Spring 2012 Style Scavenger Hunt

Special Contributor | February 2, 2012

By DANIELLE RUDY DAVIS
LouWhatWear.com

The weather this winter has been a little strange, to say the least. With temperatures flirting with the 60’s lately, it’s made me ready to jump right into spring. (Hey, if you can’t do winter fashion right, let’s just scrap it and move along.)

This year’s spring trends hold a little something for everyone. From bold and bright to sweet and demure and everything in between, there’s a trend to fit everyone’s style.

After combing through the pages of the latest fashion magazines, I decided to go on a hunt for the latest trends right here in Louisville. You won’t need to spend hours online shopping or taking a trip out of town to make these styles work for you.

Floral

Blouse: J.Crew.

Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Rodarte and Thakoon were only some of the designers who worked unique floral patterns into their spring shows. While you may not be ready to rock a full floral outfit, you can work it into your look with a scarf or be a bit bolder with a floral pant or blouse. (You can always throw a sweater or cardigan over the blouse if you get a little nervous about a flower-power overload.)

Florals Found at J.Crew and Clodhoppers.

Safari

The safari look has proven to be a constant over the last few seasons. Adding a little leopard print that’s already in your closet is an easy way to work this style that was showcased on the runways at Michael Kors, Donna Karan and Oscar de la Renta. If you’re looking to add some pieces, accessories are an easy way to rock this look.

Safari Spotted at: Banana Republic, Express, Ann Taylor Loft and Gap.

Great Gatsby

Cardigan: Banana Republic.

The upcoming adaptation of The Great Gatsby must have inspired designers like Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren and Marchesa to put their own spin on the roaring 20’s. Think lots of sparkle, gold & silver, simple silhouettes and fun touches of feathers. You don’t need to wear a full sequin dress to incorporate the look into your daily life, just add some 20’s style jewelry for a little sparkle or a gilded cardigan like the one spotted at Banana Republic.

Grab the Gatsby look at Banana Republic and Clodhoppers.

Sporty Neons

Step into a store right now and you’re bound to spot a pop of neon. These sporty colors normally reserved for your workout gear and highlighters are everywhere from belts and scarves to dresses, shorts and jeans. Marc Jacobs, Victoria Beckham and Bill Blass were just some of the designers who used the bright colors in their shows. You can go full out with bright yellow skinnies or just add a little touch with a pink belt.

Neon Signs at J.Crew, Ann Taylor Loft, Clodhoppers and Blink.

Geometric Color Blocking

Dress: Milly – Clodhoppers.

If you jumped on the color-blocking trend last spring, you’ll be one step ahead this year. Designers like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez and Carolina Herrera took the color blocking trend one step farther by adding in a geometric twist. You can add a geometric bangle in a bright color or go all the way with a color-blocked dress.

Color Blocking at: Banana Republic, J.Crew, Gap, Clodhoppers, Ann Taylor Loft.

Ladylike and Pretty Pastels

Easter egg pastels and lady-like looks graced the runways at Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Theory. While pastel pink, lavender and blue are a big part of this trend – mint green is the big standout. You can add a statement necklace, a sweet cardigan or go pastel on your nails. Combine this look with the Gatsby trend and channel your inner Daisy Buchanan.

Pretty Pastels at: Ulta, Sephora, Banana Republic, Clodhoppers, Ann Taylor Loft, Gap and J.Crew.

More 2012 Standouts

Red Pants & Stripped Top: Ann Taylor Loft.

Stripes are everywhere this year – in neon, classic navy & red and bright greens and purples. A classic stripped boat neck tee will always be in style so find one in a perfect fit this season and stock up on this timeless look.

Good news for UK fans: Cobalt Blue was all over the place. Stock up on shift dresses, bangles and blouses and be ready for game day or a night out.

Red-coral lips, strong brows, pony tails and cat eye liner and pastel eyes were some of the big beauty looks on the runway for spring. Give one (or all) a try without breaking the bank. Or just grab a pair of cat-eye sunglasses, throw your hair in a ponytail and a swipe of lipstick and rock them all at once.

For more fashion fun from Danielle, check out her Louisville-centric style blog www.LouWhatWear.com. All photos taken with Instagram, follow her on Twitter @louwhatwear.