Call it wishful thinking but I think I can smell spring in the air. It may be currently snowing here and I’m unable to leave the house without looking like an Arctic explorer, but we’re over the hill of Christmas and it’s only a matter of weeks before we enter those glorious warm months. I’m convinced anyway.
Don’t get me wrong I can’t wait to escape the depths of wintry Manchester, actually see a glimmer of sunshine and enjoy glove free hands again, but there’s something else about spring that every fashion lover is waiting for.
The spring/summer 2013 collection. While we shall ever be in debt to the fashion gods for delivering us these delicious tit bits during the blustery months, it does tantalise us so. But we are now in 2013 so I feel I can ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ over the spring fashion forecast at long last.
If you haven’t yet had chance to set what delights will fill the shops this spring, fear not, here’s my nifty little breakdown of what’s on the runway and how us non- catwalk folk can work this look into our wardrobe.
Pencils Down
I’m so glad to see the pencil skirt is set to make a comeback this spring; this look manages to be stylish, sexy and corporate all in one. I’d even go as far as to approve a beautiful black pencil skirt for work wear, a date and a night out. A staple closet piece and so versatile you’ll easily get your money’s worth.
The pencil skirt is also a fail safe way to experiment with vintage glamour. Style yours with some seamed tights and a headscarf to create that ultimate 1950’s siren look. I just can’t get enough of this Oscar de le Renta creation, summery, fresh and right on trend.
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It’s all a little pink you say? For a very good reason! You may not believe it but neon hues are set to explode onto the scene this spring and if it’s good enough for House of Holland, maybe we should take note.
Fluorescent Fantastic
Eeek, I’m a little apprehensive about this trend... yes it’s storming the runway, but still, this look is going to take some very careful styling. I suggest gently introducing a bright piece into your wardrobe to avoid any '80s disco disasters.
These beautiful Jimmy Choo Biel peep toes come in orange and yellow and will add a pop of colour to your outfit without going over the top with the neon.
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→ Buy the Jimmy Choo Biel Peep Toe Wedges, $595.00, at jimmychoo.com.
Quite frankly, the cost of these could fund a city break, so I’ve also found some gorgeous skinny jeans on my travels through the online high street that are a little more reasonably priced. UK fashion icon Cheryl Cole is also a massive fan!
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→ Buy the Neon Leopard Print Skinny Fit Jeans, £17.99, at lovesasha.com.
Go Graphic
This trend is so easy to wear; most of us have probably already got it covered! Yes Aztec style prints and kaleidoscope dresses are all over the runway, but this trend can just as easily be achieved with muted animal prints and symmetrical patterns. Stripes, check prints and tartan can also help create this look and remember to keep accessories to a minimum to let the prints do the talking. Graphic is a great trend for women who want to stay current while still investing in pieces that’ll stay in style over the years.
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→ Buy the Mossimo Ponte Stripe Jacket, $34.99, at target.com.
Shine On
Yet another spring/summer trend that needs to be approached with caution. I fear this look will be firmly in the ‘one-hit wonder’ camp, so I wouldn’t recommend splashing out on any shimmery pieces unless you will love it forever.
Viktor & Rolf show how to wear this shimmery maxi skirt without looking like a piece of tin foil.
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I hope I’ve saved you all a trawl through Vogue, and helped sink that myth that designer style has to cost a fortune.
I also hope you will feel brave enough to try something different this season, if in doubt, I always advise sticking to one on-trend, statement piece, you just can’t go wrong.
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Victoria Browne is writing on behalf of Love Sasha, an online fashion outlet specialising in celebrity style and budget fashion. She writes regularly for a range of industries such as fashion, vintage wear and entertainment.
