Looking into a (Swarovski) Crystal Ball - More Spring 2011 Trends

Although my expertise lies more in the makeup department, since that is what I officially trained in and have built much of my career on, I also have a background in fashion and accessories. My first forays into this wonderful world were at boutiques located on a street that was once considered to be the cutting edge strip of fashion. These days, it resembles more of an outdoor mall, but in its heyday it was the place you wanted to be if you were young and - dare I say it - 'hip'.

Anyway, that brief history lesson notwithstanding, my point is that in addition to lipstick and eye shadows, I also like to keep an eye on what's new and exciting on the way in fashion accessories. The two often go hand in hand.

Looking ahead to spring, I've compiled a wee list of what we have to look forward to.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011

1. Hats
Ohh, how I love a good hat. It is the kind of accessory that not only protects one from the elements, but also speaks volumes about that person's individual sense of style. Rarely is fashion ever that functional. It appeared that fashion was in agreement. Perhaps it was a subtle nod to the Seventies-style looks they were paired with or some subliminal acknowledgment of the thinning of the ozone layer, but hats were all over the spring runways in a variety of styles and sizes - the most popular of these being ones with a wider brim or a veil. 

Rodarte Spring 2011

 
2. Hair Barrettes
No longer reserved for those still in kindergarten, apparently hair barrettes are the new hair band. Do we have Blair Waldorf (hello? Gossip Girl!) to thank for that as well? Or maybe it's because we've all growing out that pixie cut left over from last summer and have run out of styling options. Whatever the reason might be, it looks like it's time to start trolling the schoolyards and seeing how the barrette pros do it. And it would seem that almost anything goes. You could go with an oversized floral clip to secure that artfully messy roll you spent all morning creating, some whimsical Victorian-looking pins for a vintage ladylike look, or proudly declare your predilection for punk rock with some tiny silver skull and crossbones.




3. Statement jewelry

Chanel Spring 2011

When it comes to jewelry, it is often a matter of personal taste. And while the past few seasons have been dominated by monster sized neckpieces, this spring has seen that particular trend move slightly north with the onslaught of some massive earrings marching down the runways. Color, as mentioned in my previous post about makeup, will continue to hold sway in the accessory department. Tassles and stones will also be key. But one thing to remember is that it's very easy to get excited and overdo it. I think it was Coco Chanel who said it best when she said that when a woman is dressing in the morning, it is always wise to check the mirror and take one thing off before leaving the house.

Somehow I don't think she was talking about underwear.