Maxi Dress

Like florals, another trend that is here for another season is the maxi dress. Now, also like florals, if not done correctly, a maxi dress can look matronly and old-fashioned. So, here are some tips...

If it's a really blousy dress, wear a waist belt so it doesn't add any weight. Or, if you need more arm coverage, top with a jean jacket or light-weight leather jacket. I think a maxi dress always looks better when worn with flats for a cool, casual look. And, be sure to choose a bright color or an updated print.

If you have a maxi dress from last season and want to update it for this season, try layering it with a new brightly colored or neon tank top or layer with two or three long necklaces. So jump into the warmer weather with a maxi!

Flower Power

Spring is in full bloom - literally along the driveways and more importantly all over the runways! Now florals for the spring can't quite be called a trend - can you remember a time when floral prints weren't key for spring fashion? I can't. It's like Meryl Streep's character, Miranda Priestly, says in The Devil Wears Prada, "Florals...for springtime...how original." She's right, but it doesn't negate the fact that floral prints are really important for this spring.

Now, here's the problem with florals...if they are not a modern print, it can tend to look old-fashioned and out-of-date. So, be sure to keep the prints fresh and bright so you don't look like you're wearing your grandmother's drapes. Also, at a certain age, you shouldn't wear floral pants or skirts. This too can be a bit too much. Stick to floral tops and dresses.

Now, if you are like me, wearing florals may not be your favorite thing. So, the best way to get a little bit into your wardrobe is wearing a floral scarf or floral shoes. Or, pair down a floral top with jeans.

Whatever you decide, jump into the flower power and embrace the florals!

Accessory Report: Gold & Black

As spring arrives with all of it's color, don't forget about accessories. And, there are some definite accessory trends on the horizon. One important trend is mixing black and gold - although this actually isn't a new trend since CoCo Chanel started making black and gold handbags years ago. But, it's definitely a trend that is being resurrected this spring.

Now, in the state of Louisiana the colors black and gold synonymously go hand-in-hand with the Saints. So, it can be a little hard for some of us to wear it without thinking of going tailgating. However, it's always a chic color combination and everyone needs to think outside the box.

Mixing black and gold can be a certain mix of trendy and classic that is always chic. So, try introducing some black and gold jewelry into your spring wardrobe. Or, try investing in some black and gold shoes or handbag. Because even though this is a trend in some people's eyes, black and gold will always be here to stay!

Color Trend: Orange

This spring is all about color. And, one huge color trend this year is orange. There are so many different ranges in this color that it's an easy trend to jump into. So, whether you call it coral, cinnamon, or tangerine, wearing anything in the orange family is going to be right on track this spring.

If you want to limp into color, try wearing an orange top with a neutral skirt or jean. Or, jump right into the color pool with a full orange dress. If you want to cut the boldness a little, try wearing an orange print dress - whether that dress is mostly orange or just orange accents, the point will still get across - you are a fashionista that knows her stuff.

Orange looks absolutely amazing with gold. So, accessorize with gold jewelry, shoes or handbags. Also, nude, black and brown shoes and accessories work too. If you want to try and pair down the orange, top with an off-white or white cardigan or blue jean jacket.

For those of you who tend to shun color, a little orange is a great way to start introducing color into your spring wardrobe!

Shocking Spring

Spring is finally sprung. With cooler temperatures and breezy afternoons, it's a great time to be inspired by fashion. And with this springs fashions having so many things going on, it's an easy thing to do. Over the next few days I'm going to highlight some of the top trends for the spring.

We are going to start at the most "shocking".... spring is going into full shock with a spectrum of electric colors. If you've been to any mall lately, you could not have missed this trend. Florescent yellow, pink and orange are everywhere...tops, shorts, skirts, jewelry and scarves. It gives off a very 60s Austin Powers kind of vibe and is a really fun trend to take part in.

If going neon head-to-toe is not your thing, try introducing at least one piece into your spring wardrobe. Try either a neon short or skirt and pair with a neutral white, grey or brown top to tone down the look. Or, find a great florescent blazer and pair over a neutral white or black dress. But, if you are really bold, go for the gusto and wear a neon dress!

Whichever way you get ready for spring, remember to kick it up a notch with these fluorescent hues!