Pretty in Pink… and green, and yellow and…

Who knew the 80′s would be back so soon! Its spring 2009 shouldn’t fashion be blazing new runway trails? But, if you’re like me and swore you would never go back to the Units wearing, Milli Vanilli singing, White Rain spraying days again, all I can say is “Welcome back.” This spring is painted with candy colored jumpsuits, bright patent shoes and over sized, baubled jewelry. Hoping the second rendition is better than the first, I’m willing to give this a try.

Below is my list of “Favorite Things for Spring.” I hope that no one is too disappointed that parachute pants didn’t make the list. The good news is that a little bit of color goes a long way, so a few key pieces could be all you need for spring.

1.) The Jumpsuit – LOVE IT! I first saw the jumpsuit about nine months in Vogue. It was a bright pink Louis Vuitton that had the price tag of around $1,200. I thought it was so different and casual cool, but not at that cost. But, my long wait is over and thanks to Express we too can own a fabulous jumpsuit for between $59 and $79 dollars. What I love is they are effortlessly stylish and so very comfortable. Just remember to pair with wedges (beware of pumps! The heel can get caught in the wide leg hem and you will end up the object of many laughs.)

2.) The Candy Colored Cardigan – Take your pick of colors here. Really, anything goes: lime green, canary yellow, bubble gum pink. Add to your black winter shift dress or your favorite jeans and white tank and you have instant spring style.

3.) The Short Short – This is a tough one for me to write about because two years ago I banned shorts from my wardrobe. The reality of my “older” life had set in, and, quite honestly, shorts did my thirty year old legs no favors. BUT, they’re back, I’m back, we’re all back into shorts. The good news is that this season’s shorts are much better than the past. Look for silky fabrics with a more tailored, sophisticated cut.
WARNING: Please keep your tops loose when you are wearing short shorts.

4.) The Maxi Dress – Could fashion be any easier?! These dresses have been around for a few seasons and they are back again. Look for them in Boho chic fabrics or bright preppie colors….whatever makes you happy.

5.) The Tall Sandal – I’m loving the very cool wedge gladiators and bright colored sandals that are out this spring. My Haviana’s will still be a staple, but these shoes give you lots of fun options. Pair them with shorts, maxi dresses, and skinny pants.

6.) The “GOSMILE All Out” Kit – Okay, so it’s not exactly fashion, but don’t your teeth deserve some attention too. I’ve had the professional whitening trays made and suffered through three days of hurting gums and sensitive teeth. And still have nothing to show for the pain at the end. At last, I’ve found something that whitens and still lets me drink my latte without wincing. It’s more expensive than most over the counter whitening systems, but strip free and applied in less than two minutes, it’s so worth it! Go to Sephora and get it!!!!

7.) The NuBra – If you don’t have one your life is about to change! This sticky, strapless bra is the must have for the spring and summer. NuBra keeps everything in place and goes under all your strapless tanks and spaghetti strap jumpsuits. Saks carries them and often you can find them at Steinmart for half the price.

Really, the best word that I know to describe spring fashion is “quirky.” Don’t try to be too matchy-matchy. Experiment with colors and textures and large accessories. We’re in an anything goes time, so try to have fun with your wardrobe and branch out a bit. If nothing else, let the sherbet colored hues of spring make you and the world around you a more fabulous place.

For more information about Allison Sinclair and ThirtyOne, visit her online at www.thirtyonestyle.com.