Short Front, Long Back Maxi Skirt

For short, let’s call it the crop maxi skirt, or an asymmetrical maxi skirt. Whatever you may call, ladies you will probably want to snatch one up. Not only are maxi skirts making a comeback, they are being introduced with an edgy, but sexy new twist. This twist will definitely give you that extra degree of elegance and slenderness, but combined with the added benefit of the freedom of a normal skirt. These skirts are effortless and can be paired with even a simple coloured tee. If you want to amp it up, you can go with a Peter-Pan collared shirt, combined with a wide brim hat to give it that sophisticated beach vibe. Any way you want to style it, these crop maxi skirts will make any woman look beautiful, not that you needed any extra help.

Sheer High-Low Leopard Skirt, forever21.com, $19.80

Pleated Knit High-Low Skirt, forever21.com, $19.80

Symmetrical Floral Prints

I’d like to think that Prabal Gurung started this rage in computer generated floral prints, but who really knows? But who started it all doesn’t really matter, what matters is that you get some! Whether it’s a floral print on slim trousers, a collared shirt, a blouse, or a blazer, florals are back with a vengeance. (Although, did they ever really leave?) With this trend you can really go all out and still get away with it. You can mismatch patterns with florals and still get away with it, or go all out, decked from head-to-toe in floral prints. Doesn’t matter if they clash, that’s what we’re going for. But of course, if you don’t think you’re brave enough yet, you can pair your florals with basic neutrals or with pops of colour. Go on girl, get it, it’s time to bring on the hay fever a little early with a brilliant and breathtaking floral print.

Courtesy: Sex Dreams & Denim Jeans tumblr

Courtesy: The Black Fuchsia tumblr

Coloured Satchels

Even if colour isn’t your thing, you can’t really go wrong with adding one of these babies to your outfit. They’re manageable despite their neon glow, they go great with neutrals like tan, white and black. They are the epitome of Spring time. For that beach look you can pair them with torn jean shorts, and a basic tank, with aviators donned to protect your pupils. If you’d rather go for that preppy/sailor look it’s no problem either. Combined with a shrunken navy blazer and mixed together with a striped tee you can get away with your neon satchel. There are limitless ways to style yourself with these adorable bags, an extra plus is you’ll definitely spot it from afar, and can therefore be carefree soaking up the rays or cheering from the sidelines of a varsity Rugby game.

Courtesy: Project Runway tumblr

Sheer

Spring time is nearly upon us, (finally warmer weather!) which means we can let our skin breathe., and being the ultra fashionistas that we are, we simply can’t just roll out in a tee and jean shorts. (Kidding! Of course you can!) However, for those of you who want to add that extra flare, buying a sheer button-up with definitely add to your wardrobe. For those of you are easy, breezy beach goers, simply layering your sheer top over your tank, tee, or suit adds extra edge. If you will allow me to play stylist a little longer, pair your sheer top and tank/tee combo with torn jean shorts and loose combat boots for that rebellious vibe. If you don’t live anywhere near a beach, or don’t prefer jean shorts, then buy a floral bandeau top and button your sheer top over that and pair it with a crop maxi skirt, and just for the heck of it pair it with floral flats and a neon satchel. You’ll have rolled all of my top trends into one effortless outfit and you’ll look gorgeous. Remember to have fun this Spring!

Free People Sheer Buttondown Tunic, freepeople.com, $118

Alber Elbaz

Monsieur Elbaz is my top favorite designer. The head creative director behind the French house of Lanvin, Mister Elbaz has caught my attention from the get go and I can remember his collections as being the first to inspire me and want me to be a designer. His creative capacities to combine colour, flow and structure are mind-blowing. His Spring 2011 RTW collection combined all three creative components and brought them together to create a seamless and breathtaking collection. It is personally my favorite collection of his. My favorite piece and the one outfit I would like to source to spark my interest in designing came from this label and line. That fact that my favorite model was chosen to grace the runway just added to the awe. This one shoulder belted pimento-red silk pleated dress captures the essence of his collection. I love the flow of this dress. It’s so effortless I believe anybody would look gorgeous in this dress. I love this dress so much that it made it onto my computer wallpaper to forever remind me of the designer I have come to appreciate so much. Elbaz once said “My dream was to be a doctor, I don’t have to give you a Tylenol to feel good, I’ll give you a red dress and you’ll feel marvelous.” This is that red dress, and even though I can’t wear it, it still makes me feel marvelous. That is why Alber Elbaz is my favorite designer, he makes me feel marvelous all the time.

Lanvin Spring 2011 RTW
Courtesy: Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Jonathan Saunders

I first stumbled upon British designer, Jonathan Saunders as I was lazily browsing through one of Elle’s magazines. He particularly stuck in my mind not only because of his designs but also because of his last name, due to the comedic duo of Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. So I guess in a way I should thank them for leading me to my second favorite designer out there. Saunders has a way with colour and simplicity that strikes you in such a bold way it will never make you forget. I also believe he is a master of patterns. The way his patterns sit and interact on his dresses are so effortless and so mesmerizing. His Spring 2011 collection was the first of his that I saw. I was immediately blown away by how simple everything was yet how detailed it all must be. From then on out I’ve been following his collections and he has never let me down. He continually amazes me with his vibrant colour choice along with his bold choice of pattern mixing and his talent for making everything look effortless.

Jonathan Saunders Fall 2011 RTW
Courtesy: Matteo Volta/IMAXtree

Elie Saab

I think that Elie Saab is one of many lesser known designers that deserve more attention. I don't remember how I stumbled upon Mr. Saab, but I am so grateful that I did.  He is a master of the art of the structured silhouette. His designs are impeccable and are a cross between structural rigidity and ethereal flow. While his designs are better suited for a more sophisticated type of power woman each outfit is clean cut. His outfits can be seen traipsing up and down the red carpet or stepping out of an elevator ready to conquer the world. His designs are not for the faint hearted and that's what I like about him. Each and every one of his designs is bold and speaks for themselves, so if you can't stand up for yourself, his dress will do the talking.

Elie Saab Spring 2012 RTW
Courtesy: Matteo Volta/IMAXtree

Prabal Gurung

Runner up for the 2010 CFDA/Vogue fund award and a relative newcomer to the fashion scene, Prabal Gurung is no amateur though. With his new line out and his computer generated prints, he's ready to make it big. His purple tee is going to be a hot commodity this season. For sure. I first came upon Prabal Gurung while I was flitting through the pages of Vogue magazine and I was reading the article for the CFDA finalists. Even in that one photograph of him and his design I was immediately captured. I wasn't quite sure what it was about him or that design but I was hooked. This season is all about computer generated floral prints and Gurung is not going to be left behind in the dust. Nearly every line this season features some sort of floral print and Gurung's line is no different. His line featured deep purples and orchid lips on the models, his line was the hot gossip and I bet he's going to be the hot gossip for years to come.

Prabal Gurung Spring/Summer 2012
Courtesy: Marcio Madeira/firstView

Riccardo Tisci

Now head creative director of Givenchy, Riccardo Tisci has come up with some amazing collections not only in the Ready-To-Wear realm, but also in the Haute Couture world. I would have to say he is my favorite Haute Couturier. He’s experimental without the insanity that sometimes accompanies Haute Couture. He’s brash and bold in a subtle way. His Resort 2012 line incorporated a type of arm sweater that would leave the midriff bare. I thought it was so ingenious and creative. The line also featured a mix of safari-like utility and fluorescent floral symmetry, flush with deep, vibrant colours. The line is so fresh and invigorating. His Spring 2011 Haute Couture line featured giant headpieces and different prints with Asian ties. The amount of effort put into each piece is staggering. Each piece is artwork and creates this sense of awe within me. I want to create full sized posters of each photo and hang them in my apartment. The man is pure genius and every piece is so well executed. If you don’t believe me, check out his work and I’ll let his clothes speak for themselves.

Givenchy Spring/Summer 2011
Courtesy: Givenchy

Givenchy Resort 2012
Courtesy: Givenchy