Winter may just be getting started but Fashion Spring is just around the corner. One of Miami Olivia’s favorite Fashion Trends for Spring starts with COLOR-Blocking! Spring always rocks color but this year designers have spiced things up a bit with patterned color blocking. Shirts and blouses have rich paisley prints in large blocks paired with swishy loose pants and bohemian maxi skirts. Patterns and graphics have crept into the Color Blocking Spring scene as bold and brash as any lush and lusty gypsy camp. Even shoes and handbags in not-so-subtle color blocking are making a statement as must have accessories.

   

So how does one put this look together like the rich and fabulous? Start with one piece that you love, like the multi-tiered maxi skirt of outrageous paisleys. Pair with a long, loose, printed color-blocked collared shirt that has at least one of the major colors of the skirt. Leave the last bottom buttons loose and tie the shirt at the waist. Remember accessories pull a trend and look together so for added statement, add coin necklace, hoop earrings and ankle lace up sandals. Another way to wear this trend is to wear a silk contrast color shirt with a graphic color-blocked top and pants for an all-over color statement. Add color-blocked neon sandal or handbag to complete the fantastic look. If all you want is a tease of the trend, tie a wide long paisley scarf as a swashbuckling statement at your hips and leave the ends flowing loose. Many designers went with the traditional color-blocked look and an oversized one button color–blocked jacket paired with a floral color-blocked top and single color pant brings this trend to the top of the fashion chain. Watch for more about color this Spring at MiamiOlivia.com .

   

Now when you think of exotic…what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Animal skin. The real thing requires a lot of care and upkeep. So if you’re like me and don’t want the pressure, opt for a mock croc handbag. You get the look and feel of animal print, but minus the hefty price tag and maintenance. Animal skin looking handbags add flair to your outfit. It kicks whatever you’re wearing up a notch because it adds texture and sheen. It works best if you’re not wearing something glittery, sequined, or shiny. You don’t want too many textures and shines competing with your arm candy. But it does work well with leather, so you don’t have to hang that back up. Olivia + Joy has a fabulous “Big Spender” handbag that is in the shape of a doctor’s bag that adds glamour. KDNY designed two great mock croc handbags in a crossbody and satchel to fit your style in two neutral colors. Nude and dark gray are wardrobe palette staples. Prefer a tote? STEVEN has you faux croc covered with the gray tote bag.

Just not feeling extra exotic? No problem. Pick a leather handbag in a nice bold color with eye-catching hardware.  Cynthia Rowley “Helena” clutch gives you a hot red leather clutch that’s also perfect for the nightlife, and is embellished with gold hardware to get the question, ‘where did you get that bag?’ Don’t tame the handbag beast, feed it a piece of exotic arm candy.

Pucci, Gucci, Ferragamo.  As the names roll off of the tongue they conjure up images of effortless chic and high quality, down to the very smallest detail. Those small details are best shown off in handbags-- luxurious leathers, substantial hardware, timeless styling. A quality handbag will stand the test of time and, unlike a dress or a blazer, you can use it just about every day.

Clutches go easily from day to night-- and contain all of your essentials-- keys, lipstick, wallet and phone.  The croc and detailing on Gucci's Spring 2012 clutches are just perfect: Neutral but not boring.

 

Need to carry more than just the bare essentials? A refined hobo bag, like those found in Gucci's Spring 2012 collection just might be what you need. The deep blues, chain strap, and subtle brushed gold details keep things stylish, yet refined.  Blue might not be the obvious choice, but it can be just as versatile as black or cognac and makes a much bigger statement.

 

Want a boost of color? Look no further than Ferragamo's Spring collection-- not a black or grey bag to be found! If you don't want to pair a bright bag with even brighter clothing, the POP of color the handbags provide would look amazing with any neutral. 

Pucci has saturated colors and their signature prints available.  Need a bag that can carry enough for the day at the beach but look great with a sundress? 

 
- Jodi Furman
@LiveFabuLESS