Well, this is definitely not your mother’s J Crew. Or mine, even.

Jenna Lyons has done it again, this time transforming the prepster cool looks into an almost unrecognizable mashup of prints, color, and texture. Familiar highlighter pinks and citrus tones make their return for Spring. They bring with them familiar J Crew standbys like chambray, slubby silks, and sequined stripes.  The styling was part Tory and just a touch menswear…if you peered really deep, you can see a little bit of 2011′s Spring J Crew peeking through.

Was it tailored? Yes.

Playful? Yes.

J Crew? I’m not so sure.

Ms. Lyons has thrown me for a loop this time. Is this another J Crew revolution or just an update to their current recipe for success? I’m going to have to let this one sink in for a little bit. What’s your initial reaction?

Get out your shades, ladies! DVF’s Spring collection is full of punchy, cheery colors and many lively prints. If optimistic is what she was going for, well I give her an A-plus. Familiar shapes like wrap dresses, cropped pants, and toga styles were broken up by menswear-inspired blazers and punctuated with lighthearted prints. The kimono styles and wide obi belts were a welcome update to the expexted DVF wrap dress.

The diverse silhouettes and creative juxtaposition of the styling showed just how versatile this collection is. Sophisticated prints, fabulous frocks, smart work looks-in DVF’s neck of the woods, things sure are looking up!

I’m sorry, but was there a convention for the completely chic that I was not invited to? I’m just gonna go ahead and say it, I. DIE. Die.

My mouth is hanging open like Eli Manning at a press conference. I cannot get over this collection!

From dressy elegance to casual cool, every single look was a win. Fluid fabrics worked seamlessly back to tough leathers, chunky knits, and structured shapes. Bold hued looks were grounded by all white, ethereal ensembles. This collection is totally glam, utterly cool, and very, very wearable.

Which look is your favorite? Clearly, I’m having trouble deciding.

The Spring collection from Marc by Marc Jacobs was surpsringly simple. Bold, bright, feminine-all typical of MMJ, but the simplicity had me scratching my head. The looks had very few prints, just a tiny bit of whimsy, and were relatively plain. This divergence from the expected lent quite a bit of sophistication to the collection, with MMJ being a line that has traditionally been marketed to the Contemporary market.

Is simplicity a bad thing? I say no. The interest in this collection is found in its dramatic shapes, beautiful folds, and eye-cathcing brights. The A-line shapes, perhaps a nod to the 80s and 90s mood we are currently seeing in fashion, make the skirts and dresses completely wearable for a variety of customers. Clean, crisp, and smooth-Marc threw me for a loop but had my heart in the end.

Rebecca Taylor’s Spring collection brought a single word to my mind: fluid.

The slinky shapes, the way the colors changed from one to another with each series of looks, the movement of the fabrics all were simply fluid. Classic skirt shapes in fun colors instantly grabbed my attention, but the new silhouettes with assymetrical hems, raw edges, and midi lengths are just too fresh to pass up. True to Rebecca florals were grounded by casual, loose knit sweaters. Bold hues balanced by soft greyish whites. Subtle shimmer and in-your-face paillettes adorned many of the sweater bodies and are a nice intimation that we won’t be kissing any of that of-the-moment sparkle goodbye anytime soon!

I personally can’t stop thinking about the orange cropped tank…what’s your favorite?

kate spade, rebecca minkoff, proenza schouler
love moschino, balenciaga

Cheers, my lovelies! Perhaps the Royal Wedding coverage is getting to me just a bit? But I do want to talk about something cheery-the gorgeous, saturated colors we are seeing in handbags lately. Talk about adding a punch to a plain ole outfit! From deep blues to corals and even cornea-burning fluorsecents (my fave)-bright colors are found everywhere, in almost every style, and at every single price point. The most obvious way to rock this style is with a giant statement bag. It says, “Hi! Look at me…I’m fabulous!”. The crossbody is a bit more sly, but definitely gives you a little hipster edginess. And a clutch is a simple, quiet burst of color-this works well with outfits you feel don’t “go” with the bag, as you aren’t technically wearing it but carrying it. Which color/style combo is your fave? I’m not even gonna lie, I lurve them all!

Have you dared to try colorblocking yet? It’s one of Spring’s boldest and most adventurous trends…I myself have dabbled in a very small way. Baby steps! One way to make it easier to try this look is to do it on the cheap-shop places like Forever21 and H&M for moderately priced items in bold colors. The key here is to pick two bold colors that “pop” against each other-think complementary colors (indigo and neon yellow) or colors that are fairly adjacent to each other on the color wheel (fuschia and red). If you’re feeling a bit timid about this trend, keep the silhouettes simple and easy. Anchor your look with a neutral shoe or belt- black or camel work best. Pull your outfit together, gather your confidence and get ready to start turning heads!

blouse: madewell, pendant: ylang23

It’s that time! Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, our Fall’s dark-hued clothes are putting a damper our moods….it’s time to spring-ify! Lightweight tops, flowy skirts and bright colors are probably calling to you. You’ve got the urge to wear shorts. You break out some of your favorite springtime threads and head out the door-only to return in approximately 4.53 seconds after a cool breeze sends chills up those (in most cases) pasty legs! Brrrr….this spring-ifying is a gradual process.

We have to integrate simple Spring must-haves into the last cool weather items we still have laying around. Lighten up your look with a blouse in a great color, a lightweight scarf with a simple design, a bright silk tank, or some new wedges. These items all work seamlessly back to your jeans, blazers, leathers, and even long sleeve tees that have been your besties the last 6 months. Don’t worry, you will have plenty of time to wear those Spring duds, and before you know it you’ll be wishing for football weather again!

flutter sleeve dress and printed top at lulu’s
waisted dress at modcloth
panel dress at urbanog
blouse at urban outfitters
wedges at nordstrom

My favorite color this Spring? Coral! It’s fun, bright, and cheery-it can spice up the simplest of looks. Ranging from a deep reddish hue to orange-y, to teetering on the edge of hot pink, coral’s many incarnations make it wearable for absolutely anyone.  Feeling bold? Throw on a fun and flirty dress. Spice up your work wardrobe with a silky blouse. Not sure if you’re crazy about coral? Pop it into your look with a great shoe. No matter how you wear it, you’re sure to love it!

purchase feather hair extensions here and more feather hair extensions here

Some of my favorite ways to integrate it into an outfit are the most basic-a chunky watch or simple, sleek hoops. When the weather gets a little warmer and we’re busting out a bit more skin, I may opt for a fanciful bangle or statement cuff. And I won’t be wearing a beautiful diamond band on my finger anytime soon, but maybe this is an option for Erika?

Spring trends are on their way! One of my favorites is the return to the true trouser. Now skinnies aren’t going the way of the dodo, but we are definitely seeing more and more wider leg and bootcut options. While I’m all for a great pant, I simply cannot contain my excitement over trouser denim styles. They are super-chic, always flattering and fun to style. Paired back to crip basics for a polished look, fun florals and flowy tops for a boho feel, or keep it casual with clogs.With all these great styling ideas, now all I have left to do is buy a pair. Have you got your eye on any?

Love Story by J Brand $178 Robertson from Paige $195

Wide Leg Trouser at Gap $69.50 Fade to Blue at Urban Outfitters, $98

Don’t let this androgynous model scare you. Neutrals are still a major color come Spring. And so are silk blouses. This one at Urban Outfitters can be worn now with a great pair of trousers and later transitioned into your lighter looks.

Another trend we will see in a huge way next season is the return of the ladylike skirt. This one by Gap is executed perfectly, complete with 70s-inspired pleating and a go-to hue that’s just right for Spring.

So the J Brand Houlihan isn’t new news…but this style isn’t going anywhere anytime soon (they just recut it in a distressed style for Spring). And a special shopping secret for you-if you shop in-store at Neiman Marcus, you’ll find these marked down even more (around $80…from over $200!).

Maxi skirts are all. the. rage. for Spring. If you can pull of this old-school style, this skirt is worth getting. The simple, neutral color of this skirt from Anthro will work back to Spring tops in both patterns and bold colors.

Speaking of color. It was everywhere on the runways this Fall. Bright on bright, bold all around-there are no rules when wearing these eye-popping shades. Not sure if you wanna commit to such a statement? No problem-these jeans from Delia’s are under ten bucks.

Slinky, sexy dresses in girly colors make a statement every Spring and this year is no exception. This dress from Piperlime can make its debut on Valentine’s and then take you to every fab event you hit way into the Summer.

Happy shopping!

Some of my favorite cardigans for the spring season are….

…the smocked detail cardigan from Ann Taylor Loft in my favorite shade of green.  Something about that candy apple green shade really puts a spring in my step!  I also really love the rib tie sweater from Tommy Hilfiger in star fruit yellow.  Yellow is such a hot color for summer and spring.   And when is black and white paired together not fashionable?  I adore the DKNY white cardigan with black trim that is embellished with a black and white flower on the shoulder.  I don’t know about you, but when I wear black and white together I instantly feel more chic and fashionable!

Also on my list of favorites for spring; the three quarter length cream and black polka dot sweater and the short sleeved leopard print cardigan from Forever 21.  Both are fabulous, very bold and under $20!  What a steal!

The Anthropologie dissolving spectrum cardigan is a beautiful mix of pastel colors.  When I saw this sweater, I was immediately reminded of Rachel McAdam’s Eli Saab gown that she wore for the 2010 Academy Awards- which I absolutely loved!  Although the colors of Rachel’s gown were more muted than the Anthropologie cardigan, it still conveys the same feeling and look of complete sophistication.

Last on my list of must have cardigans for spring is the floral cropped v neck cardigan in violet from Express.   Shades of purple are very trendy this season and this sweater is no exception.   I like this sweater because it’s different.  It is floral, but it looks more graphic or color splashed than floral.