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thread-retro
glamour-wove its way onto virtually every runway. As the weather
heats up, bask in a season of almost anything goes, including
these top-10 trends: cheetah at the top of the food chain,
while lizard has assumed secondary status as the new zebra.
Prada's croco-embossed mini-suitcase, Manolo Blahnik's alligator
slides, and Coach's Carlyle alligator-strap watch slither
splendidly, but Urban Outfitters' faux-croc doctor's bag and
Banana Republic's croco-embossed belt are superb subspecies.
Wild Things
Animal instincts have long ruled the urban jungle, and this
summer is no exception, with slick-skinned, exotic creatures
finding haute habitats on shoes, bags, and belts. Crocodile
and alligator have dethroned leopard and cheetah at the top
of the food chain, while lizard has assumed secondary status
as the new zebra. Prada's croco-embossed mini-suitcase, Manolo
Blahnik's alligator slides, and Coach's Carlyle alligator-strap
watch slither splendidly, but Urban Outfitters' faux-croc
doctor's bag and Banana Republic's croco-embossed belt are
superb subspecies.
Go
Gatsby
Sporty and sophisticated styles were just This Side of
Paradise on the spring runways. Designers on both sides
of the Atlantic paid tribute to the Jazz Age's relaxed elegance:
Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, and Imitation of Christ epitomized
American casual chic; Burberry, Alberta Ferretti, and Marni
delivered a dose of Euro sport. Ralph Lauren's madras blazer,
YSL Rive Gauche's bias-cut jersey gown, and BCBG Maxazria's
frothy chiffon dresses are ideal for a season of polo and
parties. In the stores, look for languid lines, handkerchief
hemlines, floral prints, and petit-fours hues. Think Scott
and Zelda (without the issues).
Rock
Stars
Rock may be dead-or at least in remission-but those other
venerable rocks, diamonds, still provide supreme sparkle.
Baubles by Tiffany, Cartier, and Harry Winston never lose
their luster, but for a bit of bling without too much ka-ching,
their rhinestone and crystal cousins now adorn everything
from shoes to swimwear. You'll covet Alexander McQueen's diamanté-draped
pumps and Dior's crystal-encrusted Lucite jewelry line; Steve
Madden's nymph stilettos sparkle at a virtual steal.
Destroyed
Denim
Ever since the economy took a nosedive, denim has been moving
back to the future-away from its embellished incarnations
and toward a grungier, early-'90s, almost antifashion aesthetic.
Sandblasting, studs, and stones are things of the past, replaced
by damage, deconstruction, and dirty patinas-a trend that's
likely to continue until the next boom cycle. Dolce &
Gabbana's ripped jeans, Levi's well-worn classics, and washed
denim by Earl Jeans and Seven for All Mankind are some of
the season's best bets. Pair them with blazers, vintage tees,
and lingerie-inspired tops.
Gold
Rush
Skin cancer and wrinkles have rendered tanning as obsolete
as Ephedra. However, you can achieve a guilt-free summer glow
with a range of shimmering gilt accessories, from Ritz to
kitsch, Versace to Vegas. Look for a sun-kissed, 24-karat
sheen on shoes, clutches, and swimwear. Versace's backless
maillot, Fendi's clutches, and Gucci's python sandals set
the gold standard; sandals by Carlos Santana offer the Midas
touch at a fraction of the cost.
White
Heat
After a winter that saw Britney's impulsive nuptials followed
by the national controversy over gay marriage, it's no surprise
that wedding white is on everyone's mind. But the latest whites
have nothing to do with tulle, virginity, or stale sugared
almonds; instead, they provide a clean, contemporary scheme
for some of the summer's sexiest looks. Look for crisply tailored
lines in cool fabrics and accessories in revived materials,
such as patent leather. Although Louis Vuitton's Fabuleux
bag is perhaps the most lustworthy, Rafe's patent shoulder
bag and motocross jackets by Hugo Boss and Andrew Marc certainly
don't pale in comparison.
Fit
to Print
In the fashion lexicon, WMD has its own acronymic meaning
for summer prints: whimsical, Mod, and dotted. The season's
hottest pattern combines last year's polka craze with a game
of Twister for a Technicolor, dot-candy matrix on sandals
and swimwear. Elsewhere, Nouveau and hibiscus patterns are
trendier than ever, as are stripes that veer slightly off
the straight and narrow. You'll crave Marc Jacobs's Roxy sandals,
Hermès's blue-and-red-striped heavy silk tie, Jimmy
Choo's satin slingbacks, and Diane von Furstenburg chiffon
shifts. But you can get the look for less with Tommy Hilfiger's
chevron-patterned tie and academy shirts, Dr. Scholl's hipster
sandals, and bikinis by Bebe, Old Navy, and XOXO.
Roman
Holiday
Whether your summer getaway takes you to Capri or Sardinia,
or simply for a jaunt on the Hampton Jitney, you'll travel
in style in latest Mediterranean-inspired looks. The greatest
escapes come in the form of vibrant prints and island-hopping
ensembles from Armani, Pucci, Chloé, and Oscar de la
Renta. But you can enjoy a chic excursion, with some cash
to spare, in an Ibiza-invoking batik bikini by Victoria's
Secret or in Nine West's Sisi scarf-tied sandals.
Sugar
High
Low-carb converts may be swearing off sugar in droves, but
confectionery colors sweetened the styles on virtually every
spring runway. The most exuberant shades brightened Michael
Kors's and Moschino's collections, while Chanel's quilted
chain bag got a candy-pink coating. To taste the rainbow without
breaking the bank, try classic piqué polo shirts by
Lacoste, Via Spiga's Scrutiny sandals, and bubble-gum-inspired,
chevroned tops by Guess.
Sporty
Chic
The latest adaptations of activewear could inspire even the
most entrenched couch potato to hightail it to the gym. This
spring, surfer style took center stage at Anna Sui, while
speed-racing ruled at Gucci and Betsey Johnson. Look for brightly
colored board shorts, flats and flip-flops, and racing stripes
on dresses, pants, and jackets. Prada Sport's striped tracksuit
and Narciso Rodriguez's linen-canvas dress are all-stars;
runners up include American Eagle Outfitters' surf shorts
and Puma's two-tone velour jacket.
OVER AND OUT
Blame it on Paris, X-tina, or their pop-tart minions, but
the following trends are as played out as reality TV and celebrity-sex
videos.
< Trucker hats (especially
Von Dutch)
< Newsboy caps
< '70s-style sweat
bands
< Murakami bags
< Gratuitous ruching
< Butt-logoed pants
(à la Punk Royal, Juicy Couture)
< Satin cargoes
< Ribbon-tied shoes
< Tims, wresting, and
sneaker heels
< Uggs
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