top trends to watch out for this spring...and we mean that in a good way (mostly)

as denver residents, we realize that we may be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years behind the rest of the world where fashion is concerned, but even from our somewhat fashionless island in middle america we can from time to time glimpse what's coming around the bend. this week we wanted to give our beloved VOTS readers our thoughts about what you might see on the streets or in magazines (more likely) this spring. enjoy the 6 top trends of spring 2009!

1. embellished boho 

this season is full of bohemian looks like this anna sui number with a modern, slightly blinged-out twist (looking poor AND rich at the same time!). what's popular is mixed prints and patterns paired with shiny or embellished fabrics, metallics, jewels or sequins.

classic looks can be enhanced with funky jewels and prints like this fabulous matthew williamson dress.

even though sequins are a more modern touch, this sexy number still includes soft bohemian colors and a classic flowy boho style. personal thoughts: el is dubious about this look. kendall of course loves sequins so she's excited for this trend.

 2. colorful, over-sized statement jewelry 

amy adams' fabulous necklace she wore at the oscars has already made an appearance on this blog, but as it is such an fantastic example of statement jewels we couldn't help but feature it again.

...and the same goes for angie jo. the jewels aren't huge but the color is over the top and therefore fits perfectly into the statement jewelry category.

3. ugly is the new black: a salute to the 80s

we are aware these harem (hammer?) pants were heavy on the 2008 runway but they just started making their way into our everyday lives, and they make us throw up in our mouths a little.

carrot pants (or pants with ankle zippers???) are the slightly less ugly cousin of harem pants. we are sad to see the trend in ill-fitting pants continue full steam ahead into 2009.

believe it or not, folks, you are looking at an image from fashion week 2009. we had to double check. balenciaga saluted the worst of the 80s with big shoulders and ugly, unflattering draping. avoid looking like this at all costs.  

4. ultra-feminine: nudes, pastels and sheer fabrics 

with the exception of herman munster there on the end, these pieces look feminine and delicate with very floral touches and a light, flesh-colored palate.

we love these pieces from the erdem spring 2009 collection: very soft with a hint of the 1920's--especially the long lacy piece on the end (minus the queen elizabeth jacket).

5. boyfriend jeans

check out vicki in her non-skin tight jeans! she makes the baggier jeans femme with a sleek, well-fitted jacket. we are happy to see this trend arise, as it is more accomodating to all body types (although i guess victoria beckham is technically a bad rep for "all body types").

katie holmes caught a lot of shit when she debuted this look last summer but now we are suddenly seeing it pop up all over. ever-popular with bike hipsters, it gives older jeans that may be a little too long or short (but still fit well in the waist/thighs) a second shot at life.

6. the 1920's flapper returns (and we couldn't be happier): fringe and feathers

these roberto cavalli fringe sandals for spring are totally hot. we like the modern take on fringe with the chunky jewels added. 

these beautiful pieces are reminiscent of daisy from the great gatsby updated to 2009. el would totally give a toe (or something) for the dress on the left. wouldn't you?

the look is complete with a jaunty feather in your hair! via hat or hair clip it all looks amazing.

we hope you've enjoyed our look at ladies' fashion for spring 2009, we'll try to get something up here for the gentleman soon! 

cheers!

k&e

get to know us

To know us is to Love us.

Each month we're going to interview a local celeb, or a friend or stranger of a special fashionable status on their general opinions on the subject---and we'll always ask the same five questions. To kick things off, we're going to interview each other!

#1. Why do you think you're so fashionable?

EL: I think I'm fashionable because in my life I've had to be really versatile and accept change and not just stick with one style or look. A lot of things in my life have gone through flux; everything from location to body size to what I'm into and to stay stuck in a rigid fashion pattern would have been unfortunate---I would have missed so many fashion opps. And the times I completely fell off the fashion wagon were really indicative of times when I shut down because I thought I had to look a certain way. The best thing about fashion is that it allows you to express who you are in the moment, and that can be anything.

K: I think I'm fashionable because I don't get too obsessed with one current trend or style. Nothing's worse than locking yourself into one specific look or identity, only to have it kind of go out of style after awhile. I think knowing your own personal style--what you genuinely love wearing--allows you to have a sort of consistent undercurrent, and from that you're able to just keep updating your look. I'd say I'm neutral-fashionable. I wear what I really like and confidence is definitely a big part of being fashionable.

#2. What is the LEAST fashionable thing about you?

EL: The least fashionable thing abut me is that when I come home from work, I just live in these ratty old sweat pants with a wife-beater and ill-fitting hoodie. I usually throw my hair up in a half ponytail and just check out on fashion for the night, which is fine sometimes, but seriously, my poor husband.

K: The least fashionable thing about me is probably my weird fear of being overdressed, which means I usually end up looking way too casual. My closet is stacked full of dresses and heels that I never wear. Its a dumb fear because I always notice other people who are too dressed up and they usually look amazing and fun.

#3. What is a secret fashion vice of yours?

EL: My secret fashion vice is that I will be looking at my various nerd-related websites, like stuff about Harry Potter, or A Song of Ice and Fire, or the Joss Wheadon show Firefly, or Veronica Mars, and there will always be a t-shirt or sweatshirt with the logo for sale (or in the case of Harry Potter a series of scarves) and I will always have like a moment where I seriously think about buying it. And as cool as it is to support things you love with your cash, a Harry Potter t-shirt is never cool.

K: Mine is sequins. I'm forever drawn to things involving sequins---stilettos, dresses, jackets, clutches. I think it comes from when I was little and my mom had this amazing black sequin dress that she wore when she and my dad went to their high school reunion. I remember being so in love with that dress. She eventually gave it to me, but it has shoulder pads so I'm not sure what to do with it. I don't own any sequin items because even though I am secretly obsessed with sequins, I have no real idea if they are actually fashionable or its just some hideous, weird ugly thing only I think is cool.

#4. What current trend or trends do you hate the most right now?

EL: I absolutely hate those big glasses I keep seeing hipster kids wearing. HATE! I just want to rip them off their faces. I like big sunglasses because they give this old school Hollywood air of glamour but big prescription glasses just look you're a dork 9-year old whose mom picked out sale glasses for you at Lens Crafters. There is no reason to deliberately look that way. See-through frames are the worst of the worst. I know only one human on earth who can pull off crazy glasses like that and the trend really should have stopped with her. 

even with the giant scarf, the outfit is ruined by the glasses

K: The Mary-Kate Olson/Mischa Barton headband, lamé leggings, HAREM PANTS (ew! what?), and people with the wrong body type wearing really tight skinny jeans, i.e. girls that are too short and stocky (they look like little turtles) or boys with skinny chicken legs (they look like they would lose in a fight with the weakest person on Earth).

#5. Who or what is a fashion inspiration to you?

EL: This has remained the same for many years: Tank Girl and Audrey Hepburn. Tank Girl (though a comic book character) is the perfect example of just not giving a shit and still looking amazing. Also, she was an early trend-setter with all her crazy layers. Audrey Hepburn because she was just given the gift of absolute high style, even though she would have looked pretty and chic in a potato sack. She wore clothes that were both elegant and accessible. Even in her older years she was high fashion.

K: I always loved Diane Keaton's characters in Manhattan and Annie Hall--timeless and forever casual yet sexy in button down shirts, scarves, jeans, and high-heeled boots. Maybe I just like the 70's. As for celebs, I like Kate Hudson's style a lot. I like women who can consistently keep it ultra-classy while being a little bit of a free spirit. 

Kate in In-Style magazine.

Remember to watch out for our March fashion interview where we will ask these same five questions to a special Denver local in hopes of figuring out how fashionable people make it happen in the queen city of the plains.

Cheers!