STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I received this through email and thought it was an interesting article on spring fashion trends:

It's that time of year again.

Stores are bursting to the seams with new
offerings.  New catalogs are clogging your
mailbox.  Online vendors invite you to click
around their sites, to see what's new for spring.

So how do you sort through all the trends to find
the winners of this fickle race?

By remembering that while trends come and go,
great style never goes out of fashion.  Take
stock of your body shape and lifestyle and pick
and choose those seasonal offerings that suit you
best.  There are some tricky trends out there
this year, so be forewarned.  NOBODY can wear
every style well, regardless of her height,
weight, or bank account, so stick with the few
that suit you well and pass on all the rest.  As
always, invest in classics, go cheap on trends.

With that in mind, here are some of the most
figure-friendly looks of the season:


FULL SKIRTS

Feminine and dramatic, full skirts work well on
most body shapes and offer camouflage as well as
comfort.  If you prefer skirts to shorts or pants
in warm weather, grab a few of these this season
and look great wherever you go.  But remember:
if you have a thick waist or tend to carry extra
weight on your tummy or hips, steer clear of
styles that gather at the waist or that have
bulky details around the waist or hips.


FLORAL PRINTS

Spring is bursting out all over, even spilling
onto apparel and accessories.  From flirty and
romantic to bright and sassy, you'll find tons of
floral prints this year.  Just be sure to keep
them in scale with your body:  large print on
large bodies, small prints on small bodies.


SCARF BELTS

This is one of the easiest trends to follow,
since you probably already have some scarves in a
drawer somewhere at home.  Put them through the
belt loops of your pants, shorts, and skirts, and
instantly update your old staples.  Caution:
Since this look calls attention to the waist and
visually "chops up" the body, it looks best on
trim waists and long bodies.                                                                         


CROPPED JACKET

This trend continues from fall, when jackets came
back in a big way.  Find a style that suits you,
and wear it again and again to update summer
staples or add a touch of authority whenever you
need it. 


CROCHETED KNITS

Feminine, flirty, and great for weather
transitions, you'll find crocheted knits all over
this year.  Opt for looks that accent your body
in all the right places, avoiding those that add
bulk or are too fussy for your personal style.


AFRICAN SAFARI

This classic look returns in full force this
year, with everything from khaki separates to
animal print accessories.  Whether you want to
look like Ava Gardner from "Mogambo," or just
want to flirt with the trend via a zebra print
purse, you'll find plenty to choose from this
year.


BOHEMIAN

The bohemian look has been around for several
seasons, evolving at every turn.  This year's
rendition features beautiful ethnic-style tunics
and printed tops that look like they've been
rushed to the stores from places like Romania and
Marrakesh.  Pair them with your favorite jeans,
shorts, or skirt for a dramatic, popular look.


BRIGHT COLORS

If you love all the bright colors of spring,
you'll love the selection of colors this year.
>From dark pink to aqua blue and sherbet to lime,
you'll standout from the crowd in these standout
colors.  Just remember to match the colors to
your skin undertones for complimentary - not
clashing - effect.


WEDGES

Wedge heels are VERY popular this year, and go
great with many of the styles listed here.  If
you want the height of a heel without the
unsteadiness of a spike, then you'll probably
like the wedge.  Wear them with casual gear
however, as the heel is too thick for formal or
dressy attire.


WHITE

White is THE color of summer, and you'll find it
in abundance this year.  From dresses and suits
to swimsuits and shorts, nothing deflects the
heat of the sun better than cool, absorbent
white.  What?  Your yellow undertones can't take
the white?  Then opt for ivory instead.


Yes, I know - it's tempting to splurge on all
the pretty new fashions, particularly when you're
sick and tired of your current weather gear.  But
don't go overboard.  Take stock of what you have,
fill in the holes, and choose your trends
carefully so you don't end up buying lots of
stuff you don't need.  After all,  you work hard
for your money; spending it wisely!