While some designers were zapped into the future, others fell under the spell of flowers, which were poured onto the catwalks through hats, bodices, jackets, dresses, skirts; with a touch at the shoulders, wrists, hems; scattered or totally enveloped in three-dimensional or flat forms as garlands, petals, silk flowers, print, appliques, embroidery, ruffles. One would not know which flora to pluck with all the variety offered.

Floral prints come oversize or small; loud or quiet; abstract or classic. Colors are extreme, from black / white contrasts, a mix of brights, to soft pastel or deep tonal shades and even a total monotone effect. Looks vary from flirty and youthful to the more subdued, always feminine.

Soft and layered at Louis Vuitton; decayed glamor at Alexander McQueen; understand elegance at Dior by Galliano; true romance at Yves Saint Laurent; hand-crafted chic at Chloe.

The fabrics mimic the sensation of the blossoms, with strong use of soft and flowing materials achieving the needed delicate effect — silk satins, chiffons, lace, organzas, the lightest cottons, rich taffetas — through the use of layers, gathers, ruffles, or an exaggerated sleeve here, a bubble skirt there.

The shift dress is key for the season in different silhouettes, notably the trapeze mini, the empire, the waisted dress, the maxi dress, and the bubble dress. The more romantic and soft or deep the color, the more disarming the application of the floral creation, the more elegant for an evening out.

As for skirts, with the mini making its come, there is no lack of fun and flirty prints and floral appliques to choose from. From a level of sophisticated maturity, there are also minis full of grace, with a softness and fragility to them.

Jackets are, interestingly enough, not floral in print, but more in detail, with a rose emerging at the shoulder or collar, or belted at the waist.

Bodices are divine in fit, with a bouquet emerging at the neckline for pure seduction.

Surprisingly, there are few historical references in design (other than a few pieces at McQueen). Overall, the pieces are clean and modern in silhouette and refreshingly pretty.

This vision of loveliness, although common in theme, is a complex mix of interpretations from each designer. It makes for a more interesting garden of Eden, with each piece unique in its own way, much like each of us.

How to wear the look

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So you’ve been dumped? So what? Get the best revenge: a fab makeover guaranteed to make him regret!

Work this “heartbreak” to your advantage. Move on. A makeover is a great start to rid yourself of the negatives and indulge in the positives. You’re a beautiful person who deserves only the best. Project that!

Start your makeover inside. Be more outgoing. Be more engaging in your conversations. If talks on the latest fashion trends are your forte, try digging up current events and philosophical books. This makes for a new cerebral you! Cast a no-nonsense attitude and you’ll attract the equivalent treatment from girls and guys alike.

Sport a new haircut. Go short. Chop for the bangs. Color your locks. (Heck, get hair transplants if you need them!) The hair is the crowning glory; why not make yours a symbol of your glorious comeback to the dating scene?

Try new styles of clothes. Go sexy. Pick bright colors if you’re normally on neutrals. Wear stilettos. Don something or anything that’s unusually you. Trust me, you’ll receive the most unusual reactions also. Whether negative or positive, your goal is to graduate from the drab. (more…)

Six tips to keep your leather goods in good shape

A quality leather garment is an investment in your wardrobe. With proper care, your designer clothes will age gracefully and can last a lifetime. Vintage jackets have been known to stick around for 50 years!

1. Always hang leather garments on wide or padded hangers to maintain shape. Use shoetrees for footwear and stuff empty handbags with tissue to help retain shape.
2. Never store leather goods in plastic or other non-breathable covers. This will dry up the leather.
3. Avoid very humid and dry environments as well as direct sunlight. This will shorten the life expectancy of your leather.
4. Avoid spraying perfumes or hair sprays while wearing your garment and do not apply pins, adhesive badges or tape. Wearing a scarf at the neckline will keep hair and body oil away from the collar. (more…)