Printed from the Urban Tulsa Weekly website: http://www.urbantulsa.com

POSTED ON MAY 2, 2007:

Passion for Fashion

This season, dress for excessThe theme? Girly and pretty, with a hint of flirty romance.

By Christy Campbell



Styles this season are flouncy and a lot more relaxed, like the dresses seen here in the window of Azur Couture on the Jenks RiverWalk.
Christy Campbell

The 6am alarm rages again. Nevermind that I hit snooze three times before rising with the sun. Yes, I said sun, and it comes complemented with happy, chirpy birds and a light breeze that swings from newly decorated leafy green trees. Finally, the ugly dead leftovers of the latest, dreadful winter are blowing out of town as quickly and exciting as spring arrives.

As we all know, change in climate brings change in clothes. So now all you have to do is figure out how to tie your style in with the beautiful scenery blossoming outside your windows.

Like every year in Oklahoma, spring brings bright fresh colors and lightweight clothes with fewer layers. So what is this year's secret ingredient in a recipe as constant as April tulips?

Like I said last week, you already know the most important thing to wear is your personality. But before you run out the door in nothing but a smile, let me give you a few tangible tips in assembling your spring attire.

This year's biggest trend is dresses, dresses and more dresses. The theme? Girly and pretty, with a hint of flirty romance. If you're not a girly girl, don't worry, there are ways to incorporate spring trends without looking like a cream puff.

Simply slipping into a floral, girly piece as opposed to an all-over flower power montage will add a mixture of sugar and spice. Pretty print pieces like a sweet blouse or a deceivingly innocent underpinning can create a sexy touch without being over the top.

In choosing your style, you must know that tight dresses and skirts are out (sorry guys), and short and floaty is in. A relaxed, lightweight piece with a laid-back attitude sounds so much more appealing than a squeezed-in, uncomfortable number. I suppose the pros finally figured out that beauty doesn't always have to be pain.

Another hit for the season is the 1940s-inspired loose-shape dress. This style tends to be fuller and drapier. Expanding on this fit is the all over slouchy dress. Keeping the length and sleeves short makes this vintage mock-up more slimming.

The traditional babydoll dress is most definitely still holding strong this season. Don't be fooled by its name -- this grown up, innocent and sweet style creates a very sexy image. The babydoll dress will ultimately fit tighter at the bust, accentuating the chest and cinching in at the smallest part of the high waist, creating the illusion of a smaller midsection. It is flattered with a full skirt to create or conceal desired curves.

Oh, how the feeling of happiness that spring already inspires has just flourished with knowledge of these forgiving fads. With so many different dress styles to compliment every frame, you are sure to find your perfect fit.

A great alternative to the dress that still allows for freedom and comfort is this year's style must-have, the tulip skirt. The tulip skirt is seemingly more high-waisted, exaggerated around the hips, and narrow at the knees. The best way to wear this skirt is either with a flattering bell-shaped top or a soft blouse tucked in at the waist.

Even though both pieces hold a bit of volume, by showing some skin and keeping the skirt short, they create a curvy, sexy, sophisticated posture. Another way to wear this nature-inspired skirt design is by adding a boxy-cropped jacket with a simple sleek under shirt tucked in.

If skirts and dresses are not your thing, simply add slim, tight-fitting pants or tights under any of these dress styles and you're in mode without giving up your grace.

Trench coats and open flyaway jackets made with light, non-bulky fabrics are also in for spring. The style is slightly A-lined, with exaggerated bell sleeves. Adding one of these jackets to any old outfit can update your whole wardrobe at a small price.

You can also relish in a '60s-inspired button-down swing top. This shirt has a broad swoop neck, slightly v-cut, and tightens at the waist with an A-line flair to the hips.

Pair it with a simple slim jean and a thin belt for an extra chic look.

Steppin' Out

Outside of fun new styles and colors, the best part of spring fashion is that we get to break out all our favorite shoes! Polish up your toes, ladies, it's time for strappy sandals, wedges, and peek-a-boo heels.

When picking out your shoes, select fun, bold colors to dress up or accentuate all the new stylish outfits you will be putting together. Make sure the height of the heel is suitable for you; there is nothing worse than an adorable pair of shoes that decorate your closet but never your feet! If heels are simply out of the question, you're in luck; ballet slippers and flats are still a hit this spring.

Now throw on your bold, colorful bracelets, earrings, and belts. Don't forget fun, print headbands or an oversized flower tucked behind your ear.

Also be sure to pick up new spring shades. Popular this season are the large frame Audrey Hepburn styles that ooze old Hollywood glamour or a vintage wire frame a la 1970s Andy Warhol pop-culture artist look.

Tie in all accent colors with clutch purses and oversized handbags. The spring thing of purses in '07 is patent leather in daring vibrant shades, brash metallic, and emanate white.

Now you're complete and as picturesque as nature's most stunning and delicate flowers. Bring life to your step and bounce to your skirt and stroll like a supermodel straight from a Cosmo photo shoot and watch the world gaze at your beauty.

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