Susan Says: Asymmetrical Dressing

While the Oscars were the focus of the fashion world's attention, the First Lady made a glamorous appearance at the Governors' Dinner.  The asymmetrical cream colored gown with crystal embellishments rivaled anything seen on the Red Carpet. 

From the Governors' Dinner to the Oscar Red Carpet to regular day wear, asymmetrical dressing is an unbalanced cut that is all the rage.  I noticed one of my co-workers at work wearing a dress with a short front a long back and it was an elegant, unexpected look that could never go unnoticed in a world of the symmetrically fashionable.  She advised me that the style sold out almost immediately.  

It's time to integrate some angled pieces into your wardrobe.  Slanted skirts, dresses and tops can be worn by everyone, regardless of age or size.  Asymmetrical skirts are much more flattering to the wearer as the uneven sides sweep into motion.  They are a perfect way to accentuate one's assets and detract from problem areas.  The skirts are seasonless and can be worn for most occasions.  Pair them with opaque tights and heeled boots and monotone sweaters for cooler climates. Keep accessories simple so as not to detract from the design of the skirt.  For summer, a simple tee shirt or tank top and sandals and simple jewelry will complete the outfit.  Avoid shoes or accessories that will detract from the skirt.  A popular blouse design is having one side sleeveless and the other side sleeved.

Sarah Jessica Parker was recently seen wearing Stella McCartney's cream-colored asymmetric lace dress (one shoulder and asymmetric hemline; she was the toast of the town). 

A similar look was seen on Bar Refaeli in Emilio Pucci asymmetric lace in a shocking shade of blue.

 
Freido Pinto's asymmetric one shoulder lace dress in that similar shocking blue was another standout at the Oscar ceremony.

The look can be found at any price point; check online and the racks and find a stunning look of your own.

Star Style: Meryl Streep and Daughters

In the wake of her Best Actress win at the Academy Awards last night (her third!), we wanted to honor Meryl Streep not just for being a much-celebrated actress, but also for being the mother of three beautiful lookalike daughters! (Streep also has a son who is a musician.) In this photo from InStyle magazine, Streep, age 62, is pictured with daughters Mamie Gummer, age 28; Grace Gummer, age 25; and  Louisa Gummer, age 22.

Notice in the photo above how all of the ladies share a similar smile, and how eldest daughter Mamie is coordinated with her mom in similar cream colored dresses. Meryl also sported coordinated styles with youngest daughter Louisa at the Academy Awards back in '09; their looks matched right down to the bronze clutch bags they both carried!

In addition to sharing their mom's style, it seems that at least some of the Gummer girls also share their mom's passion and talent for acting- Mamie Gummer has even acted alongside her mom, playing Streep's character as a girl in a film called Evening. According to New York Magazine, audience members at a New York theater performance could be heard whispering about Mamie, "She looks just like her mother!"

Organic, Non-GMO Nail Polish!

We aim to eat organic and non-GMO whenever possible, but who knew you could have organic, non-GMO nail polish, too?! Attention health- and eco-conscious beauty aficionados:  Soy Spacasso  is a Des Moines-based company that produces organic soy-based skin care products and aromatic soy candles. In addition to their cleansers and moisturizers, they even also have a unique line of certified organic non-GMO-soy-based nail lacquers called Spacassolicious that would be perfect for anyone who is health- or eco-conscious.

The lacquers come in gorgeous hues, from shimmering gold and ruby to mango, papaya and lavender. The polishes pictured above are called Aqua Tropez, Pumpkin Spice Bar and SC's Gunner.

The results are long-lasting, chip resistant and provide a high-gloss finish.  Spacassolicious nail lacquers are free of chemical odors, never tested on animals and easy to remove with polish remover. The company even uses a natural stone from the earth as the mixing ball inside the polish bottle, instead of the commonly used non-eco-friendly metal ball bearing.

The polishes, along with the company's other organic soy-based products, are available on line at www.spacasso.com. 

Nail Art, Made Easy

We were so excited when we came across this new and innovative nail polish from Layla Cosmetics. The bottle comes with a little magnetic strip across the top of the lid. Paint one nail with a nice thick coat of the Layla Magnetic Effect Nail Polish, then flip the cap and hover the magnetic lid closely over your wet nail and voila! Watch as the pattern emerges; you've easily created some striking nail art!

 

You can change the direction of the pattern by changing the direction of the magnet on the nail.  The more centered the magnet is on the nail, the more lines you will get.  You can watch this YouTube video for a quick little demonstration and how-to.

 

These polishes are made in Italy and come in 12 gorgeous colors;  some of our favorites include Golden Nugget, Changing Lilac, Turquoise Wave, Gun Metal and Silver Galaxy. The polishes look amazing even without the addition of the magnetic effect, so you can wear them as traditional nail polish, or you can "dress them up" with the magnet.

 

We also love that Layla polishes are free of formaldehyde, DBP, toluene and camphor and are never tested on animals. The polishes are priced at $15.50 a bottle and are available at drugstore.com, Ulta's web site and store locations, and other online retailers.

 

Susan Says: Spring Ahead with New Launches

Just in time for Spring, here are some new launches from some favorite familiar designers:

 

 

• Longchamp is one of the most requested handbags by customers at the high-end retail store where I have worked for a number of years.  The nylon, foldable Le Pliage handbag is a must for travelers and this year we had an influx of new colors. But I am most excited about the newest Le Pliage handbag: sumptuous leather done in a multitude of spring shades (see photo above); and it, too, is foldable! Another over-the-top style is this two-sided vacation postcard design:

 

 

• To add to the excitement, Mary Katrantzou has lent her artistic genius to a collection of Longchamp bags done in gorgeous Asian themes depicting temples, parades and architecture. Mary Katrantzou is a Greek fashion designer who currently lives and works in London. These bags are due to preview in March and I am sure they will sell out quickly:

 

• Known for their softer-than-soft T-shirts, Splendid has expanded to a full line of shoes, with over 30 styles of wedges, flats and espadrilles. Some styles are already available at Nordstrom.com, including this bright little slip-on:

• Coach has launched a gorgeous jewelry collection which incorporates iconic elements from the famous designs of the late, internationally acclaimed artist and designer, Tony Duquette. Check out the collection here.

Dana's Deal of the Day: Python Print Skinny Jeans

I am very excited about all the amazing new styles of printed denim for spring and so when I spotted these black snakeskin-print jeans online at Nordstrom.com for an astoundingly great price of $48.90, I had to give them a try, and I am happy to report that they are awesome!

The brand is Blue Essence, which is a Nordstrom-exclusive, made-in-the-USA label. The python print appears subtle from a distance but rock-star-cool up-close. The jeans have a super-slim but flattering fit, and are perfect for evenings out.  They also come in a neutral-tone animal print; I haven't seen that style in person but they also look great in the photograph online.

Susan Says: The War on Aging, Part Two

Here is a roundup of some of the interesting and unusual products you can use for at-home skin maintenance: 

Clientele Beauty's Gravity Control System is a potent combination of NASA LED technology and cosmetic peptides.  The wand firms and lifts the skin by stimulating circulation and increasing cell turnover. The skin absorbs the LED (photon) light waves, causing an increase in cellular activity and stimulating collagen, causing regeneration to occur.  Apply with gravity control serum  (I have used other serums as well) and move in circular motions.  I have seen my sleep lines diminished and the system is improving the overall firmness of my skin.  I have been using this product for about six months after seeing a demonstration at the high-end retail store where I work. The retail price is $189.00.

African Black Soap, one of the most healing yet little-know soaps, was recently featured on a segment of The Dr. Oz Show.  This intriguing soap is made from dried plantain skins, palm leaves, cocoa pod powder and kernel oil for an all-natural cleansing process.  It is a natural source of vitamins A, E and iron.  When black soap is made, the skin of the plantain is dried under thse sun and roasted in a clay oven.  The heat is constant in order to achieve the color, texture and smell.  Afterwards, the cocoa pod powder is added, which is the shell of the cocoa fruit and also has natural healing properties. The next part of the process is having the roasted plantain skin mixed with palm and palm kernel oil to form the soap.  The roasted plantains determine the color of the soap- the longer the plantains are roasted, the darker the black soap will become. The soap is not oily and it can be used on hands, face, body and even as a shampoo for hair.

The benefits of black soap are pretty astounding and include:

• cleansing
• helps clear skin bumps and spots by daily use
• helps relieve acne and other skin problems
• and most relevantly... guards against premature lines and wrinkles!

You can purchase African Black Soap from many retailers. We found a brand called Out of Africa (pictured above) on Drugstore.com. It contains a high concentration of Shea Butter made from the nut of the Karite (ka - ree - tay) tree, which is found only in Africa.  Women in Benin, West Africa, harvest the Shea nuts and then process them by hand into Shea Butter to make the soap. Another beautiful thing about this soap? A portion of each purchase will be donated to help pay for the education of children in Benin, West Africa.

  

The Dream Skin Pillow says it is a "luxurious pillow that acts like an anti-aging wrinkle cream." It was developed by a skin physiologist, Dr. Peter T. Pugliese, who claims that the pillow's fabric moisturizes the skin naturally without chemicals. The pillows are made of a proprietary blend of fibers called JuveTex. According to the company's website,  " Lack of moisture is one of the leading causes of sleep lines and wrinkles. In a clinical comparison of cotton and JuveTex, the DreamSkin Pillowcase retained more water and prevented more moisture from going through the fiber." The pillow retails for $36.50.

Susan Says: The War on Aging

By now most of us baby boomers have determined that we are not just going to grow old gracefully. As we age, collagen is lost and elasticity diminishes.  As featured on a recent segment of The Dr. Oz Show, the new alternative to cosmetic surgery is the use of fillers, which is known a a "liquid facelift." Liquid fillers such as Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm (popular in lip augmentation) are hyaluronic acid-based fillers.  Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally present in the human body.

Radiesse, which helps stimulate your own production of collagen and according to Dr. Stuart Bentkover  of Massachusetts (see his online interview for CityVibe) gives very natural results. Sculptra, which also gives natural results, is not as controllable according to Dr. Bentkover and needs to be massaged into the skin.

A combination of Radiesse and Juvederm can be used for deeper wrinkles. Each dermal filler has unique attributes and requires subtle variations in injection techniques to optimize results.  An individual's facial characteristics, skin conditions and needs will determine which products or procedures should be used.  Erasing marionette lines (also called parenthesis lines) around the mouth has been done with fillers for some time, but now even the hollows under the eyes can be filled in with Restylane.  As far as Botox and Dysport are concerned, results are less long-lasting and, according to Dr. Bentkover, your body can develop immunity to Botox.  The FDA has approved these fillers and to learn more, go online to the Liquid Face Lift Association.  

Another option is a pulsed light photofacial.  I recently underwent the Palomar RejuveLux process, which helps clear sun damage for a rejuvenated appearance.  The Palomar RejuveLux involves the use of a handpiece which emits pulses of light into the skin.  The light is absorbed by the pigment in sunspots and the blood in visible vessels, and is converted to heat.  The heat dissolves the cells that create the pigment and shrinks the vessels.  The difference between this system and pulsed light systems is Palomar uses a much larger treatment window than most lasers.  This spreads light over a wider are of skin and allows faster coverage and quicker treatments as a result.  All areas of the body can benefit from the treatment except for the area around the eyes.  

Plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Hawrych of Naples, FL, moved the handpiece over my face and with each pulse a beam of light went through the skin.  A flashing light and an audible tone occurred when the skin was being pulsed.  I was concerned about rosacea, which I have on a tiny area of my skin, but the treatment did not aggravate and actually improved the condition.  

After the treatment, I felt a strong sunburn-like sensation and very minor swelling.  After 24 hours it dissipated and I soothed my skin with aloe gels and ice packs, which are best.  The sunspots darkened after the treatment and naturally shed in about two weeks.  It just took one treatment and I see a marked improvement in my skin.  The Palomar Pulsed Light is also used for permanent hair reduction, leg vein and acne clearance.  In the past, harsh treatments resulted in red, raw skin with long recovery periods but the RejuveLux process gives great results without any downtime. The Palomar Pulsed Light also helps build your own collagen.

For a free consultation about this or other procedures to help you look your best, contact Dr. Hawrych at  239-593-5000. Let him know you read about it on our blog!

Front-Row to Fashion for Spring and Beyond

Now through February 16th, the acclaimed 2012 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is being held at Lincoln Center in New York City, bringing together leading designers from around the world to unveil Fall Fashion 2012.

Can't be there yourself? You can actually get a front-row seat by the runway at this YouTube channel, which provides live streaming video of fashion shows.

As everyone's eyes are turned to the runways seeking the newest styles for Fall, we thought it was a good time to review some major Spring trends by some of the top designers.

Color block is going strong, updated with high-voltage neon colors, circa 1960's; Peter Som did gorgeous looks with 60s-inspired neon color block. For an example of neon color block in accessories, check out these outstanding sandals from Giuseppe Zanotti:

Polka dots are also a fun continuing trend; Tory Burch showed this bold graphic polka dot top: 

Tangerine is a huge color right now; knock your socks off with designs by Charlotte Ronson (see below) and Vivienne Tam. 

But one trend which is surprising and especially fun is "athletic chic," as designers such as Victoria Beckham and Marc Jacobs are bringing a bit of the gym into day and even evening wear. The Today Show featured a segment on February 9th with an fashion editor of Glamour Magazine touting the style worn by a model wearing a skirt with large stripes down each side (as in car racing), teamed with heels and a backpack-style handbag.

Here are some examples of this "sports chic" trend in action:

In an example of the merger of fashion with athletic-wear, one of Susan's favorite designers of clothing and handbags, Milly, has lent her beautiful designs to Sperry Top-Sider, in flats and wedges.  All the styles are pretty amazing, but this sandal is especially outrageous:

In another example of athletic-footwear-gone-haute-couture, check out this bold multi-colored style from Marc Jacobs, which has a built-in hidden wedge platform for added height:

As we discuss this Spring trend, however, we must pause for one important word of caution: The trend, "athletic chic," should not be confused with wearing one's gym clothing outside the gym!  Sweats, yoga pants and regular sneakers are still a fashion "don't" and should be reserved for the gym only. 

Susan's stunning and ageless fashion guru is her cousin Aimee who has owned a fashion accessory business in Los Angeles for over 25 years.  She says, "Nothing ages a woman more than wearing sweats outside the gym. A simple pair of crop pants and a blouse and necklace should replace your gym clothes once you leave the gym." Amen!

Star Style: Susan Sarandon and Eva Amurri Martino

Credit: Neiman Marcus

Susan Sarandon, age 65, and her newlywed daughter, actress Eva Amurri Martino, age 26, are co-starring in  Neiman Marcus’s latest “Art of Fashion” campaign. In the series of 14 shots by acclaimed fashion photographer Mark Abrahams, the mother/daughter duo donned designs by Burberry,  Chanel, Etro, Armani, Gucci, Valentino and more of the world's leading fashion houses.

In an article about the campaign, The Daily Mail asks, "Remind us who's older again? Susan Sarandon and daughter Eva Amurri don't look a day apart in new Neiman Marcus ads."

The women do look age-defying-ly alike and both look totally gorgeous in the covetable clothing. We think it was a great marketing idea for Neiman Marcus to feature Sarandon and Amurri Martino since the actresses demonstrate how these premier designs look equally amazing on two women of different generations.

Susan Says: Stylists' Tips for Proportional Dressing

Being well dressed is more than wearing what might be in the height of fashion. The cardinal rule is finding fashion that is right for your shape and choosing the areas you wish to either highlight or detract from. 

I wanted to find the top tips for dressing to enhance your best features, so I researched advice from some of the nation's leading stylists. An especially great resource was InStyle Magazine's February 2012 issue which featured an article entitled, "Figure Flattery: Tricks for Every Body."

Here is a primer on stylists' secrets for how to dress proportionally for your body type:

• For Petites:  Keep skirts and dresses above the knee, especially if you are wearing flats.  Tim Gunn, stylist on a new television show, ABC's The Revolution, talks about the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 rule; that is no part of an outfit should exceed 1/3 of your body proportion.  Bracelet length is best for sleeves as 3/4-length sleeves give the arms a shorter appearance.  InStyle Magazine suggests long chains to lengthen the look of the torso.  Avoid, at all costs, pants with cuffs and bulky pockets; stick with straight legs! 

• For well-endowed women: Stylist Nicole Chavez, who works with Scarlett Johansson and Rachel Bilson, raved to InStyle about Panache Bras for cup sizes D or larger.  To play up a larger bustline, look for fashions with  wide straps, nipped waists and open necklines (without showing too much cleavage).  Avoid dangling necklaces and showing too much cleavage.  If you prefer making your upper body appear smaller, wide leg pants and A-line skirts bring balance, according to stylist Jen Rade who works with Cher and Angelina Jolie.  Volume is generally terrible on busty girls.  And according to stylist Anabel Tollman, avoid thick sweaters and boxy jackets.

• If you are small on top: Stylist Emily Current, who works with Mandy Moore and Emma Roberts, suggests to InStyle adding volume at the collar, such as ruffles, a loose bow or Peter Pan collar.  Avoid chest-length statement necklaces and bandeau tops.

• If you want to accentuate your rear end: Go for a tucked-in shirt with a pencil skirt or tight high-waist jeans, according to stylist Jessica Paster, who works with Emily Blunt and Angie Harmon. Avoid loose-fitting skirts and untucked blouses. 

• To draw attention away from your rear end: Look for fingertip-length tunics and jackets and straight jeans; avoid high-waisted anything and white or ivory bottoms.  Jeans should be dark and without complicated embroidery on the pockets.  Never buy jeans with high pockets as they give the appearance of a larger botom.

• To hide a tummy: The sheath dress was recently touted on The Dr. Oz Show as a way to camouflage the stomach area.  Tunics work well and so do A-line tops.  Stylist George Kotsiopoulos said in InStyle that light-colored blazers or cardigans work  when worn open over something darker to make the midsection look leaner.

• Arms: Tres Sleek De Quart arm shapers are said to reduce arm circumference by one to three inches, magically creating slimmer, sleeker arms! You can find them on lindasonline.com for $29-$31, price depending on sleeve length, either long sleeve or short sleeve.

• Finally, hips: Stylists Mariel Haenn and Rob Zangardi say that form-fitting clothes accentuate curves. Try a fitted pencil skirt or high-waist bottoms with a loose tucked in blouse.  High heels, fishtail hems and tapered dresses and skirts all work great.  Avoid baggy tops.
  
  No matter what your size, don't shy away from this spring's fabulous palette; monochromatic vibrant color works for all figure types!
  
  
  

Dana Talks: Superfoods, Skin Care and Green Lemonade

About six years ago, I had the pleasure of first meeting Miranda Hunt, a chef and holistic health counselor, and over the years I have enjoyed a countless number of her healthy, instructive and creative cooking classes.  Miranda has been a healthy-eating expert basically since birth- she was raised macrobiotic and was leading her own cooking lessons by age 23.

I was so excited when I recently caught up with Miranda and learned that she has taken her love of food to a whole new level- she is currently developing her own line of food-based skin care products!

Miranda explains that the idea was simply an extension of her love for food. She is a totally DIY-type cook who makes from scratch the kinds of foods that most people usually buy, such as ketchup and pickles, so she was used to experimenting and producing her own products in the kitchen.

Miranda is developing a facial cleanser, mask, a balm and a body scrub and plans to launch her products in May. As the basis for these products, she's using such ingredients as neutral oils like grape seed oil as well as fresh herbs and seaweed. Miranda subscribes to the philosophy that "simple is best," and that many people "put too many things on their skin," especially things that are over-drying, such as products that contain alcohol. And of course, Miranda says, "Skincare starts with the food you eat; you have to put good stuff inside" in order to look your best.

I can't wait to try Miranda's forthcoming skincare collection, but in the meanwhile, Miranda is sharing an amazing recipe for "green lemonade," which you can make in a regular blender and which will have you glowing. I have made this drink several times over the past few days and I have to say, I'm hooked! The flavor was surprising at first, but then delicious and oddly addicting and so invigorating that it could make me give up my morning coffee without a fight. And I think my skin just may be glowing...!

See below for the recipe, and for more information about Miranda's skin care products, or for skincare consultations, cooking lessons, nutrition counseling, a "kitchen makeover," menu planning or a "food store tour," contact Miranda at mirandanutrition@gmail.com or via Facebook.

Green Lemonade (Serves 2)

"A great start to your day!  This green juice nourishes your cells from the inside out, tastes great, and gives you a natural buzz unlike a morning java fix.  I love to drink this before my kundalini or bikram yoga practice.  This beverage will make you glow!" -Miranda Hunt

2 cups of filtered water
2 organic granny smith apples, cut into 6 pieces each
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
A thumb sized piece of ginger
1 tumeric rhizome (Found in Indian & Asian markets and some Whole Foods.  If not available, substitute 1 teaspoon ground tumeric.  Make sure it's fresh as ground spices quickly lose their vitality.)
2 cups of kale, packed
1 8" piece of burdock root, scrubbed (Burdock is a great blood purifier.) (Note: You can find burdock at Whole Foods or other health food stores; click here to read more about this wonder-food and see a photo of it so that you will be able to identify it at the grocery store.)

Place the above ingredients in a high speed blender and buzz until everything is homogeneous and smooth.  Pass juice through a strainer squeezing out as much liquid from the pulp as possible. Serve in glasses with ice if desired and a glass or metal straw to keep it natural. Enjoy!

In Stores Now: Jason Wu For Target

 

According to the ABC affiliate in Naples-Fort Myers, it was "the Superbowl of fashion" as shoppers stormed Target stores this morning for the much-anticipated opportunity to shop the Jason Wu for Target collection.

 

Since merchandise was limited on Target's website, it was every woman for herself in the stores to get the pick of the collection which was practically sold out within an hour and a half.

 

Knowing how quickly the Missoni for Target line had sold out, we were among the lucky fashionistas who shopped early and snared Jason Wu's fabulous fashions and handbags.  The prices began at $19.99 and went up to $59.99, a absolute pittance compared to the price of merchandise from his regular line.  Since designing Michelle Obama's inauguration gown, Wu has become an American fashion icon so it was a thrill to own any one of his beautiful, fresh designs.

 

Our one miss was the cat scarf ...they were scooped up early by the quickest to pounce! We heard that they were all bought up right away by the women who had waited outside the stores for the doors to open. We did score some amazing finds, however, and we recommend you keep your eye out for these items, as they could pop up online or in stores if people return merchandise. Here are some of our favorites:

This awesome, generously-sized straw clutch bag:

This adorable textured gold peplum tank top:

And this totally substantial, have-it-forever flared dress which comes with its own belt:

We were happy to meet a few other mothers and daughters at our local Target store who were there to shop together and share in the fun of selecting a top designer's fashions at a price to fit everyone's budget. And we were also fortunate to meet an amazing local news reporter, Leigh Dana, who reported this great story on the Jason Wu event.

Susan Says: Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day is Tuesday, February 14th, so I surfed the web and found some awesome and unusual gift ideas, as well as a (free!) gift of health that you can even give to yourself. Here are my finds:

• Sweets for the sweet - Did you know that you can create your own unique message on M&M's? Personalized M&M's are available at mymms.com.  My M&M's Message in a Bottle comes pre-filled with 6oz of candy plus two additional 7 oz. bags.  The price is $55.99, plus shipping.  They are offering a 20% discount today with code OFFERS 10.

• Sharing is caring - Urbanears' Plattan Headphones ($60.00) are equipped with a port and plug for sharing mobile entertainment; they have a cozy quilted headband and come in great colors. The pink or red shades would be especially well-suited for Valentine's Day.  Available at Nordstrom.

• "World's Tallest Roses": Everyone loves receiving flowers but Eco Organic roses are 5-6 feet tall!  Grown in Ecuador, this giant strain of roses are 3-4 inches in diameter.  The roses in their line are certified organic by third party agencies such as the USDA, Fair Trade certification (which means that workers are paid fair wages), and Rain Forest Alliance certification. You can order online from Organic Bouquet. 

• Breakfast in Bed: Another great gift idea is a bed tray, which should come with the promise of breakfast in bed.  Go to westelm.com to order a gorgeous modern tray for $39.00 with free shipping. 

• Know Your Numbers!: And finally, the greatest gift to yourself or someone you love is being offered by Walgreens throughout the whole month of February and it's absolutely free! Walgreens is offering free blood pressure testing so that you can "know your numbers." It's very important to ensure that your blood pressure is within a healthy range.  In addition, Walgreens will donate $1.00 to The American Heart Association for each test conducted during the month of February up to $100,000. Click here to find a Walgreens near you. Another gift to give yourself or your loved one is a blood pressure machine;  I got mine at Costco for about $50.00 and it's a hugely important thing to have on hand in any home.

Elle Magazine's Top 10 Trends From Spring 2012

Elle.com

We love this feature from Elle. It is a great roundup of some of the most compelling trends for Spring 2012, and each of the individual images is clickable and brings you a slideshow of examples of each trend, direct from the runways.

We especially love:

• the pretty pastel colors which just scream "Spring!" The look from Louis Vuitton is just divine.
• the jaw-dropping graphic digital image prints (the tropical jungle landscape print from Dries Van Noten looks like paradise found). 
• the fun, fresh bird prints (we are obsessed with the look from Kenzo).
• the underwater-fantasy styles of the deep sea. Check out the fantastical McQueen coral dress and that over-the-top shark-tooth necklace at Givenchy.
• peplum, which look so fresh (Armani's featured look is super-sleek). We are putting a peplum blouse or jacket up at the top of our shopping list for spring!