5 trends to try for Spring 2012

in case you missed my post over at love stitched last week, here it is...

Hey everyone! Spring is finally here and I am so glad to be back today to share some of my favorite Spring looks with you. Trends come and go so it is important that you choose the items you buy carefully and try to make them work with your existing wardrobe. Don't be scared. Trends are fun and give you a great way to experiment with your style and find out what you like, don't like and what truly works for you. The following are suggestions and inspiration for you to apply to your existing wardrobe and lifestyle. I chose mostly budget friendly items that won't break the bank. Don't spend a ton of money on trendy items you may only wear a few times. Expensive items should be classic pieces that will stay in your closet forever.

Neon Accessories by theforgestyle

Bloomingdale s shopping tote, $25
Rhinestone jewelry, $35
GAP braided leather belt, $30
Wallis pink scarve, $28
Neon sunglasses, $12

If you're not sure about a certain trend like Neon for example, try to stick with accessories instead of buying a bright jacket or pants you may not feel comfortable in. We all have those items in our closets that still have the tags on them because we were too eager to buy into a trend that didn't suit us as well as we originally thought. Opt for a pair of sunglasses in a neon yellow or if you mostly like to wear blacks, white or grays, add a pop of color with a neon scarf.

Brightly Colored Denim by theforgestyle

Acid jeans, $80
Old Navy skinny fit jeans, $35
Charlotte Russe red jeans, $30
Stretchy pants, $30

Brightly colored denim is everywhere and it sure makes me happy.
Some of you might be scared to try this trend but it is actually pretty foolproof as long as you follow some easy rules:

1. The pants are the statement piece, don't go overboard with other colors but rather stick to neutrals.
2. Make sure to get a nice tight fit like skinnies or cropped chinos. Be careful with looser fitting bootcuts, they can easily make you look frumpy.
3. Stick to simple shapes and accessories when it comes to the rest of your outfit.

Floral Prints by theforgestyle

BKE Boutique dolman sleeve top, $52
Floral print skirt, $40
ASOS high heels, $32
ASOS floral backpack, $63
Forever 21 jewelry, $6.80
Pieces metal jewelry, $13
Neon Floral Silk Square, $68

This is a recurring trend that will definitely continue on into summer and come back around next year. Florals are an easy way to add a whimsy and feminine touch to any outfit. Use florals to soften up the look of leather pieces in an outfit or if you don't want to go overboard on the flower-power look, simply add a few fun jewelry pieces or a scarf to make a statement.
Floral prints usually come in a wide variety of sizes and with lots of pastel colors - another trend this season. Another great way to wear this trend is on your feet. If you're not quite sure how to pull off this look, start with shoes. When it comes to floral print skirts, dresses and shirts be aware that larger prints will draw more attention and smaller prints will give you a more subtle look.

Fringe by theforgestyle  

Fringe shirt, $25
Daytrip fringe vest, $26
Minnetonka shoes, $50
John Lewis yellow shoes, £70
River Island leather clutch, $54
Iosselliani drop earrings, £168
Elegantly Waisted Hippie Suede Fringe Belt, $110

This has got to be one of my personal favorites right now.
Fringe provides movement to your outfit and therefore more interest. When it comes to clothing stick to neutral colors and only wear one fringe item in an outfit. Wear a fringe vest with a plain t-shirt, pleather leggings, sandals and a wide brimmed floppy hat for a look that is oh so Boho. You can be a little more adventurous when it comes to the colors of your fringe accessories. Combine neon colors and fringe in your jewelry and opt for a pop of color with bags or shoes.

Striped Maxi Skirts by theforgestyle

Jessica Simpson striped skirt, $49
Karina Grimaldi ankle length skirt, $122
Swell floor length skirt, $45

This last one is an item everyone should have in their spring and summer wardrobe - the striped maxi skirt. It comes in so many colors and variations and makes for one incredibly easy outfit. Best of all, you will be as comfortable as if you were wearing your pj's.
Wear your maxi with a simple, tight t-shirt or tank tucked in and accented with a skinny belt for an easy, no-brainer outfit. Best of all, more than likely you already have those pieces in your wardrobe.

look one: pants: AE jeggins, black heels: isaac mizrahi for target, blouse: old navy, necklace: the gap, flower earrings: h&m, watch: michael kors, lip color: coral by revlon . look two: same pants, floral wedges: rampage, t-shirt: tresics, fringe vest: xhilaration at traget, earrings: bijoux brigitte, bracelets: AE. 

Here are two easy ways to style a pair of colored pants. 

For the first outfit I simply paired the pants with black pointy toed heels, a black button down blouse, a skinny belt and a statement necklace and lip color in the same red as the pants. 

For the second outfit I paired the pants with a simple white t-shirt, a fringe vest, floral pattern wedges and floral pattern earrings, combining several of the trends mentioned above. 

Easy right?