Spring 2015: On the Fringe

After a winter filled with debilitating blizzards, slick roads and slushy aftermath, there is light at the end of the tunnel. With spring just around the corner, scheming an outfit that consists of more than an oversized sweater, pair of jeans and clunky snow boots won't be easy. For instant outfit inspiration, take a look at the Trendologist's picks for top spring 2015 trends.

Over the past few decades, fringe has garnered a nasty reputation.  With devotees such as the Brady Bunch (satirical family included), Cher and Dolly Parton, the tasseled frippery veers more kitschy than sleek. This spring; however, designers across the board revamped the embellishment to win over the hearts of even the most skeptical style savants. At Céline, Phoebe Philo made fringe minimalist-approved by subtly adding the loud touch to simple knit tank dresses. The result? A low risk, low effort way to amp your wardrobe game. At the opposite end of the spectrum lies the array of multicolored, leather fringe skirts by Sonia Rykiel. Paired with slouchy, borrowed from the boys sweaters, this alternative offers a cool girl vibe. Looking to integrate the theatrics of this fad with the runway's bohemian revival, Isabel Marant's  fringed dress with a rope-bound waist perfectly blends the two. While Marant tapped into this trend's softer side, boy-wonder design duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez opted for a sharp, geometric take at Proenza Schouler. Two toned strings, which hung from an intricately woven skirt, were matched with cut-out sweatshirts. But for those who are searching for an unapologetically girly way to wear this phenomenon, take a page from Giambattista Valli's lookbook and invest in a minidress that packs on the movement. From modern, to earthy, to unashamed feminine, there is no excuse not to give this trend a try.

Céline Look 4

Sonia Rykiel Look 19

Isabel Marant Look 31

Proenza Schouler Look 38

Giambattista Valli Look 14

1. Sea 2.Tamara Mellon 3. Zara 4. Rebecca Minkoff 5. J.Crew 6. Isabel Marant 7. Oscar de la Renta

When it comes to fringe, there's a fine line between being at the vanguard of spring fashion and channeling Thoroughly Modern Millie. Release your ensemble of any flapper undertones by opting for tassels in neutrals, or deep gem tones if you're looking to push the envelope. Whether you're  searching for a skirt or jacket, step away from the polyester to prevent your ensemble from appearing costumey and elect a more luxurious textile such as leather or suede.  As always, if you're not ready to take the style plunge, accessories continue to be an excellent launch point. A simple fringed sandal rejiggers an otherwise tame outfit while a tasseled earring will be utterly sophisticated with an evening gown.

Will you be exploring fringe benefits this spring? Sound off below.

Runway photos courtesy of Style.com

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Biggest Mess Award.

Yesterday, I was laughing uncontrollably with my mom because, after calling for me a plethora of times, I finally responded to something that was not my name: Kesha. I find it so funny because I am nothing like the unworthy popstar. I'm sorry if anyone who reads this is obsessed with Kesha...but she's the biggest mess currently on the planet. Brushing your teeth with a bottle of Jack? You have a problem. But then I was thinking about her outfits and I can't express my hatred. Of course, I will try in this blog post. Way back at the 2010 Grammy Awards, she looked like a drunken Native American in that disgusting fringe dress (and I usually like fringe). There are some fashion forward elements that she incorporates into her outfits- fur, fringe, and sparkles- but she wears them wrong, even though fashion doesn't have a rule book set in stone. So if there are in fact no rules, how can she mess it up so badly? Consequently, Kesha, you proudly win the biggest mess award. I almost feel like she's a Gaga wannabe, which is almost shameful. She wears skeevy zebra unitards (please look above...if you dare), but it just looks so bad. Gaga can do it right because, as unique as she is, she is not messy. Also, she exudes confidence. Kesha exudes a bad hangover...THAT WILL NEVER EVER EVER EVER END. It's not even mess, it's more like dirt and grime. It's gross. And she's even carrying her OWN disco-stick around?!? TOO MUCH, KESHA. Although fashion essentially has no rules,I think there are two things that's just common sense: confidence and cleanliness.Keep those two in mind, when you wake up feeling like P.Diddy, and maybe you'll get it right one day.

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Superman 'Dat....oooh?

Leighton Meester at the Date Night premiere in New York City. Thoughts? First of all, I didn't know that Meester was in Date Night, but evidently she plays the babysitter of Fey's and Carell's fictional family. And now the outfit. After many research attempts, I have no idea who created this dress. Like many critics, I like the outfit...just not the cape. I think that Meester matched the gladiator inspired heels and geometric print very well: it's almost like a past and future meet and have a nice dinner. The sporadic specks of green spice it up a bit...but the cape spices it up too much! As a fringe fan, I tried to love the fringe, I really did. But I just couldn't: the fringe contorts Meester's frame. You know what would've been kind of cool? Instead of a fringed cape, the skirt of the dress was fringed! I do admire Leighton Meester, though: she takes good risks and is rarely boring! I'm never a big fan of Leighton's make-up. To me, her face either looks overdone or underdone. But, I'm no beauty blogger. So Leighton, nice concept, but lose the cape!

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