Recap: The Spring 2013 Trends You Should be Wearing Now

Spring 2013 Cropped Top Trend: Alexander Wang// Louis Vuitton// Balmain

1. Cropped Tops
You probably have already seen a majority of celebrities wearing their cropped tops in various events, such as Selena Gomez and Katy Perry showing off their structured figures. Overall, it may not be a trend fitted for everyone - very popular though - when it comes time to revealing abdominal skin. One thing I know is most probably don't give a damn. Enjoy at your convenience. That's all. 

Alexander Wang made his white cropped top very playful and provocative at the same time, whilst Louis Vuitton's check mate and Balmain's denim top were quite different. I'd say Wang's top is worth the investment.

Spring 2013 Ruffles Trend: Gucci// Balenciaga// Givenchy

2. Ruffles
Ruffles this season should declare femininity; no drama. More than just sensual femininity, make them the protagonist of what you decide to wear. Just as a luxurious skirt, make those ruffles be worth millions. To achieve this goal, several trial and errors should occur to get the perfect one fit for a queen.

Gucci's spring collection was all about the ruffles - sophisticated and luxuriously effortless. Nicholas Ghesquiere's last collection for Balenciaga was a ruffled party. I have yet to see someone ordinary wearing this beautiful skirt above. Givenchy's inspired catholic roots added a soothing feel to its ruffles.

Spring 2013 Suit Trends: Christian Dior// Saint Laurent// Stella McCartney

3. Le Smoking
Dior and Saint Laurent's Spring collection have revolutionized the market of women's suits. Now women are looking more towards a suit as their secret weapon. Whether you decide to go fitted, classical, or relaxed - as long as you can work that smoking, you'll be the trendiest people of all. If you decide to wear nothing but the suit, make that thing work.

Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent showed one of the best luscious fitting jackets that only the house of YSL was once a legend of. Dior's creative director, Raf Simons' interpreted the feminine suits that were tailored impeccably, just as Mr. Christian Dior had once done when running his brand. Stella McCartney opted to present a slouchier version of the iconic smokings, giving it a more athletic and street style look.

Spring 2013 Stripes Trend: Marc Jacobs// Dolce & Gabbana// Rachel Zoe

4. Stripes
I've lost the count of how many celebrities and streetstyle photographers have been shot in this trend. If you have seen it more than twenty times in different people, then it probably is something you should incorporate somewhere in your outfit to join the gang. Creativity and uniqueness is what counts in case you are not one of those who like to copy. Don't make those stripes boring. Make them scream.

Marc Jacobs certainly knew how to attract someone with stripes. Dolce & Gabbana sicilian traditional collection had a lovely statements to those vibrant, colorful stripes, whilst Rachel Zoe gave some statement to her pants.

Spring 2013 Shorts Trend: DKNY// Alexander Wang// Nicole Miller

5. Bermuda Shorts
More designers are feeling the sense to design menswear inspiration in women's collection. These shorts should definitely be worn with precaution in my opinion. Not blending in the right feminine elements will make you seem as a boy as I've seen in several around my neighborhood. Here is where creativity severely counts for many. Make them tough, but keep that womanly touch.

DKNY and Alexander Wang offered that tomboy appeal without leaving the feminine attitude. Details are what matter the most to achieve the look. Nicole Miller's look was more chic and relatable to most.

Spring 2013 Gladiator Shoes Trend: Versace// Roberto Cavalli// Altuzarra

6. Gladiator Heels
Any type of gladiator inspired shoes should be on the top of your list. You probably have already seen this at many retail stores if you shop occasionally. Whether you go luxury or affordable, you'll find one that best fits your budget - I assure you that.

Versace's gladiator heels will probably be one of the most trending heels for partywear, or more than that. What I found interesting about Roberto Cavalli's white heels were that although the shoes may have seemed simple for some, the closer details are worth everything just like Altuzarra's high heels.

Spring 2013 Asian Influence Trend: Prada// Etro// Emilio Pucci

7. Asian Influence
Prints and construction have had a major impact this spring on Asian cultures. Whether you go kimono, print, or origami, there will be something out there for you to indulge in.

Prada's Asian origami construction was by far one of the best collections for many. It may be bizarre for some, but that's just what Prada is. You have to experiment with it before you judge it. Etro's kimono print added spice to the trend, while Peter Dundas of Emilio Pucci dragon print dress spoke for itself; no construction needed.

Spring 2013 Double-Slit Trend: Roberto Cavalli// Michael Kors// Fendi

8. Double Slits are What Matter
It's not just about one slit, but two slits. The higher the slit the more provocative it'll be. You decide how far you want your slits to go.

If I had to state who would take the crown as the best double-slit dresses, I'd say with no doubt Roberto Cavalli. Vibrant silk prints, lace details, and craftmanship appeared delicate itself - made only for a woman. Michael Kors' navy number and Fendi's chic leather dress could be one of the outfits you may catch soon in other street style blogs.

Spring 2013 Sheer Fabric Trend: Victoria Beckham// Alberta Ferretti// Valentino

9. Sheer Here and There
If you're not familiar with sheer then you should be now. Sheer is not only a breathable fabric, but transparent and somewhat kinky. All I can say is that it's up to you if you want to layer an undershirt underneath your top. You could also invest in great quality dresses that work on the parts that should be covered in public.

If anyone knows how to make a woman feel curvy and seductive, it would be Victoria Beckham. Once again, she delivered another outstanding collection many women will emulate. You don't need much sheer when your dress fits well and shows a little skin here and there. Alberta Ferretti gave another interpretation of pure sheer. Sheer cannot only be sexy, it can also be delicate layered. And if you were looking for the perfect sheer shirt, Valentino has one for you - crisp white and intimate.

Spring 2013 Digital Prints Trend: Prabal Gurung// Proenza Schouler// Mary Katrantzou

10. Digital Prints
Spring could not be anything without graphic prints. If anything, I find this a more related trend most women will be very pleased with. Don't want to make a statement with stripes....make it with these special prints.

Prabal Gurung may have been the creator of this graphical prints which look so vibrant and full of life. Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler gave a life of itself to this dress detailed in colored studs and silver grommets, whilst Mary Katrantzou may have just made the postal service's stamps suck. These are the type of stamps we'd want.

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Chanel Cruise 2014: Punk and Pearls

Chanel's Cruise 2014 collection had a little bit for everyone - punk and pearls.

Karl Lagerfeld presented this week Chanel's cruise 2014 collection in Singapore; what a trip. This is what most cruise shows are all about - creating a laid-back, and comfortable collection most clients can connect to for their summer vacation looks. When it comes to Chanel's show, such as this one, clothes may appear relaxed, but details are what execute a perfect cruise collection fit for a luxury customer. It is no doubt that Chanel is the best of the best in turning something simple into the most detailed and luxurious garment you've ever seen.

Chanel's Cruise 2014 wide-leg trousers were one of the best made trousers.

There were quite a variety of punk elements mixed into this collection - faux hawks, chokers, eyeliners, latex, leather gloves - that brought me a curiosity as if Mr. Lagerfeld still had some inspiration left from the recent Met Gala's Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibition. And while punk seemed to be the "it" accessories, pearls came in the way as well - almost bathed in them. Who would've though pearls and punk faux hawks would look so good? Chanel demonstrated just how hot pearls can get along with any personality so well it could become the next must have accessory for any woman.

Besides the semi punk theme look, Lagerfeld emphasized other aspects of its founder Coco Chanel some wouldn't think of. Modern interpretations of Chanel's wide-leg trousers - crisp white, cream, and denim - brought the rebellious side of Coco from the 20s paired with oversize t-shirts - created luxuriously well compared to your so thought gangster shirt. Tweed jackets were not surprisingly another main iconic piece, which were upgraded. All these elements made the plot of the sailor story more enjoyable.

Lace and knitwear were very pleasing at Chanel's Cruise 2014 collection.

What was surprising here, were Karl's lace numbers - fresh, young, and full of life. I never think of Chanel as a lace type of brand, but these were one good selection of treasures that are sure to sell out. It's crochet pieces were another to take a closer look at. One to have died for was the short knitted dress - in leather? colors - that could look good for your beachwear adventure. I hope this is the place to take it.

Overall, it is only Karl Lagerfeld who can make an 80 piece collection seem non-boring. In fact, you'd wish there were more pieces available together with the whole collection ready to be bought fresh out of the runway. He always manages to keep the flow of the brand with just a little twist here and there without hesitation. And we (I) love him for that.

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Let The Skirt Do The Talking

This Dolce & Gabbana crystal-embellished mini skirt can do all the talking you want it create. More than gossip, it speaks money.

Many of us are often out there on the hunt for the best deals in fashion, whether it be online or in stores. Some people can get desperate and rather purchase it at full retail price with the fear of not being able to get what they wanted in the future. The question is how much are we willing to wait to be the first to catch that amazing item we know we could have waited for a little bit more? 

I have always been a believer that what's meant to be yours will wait for your all season (or year) long no matter what. If those shoes you were dying to get were gone, chances are they weren't meant for you. Sorry, maybe you'll have luck with something else next time. 

Getting a real luxury designer item is like the stock market - you've got to choose right and risk it to look good. When I describe real luxury I am not referring to a $4,000 Gucci dress, but to those average types of garments (not dresses) that can be worth about half of your college tuition - for example, the original retail price of the $13,760 Dolce & Gabbana mini skirt above. It can be shocking just how much the value of a skirt can rise. I often ask myself, I know details are what drives the value of something so high, but are their really people out there who would do anything to purchase such a beautiful skirt which we know you'd probably wear it only once? Maybe the answer is yes, the richest people who don't have a problem with this type of prices.

Most retail have mega sales each season to stock up their next season orders. I had already seen the price of this particular skirt before, but when I came across the online retailer The Outnet, who offer great savings, I came across the skirt again. And guess what, it was on sale for 75% off. Even though the percent was cut off quite high, its price - $3,440 - could seem like a mega deal, or not, to those who like to collect treasures as I always like to say. 

One thing I would like to point out is that this specific skirt comes from Dolce & Gabbana's Spring 2012 collection. I was left with the curiosity to know how long had this item been online that it was drop severely in my opinion? Who would've thought you could steal get a deal after a year old collection? 

There was also recently this buzz going around about Dolce & Gabbana selling one of it's Fall 2013 collection dresses at $49,000. It had been stated they would sell six of them to the online luxury retailer Net-a-Porter, who are very confident all of dresses will sell out, meaning that hopefully there won't be any sale as the iconic skirt. We'll have to wait and see if confidence beats the price. 

Oh, and if your planning to get the skirt, don't overdress it, just let the skirt do the talking. You know it will. 

Would you purchase the skirt at it's sale price knowing what the price of the skirt was originally?

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Met Gala 2013 Red Carpet: The Couture Punks

Ken Downing of Neiman Marcus (left) and Linda Fargo of Bergdorf Goodman (right) at the Met Gala 2013 event //
Nicole Richie in custom Topshop at Met Gala 2013 red carpet event

Many of you may already know the Met Gala is one of the biggest events of the year concerning what fashion is all about. This year's theme exhibition was all about punk. Punk: Chaos to Couture is a celebration of the decades in the fashion world. 

To celebrate the opening of this year's Met Gala 2013 exhibition, a vast majority of celebrities, editors, and designers gathered to join the inauguration of this year's theme. The red carpet is probably one of the most important piece of entertainment for many critics. We all want to know what designer a celebrity is wearing. And not only do we want to know who are they wearing, we also want to criticize how ugly they look in that dress. Come on now, it's Punk, of course it has to be over the top.

There have been several sites that have criticized the best and worst dressed of the night. I am against someone telling who was the best and worst dressed for this type of events. The Met Gala should be all about fun, and this is the only time where any celebrity should feel free to do some drama. Some seemed that they didn't get the memo, and looked as if they were going to the Oscars event. Being the theme that it was this year, punk, there were many things you could've worked with. People don't like it.........pick a finger. 

Here are some of my favorites of the night. Some may not have been all punk, but they still looked beautiful for this event. Just this event.

Anne Hathaway in Valentino with Valentino Garavani // Jennifer Lopez in Michael Kors with Michael Kors

The Tiger and the Giraffe Print: Anne Hathaway looked unrecognizable bleached out, while Jennifer Lopez was giving it some attitude with that hair. Both looked gorgeous for the occasion accompanied with their fellow designers.

Katy Perry in Dolce & Gabbana at Met Gala 2013 //
Rooney Mara in Givenchy at Met Gala 2013 //
Rosie-Huntington Whiteley in Gucci at Met Gala 2013

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior at Met Gala 2013 //
Sarah Jessica Parker in custom Giles at Met Gala 2013

Gisele Bundchen in Anthony Vaccarrello at Met Gala 2013 //
Madonna in Givenchy at Met Gala 2013

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The Camouflage Trend Valentino Began

From top to bottom: Valentino camouflage leather slip-on sneakers ($720) // Valentino suede studded sneakers ($795)

Many menswear designers have brought back the military trend on the map, but more than design, it is a specific print that has made a huge hit this spring for men�s fashion�����the camouflage print. And one brand in particular that has made this print the must have of the season is the fashion powerhouse, Valentino. 

I would be shocked if records would show that Valentino's spring 2013 collection has not done well in its accessories unit, because I�ve lost the count of how many times I�ve seen the studded colored heels or camouflage sneakers on various streetstyle blog. They�ve become a big sensation in the fashion world for every fashion freak. Basically, if you don�t have any of these pairs already then you must���.I don�t know.

A big trend I�ve seen specifically with these men�s Valentino sneakers has been with suits. There is something about these sneakers that makes them unique. It may be because of the colored suede and mesh details, and the studs at the back, which upgrade them from your average pair of Nike sneakers? The sole fact here is if you�re willing to pay around $795 for a simple pair of sneakers? I find them trending, but with the price retail I may have to consider it, as for I�m not much of a sneaker fan after all. 

What do you think about these sneakers?

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If Only My Teacher Were This Fashionable

Teacher at the gym in Alexander Wang Spring 2013

From time to time, I always like to take a look at some of the new editorials that various international magazines tell about in their monthly issues. When you stare at each page of an editorial for more than ten minutes and imagine yourself in that story, then you know the magazine did an excellent job.

Elle Mexico's (yes!) April issue came up with a steamy story titled, Hey, teacher, leave those kids alone, that portrays a very luxurious teacher who apparently doesn't follow dress code rules. If you look at the pictures, the model (teacher) does an excellent job being the center of attraction. Each piece is a beauty that can only be a dream for most people. 

If you're really into fashion, you have to agree you would drool over your favorite teacher if she ever dressed this way. I know I would stop by every day and talk to her just to see who is she wearing. Wouldn't you?

Teacher in Burberry Spring 2013

Teacher in Fendi Spring 2013

Teacher in Bottega Veneta Spring 2013

Now, if you know of any teacher who really dresses in this high-end designer dresses in real life, I'd like to see. It doesn't hurt to wear one designer piece a month, but each and every day of the week? I'd be very suspicious about that. How in the heck can she afford to look so good and luxurious with such check? I'd love to know the secret.

Teacher at the hallway in Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2013

Teacher at the band classroom in Prada Spring 2013

Teacher at the playground in Chanel Spring 2013

I have to say the most memorable one has to be the teacher in Prada. Prada did such a beautiful collection this season that was so breathtaking. There were some that said the clothes were ugly on the runway, but when they saw them styled differently, they fell in love with it. Only Miuccia Prada can play with our minds.

Which one of these photos is your favorite of all? Do you see any teacher of yours wearing this?

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