Designers electrified the Spring 2008 runways with pops of bright neon color - but subtle neutral pairings served as a dimmer switch to tone down the dayglo effect, thereby creating a sartorial synthesis that was equal parts intensity and refinement. We've got our eye on this trend in particular because it shan't be difficult to translate to real life: Mix an affordable, vivid-toned tank or camisole with a khaki skirt or shorts and you'll generate instant fashion chemistry.


Spring Trends 2008: Energizing fluorescents are tempered by subdued neutrals on the runways of 3.1 Phillip Lim, Jil Sander, Akris and Blumarine. Image Source: Style.com


Love it? Hate it? Can't wait to wear it? Share your bright thoughts on Spring Trends for 2008 in the comments.

At some point or other, stylist-to-the-stars Rachel Zoe has been the fashion force behind such Hollywood "It" girls as Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, Kiera Knightly and her now-famously estranged client, Nicole Richie. Love her or loathe her, Zoe (pronounced "Zoh") is showing no signs of slowing down: She released her first book, Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour, and recently signed a deal with Bravo to star in her own reality-tv show, The Rachel Zoe Project.

While Rachel has been criticized for creating mini-clones (known as Zoe-bots) and promoting super-skinniness among her A-list clientèle (debatable), her boho-glam style is actually quite easy to imitate on a budget - and that makes her A-OK in our book! All you need are some oversized vintage sunglasses, layers of gold jewelry, and a peacock feather clutch or two to get goin' with the Rachel Zoe look.

In addition to espousing a "fab-without-a-fortune" style philosophy, Rachel has also dressed gorgeous gals like Salma Hayek, Liv Tyler and Jennifer Garner - not just controversial starlets. Lest we forget, she even put Cameron Diaz in what was perhaps the most stunning red-carpet look of last year: a Dior by John Galliano gown for the 2007 Costume Institute ball. How can we hate on the person responsible for that marvelous fashion moment?

Twelve by Twelve's Jeweled Silk Minidress is the cat's meow with it's soft leopard print, rhinestone embellished neckline, and vintage silhouette.

Replace the velour band with a skinny leather belt to cast off any element of Fall, and you'll instantly be in step with some of Spring's top trends instead: The print says urban safari, the color palette consists of classic neutrals, and the fabric choice is light and sheer. And buying things on sale? Well, that's always in style.

>> Twelve by Twelve Jeweled Silk Minidress $59.00 $28.99

Forever 21 is showing off some sweet new looks that seem to say spring is on its way. If you live in a cold clime, as I do, you know temperatures won't start to climb for another couple of months, but you can still start to scout out fresh items to spruce up your wardrobe during this mid-winter season. Pick up the Striped Anchor Sweater to get a leg up on Spring's nautical trend. Bright Erika Super Skinny Jeans ($29.80) in yellow will have you in step with the citrus shades that are also huge for Spring. And, the navy Pleated 3Q Chiffon Tunic ($17.80) shown below is also available in eye-catching aquamarine, another hot hue for Spring.






>> See all the looks here.

While rich, royal purple was one of fall's hottest hues, come spring '08, we'll be seeing a more cheerful, toned-down hue that mixes pretty pinkish lavender and soft lilac. Fresh and floral, spring crocus is perfect for wearing on its own, or for pairing with the season's overarching palette of classic neutrals.


Spring 2008 Trend Alert: Pretty purple hues from Tracy Reese, Michael Kors, and Vera Wang. Image source: Style.com

Love it? Hate it? Can't wait to wear it? Share your budding thoughts on Spring 2008 trends in the comments.

>> Related Post: The Top 10 Colors for Spring 2008