Function or Fashion?

While clothing is a basic necessity, no fashionista alive, including yours truly, would use such callous words when describing personal wardrobe and style or the latest trends hitting the runway.  Clothes are so much more than the fabric they are made of.  An outfit can create a mood, an attitude.  It can make a person feel fabulous, powerful, sexy, sophisticated, or well...not so much.  A new outfit can literally make someone feel like a new person, why else are those makeover shows so successful? So when evaluating a new trend or collection it becomes clear very quickly if it is couture or more functional for daily wear.  While I've talked about some of my favorite Spring trends, I have tried to pick clothes that can be interpreted for wear in most women's daily lives.  Though there are days when I see a dress and hate that I have no red carpet event to wear it to.  Designers collections tend to have varying degrees of wearability, though there are a few who lean more towards the artistic and extravagant side of fashion.  Some days a girl's just got to dress up.  I'd much rather be overly dressed and thus, the best dressed girl in the room.  The pictures (further down the page) are from the Spring '08 collections of Alexander McQueen, Anna Sui, and Christian Lacroix.  Most are completely impractical, extravagant, and boldly colorful.  I love them and hope you will too!   

Something To aDRESS...

Ladies, remember when you were a little girl and your mom wanted you to wear a dress for picture day at school, to church or some other fancy function, and how much you hated it? Well, at least I did. After church every Sunday, the first thing I did when I got into the car was kick off my shoes and pull off my panty hose. I hated the hassle of dressing up and feeling like I had to be prim and proper. Thankfully long gone are the days of uncomfortable dresses. This Spring dresses, especially long ones in fresh sherbets and bright neons will be everywhere. With long, lean silhouettes and topped with a belt or sash, this alternative to jeans or shorts is modern, feminine, flattering and most importantly comfortable. Nothing's easier than throwing on a one piece outfit. A long dress can be worn for day or night depending on the style or how it is accessorized. Strappy sandals can make this look sexier for night. Though if it is an actual floor length dress make sure the shoes keep it an appropriate length. If the heels are too high the unfortunate wearer will look like they are anticipating a monsoon, but if its too long and flats are worn you'll look frumpy. Another bonus: No one will know if you don't shave your legs! ;)

***Check Out My Picks for Fabulous Dresses Further Down the Page!!!***

The Not So Secret Garden's BOLD NEW BLOOMS

Flowers, flowers everywhere! As the Spring '08 models sashayed down New York's runways the designer's apparent longing for Spring was clearly displayed by clothing covered in bold new blooms. While there is an 80's throw back in the Spring/Summer collections, don't fret. These are not the tacky florals of yester-year. Bold highlighter hues are used to paint bright blooms on clean cut dresses tied with sashes. Geometric blossoms flower in shocking pinks and are neutralized by black or white. Small delicate buds in teals and purples or soft pinks and mint greens are sprinkled on dresses flowing to the floor. All is kept modern through a mix of a flattering shapes and a balance of dark accessories like skinny belts and sexy, strappy sandals. While it seems now, Spring will never come, embrace this trend today by pairing a floral dress with dark opaque tights and high-heeled shoes. Cover up on top with a snug fitting, dark turtleneck or wear a cardigan. Keep accessories minimal since your outfit is your statement piece. Don't fear looking matronly! These blooms are surprisingly sexy. Keep your make-up clean and your tresses unfussy and you're sure to be the Belle of the Ball...even if you're just running errands or going to the grocery store!