Spring Style Blooms!
By Leah J Chutko

Discover Spring Fashion at Mainstream!

Spring has sprung and with it comes the harmony of a fashion symphony. Colours are reminiscent of the babbling brook and the brightly shining sun. Patterns are vibrant botanicals and watercolour paintings. Fabrics are as light as the wind or as rich as a culture. Now is the time to leave the winter blues behind and find yourself ready and willing to be seduced by spring.

Pretty in Print

Where fall 2007 focused on classic shapes and colours, spring 2008 is alive with budding florals and ARTiculate prints. From tanks to dresses, florals in pretty fabrics make a fresh statement. Sweet tiny buds and bold geometric gardens are springing up everywhere. The wilder side of the season is to be seen in African prints and tribal patterns. But anything goes: dots, checks, splashes and stripes all prove to be exciting additions to spring’s fashion lineup. You’ll see these fresh prints in Sue Wong’s stunning evening gowns, Alberto Makali’s fun tops and jackets and in Cappopera, a new line at Mainstream that you’ll simply fall for!

Little Boy Blue

Denim never goes out of style! Jeans are still classically styled with subtle touches for spring, like David Kahn’s clean lines with fantastic top-stitch detailing. Dark washes – almost navy – look great in the versatile trouser leg jean. But as May turns to June, denim still steals the show: belted jackets, babydoll dresses, shorts, vests, skirts and blazers keep denim strong all summer long. The rugged fabric looks crisp and clean with white, laid back with neutrals and contrasts superbly with any neon bright. If you’re looking for something new, Bishop of Seventh is showcasing their fabulous coloured denim in the season’s hottest shades of red, cobalt blue and green.

Jacket Required

Layering has become so popular in recent years – and no wonder! It’s a convenient and flattering way of dressing that defies most fashion trends. Jackets have gone from stuffy to sophisticated for spring by adding romantic details. People Like Frank uses organza or chiffon trimming and crops the jacket for the bi-level effect. A tailored topper can be soft and slouchy over a sweet dress or paired with your favorite jeans. Look for the safari jacket to top spring’s must-have list but don’t expect to see it only in beige cotton: satin and suede add texture and sensuality and bright colour choices make it adventurous.

Dressing Down

Dresses need not be merely a go-to for weddings and garden parties. Dresses for work and relaxation can be a flirty alternative to everyday wardrobing. The fabric choices are endless: jersey, chiffon and satin make finding a dress for each occasion simple. Romantic little dresses come in pretty pastels and are donned with frills, tiers and ruffles. A wrap dress with patent platform sandals will be perfect for a Saturday lunch and a flowing Nicole Miller tunic-style paired with slim jeans will amplify a night on the town. A shirt style or shift under a chic jacket is official enough for the office and an ankle-length print dress in Indian colours is a whimsical option for an afternoon with the kids.

A Splash of Colour

Dare to wear your favorite colour this season! Green, blue, pink, yellow – all are represented in this spring’s excitingly bold palette. Brights take the stage in the neon hues seen in DaNang’s vibrant silk cargo line. If you’re hesitant to swathe yourself in such vivid tones, push your boundaries by carrying a bag in patent fuchsia, cobalt, emerald or canary – each looks fantastic when paired up with white, black or neutrals.

On the softer side of spring is a wash of watercolours. Transparent versions of pink, yellow, mint and blue are perfect complements to soft, feminine fabrics like chiffon and satin.

When in doubt, try both neon and pastel at once! Ombre, or colour fading, is reaching out to skirts and cardigans as well as bags, shoes and pashminas.

And as a great contrast to spring’s colour celebration is the clean, clear and fresh pairing of white on white. A sweeping white skirt teamed with a fluid cotton T will feel so bright, it will banish April showers.

Spring’s never-ending colour options will give you a wealth of choice when updating your wardrobe. Whatever your preference or skin tone, there is a spring hue out there for you.