Transition?

Well, we’ve reached that funny time of year known in the fashion industry as “fall transition” or, in some circles, “pre-fall”. According to the calendar, spring has been here for only six short weeks, and the weather is just now finally getting warm enough to wear spring fashions without all kinds of extra layers. If you’re at all like me, you’re finally getting excited about wearing your spring outfits, and not quite ready to make a real commitment to your fall wardrobe yet because you just aren’t sure what your tastes will be by the time September rolls around. In light of that, here is a quick rundown of looks that will work for spring, but can take you well into the fall season.

Tee shirts are always a great choice for casual dressing. With cropped jeans or city shorts in summer, or with jeans and a sweater or layered over a long-sleeve tee in winter, tees are classically simple and sexy. Jake’s Dry Goods has a large collection of tees with clever sayings and cute pictures. One of my favorites is the “it is just never enough” tee in grey. The dark color makes this a great piece to transition into fall, while the light 100% cotton fabric is perfect for any type of weather.

Full skirts were hot for spring, and the look will continue for fall, though the look will be more subdued. This denim skirt by Level 99 will be a perfect skirt for summer and into the fall, thanks to the simple silhouette with the nipped-in waist and the shorter length. Wear it now with wedges and a tank top or tee, and into fall with a sweater and knee high boots.

Jackets are must-have seasonless pieces essential to any wardrobe. A belted jacket like this one from Christopher Blue can be worn a variety of ways. It can be worn over a summery dress to extend its life into fall, or it can be worn as the showcase piece of an outfit, with simple khaki pants and a white tank. Carry it with you in the summer as an extra layer for cool evenings, or wear it to work as part of your casual-day wardrobe.

Stop by The Clothes Gallery to see more great summer and fall looks.

Go Global!

Ready for a trend that’s sure to get you noticed? Global-inspired prints and colors are a way to add a really unique, attention-grabbing look to your wardrobe. Bold patterns bring a bit of punch and pizzazz to a basic silhouette and can make an otherwise mundane outfit more exciting.

This geometric print dress by Ali Ro (a division of Donna Morgan) is an attention-grabbing piece, perfect for work or a lunch date. The earthy neutrals compliment a variety of skin tones, and the straight cut skims the body in all the right places. Strappy black or brown sandals with a slight heel would compliment the dress perfectly.

Kische’s tie-back top with empire waist has two bold patterns that play off one another in a quirky way. The colored print is a zebra-stripe print, while the black and white has a graphic leopard-spot feel. This fun combination of prints in bright primary colors and the flattering silhouette make this top great for work, when paired with black pants or Capris and black heeled sandals. Or, use it to top a sleek pair of dark denim Capris or city shorts and wedges for a daytime look.

A longer tunic-type top like this one from Lynn Ritchie is a great casual piece to wear with jeans or leggings. The graphic blue, white, and black print has a retro feel that works well with flat sandals and “skinny” pants. The shirring on the front and back of the top makes it slightly fitted and extremely flattering. This is a great piece for a casual date or a day of shopping.

Stop by The Clothes Gallery to see tons more tops with great prints…and remember to have fun with this trend. It’s all about being different, being unusual, being you!

Red, White, Blue, Stars, and Stripes, too!

Patriotic prints and nautical colors are always in for summer. This year is no different, with runway collections showcasing stars, stripes, and polka-dots in a variety of bold colors. Ready-to-wear designers have toned it down a little bit, making the patterns more subtle and wearable.

Lilla P makes a great bateau–neck tee with white and green stripes. The white edging on the elbow-length sleeves and around the neckline give a nice finished appearance, while the 3-button detail on the left shoulder is a quirky attention-drawing touch. This piece is very casual, perfect for a Saturday barbeque or a night at a music festival. Wear it with a preppy denim skirt and white tennis shoes or with relaxed fit khaki pants or capris.

This Henley top with ¾ length sleeves and rhinestone buttons comes in two hot summer colors-jungle blue and rhumba peach. Tiny white polka dots, a very flattering pattern, are scattered from top to bottom. Another casual top, this one would look perfect on a cool summer evening with white Capri pants and a white jacket. Finish the look with strappy white flat sandals and a few white beaded bracelets, and you’ll look perfect for whatever comes your way.

Persimmon red is a perfect color for a hot summer day, and this A-line crochet sweater by 525 America is just that- perfect! Made of lightweight cotton and in a cool sleeveless silhouette, this top will take you anywhere, from a concert in the park to dining al fresco. Wear it with a variety of basic pieces: khakis cargo pants, boot cut jeans, black or white pants in a crisp cotton, or, if you’re feeling extra patriotic, try it with navy city shorts! No matter what you match it with, this hot sweater is sure to make sure all eyes are on you.

Yaya’s carries a lot of other great pieces, perfect for summer. Click on the clothing link above to see more!

Fun and Flirty

Full, flirty skirts with tiny waists are a fun look for warm weather. They are perfect for enhancing curves and hiding trouble spots on the lower body, and they’re comfortable, too! This season, the length can vary from mini to mid-calf. Available in a variety of fabrics, they can be dressed up or down, making them ideal for a multitude of occasions.

In the Wash makes a great 100% cotton version of the skirt in a bold red, black, and white floral print. The bold colors and print are cheery and fun for those warm summer days. With a simple ribbed cotton tank or tee and flat black sandals, this is a great look for the weekend. Add a cropped black cardigan for a workday look, or change to a sleek black fitted sweater and heels for a date look.

Chaudry’s white lacy three-tiered skirt in eggshell is a longer version of the look. This skirt, also in cotton, has a more casual feel, thanks to the long length and more “peasant skirt” feel. You’ll look like a summer goddess in this skirt when paired with a dainty white camisole and natural-colored sandals. This is a perfect look for a beach party or lunch out.

Check out the “skirts & dresses” category under the “clothing” link above for more fun and flirty looks.

Hot Summer Looks

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. We can finally start wearing those spring fashions without freezing, so let’s take a look at just a few more hot spring and summer 2008 trends!

Shape-enhancing full skirts are perfect for this warm weather. They can be dressy or casual, depending on the color, print, and fabric. Soft white cotton is breezy and cool and perfect when topped with a simple tank top or tee, while a satiny fabric with a beautiful floral print would be wonderful with strappy heeled sandals and a lacy camisole for a party-time look. To perfectly play this look for summer, make sure to define your waist with a belt or tucked in top, or compliment the fullness of the skirt with a snug cropped sweater or jacket.

For several years, the spring and summer seasons have been all about nautical and patriotic looks. This season is no different, though the focus of the trend is different. This year, the focus is on nautical-inspired prints like stars, extra-big polka dots, and wide stripes. Also in are those festive and patriotic colors of red, white, and blue. Mix and match the prints with the solid colors for pretty and preppy looks perfect for hot summer days and nights.

Big, bold prints are great for summer. This year’s prints and colors are inspired by a multitude of global cultures. Try Asian-inspired florals, African abstract prints, Native American embroidery, or even bright solids inspired by Indian saris. Mini or maxi dresses, billowy tops, and kimono-type tops are all great ways to wear the trend. Or, if you’re a little print-shy, try a printed scarf in your hair or a bag with some suede fringe and leather studs to bring just a touch of the global trend to your look.

Stop back next week to see how some of the designers The Clothes Gallery carries are interpreting the trends.