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FeedDec 30, 2011 12:00 PM WV Living in Style
Find your West Virginia style
Trends For 2012
You may have noticed while finishing up your holiday shopping or returning said shopping that something is different in the store. You're not sure what it is, a bright color just caught your eye while standing in line. You go over to investigate, and are surprised, pleased, and yet disgusted at once. There, in the mall, still surrounded by Santa and three inches of slush outside, is a pastel pink shirt. Covered in brilliantly colored blooms that just radiate happiness and sunshine. You yearn to wear it, yet there's a blizzard coming this weekend. You slam the hanger back on the rack and stalk out of the store in disgust. Seems like cruel and unusual punishment to start the new year, right? The spring collections are already in stores before your Christmas shopping is even done.
But spring is coming, kicking and screaming, sooner than we realize, and before you know it, you'll be in line at the local garden center picking out petunias to plant. (FYI: Wave petunias flow out and down and are great for hanging baskets, mounding petunias will build up like a bush and are better for landscapes.) Since it's too early to buy flowers, buy some new clothes instead!
2012 is going to be all about the colors. This is the year to relinquish the black from your closet and embrace something new. Orange was declared the color of the year, but that doesn't mean you have to rush out and buy every shirt that's labeled pumpkin. There's a whole spectrum to choose from, such as vivid neons, a holdover from fall 2011, to bright pastels that scream fun instead of Easter egg. The brighter, the better.
There are several styles making an appearance this year. Floral prints exploded all over the runway and will follow suit into stores. Florals are appearing in everything from delicate neutrals to brazen tropical prints, you can't go wrong either way. Marine life such as starfish, seahorses, and seashells also appeared in many prints on the runway. When looking for a print, look for what's under the sea, which is different from nautical styles, which are based upon what's on top of the sea. A sportier look is also hot if flowers and mermaids aren't your style. The sporty look is amazing in the neons popular for the year, and don't be afraid to throw in a great pair of heels or a leather bag. A sporty look is not the same as breaking out the velour tracksuits or the nylon jogging suit from the 1980s.
An additional trend to look for is texture, such as lace, eyelet, or seersucker. But texture isn't limited to fabrics, textured hair was very popular during Fashion Weeks across the globe. Put the straightener away and embrace your hair as it is. A good blow-dry and some mousse are all you need to get a more natural looking hairdo. If you really want to embrace hair height, tease your roots around the crown.
Also be sure to watch for feminine detailing in your accessories. With many designers showcasing feminine designs, look for dainty kitten heels or flats and stay away from heavy wedges or too chunky heels.
Many spring collections are already showing up in stores across West Virginia, and much more will be hitting before the snow is cleared from I-79.
Reader Comments:
Great job! Love this!