Spring 2014 Trend: Slits of Skin

After months of being hidden in loads of layers, it's finally time to show some skin. The sun is out and it's about time we soak up some Vitamin D. Lucky for us, the industry's leading designers have allowed spring to be one revealing season. And equally lucky for us, we don't have to have the perfect abs to flaunt the latest trend. Though Barbara Bui took the ab fab fad to the extreme with thin bandeaus, the minds behind Salvatore Ferragamo layered their cropped top underneath some semi-sheer shirts. Gaia Trussardi gave this phenomenon a 90's twist with baggy leather pants navel-baring tops. But don't worry trendsetters, you can highlight your cleavage, as seen in Proenza Schouler's spring collection, or prove that your hips don't lie in one of Alexander Wang's slashed tops. And let's not forget Joseph Altuzarra's array of sexy slit skirts. Translation? You can have your cake and eat it too.

Barbara Bui, Look 10

Salvatore Ferragamo,  Look 11

Trussardi, Look 31

Proenza Schouler, Look 19

Alexander Wang, Look 14

Altuzarra, Look 3

Whether you're highlighting your cleavage, showing off your abs, or letting your legs take center stage, you must feel comfortable when rocking this trend. An exposed ensemble sans confidence is a major faux pas. In order to wear this trend on a day to day basis, it's important to not show too much skin. Leaving something to the imagination never goes out of style. If you're wearing a cropped top, try pairing it with a high-waisted trouser. Showing some leg? Complement your sexy skirt with a cozy sweater. But just because you are subduing the rest of your outfit doesn't mean you should hold back on your makeup and accessories. Paint that fire engine red lacquer on your pout and sport those strappy sandals, if your outfit permits.

Diane Von Furstenberg chiffon dress / The Row white sweater / T By Alexander Wang raglan shirt, $260 / Lace top, $66 / Altuzarra white skirt / Lanvin black pants

What do you think of this trend? Sound off  below! 

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Spring 2014 Trend: The Reinvented Button Down

Blouses, button-downs, oxford shirts: whatever you call them, it's no secret that this wardrobe staple is noting new. In fact, everyone wears them: teachers, lawyers, off-duty models, you name it. So why is this passé top suddenly a coveted trend this spring? The industry's leading visionaries have changed the way we see this shirt. While Raf Simons morphed the button-down into sporty shirt dresses, Alexander Wang produced a skin-baring variation at his eponymous runway show. Alternatively, other designers revitalized this classic with some offbeat styling tactics. Joseph Altuzarra gave his take a saucy twist with an unbuttoned shirt and high-slit skirt and Olivier Rousteing matched his oxford with a gutsy pair of overalls. And when all else fails, designers turned to ladylike embellishments a la No.21's Alessandra Dell'Acqua did. I know what you're thinking: time to give your trusty oxford shirt a second look.

No. 21, Look 11

Christian Dior, Look 11

Altuzarra, Look 22

Alexander Wang, Look 12

Balmain, Look 29

The best part about this trend is that you don't have to invest in entirely new pieces. With a few quirky style techniques, you can add your everyday button down into a sartorially superior ensemble. Whether you want to pair this piece with a tomboyish pair of overalls or a sultry skirt, the key is juxtapose this traditional top with unconventional pieces. For an ultra laid back look, style your top with a pair of slouchy pants or a sporty pleated skirt.  As for the overall look, it's entirely up to you! Slick your hair back, add a red lip, or throw on the accessories--this look is ultra versatile. But if you're dying to purchase a shirt dress or one of Alexander Wang's jumpsuits, now is a better time than any! These refreshing pieces are an effortless outfit: you only need a to add few accessories. The choice is yours!

Equipment silk dress / Richard Nicoll long sleeve shirt dress / Halston Heritage dress / Gap shirt dress / STELLA McCARTNEY white top / Alexander Wang cotton jumpsuit / Lucas Nascimento navy skirt / Current Elliott denim jumpsuit / Helmut by Helmut Lang black romper

What do you think about this trend? Sound off below! 

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Your Inner Fashion Animal

For the past few weeks, I have been completely infatuated with Tom Selby and "The Selby". I think his pictures are honest, authentic, and a wee bit quirky. He's taken pictures of FABULOUS people like Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Louboutin. But my absolute favorite thing of Selby, at this moment of time, is his "Animals in Fashion" illustrations. They trigger imagination, are very cute, and quite fabulous. These illustrations, drawn by Tom himself, incorporate a plethora of designers' names and their designs: Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler, Giles, Viktor & Rolf, and a several more. My personal favorites are the Vuitton-ed Woolly Mammoth (pictured and currently my background, NBD) and the D&G hedge-hog. And who says fashion isn't a jungle?

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