Glam Slam: Spring Trends For 2011

There may be a huge Winter storm raging across the country, but Spring clothes are already hitting stores. Once the mercury rises, which trends should you try?

Erin Benke, the Personal Stylist Manager at Nordstrom at The Grove in Los Angeles, highlights the best of the season to come.

LADY-LIKE LUXE
Delicate lace, sweet florals and soft pastels were all over the runways this season. (Check out Rachel Bilson) Tiered ruffle sleeves and sheer fabrics give off the vibe of sweetness, but pairing it with a pair of strappy heels keeps it on the saucy side. Although dainty, the lace trend has evolved from one of antiquity and romance to something more daring and bold yet sophisticated and refined. Gorgeous evening dresses with plunging necklines from Ralph Lauren and Chanel bared skin but covered just enough. This season’s lace is not just part of the garment–it is the garment. Be adventurous and let your skin be revealed through the intricate fabric or if you want to remain a little more conservative, wear a nude camisole. Wear head to toe lace for an element of sexiness or toughen up the look with a leather jacket or motorcycle boots.

CALL OF THE WILD
Get in touch with your wild side! This season, it’s all about leopard (like Selena Gomez), python and tribal prints in sensuous shapes. From dresses to coats, scarves and pumps, leopard print is now considered a basic wardrobe staple. For the more daring, pair leopard with black leather or rock a leopard blazer similar to the one seen from the runways of Balmain. Leopard print dresses from Oscar de la Renta and Dolce & Gabbana are sexy and sultry for the confident woman that dares to reveal her inner feline. Add some ethnic flavor to your wardrobe with a blouse or tunic in bold rich colors or in an exotic geometric print. Feathers and beads add flair and embellishment to a basic t-shirt and jeans.

ON NEUTRAL GROUND
Forget the tan! When it comes to fashion, it’s perfectly okay to be pale! (Lauren Conrad rocks the look!) Khaki, pale pinks, taupes and ivory dresses and flowing pants were all over the runways creating a whimsical and romantic silhouette. Designers showcased neutral tones in luxe fabrics including leather and silk that were ultra-feminine and layered them with pops of color. Rock the nude look from head to toe or try wearing a nude dress with a black structured blazer and knee high boots for a bold statement.

THAT ‘70S SHOW
Don’t bust out the disco ball just yet–this time around, it’s all about the reinterpretation of power at its finest. The modernization of this trend portrays an underlying confidence that gives off the aura of sexiness and sophistication. By day, it’s all about smart high-waisted luxe trousers with a silk bow blouse for the office. Or try pairing a vintage leather belt with a maxi dress for a cool look while running around on the weekend. After dark, this look takes on a more sultry form with shiny fabrication, honey colored faux-fur, curve conscious fabrics or slinky gowns. Dresses that drape or that have slits up the leg add a subtle sexiness to this new form of ‘70s glamour. Wear your hair down or in a sleek chignon for added flair.

ORANGE YOU GLAD?
Shades of orange are all over the runways for Spring, especially on the lips! Flirty and fun, orange has a way of adding instant lift and a fresh glow. Orange is a universal color and comes in multiple hues–coral, its closest color cousin is a warm neutral shade that complements almost every skin tone. There is also tangerine, which is a vibrant and gorgeous color for a woman with warmth in her skin. Try Clarins Rouge Prodige True Colour & Shine lipstick in Sunset, a stunning and juicy shade that looks surprisingly natural. The beauty about orange is that almost everyone can pull it off–just make sure you tone down the rest of the face by keeping eyes bare… a few swipes of mascara and you are ready to go!

For more information and inspiration, check out www.nordstrom.com.