flower girls.

Florals for spring are nothing new, but spring 2014 saw flowers come out in all different forms--3D appliqués, loud patterns, muted colors and more. This season's florals sent a message that florals don't only mean flowers, there can be other garden greenery involved. And they don't just mean girly or romantic dresses, they can be dramatic, sexy, sophisticated and sometimes dark on any item of clothing. 

From all over micro prints to jumbo flowered gowns in all different textures and colors, almost every sartorial type of flower was [excuse the cringe-inducing pun] in full bloom. I'm not much of a flower person, but this week's shows have convinced me to invest once the trends start hitting shelves next spring.
-E

all buttoned up.

Collars used to be a symbol of conservative dress, leaving little in the creativity department and mainly residing in the "corporate" or "preppy" categories of dress. Designers have turned that less than glamorous association on its head in the last few seasons with buttoned up to the neck collars in girly fabrics and eye-catching embellishment, making what used to be boring, exciting. Spring 2014 is no different, and I'm loving the spins designers are putting on the collar, especially on dresses. Sure, there are the expected collared shirts and shirtdresses, but it's been a lot of fun to see the normally starchy neckwear somewhat ironically contrast a shapeless or not so conservative dress in a surprising way.
-E

all white everything.

Of course spring is all about the little white dress, the LBD's warm weather alternative, but this season it seems like white is a little more all over than in past springs. In modern, dramatic and feminine silhouettes (both solid snowy white AND interesting patterns and textures), white seems fresher than ever. You can almost forget how impractical an all white wardrobe would be...almost.
-E

underwear is the new formal wear.

There's something I've always loved about a slip dress. It's simple, elegant and feminine, but also extremely sexy without being overt (except for its origins, of course). It's easy to dress them up in a straightforward way, but also in an ironic way for some fun. It seems that these 90s grunge staples are back for spring, but (of course) updated. They're so easy for spring and summer formal events because they're light and airy and align with the vibe of the easy seasons with long, sultry nights out. But there's something even better about daring to wear one in colder weather, with a sweater or tights and heavier additions to the simple garment that usually begs for a good sandal stiletto and elegant jewelry. 
-E

While most people are kicking their feet up and enjoying the last of summer's warmth, the fashion world is busy running from show to show, blogging, Instagramming and peacocking their street style best. Some of the most awaited shows of the season happened over days 3 and 4, as next spring's trends were further driven into our consciousness (more and more black and white) and new looks continue to surprise and delight show goers and fashion fans.

crop top pun goes here.
That's right. All body conscious girls are invited to roll their eyes and sigh deeply as this warm weather trend shows no signs of dying. Crops of all levels are everywhere, and for those brave enough to don the daring crop top, there are lots of very tasteful options for separates and outfits walking all over runways.

criss cross applesauce.
The good news for those looking to hit the gym before the weather turns warm again is that necklines on dresses and tops are going to be very friendly to you. Feminine and sporty cross strap necklines (or necklines that mimic the shape) are making repeat appearances this season and doing so in thick and thin straps, solids and patterns and all different fabrics. 

ballin'.
Gowns flow down the runway every season, and there are always some show stoppers. Some feminine favorites showed over the weekend, Monique Lhuillier, Rebecca Minkoff, DVF, etc. etc., so in the interest of everyone with that Cinderella fantasy, below are some dreamy head turners from the weekend. Emmy predicting, commence!

K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid).

One of the main things that separates those who stay outside the fashion week tents and those with coveted invitations is a certain level of taste. Street style "peacocks" pile on the layers and accessories in hopes of getting noticed by SLR-toting photogs and editors, while models and celebrities sneak into the tents with a level of sophisticated simplicity. Looks like designers are taking that cue for spring. Though we've seen some notably flowy looks sent down the runway, athletic-cut, body skimming minis are pervasive for next spring, keeping looks streamlined and simple, while still modern and unique. Extra points for the LWD, which has seemed to make its way into nearly every collection so far.
-E

I love when an unassuming item that’s usually the opposite of anything fashionable becomes an "item of the moment" in the industry. Thanks to street style, the masses get to see how fashion people get creative with these seemingly lackluster items. I’ve been seeing some creative, unexpected and even daring combinations using baseball hats around blogs and Pinterest lately. They add a very cool element to anything from an ultrafeminine to menswear-inspired look, and seem to be THE pervasive accessory on fashion week loiterers this season.

All these pictures even prompted me to snatch up one of my own from the men’s department at H&M (the perfect incarnation from J.Crew was sold out). It’s just a plain snapback baseball cap in maroon—simple and neutral enough to throw on with a patterned dress and make it a little less girly, or dress down a nighttime look for day. It’s just a bonus that they’re functional! (See: perfect beach accessory or added shade during walks in the park.) I’m also loving the different takes on the classic, like leather, straw and patterned; they’re understated enough to still be stylish and not tacky, but different enough to get a second look.
-E

black and white isn't going anywhere.

Spring 2013 saw a resurgence in black and white as a trend in a big way. Black and white was all over runways, as were nods to the 60s mod movement. On this first day for spring 2014, designers have shown us that we can keep our black and white items for next spring, but the shapes of next year's warmer months are modern rather than mod, updated silhouettes in the familiar palette.
-E

I like to think of my approach to style as non-traditional and a little ironic. Whenever I buy a new item of clothing, I usually try to find ways to wear it for day or night and in any season so that my most of my wardrobe is fair game at any given time. That's one of the main things that attracted me to this Forever 21 dress. It's just a black tank dress with sequin detail, and the first thing I thought when I saw it was that it would be a great not-too-dressy LBD to have on nights where I need to look nice in the time it takes to just throw something on. What made me even more excited to buy it, though, was the fact that the simple silhouette made it easy to layer and make more casual for an interesting daytime look. One of my favorite ways to style an outfit in an unexpected way is to take a sequin item of clothing (which are almost always considered "dressy" or for going out) and dress it down so that I can wear it casually without looking too "nighttime." 

For this outfit, I tied a military-style button down over the dress and paired it with gray tights and brown booties. The gray offsets the black to make it a little more casual while still staying warm in the fall, and the booties are some of my favorites if I want a little heel without looking too dressy. If I wanted to easily dress this up, a black blazer or nice cardigan, black tights and heels or boots does the trick!

Outfit: Forever 21 dress (similar silhouette here, similar look here), Zara shirt, Joe Fresh tights (only available in store), H&M booties (similar here), 
Accessories: Madewell bracelet, Dakota watch, Forever 21 ring (similar here), BCBG ring
-E

Cutouts are a major trend right now, and one of the most accessible ways I've found to wear them are on tops (or dresses) with cutout shoulders. I love this top because it's an interesting update to the plain old t-shirt, and it is edgy but still simple enough to work with a variety of different outfits.

I often use my accessories, makeup and/or nail color to bring added interest and color into an outfit. This is one of my favorite belts because it adds an unexpected pop of serious color to even the dullest of ensembles, as does my bright blue nail polish (one of my go-to shades for summer).  

Outfit: Forever 21 top (similar here), Wilster skirt (similar here), Target shoes
Accessories: Clear sunglasses , Forever 21 belt (similar here), Forever 21 bracelets (similar here), Madewell bracelet
Beauty: H&M nail polish in U Must Have This-S

*All photos by Susan Saltzman