'Trendspotting'

Going Tribal in Harper's Bazaar

From a sartorial sojourn in the desert, to a mixed-media-project turned-necklace, the season’s latest trends experiment with different textures, new prints and unexpected color combinations.

Read the Small Print

Whether it’s polka dots paired with stripes, or animal prints worn with tye dye – it’s a lesson in how opposites attract. The mismatching appeal lies in the fact that the end result (when executed properly) appears so effortless, so casual and cool.

Start small by investing in a bold print with a surprising drape: this BCBG silk dress at Saks Fifth Avenue ($378) features a colorful print with a series of draped panels that fall at an asymmetrical hem. Opt for subtle prints in light colors like yellow and pink in classic shapes for the office. Play it safe with an all neutral pairing of prints and create instant contrast with a colored accessory.

BCBG Print Dress at Saks Fifth Avenue

But for the more daring: Take a print and wear it in two bold colors. Go for a never-before-seen animal with tye dye print like the Diane Von Furstenberg sheath dress seen earlier this season. Only make sure that the tone always suggests the same – edgy prints for an edge, feminine prints for softness, understated prints for a modest look.

Desert Tribe

Venture to the African savannah or tough it out in the urban jungle with earthy tones, light fabrics and natural accents.

The colors are warm and rich: military greens, khaki, browns, reds and oranges. The warm shades balance out any strong graphic prints. Fabrics like linen and cotton gauze keep you cool, and denim in faded washes keep you comfortable. Look out for cargo pants, harem pants, denim vests and safari jackets.

Miguel Ases earrings

Accessories and jewelry often incorporate natural stones and animal skins. This Native American-inspired set of dangle earrings by Miguel Ases ($168 above), for example, uses coral with glass beads and leather for added visual appeal. A cross-body bag might come with fringe. A Panama hat comprised of woven straw would be perfect for a day at the beach.

Mixed Media

Take a closer look at a Dannijo necklace and you will find a piece of jewelry made up of not one, but several different elements: examples are metal, wood, beads, satin and lace. This isn’t an arts and craft project, but a good example of the direction in which most jewelry designers are now again heading.

Mixed media at Dannjio

For the bohemian, jewelry takes a recognizable animal motif (elephant, snake, bird) and might include a bracelet using chains, beading, enamel and metal fashioned in the likeness of that animal. An appliqué- heavy bib necklace might use lace, velvet and beading for a romantic allure.

That single strand necklace with tiny pendant? Too simple. Too dull. Not enough creativity!

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of trend-fashion-beauty.blogspot.comsaksfifthave.com; shopbop.com; dannijo.com

'Spring Inspired'

As I am writing this, the rain continues to patter against my window and the walls of my bedroom, although painted a crisp mint green, have somehow adopted the gray somberness of the sky outside.

But it isn’t just the wall color that has become listless and uninspired. There are the winter white curtains with its tasseled valence, the festive arrangement of potpourri, and the fleece blanket underneath the dark, olive green and purple quilted comforter on the bed.

Now I can understand why my bedroom décor refuses to make the seasonal switch, which is overdue by almost a month now. It’s probably for the same reason my snow boots, wool coat and gloves are next to the front door in the hallway.

The answer is: Yes. For those living on the East Coast, what you saw yesterday were indeed snow flurries in the midst of April.

Well, if spring refuses to come to us, then we must go to it.

***

Fresh floral and colorful motifs in this season’s bright shades of orange, pink, blues and greens lay the foundation for any living space badly in need of a spring revival.

Architectural Digest finds the latest in prints by some of the world’s most cutting-edge textile designers. Whether influenced by a paisley pattern of Kashmir or concentric rings, each print takes a bold approach to using color.

Clarence House, known for its modern production of tapestries, silks and prints, created ‘Primavera’ on cotton and linen.

Covering an end wall in a leafy fauna wallcovering, interior designer Scott Snyder brought the outside in to this Florida home.

Adding to its catalog of over 30,000 fabrics, Gaston y Daniela present ‘Acapulco Lino’ on union cloth.

While strapping wallpaper to a wall in a daring print is one option, there are other ways to add a touch of spring to your décor:

• Start with the pillows on your couch and eventually work your way to replacing that chunky comforter.
• Have an armchair upholstered or simply throw on a new slipcover.
• Throw in some brightly colored vases for added measure.

And before you know it, spring will have arrived. Finally.

- S. Gonzalez

* Photos courtesy of Architectural Digest online