Trends Spring/Summer 2008

Fringe Benefits: Looks from the Etro Spring 2008 runway
Free-spirited fringe sandals made a splash on the Etro Spring '08 runways, and now we're seeing this hot shoe trend everywhere. Fringe naturally lends itself to all the bohemian inspired looks and ethnic prints that are so popular this season (two trends I hope will stick around), but this tassel-trim can also look modern, urban and funky when paired with something like a leather jacket and bold floral skirt (see above). If you like the look, then you'll love our affordable fringe sandal finds below...


MICHAEL Michael Kors Fringed Leather High Heel Sandals at QVC.com, Was $139.00 Now $79.92

Malta Fringe Sandal at Forever21.com, $19.80

Flavio Fringe Sandal at Topshop.com, $79

Suede Fringe T Strap Sandal at UrbanOutfitters.com, $28.00

Minnetonka Fringe Bootie at Delias.com, $45 (Not a sandal, but still cute for running errands on cooler spring days.)

Jeffrey Campbell 'Top' Fringe Sandal at Nordstrom.com, $94.95

What should I wear with one of those cute maxi dresses that are so popular for summer?

Keep your look chic and effortless by pairing an ankle-skimming maxi dress with metallic or embellished flat sandals, a beachy straw tote and plenty of exotic bangles. Here are some budget-friendly finds to help you get started:


[1] Floral-print halter dress at Newport-News.com, Was $69.00 Now $39.00
[2] Deep Blue V-Neck Braided Halter Dress at Target.com, $19.99
[3] Limited-Edition Straw Bucket Bag at Target.com, $39.99
[4] Resort-inspired maxi dress at OldNavy.com, Was $34.50 Now $19.99
[5] Mosaic Bangles at Forever21.com, $8.90
[6] Triangle lacquer metal bangle at Forever21.com, $6.80
[7] Embellished Leather Sandals at OldNavy.com, $19.50
[8] Martha Stewart Collection Straw Beach Tote at Macys.com, Was $60.00 Now $29.99
[9] Patricia Field for Payless Empress Sandal at Payless.com, $25

Memorial Day used to mark the start of the season when self-respecting ladies could wear white once again. That fashion convention has pretty much been blasted by today's "anything-goes" attitude, but we figured now was as good a time as any to mention this perennial summer favorite. Just remember...

• White won't make you look bigger - it's the fit, cut and fabric that matters, not the color.
  
• White won't get dirty after one wear. Unless you live with my dog, in which case, your whites will get covered in mud and drool in under 5 seconds. But that's what washing machines are for, right?
  
• White will keep you cooler. It reflects sunlight...or something. Trust me, you'll feel cooler wearing it.
  
• White will match everything in your wardrobe. Winter has black; summer has white. You can't go wrong.
  

Shown above are just a few ways to wear white for less green:
[1] Cotton Lace Trim Top at Forever21.com, $22.80
[2] Soutache embroidered surplice dress at Newport-News.com, Was $79 Now $49
[3] Style&co. Belted Wide-Leg Linen Capri Pant at Macys.com, Was $44 Now $30.80

Indiana Jones may disagree, but we think snakeskin is the perfect pattern to spice up Spring accessories. On sexy heels, demure flats, or chic clutches, serpent scales add a touch of timeless exoticism. After Dolce & Gabbana whet our appetite for python, we scoured our favorite shopping destinations and found plenty of snakeskin within our budget. Sssso very tempting.

[1] Exotica Hinge Wallets at UrbanOutfitters.com, $20.00
[2] Gianni Bini "Ali" at Dillards.com, Was $69.00 Now $41.40
[3] Black Enamel Snake Bangle at Asos.com, $26.17
[4] Isaac Mizrahi for Target "Riley" Snake Pumps, Was $29.99 Now $20.99
[5] Eden python printed ballet flat at NineWest.com (also available in fuchsia, yellow or bark), Was $69.00 Now $39.99
[6] Cobra flat at Forever21.com, $18.80
[7] Oversized Snake Print Clutch at Asos.com, Was $26.17 Now $13.09
[8] Snake and Leather Patchwork Pump at BakersShoes.com (also available in black or turquoise), Was $69.95 Now $49.99

Pink is hot, but hot pink is even hotter. Just take a look at Burberry Prorsum's Spring 2008 runway - the three looks above elevate Barbie's favorite color to dramatic new heights. Now wipe the drool from your chin, and keep scrolling for some budget friendly ways to add this irresistible hue to your wardrobe...

alice + olivia for Payless Platform Missy Sandal at Payless.com, $35.00


Isaac Mizrahi for Target Bollywood Summer Dress at Target.com, $44.99


Nine West Fold Over Clutch at WilsonsLeather.com, Orig. $59.00 Now $44.25

I feel like Spring's nautical trend has been eclipsed by all the rest (global, urban safari, bright colors, artsy prints, etc.) - but it's out there, and it's one of the easiest to wear. Take, for instance, these Trina Turk "Pim" shorts (left): A sailor-style button front secures cuffed twill shorts, flatteringly fitted with a V-shaped inset waist. You could wear them with a striped bandeau top to continue the seafarer theme, or mix trends and pair it with a bold print halter top (shown here: Trina Turk 'Astrid' Blouse, but budget versions abound, too.) In short, both land and sea offer limitless inspiration for our Spring wardrobes.

>> Left: Trina Turk 'Pim' Shorts at Nordstrom.com, $178.00
>> Right: Double Button Cuff Short at Forever21.com, $17.80

SPREAD YOUR WINGS Take a cue from Alexander McQueen (who took his cue from Mother Nature) and transform your Spring wardrobe with some unexpectedly stylish butterflies.

Clockwise from top left: Butterfly Print Dress at Topshop.com, £40.00; Metallic Butterfly Tunic at Forever21.com, $22.80; Gold Butterfly T-shirt at Forever21.com, $15.80; Embroidered Butterfly Satin Top at Forever21.com, $24.80; In Background: Butterfly Cotton Scarf at Forever21.com, $5.80; Butterflies Necklace at Topshop.com, Now £12.50.