Trend Watch

Jumpsuits

Every season there is an item that fills the runways. It is a signature piece that everyone knows will dominate the red carpet, clutter every store window and be plastered in all fashion magazines. Unfortunately, sometimes that much obsessed about piece looks great in only one type of person (you know, models), forcing us (you know, average humans) to say a big ‘no to THAT one!’ and deal with the fact that not all trends have to be followed.

For Spring 09, however, that will not be the case. The signature piece for the season was the jumpsuit and its versatility in fabric, construction and fit is the key to being an any-figure friendly clothing item. To prove this theory, one should not look any further than our favorite Hollywood fashionistas.

Lily Allen opted for a one-piece when out about town in London. The three quarter sleeves and bow at the waistline give it a laid back style which is perfectly balanced by the leopard print heels. It makes for an understated yet polished look for nighttime. A good option to copy the look would be the Go International Jumpsuit from Target.

If you are more about a unique look when going out instead, follow Peaches Geldolf’s steps with a bright and striped short jumpsuit. The Side Snap Onesie by Urban Outfitters is a brave choice and paired with opaque tights and ankle boots make for an edgy style.

For those with a more demure taste like Anna V, neutral colors and straight silhouettes are the way to go about this trend. A thin belt and sandals give it a classic feel, finished off by a clutch and sleeked back hair.

While the jumpsuit doubles as tops and bottoms, there are no worries about petite types like Ashley Olsen having their figure shortened by a jumpsuit. Going for a short version of the piece that hits above mid-thigh, cinching it at the waist and adding heels to the mix make for an elongated and flattering figure. The Belted Jumper from Charlotte Russe is good similar option.

On the other side of the spectrum are the curvy girls like Kim Kardashian. The reality star kept her world famous booty from looking ubiquitous by opting for a straight leg monochrome version of the jumpsuit. The loose fit doesn’t highlight any unwanted bumps and the thick belt accentuates the other parts of her body that would normally be overshadowed by her bigger assets. Newport News’ Metallic bandeau jumpsuit has the same fit and belted waist.

Finally, since not all of us have the booming social life of Hollywood A-listers, having a jumpsuit that works for daytime is a must. A Denim Romper like the one Nicole Richie opted for is a low-key informal choice that looks equally adorable with heels or flats.

Going Nude for Spring

Spring has finally sprung and with it have a myriad of new looks and trends. The Uggs have been officially put away and while we loved to wear fringe and punk inspired plaid for the past six months, it is time for them to go visit the dark back space of our closets (you know, the place where your boho dresses and gladiator sandals have been hiding since October) and make room for the new season’s picks.

The spring runways showed a lot of color but when it came to shoes, one trend was predominent: nude. Chloe and Lanvin were among the designers that used nude shoes in their collection and fashion forward celebrities were quick to follow their lead. Reese Witherspoon went for a pair of peeptoes to compliment a strapless grey dress, Rachel Bilson mixed her casual black dress with a pair of high heeled funky sandals and Angelina Jolie opted for a classic pair of flats to go with skinny jeans and a fitted t-shirt for a day of shopping.

One of the benefits of wearing nude shoes (besides looking absolutely fabulous, of course) is the effect they have on your legs. Since they match the tone of your skin, they have a lengthening effect, making your legs look longer than they actually are. They’re also neutral and offer a good alternative to the obvious black and brown options.

So if you’re ready to bid adieu to warm boots and say hello to the first addition of your Spring collection, try Old Navy’s Women’s Crinkle Patent Peep-Toe Pumps ($19.50) for a high-heeled option, Aldo’s Applebaum flats ($39.98) for a boho chic practical pair or GoJane’s Criss Cross Thong Stud Sandal ($14.60) because you know this trend will carry on straight through the summer.

In need of something new 

There’s something in the air. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that winter is finally running its course, leaving me anxious for warmer days without snow boots or that my favorite thrift store has been stripped of its usual goodies and its racks won’t be full again until after spring cleaning or that I’ve been looking at pictures from fashion week and it seems like Fall 09 will look a whole lot like 08. It might just be a sum of all of the above that have got me feeling so blah about fashion these days.

Every store seems to have the same dresses, pants and shoes. Every celebrity and usual style icon has mastered the boyfriend jeans and the boho jewelry and no one really stands out or dares to take risks anymore. So I resorted to the internet to search for something new, exciting and affordable, of course.

Parisian ladies from StreetPeeper.com were a good start. A simple idea like cinching a belt over a pashmina or going for a Mad Men inspired pair of pants instead of the usual skinnies can really refresh a styling block. Then there were the items on sale that somehow slipped past the radar before like the Silence and Noise Fringe Cami ($9.99 Urban Outfitters), the cobalt blue Knot Front Crinkle Peep Toe Heel ($22.70 gojane.com) or Iam lace booties ($69.99 Nine West). They’re all slightly different and offer a twist on the trends out there. My favorites, however, were the items that really stood out from everything in windows at the mall yet surprisingly were both from the biggest mall destination, Forever 21.

The Croc Heart Clutch with Chain ($19.80) looks so vintage and the Colorblock Dress ($29) looks like something out of Project Runway.

Despite these finds I’m still longing for new collections, colors and inspirations. Any tips on where I can find them?