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!