemline, 3308 Magazine St., (504) 269-4005, shophemline.com
This is Just Meshed Up
Avoid visuals of sweaty club boys in black mesh t-shirts during the ’80s and think of sexy slivers of mesh panels on dresses, blouses and even shoes. Strategically placed sheer fabric gives the illusion of exposed skin and can come across as elegant if done properly. FeBe on Metairie Road never disappoints clients in offering the most on-trend and fashion-forward styles. A stunning mesh shoulder cocktail dress would be a suitable way to address this suggestive craze. FeBe, 474 Metairie Road, (504) 835-5250, febeclothing.com
Keep Your Pants On
Pants are prevalent this spring — from wide trousers combined with tailored blouses and tanks to the not-for-everyone culottes. “I really like the more relaxed silhouettes — especially wider leg pants,” says Sanja Alickovic, owner of Haute Women’s Boutique on Magazine Street. “While skinnies are not going anywhere, the wide-leg pant is so chic.” Men’s style slacks with a clever and classy shoe can be an ultra-feminine yet powerful look. Haute Women’s Boutique, 725 Magazine St, (504) 522-8687, hautenola.com
Chunky Not Smooth
Footwear has been on the heavier side the past few fashion seasons. If worn appropriately, it can be posh without coming across as trendy. Anastasia Apostolos at Feet First helps us further define this look. “Spring 2015 is such an exciting time like never before in footwear fashion as the focus is on extreme comfort both in appearance and fit.” she says. “We saw the genesis of this movement last spring — with the reemergence of Birkenstock-esque silhouettes and ’90s Vans-inspired, slip-on sneakers — but the evolution has taken us into more performance-minded designs and materials, such as neoprene and Teva-like sandals.” We love when fashion addresses both form and function. Feet First, 4122 Magazine St., (504) 899-6800, feetfirststores.com
Leather and Lace
Though maybe not together, in risk of looking like a lady of the evening, these two ideas are beautifully applied in your spring summer wardrobe. Paper-thin pastel hued leather and suede are both breathable and wearable for even the hottest days. Dreamy dresses with a touch of lace detail can be elegant without giving the impression that you are wearing a doily. “This spring, lace dresses symbolize the romantic heroine trend — a favorite of mine, because it can be layered with a utility vest and booties on cooler days and metallic sandals on warmer days,” says Hattie Collins Moll, owner of Hattie Sparks. Also be sure to look for a new location in mid-May, on Girod Street in the South Market District. Hattie Sparks, 714 Adams St., (504) 304-5975, cargocollective.com/hattiesparks
Shop spring fashion, and shop happy! Enjoy fashion and break some fashion rules!
–Aimée Gowland and Corrie Pellerin