Spring 2012 fashion demurely declares, “I am a Lady.” From the pastels of cool mint, soft pink, and powder blue to the high-waisted knee length skirts, mules, classic pearls, and of course, the delicate lace that dominated the runway, this season calls for one to dress in a lady-like manner. However, the “lady” that the Spring Collection 2012 showcases is not completely conservative, exceedingly timid, or entirely docile. She is a bit edgy, seductive, and bold. Note: the key word here is A BIT. The prevalence of transparent clothing, lace, and cropped tops on the runway mixed with the more conservative lady-like trends asserts that this “lady” of Spring 2012 has a bit of bite, spice, and flare.

I originally thought that incorporating transparency, lace, and cropped tops in the sophisticated feminine Spring collection was sheer brilliance; that is until I saw the great dangers of these revealing trends. I have seen some “ladies” take transparency, lace, and cropped tops too far. Overdoing these more daring trends and not mixing them with the more subtle lady-like trends results in one’s attire screaming “I am a tramp” instead of seductively but subtly suggesting “I am a lady.” The two muses that inspired me (I am not actually sure that muse is the correct word to use because it was not the loveliness of their attire that encouraged me but rather the hideousness that compelled me) to write this blog, undoubtedly took the trends of lace, transparency, and cropped tops far beyond what is considered lady-like, sophisticated, and subtly seductive.

My first “muse” decided to wear a cropped lace transparent shirt. Mistake number 1: Never pair all three seemingly lady-like trends together because the result will be the antithesis of a lady. Not only did she commit this unutterable sin, but continued in a self-destructive manner to pair it with a low-cut mini skirt (mistake number 2). My second muse faired somewhat better but still brought fashion suicide upon herself by wearing a black transparent lace top with a bright neon green bra and short neon green skirt to match. When trying to earn the title of a lady one should not expose one’s undergarments in such an obvious manner (neon green is not subtly seductive but rather appallingly trashy).

In order to escape the fate of my two “muses” while embracing these classy but simply seductive ladylike trends, one should pair a cropped top (make sure it is not a laced cropped top) with high-waisted skirts, conservative cardigans, and pearls -- the epitome of classy. When a lady opts for sheer brilliance and decides to wear a transparent dress or top, she makes sure to wear a slip or undergarments that are of the same color. For example, if wearing a black transparent dress, make sure to wear a black slip or undergarments underneath it. Below, I have spared your eyes of the hideous attire that my muses wore and only included suitable photos of lace, transparency, and cropped tops worn in lady-like fashion.

Kate Bosworth in Valentino
Courtesy: Style.com & Getty

Cropped Tops Runway 2012 Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Versace
Courtesy: Lucky

Shailene Woodley in Valentino
Courtesy: FayesVision/WENN.com

Claire Danes in Valentino
Courtesy: Style.com & Getty

I vividly remember my mom buying me a pair of toile print capris when I was about 10 years old. As a child, I acquired a strong penchant for anything toile. I think this was in part because my mother had a slight obsession with the French material herself. My mother’s infatuation caused her to immerse our house in toile. The drapes in our living room, the tablecloth on our dining room table, the bedspread in her bedroom, and the plates on display above the fireplace were invariably decorated with this fabric. Her obsession grew to the extent of even embellishing her own daughter with toile print clothing. So initially, when I glanced upon the pair of toile print denim capris I loved them because like my mother I was passionate about toile. Being naïve to the fact that everyone does not possess a craze for toile, I was so excited to show all of my friends my new toile print capris. As you would imagine, I did not receive the awe and admiration from my friends that I so craved and decided to hide my toile capris on the top shelf of my closet. From that day on, I vowed never to stray from traditional blue print denim.

J Brand Large Floral Print Skinny Jeans in Empress, shopbop.com, $203

Ten years later, I broke this promise that I made to myself and decided to purchase a pair of pink sea-shell denim jeans by J Brand. I have to admit that the process of purchasing these sea-shell print jeans was quite daunting since the print resembles my toile print capris that caused my phobia of wearing denim that strayed from traditional blue print. The fact that they were J Brand (which for me always means great quality and fit) helped me through conquering this phobia. After purchasing the sea-shell denim jeans, I was extremely apprehensive about showing my friends. However to my surprise, my anxiety turned out to be pointless. This time I received endless compliments from my friends that I didn't expect. Thus, my advice to you is to be courageous and dare to wear daunting denim whether it is hot pink, snake print, floral print, or even toile print. You may elicit some surprising and satisfying compliments!

J Brand Large Floral Capri Skinny Jeans in Twisted Pink Sea Shell, shopbop.com, $203

Rich & Skinny Legacy Jeans in Pink Boa, piperlime.com, $172

1969 Lightweight Always Skinny Skimmer Jeans in Green, gap.com, $69.95

Joe's Jeans "Chelsea" Skinny Jeans in Leopard, bloomingdales.com, $170

As in any institution, in fashion there are strict standards and a set of conventions that people dare not drift from and tend to endlessly worship. But, can we really consider something fashionable or chic that just blindly and boringly complies with established rules that have been around for years and are endlessly repeated? Is not being fashionable in a sense doing what defies these conventions or norms by inventing an ingenuous concept that becomes the new trend and inspiration? Therefore, if one really wishes to embrace the word "fashionista" in its entire essence, she must muster some courage and defy those aged old conventions that everyone seems to be a slave to (because a true fashionista is not a slave to anything since she has the power and confidence to create her own conventions and style). A true fashionista can start showing off her bravery and independence with a fierce and bold look by defying the convention of MATCHING through mixing prints. The artistic flare of effortless mismatching prints and making what is so incongruent seemingly congruent is the epitome of fashion. However, actually being able to pull off two contrasting prints without looking utterly ridiculous or like a child who has not acquired the knowledge of how to piece together items of clothing, can prove to be a bit of a challenge. I would suggest sticking to a few broad guidelines so that you can look chic and acquire a sense of serene harmony in something that is naturally inharmonious. To not look like a disheveled child, you should try to stick to one extremely vibrant color, shades of pastel, or dark colors, to create unity in the two contrasting patterns.

One great mix is floral prints combined with geometric shapes such as strips, circles, or squares. This look inevitably works because it unifies two polar opposite prints: the ultra feminine, soft, free, and airy look of a floral print with the ultra minimalist, structured, organized, and solid look of a geometric print. The soft flower print that exudes a free and elusive look, is counterbalanced by the clean geometric print that elicits a structured and clean look. Thus, I would definitely avoid pairing two different floral prints or two different geometric prints because you would be smothered in a single overbearing print that's screaming to be counterbalanced by another print. The tribal female warrior is definitely a haute look this season, and a fashionista should show off her fierce femininity through animal prints. But, beware! Don't become too fierce and wear two contrasting animal prints together. One doesn't want to be mistaken for coming straight out of the Amazon jungle. Try wearing the animal print with a solid color or a geometric/minimalist print to again balance the print with a clean and calm feel. Remember: the key to being fierce and bold and mastering mixed prints is to counterbalance the prints, which inevitably creates a unified chic look.

The key to mismatching: counterbalance
Courtesy: Fashion Israel

Among the eclectic mix of trends for Spring of 2012 from the peplum top to the knife-pleat skirt, one theme seems to thrive: modern femininity. The novelty heel seems to be another seductive trend this Spring that espouses this theme of the modern woman: feminine and elegant, yet powerful, intelligent, and independent. The novelty heel is far from the traditional lady-like heel of the past that may evoke a docile and delicate image of a woman. Rather, the novelty heel elicits an energetic, potent, and utterly irresistible vibe. Since I am a lover of high-heels, I am completely in awe and admiration of the novelty heel. Every novelty heel that I have set eyes on has been what I consider the essence of haute couture and high art. I believe that they are designed with so much thought, creativity, and intellect of the mind that they deserve to be placed on a high pedestal and receive nothing but the utmost devotion and veneration. The novelty heel is literally taking fashion to a new height through the high art and creativity that it exudes. However, one may feel that this heel has taken fashion to a height too high; a height of fashion that may have gone too far in the sense of expression and creativity that does not seem to fit into our practical everyday lives. Therefore, one may be unwilling to wear the novelty heel since it is a bit extravagant and over-the-top for actual wear, not to mention the outrageous price that is it often attached to it. I will admit that I'm not actually sure I would completely embrace the novelty heel and wear them in my everyday life, but that doesn't mean that I will stop staring and obsessing over this true piece of divine art. Even if one believes that the novelty heel has taken fashion to too high of a height, one cannot deny that it is the quintessential haute couture heel.

Prada’s Spring 2012 Sporting Flame Sandals

Prada’s Spring 2012 Sporting Flame Sandals

Charlotte Olympia Platform Avalon Sandals from the Spring 2012 collection

Looking for a quick, charming, and fashionable read? I strongly recommend the Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange with Sophie Gachet; it is the quintessential guide to French fashion, culture, and lifestyle. The guide is such a fast read with plenty of exceedingly entertaining sketches of French fashionistas by Ines herself. Parisian Chic is divided into four informative sections. The first section suggests tips on how to dress like a Parisian and gives a generous amount of boutiques and websites that are French fashionistas’ faves, followed by advice on beauty. Chez Moi the third section of the guide offers suggestions on décor listing several shops and websites to visit. If one is actually fortunate enough to journey to Paris, the last section carves out a dream itinerary from the chicest bistros and salons to the quaintest hotels. Even though I do not plan on traveling to Paris anytime soon, I found the style tips on fashion, beauty, and decor immensely informative. This does not mean I am not going to emulate every single style that the guide suggests, but I am definitely going to incorporate many of the suggestions that Ines provides into my everyday wear. The aspect of the guide that I found most helpful to enhance my style is the websites and boutiques that Ines recommended.

I have gleaned from the guide some of my favorite websites and boutiques to share. If one wishes to be up to date on the latest French trends in culture, fashion, beauty, travel, cuisine, and lifestyle go to Do it in Paris (http://www.doitinparis.com). I thoroughly enjoyed the hilarious sketches of French fashionistas and garnered some delectable French recipes from the kitchen section. Under lifestyle, the website offers an endless list of French hotels, museums, spas, and cafes to visit that is if one has the pleasure of traveling to France. The category Mode gives a plethora of designers’ clothes for bargain prices. The style guide emphasizes the French fashionista’s passion for finding the best deals, and this website certainly depicts her frugal fetish. Handcrafted leather sandals in a variety of colors can be found at Sandales Tropeziennes Rondini (http://www.rondini.fr). I will warn that the sandals are a bit pricy, but the quality and detail are superb to say the least. If it's exquisite leather gloves one craves then go to Causse (http://www.causse-gantier.fr). It is rumored that Jackie O’ wore Causse gloves. Of course, prices are extremely high, but the gloves are truly impeccable pieces of art. On http://www.ba-sh.com, in huge hot pink letters the homepage screams, “Shopping is cheaper than a psychologist.” As the website’s quote bodes, it offers amazing prices for unique and rare French couture. I found the items on this website that Indes recommends most affordable and accessible. A website that is synonymous with this but a bit cheaper and offers more of a selection is (http://www.petit-bateau.fr). Even though one is granted some valuable insight into French fashion through these websites and boutiques, I absolutely suggest purchasing Parisian Chic in order to completely embrace the style of a French fashionista.

Sketches of French fashionistas from Do It in Paris