Summer 2012 Trend Spotting
Summer is just around the corner and for all of those who have yet to hit the gym to squeeze in those last minute calorie-burning exercises, it’s not too late! Nonetheless, if all else fails --one can always count on staying fly with the summer ensembles. Warm weather, light cottons, pastels, patterns, and swimsuits for the win! Here’s a couple of must haves for this season’s swagged out closet.
The Harem Pant
 I’m going to throw a disclaimer out there for yall: please wear these with caution. If worn correctly with the right fit (size/cut) and ensemble, shit can look super clean. However, if you have too big of a draping where its un-proportional to your body or the other articles in your ensemble don’t accentuate the cut of the pants, just save yourself and refrain from wearing them because it will not be looking cute.  Ps, shoes are critical when paired with the pants. Try sandals for a casual look, stilettos to elongate the leg and balance the width of the pants, and wedges for a hybrid of the two. Â
Colorful Hues
 Yes, we all know spring/summer means goodbye neutrals and hello colors galore. This season however, its not just a zingy bag or pair of bright shoes that will do it for us. We want more!! This summer, bright hues, pastels and creams are embraced in all elements of the ensemble—we’re talking pants, bras, crop tops, blazers and even…hair! Scratch that, lets leave the crazy hair to Nikki and Gaga. Have fun with it and get wild, just be sure to balance it out with some staple tones to balance it out.
Florals
From Fergie’s motorcycle jacket to Zoe Saldana’s chic ¾ sleeve dress—florals are still in the midst of the funky fresh. It’s definitely evolved from the 60’s florals that our parents used to rock—thank god! This seasons florals are more mod and graphic ranging from the strongest to softest of hues. I’m not particularly the hugest fan of florals because it’s a little too fem for me, but fortunately enough, florals can be both edgy and fem depending on the color palette of the print. Another upside of florals is that it adds variation and energy to the outfit. With the varying colors in the print, you are at liberty to pick any color shoe matching one color in the print, and a purse with a different color in the print. The shoes and bag will bring the colors out of the print while the floral acts as the cohesive element of the outfit!
Color Blocks
 Color blocking is still hot from spring and doesn’t seem like it will die out anytime soon. For those who need the 411, color blocking originated from different color tones patch worked onto a garment—a technique used to add dimension with 2 or more colors in a more contrasting pattern.
It would be a plus to familiarize yourself with that handy color spectrum so you know which colors complement and accentuates what.
 Chunk Heels        Â
Jeffrey Campbell, Dolce Vita and Cordani Roland all convey it best—the chunk heel. Super comfortable and totally chic! Absolutely must have this year, let alone season. All chunk heels of varying colors, prints, and fabrics go well with just about anything and everything, day or night. TOO HOT!!
Arm Swag
As important as the ensemble is, nothing is trending heavier that packing at arm swag on. Varying bracelets of hardware, ice, string, leather and watches culminate what we denote as “arm swag.” It complements the outfit and gives the overall look that extra pizzazz. Its really easy to take a simple outfit to the next level with arm swag points, no doubt. Attention to detail is always key when it comes to fashion ;)
