Prints, Pastels, and Lace- Oh My! Spring 2012 Has Arrived

Posted on February 14, 2012 by bjwilson

Out with the old, in with the new- a common mantra people adopt for the spring season. For spring and summer 2012, that means making way for new pretty pastels, vibrant colors, chaotic prints, daring floral patterns, and romantic, eccentric styles that exude confidence and modern femininity.  Designers are marrying the bold and the sexy, taking these spring trends from one extreme to the other.

These are the top trends of spring 2012, explained. We’re already gaga for them- we know you will be, too.

Trends of Spring 2012, Explained

Give your basics a jolt this season with sleek METALLICS. Shimmery fabrics in gold, silver, copper, and gunmetal pair beautifully with the neutral colors in your closet. And don’t be afraid to razzle-dazzle during the day time- don your metallic threads in everything from tanks to jackets to trousers for a more casual day-time style.

Spring is all about extremes when it comes to color, from pretty PASTELS all the way to the super-saturated shades of POP CULTURE. Spring’s sweet sherbet shades of baby pinks, blues, and yellows give off a low-key, ladylike vibe. For the pop culture look, think ultra-bright hues. The Pantone Institute shared its predictions for the most popular colors of Spring 2012 just before New York Fashion Week kicked off, and the runways proved their forecasts were spot on: Tangerine Tango was all over. If tangerine isn’t your best color, any shade of orange will do. Solar Power Yellow is another favorite for the season, with pinks in all different shades a popular pick as well.

New designer for the ETCETERA clothing line, Juri Yun, says cheerful “COLORBLOCKING is still a big trend, and will be for several seasons to come.” Mixing together bold, solid-color pieces makes simple dressing look instantly glam. Glamour Magazine suggests sticking to three colors max “to avoid the girly, Rainbow Brite look.”

There are prints, and then there are PRINTS. The caps are necessary to depict the hypnotic prints and patterns that rule the scene in every shape and form possible- floral, digital, tribal, dotted, horizontal stripes, you name it. Oversize florals are the major front runner. Computerized digital shapes follow florals in a close second. Mirror-like geometrics and even bird prints have also found their place in this season’s fashions. Mix patterns (and maybe even clash!) for an “all-eyes-on-you” look that screams self-assurance and passion.

Get ready- VINTAGE CHIC (notably the skirt suit) is back, unapologetically. Channel your inner-Daisy, with looks straight from The Great Gatsby. Womanly silhouettes in the form of A-line skirts and accentuated waists give way to a LADYLIKE, princess-chic look that is classic, vintage-inspired, and current. As Kate Middleton continues to be the premier example of this trend, look to her for inspiration.

The two biggest SILHOUETTES for the season are drop waists and peplum skirts.  Drop waists are reminiscent of the shapeless 1920s flapper, and the peplum skirt is defined by a short flared ruffle that sits at the natural waist. Pair a peplum silhouette with high heels and fitted tops to seal the deal on your spring glam plan.

Designers are in love with SHEER FABRICS this season. Pair the fabric with a slip or bikini-like bra underneath. With the right underpinnings, this lingerie-inspired trend doesn’t have to be racy. For a more elegant and edgy look, go for matte satin threads. A skirt in this fabric adds an instant element of high fashion to any ordinary outfit. And LACE is big, big, big for spring. Wear it in skirts, dresses, and tops for instant style and grace.

A woman’s curves are sexy, and nothing shows them off better than SCUBA GEAR. Feminine lines are hugged and complimented with this sexy, even sporty, trend that comes in everything from fitted suits and jackets to structured shirts and pants. Accessories follow this DEEP-SEA theme, with pearled and shelled clutches, coral accents, and shark-tooth necklaces.

Explore your athletic side with straight-from-the-gym SPORTSWEAR. Think athletic-gone-couture. Take rowing club and varsity crew looks to high fashion with zip-up gym-inspired jackets, preppy sweatshirts, and wet-suit inspired dresses.

Do take style to the waterside, get nautical, and SAIL AWAY. Think European-chic; nautical without all the typical prep. Horizontal striped prints will easily take you seaside. Wear this trend with the NEUTRALS of spring for a look that is both classic and simple. Create an outfit entirely from neutrals – parchments, creams, whites, and khakis – for clean, crisp style.

Start those sit-ups now, the body part of the spring is the MIDRIFF. While this trend isn’t for everyone, shirt lines are coming up in the spring to show off the tummy. Try pairing a high-waisted skirt with a cropped shirt for this look.

SHOES make a big statement this season with hot new must-have looks. Metallic toes are all the rage, and the pointed toe is bigger than ever before. Mega-platforms (sometimes with funky-shaped heels), wedges, and espadrilles are everywhere. Switch things up between chunky heels, sexy stilettos, and kitten heels. Get flirty with laced-up, corset-inspired pumps and sandals. Lace shoes are the new go-to shoe that will take you from 9 to 5 and beyond. As for colors, anything goes. Pastels, bright hues, whites, and metallics are staples for the season. Colorblocked shoes are still in, and floral prints are so hot it’s crazy.

Keep ACCESSORIES simple in the spring. A pair of lux chandelier earrings is just about all you need to compliment your glamorous spring wardrobe. If you’re not feeling the earrings one day, a set of stacked, chunky bracelets will do the trick. Mix yellow and gold bangles for a look that is very now. For purses, the envelope clutch is big. Basket weaving is another hot look for spring purses, reminiscent of a spring picnic in the park. Complete any ensemble with a pair of retro-tastic sunglasses- cat-eyes, circles, rectangles are all seen on the runways.


At BJ Wilson & Company, we know trends are fun, but they aren’t for everyone. If you have specific questions or want help figuring out which trends are best for you, our consultants are available to help. Please email any of our consultants and we will respond shortly!

BJ Wilson: bjwilson@bjwilsonandcompany.com

Misty Kimbrough: mkimbrough@bjwilsonandcompany.com

Leslie Klein: lklein@bjwilsonandcompany.com

And be sure to look to our Facebook page this spring and summer for tips on how to wear the season’s top trends and colors.

Posted in Accessories, Color Trends, Fashion Trends, Spring

Fall – Top Ten Trends of 2011-2012

Posted on August 22, 2011 by bjwilson

- Lady chic
- Bordeaux
- Pumps
- Bold gold
- Shimmer
- Handheld bags
- The fall face
- Leather
- Fur
- Colorblocking

Effortless. Genteel. Chic. The Fall 2011 season gracefully enters the scene with graphic shapes, intense colors, and sharp silhouettes that create a beautiful chaos we can all look forward to mastering. These top ten trends of this season are all the rage, and frankly, this is exactly how you want to look throughout the Fall and Winter seasons.

At the seasonal Neiman Marcus/Vogue breakfast in the Ritz, Paris, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour arrived in a stunning cranberry twinset, magenta boulce skirt, and Bordeaux suede boots. The look was COLORBLOCKING at its finest. Colorblocking is the combination of contrasting and coordinating hues, mixed to create graphic modernity. Mixing sophisticated, multi-hued pieces will refresh your wardrobe-and brighten your day.

Rich BORDEAUX is our new favorite neutral. Bordeaux is a combination of red and purple tones, along with a hint of brown. Mix this fabulous hue with deep pinks and red for a look that is current.

LADYCHIC is what’s hot, right now. To put it plainly, it’s exactly how you want to look this season. Think Kate Middleton’s style- prim, polite, and very lady like. Top off your favorite looks with a FUR vest or jacket.

Better yet, make an unforgettable entrance with the Fall power couple, LEATHER and fur. Leather adds an edge to the ladylike looks of this season. A leather skirt is essential, and a leather dress becomes a staple for your wardrobe. For a leather look demure enough for work, choose a knee-grazing hemline.

You can never go wrong with a little SHIMMER. We’re talking low-velocity sheen, not mega-bling. Look for fabrics with a subtle gleam to them. Add a little shine into your fall wardrobe, and it will faithfully carry you right into winter.

It’s time to retire those summer sandals; this fall is all about the PUMP. It’s back and it looks so right again, on a single sole or a platform. Sky-high stiletto or more modest mid-heel, the choice is all yours.

Carry what you can’t leave home without in a HANDHELD BAG. Grasping it from the top like a clutch was a styling direction on every runway.

The finishing touch to every ensemble is a healthy dose of BOLD GOLD. Wear it in the form of cuffs, burnished metals, even add some sparkle from colorful gemstones. With gold this season, more is more.

Before you go out, top off your look with THE FALL FACE. What’s bold is new again. From graphic eyes to two-toned nails, the runways were covered in fresh looks. Think fire-engine-red lips, gold eye shadow, long and spiky lashes, and an opaque finish to concealer and lipstick.

Posted in Uncategorized

WHITE IS THIS SUMMER’S HEAVENLY QUEEN OF COLORS

Posted on May 23, 2011 by bjwilson

Innocent white, crisp white, creamy white, breezy white, timeless white, tennis white, pure picnic white, minimalist white, gossamer white, fresh white… White never ceases to impress with its minimalism and show stopping glamour.

White is really THE summer color. It reflects light. It is attractive while remaining totally neutral. It goes with everything. In the hot summer weather, light-colored clothing is more suitable. Heat bounces off white clothes, making for easier wear.

White clothing is a key element in a well built wardrobe. It is youthful but can be worn at any age. There are whites for all skin tones. You can even be carefree in the choice of other clothes because of the versatile nature of white clothing. White is revisited and revamped this year. Pair white with white and mix it with soft nudes and neutrals from head to toe.

Play with all the Summer 2011 trends, from stripes and shorts, wedge sandals, floral prints, cotton lace and breezy fabrications, old school prep, to seventies glamour… but dip them in WHITE!

In terms of accessories, white is also making a comeback this year. White handbags, white-brimmed cat-eyed sunglasses, watches, cuffs, bracelets and brooches are popping up everywhere. On days when you want to wear white, but don’t want to wear white, try adding white or even off-white accessories to your outfit! White, off-white and neutral accessories are “super on” and will give you an added oomph in the white direction!

Are you afraid to wear white? Do you spill spot and stain? Not the “pop of color” you were going for? Here are some wonderful products to keep your summer wardrobe WHITE:

(Carbona Stain Devils)
Carbona Stain Devils is “magic” because each formula is designed for your specific stain in mind! Just pour the solution on and watch your stain disappear!

(Seventh Generation Free & Clear 4X Laundry Detergent)
For a general laundry use, this nontoxic, hypoallergenic detergent may come in a modest package, but packs a powerful, stain-fighting punch!

(Green Works by Clorox Oxi Stain Remover)
For those tough stains, Clorox Oxi Stain Remover is your “treat it and forget it” go to – and its fragrance, chlorine, detergent, dye and harsh residue free!

(Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover)
“Tide Sticks” as they are affectionately known have taken the market by storm as they allow us to wear white without the fear of stains. Spill a little coffee this morning? Pull out your Tide To Go and voila!

(Resolve Stain Stick)
Call it a miracle, but the RESOLVE Power Stain Stick allows you to treat laundry stains when they happen, and then wash later – up to a week later! Keep one handy in your car, your office, the diaper bag or anywhere you and your family go!

(Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Products)
Mrs. Meyer’s is the hardworking laundry cleaner with the sweet scent, as her detergent will clean your clothes and make them smell garden-fresh in scents like Lemon Verbena, Basil and Lavender! All of Mrs. Meyer’s laundry products are biodegradable and phosphate free, and are made with natural essential oils.

Posted in Accessories, Color Trends, Fashion Trends, Industry News, Uncategorized

Coral: This Juicy Shade of Orange is Ripe for the Picking

Posted on March 28, 2011 by bjwilson

This. Color. Is IT.

Regardless of whether or not it is a good color for you, find something that fits your personality and style and grab it anyway! You can wear anything from bold and bright coral clothing to soft and easy accessories and styling choices to help fit your wardrobe and color preferences.

The designers who featured something coral in their spring or summer collections, are too numerous to list but some of our favorites are Tory Burch who did a great coral cropped jean, Yves Saint Laurent who created the very best coral blouse, and Diane Von Furstenberg did a beautiful and easy everyday coral dress.

If you are looking for a more subtle touch of coral in your wardrobe, Alexandre Birman did an amazing coral platform sandal, Michael Kors’s coral leather handbags adds a pop of color to every outfit, and Ray-Ban did a fantastic plastic coral pair of sunglasses.

You can also freshen up your look with coral accents like painting your nails with OPI’s new Brights shade, On the Same Paige, or using Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Melon.

Posted in Accessories, Color Trends, Spring Tagged , , |

I Wear My Sunglasses…

Posted on March 16, 2011 by bjwilson

In spring and summer, sunglasses are not just functional pieces of eye wear that block the bright sunlight, they are a huge fashion accessory. Many of the top designers carry a line of shades, which are so popular they can charge $300 on average for a pair! There is everything from sunglass stores that sell nothing but sunglasses to independant vendors on the street and in malls selling knock-offs of all the high end brands. We just “sprang forward” so now there is that crucial additional hour of sunlight which gives us more time to wear our fabulous specs each and everyday.

The issue is, everyone has a different face shape making is difficult to find the perfect pair that complements your face and features. Here are some tips for which shape of sunglasses you should narrow your search down to!

Square Face– Look for a soft and oval shaped lens, with a wide set frame that helps round your face a bit.

Round Face– The key here is the narrow frame of the sunglasses you choose. The lenses can be rectangular or oval but never round. You need to add some sort of angle.

Heart Face– This face shape looks particularly good with a rimless or thin rimmed frame. If you ever come across a pair of shades where the bottom is thicker or wider than the top part, those would also be a good option for you.

Oval Face– Oval faces have no stand out facial features or angles so almost any style or shape of glasses would work well on this face.

Oblong Face– The lens should be round or square but never oval shaped and it is important here to make sure the frame does not extend past the widest part of your face.

Diamond Face– Again with this face shape, the size of your sunglasses frame is important and needs to be no wider than your cheekbones. Look for round or rounded square lenses.

Triangle Face– Sunglasses will add weight the top portion of your face here to balance out a triangle face. Make sure they are narrow to not accentuate the narrowness of your upper face and try something bright and colorful to draw attention upward.

Posted in Accessories, Body Type Tagged , |

Red Carpet Review

Posted on February 28, 2011 by bjwilson

Awards season is always a great time of the year for the fashionistas out there. Seeing our favorite celebrities wearing gowns by fabulous designers, adorned with custom jewelry and killer shoes really brings out the critic in all of us. The Academy Award, being the grand-daddy of them all, is the most anxiously awaiting red carpet of the year, and I just love dishing on what we saw: what we loved, what we liked, and “what were they thinking!”

It is always interesting to see the styles and colors the celebs and their stylist pick out for these important events and to see who is on point with the fashions that are going on today. Two of the big color standouts were red and neutrals which pair deliciously back with the new trends for spring. Of the red dresses we saw, Anne Hathaway showed how elegant and classy red can be with a vintage Valentino gown with a rosette detailed bustle. Our other favorite lady dressed in red was Penelope Cruz who showed how striking and sexy red can be in a L’Wren Scott gown with fire blazing sequins.

Neutrals were abundant on the red carpet in soft shades of silver to light pink and many shades of nude. The standouts who wore this popular spring trend were Halle Barry in a nude shimmery Marchesa gown with romantic tulle around the neckline and lower half of the dress. I think I could have done without the tulle at the neckline but the rest of this dress was flawless. Although this was more of a metallic, Gwyneth Paltrow looked amazing in a silvery shade, modern sheath dress by Calvin Klein. Michelle Williams stayed true to her vintage style with an embellished nude Chanel dress that paired perfectly back with her pixie haircut and retro styling. The newbie, Hailee Steinfeld, looked age appropriate and on trend with her Marchesa, light pink, tulle-skirted, embellished dress that fit her like a glove. Lastly, Celine Dion wore a very fitted, off-white, long-sleeve, Armani Prive gown that helped her look better than ever. Another standout who did not wear red or neutrals was Mila Kunis who looked soft and feminine in a stand-out lavender color gown by Elie Saab. Her hair, make-up, jewelry and dress were all utter perfection.

Those who came close: Hilary Swank went with a style we have seen before in a silver, ombre, feathered, strapless, Gucci dress but it was still fantastic on her. She lacked with jewelry and styling but the dress was lovely. Amy Adams, like Hilary Swank, wore a fantastic dress. She was sporting the hot cobalt blue color in a L’Wren Scott sparkling gown but lost points due to her jade necklace that clashed with her dress. Jennifer Hudson wore the other huge color for spring, coral, and the dress flattered her newly tiny waist but the extremely low neckline showed off an odd looking bust line and tan lines! Lastly, Mandy Moore was another one of the many ladies wearing the neutral color palate, but she did not make best dressed because of her dowdy styling. The nude crystal embellished Monique Lhuillier gown was gorgeous and had a unusual but pleasant sheer neckline. Her look would have been great with her hair down and a drop earring for a more youthful look, but instead she parted her hair down the middle, pulled it back, and put on grandma earrings. It took away from the entire look.

Amongst all the beautiful dresses there have to be some standouts that made us cringe. Yet another lady in a soft neutral was Nicole Kidman, but her folded napkin shaped dress by Christian Dior was unflattering and looked dated. The fabric also photographed horribly. Navy is going to be a big basic color for spring and I was surprised I didn’t see more of it, but the one who did, Marisa Tomei messed it up. Her vintage dress had a unflattering skirt line with way too much tulle, and the dress was so ill-fitting, it looked like it was meant for someone else. Another worst dressed was Daphne Zuniga in an unflattering Nicole Miller dress with a edgy tearing effect which was not a good look for the Oscars.

Posted in Celebrities, Color Trends, Fashion Trends, Red Carpet, Spring Tagged , , , , , , , |

Colors To Revive Us

Posted on February 17, 2011 by bjwilson

Designers often get their inspiration from what is going on in the world. For instance, economic hardships in 2009 led to dark and drearier colors. The “it” color for 2010 was turquoise because of it’s much needed calming abilities after a rough 2009. Spring is all about new beginnings and the colors for spring mimic people’s optimism and hope for the future this year. We are saying bye-bye to dark times and dark colors, and welcoming uplifting colors that are soft, energetic, and exciting.

The “it” colors for spring are Honeysuckle, Coral Rose, and Regatta. Nothing wards off the blues like a fun and stimulating color like pink. This spring’s pink is bright but soft, romantic yet bold. You are seeing it mostly in dresses and in floral prints that walked all over the red carpet. Coral Rose is actually a sophisticated orange color with a hint of pink– somewhere between a coral and a tangerine. This is a new color we have not seen in a long time so this is a great color if you are looking for something new and fresh for your wardrobe. Regatta is a soft cobalt blue color. It is the new turquoise! This blue, although still cool and calming is a brighter and more energetic shade for 2011.

You always need basics in your wardrobe but even the “it” basics can change year to year. This year, nude hues rule. Shades rangeing from a soft pinky nude to a warm, deep russet brown lead the way. These trans-seasonal neutrals are a stable backdrop for the bright shades of spring .

Try pairing your neutral basics back with a pink or orange trench coat, throw on a regatta heel with your brown cigarette pant or pop a bright and colorful necklace back with a basic business look. There are numerous way to throw in pops of spring color to your existing wardrobe, and since spring is only a few weeks away, it’s time to get out there are starting looking for some killer spring pieces!

Posted in Color Trends, Spring Tagged , , , |

Bring on Spring!

Posted on January 31, 2011 by bjwilson

We are all so excited that it is nearing time for spring. Not only do we love the weather but we love the fun and playful spring trends. This year spring looks polished yet easy and relaxed, colorful and energetic with new shapes and silhouettes, and patterns to die for.

One of the season’s largest influence is the fashions from the 70′s. Of the many looks the 70′s have given us there are two many styles that we are seeing replicated in spring 2011. The bohemian look is one of them and there are plenty of peasant blouses, maxi dresses, longer length skirts, flat sandals, and wild prints to support this trend. Maxi dresses were a trend last spring but this year they are softer and more romantic made of fabrics such as chiffon and silks. Finish this look off with a cross body handbag and a long necklace or long pendant. The other 70′s look is the more sophisticated glamour look. The key piece for this look is the high-waisted trouser– pair it back with an over-sized blazer or a feminine blouse, a chunky platform heel, a shoulder handbag, and an over-sized pair of sunglasses.

One trend you will see line the racks in all retails stores alike, are prints. There are so many different prints out there for spring from flirty florals to fruits, python to playful polka dots, it is a sure way to spice up any one’s wardrobe. The prints are large and bold, small and delicate, and come in all varieties of color so it is easy to find something that fits you and your particular wardrobe style.

Posted in Fashion Trends, Spring Tagged , , , , , |

Fashion Hosiery– The Leg Trends for Winter

Posted on January 24, 2011 by bjwilson

Bare legs are so out. In addition to pants, there are many ways to cover your legs and this season there are more options than usual with fashion hosiery being so in. Pantyhose and tights have been around for years and are still very popular. These used to be distinctly different garments but these days the line between each is a bit hazy. Traditionally pantyhose and tights were solid and basic and the difference was the weight. Anything up to 40 denier (a fiber measurement) would be considered hose and anything over that would be tights.

Pantyhose, the more sheer option have gone from basic to interesting with an array of different patterns. Plain pantyhose are now boring and outdated but slip on a pair of textured pantyhose with a simple skirt or dress and you have a cool, new look. Opaque hose are the marriage of hose and tights; they are thinner than tights but offer more coverage (less transparency) than hose. These are the preferred leg covering because they are the perfect blend of weight and sheen. Tights are still popular and the thickness of them is good for cold climates. The updated tight is something in a fun and interesting color like popping a red or purple pair of tights with a black dress.

Lastly, leggings are the “it” leg warming method which are really just footless tights. They can be as thick as a tight where you would wear them as hoseiery but can be as heavy as a pant-like fabric where you can actually wear them with just a top. There are also jeggings which are the thickest legging made of a high stretch denim. Leggings come in all shapes and sizes but look perfectly executed when worn with a loose fitting tunic.

Opt for one of these leg covering trends so avoid baring it all this winter.

Posted in Accessories, Fashion Trends, Winter Tagged , , , , , , , |

All Over Prints are All Over Resort 2011

Posted on January 10, 2011 by bjwilson

Snow fell for the first time this weekend down here in Texas so it seems strange to discuss Resort trends but it is that time of the year. Originally marketed to affluent customers by higher end stores, Resort has gone from a specialized style for the wealthy to an actual fashion season. The idea behind resort wear was that there were so many people going to tropical and warm climate locations after or during the holidays, there was a need for lighter-weight and easy to wear clothes. This trend seemed to catch on from the design houses of Tommy Bahama and J. Crew who helped establish this style to most designers who now release a Resort Collection for the masses to enjoy.

This season’s resort is fun and festive as ever. Bold colors and all over prints lead the way. Maxi dresses are back but have a different look with a softer, less structured silhouette and more colorful and floral designs. The maxi dress’s little sister, the long floaty skirt makes a guest appearance. Although dresses and skirts will be seen in longer lengths, the shorts will be as short as ever! Knits are still popular and are appearing in textured prints. There is a lot of 60′s inpiration and the updated version of that for 2011 is being called Retro Chic.

For Resort 2011 think bold colors such as blues, pinks, and oranges. Pair them back with navy and neutrals which are the “it” basics of the season. Lastly, it is all about hats. Forget trying to find that one amazing handbag, and focus on finding a few amazing hats… like something in straw!

Posted in Fashion Trends, Resort Tagged , , , |