FLORALS WITH FLAIR

I think the last time, I really, seriously had an affinity for florals I was probably seven, it was the 90s, and my favorite item in my closet was a pair of black floral biker shorts to be worn with my other uber-90s duds (jellies, anyone?). Yet florals are back in a big way this spring, and I couldn't be more on board with the bright, whimsical graphics be it a pair of cropped trousers, a button-down blouse, or a blazer. Here are some of my favorite ways to rock the floral trend...

POP OF NEON

BLACK FLORAL

WITH STRIPES...

ACCESSORIZE

a pair of classic d'orsay pumps...

a neon crossbody

a gold collar necklace

"I decided that if I could paint that flower in a huge scale, you could not ignore its beauty." Georgia O'Keeffe

PASTELS WITH PANACHE

via le Fashion

Spring has sprung! And with it, all the promise of warmer weather with pretty pastels in an array of easter-egg hues. A fresh reprieve from the high-voltage neons, pastels are a great way to welcome the season in shades from sky blue to spearmint, peach to pale peony. The S/S runways were filled with designers' take on the trend in coats, trousers, and dresses alike...

GIVENCHY by Riccardo Tisci S/S 12

VALENTINO S/S 12

MARNI S/S 12

VICTORIA BECKHAM S/S 12

MARNI S/S 12

LANVIN S/S 12

I love the chic femininity of pastel pieces, especially when worn in a monochromatic palette and accented with bold metallics such as a statement choker or a large cuff. Here are some of my favorite street style pastel looks that drove my inspiration for the trend:

LSD - NYC Sept. 2011

I love how Jessica (from tuula above), accents her head-to-toe mint ensemble with black leather to give her look a little bit of an edge. But for those less adventurous, try incorporating just one pastel piece into your look via a blazer, skinny denim, or a silky blouse. Below are some of my favorite pastel pieces and where to purchase them...

ZARA blazer 

J.Crew Toothpick Jean in Spearmint