FFWD Weekly
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Spring Fever!
Flirting with fashion's funnest of seasons
by Kristine FinstadOkay, it may not really seem like spring in this part of the world, but according to my calendar and all the fashion magazines, the season of bunnies and rainbows and budding flora is upon us in full force. Time to toss aside those layers of scratchy woolen garments, cease the search for that missing mitten and, what a relief, worry no more about the most sinister of winter's effects - Toque Hair. In other words, lighten up! Spring is a time to forget, for just awhile, that black is a basic (I may need a bit of help with this concept, myself). It's a time to get wacky, get whimsical and indulge in a secret love affair with color. Or perhaps with that devastatingly cute boy or girl next door. Ride your bicycle! Paint your wagon! Mix checks and stripes! Do it! Everybody else is....
Color is your friend
Believe it. Embrace it. Love it. And do it now, for the colors popping up this season are bigger and bolder than we've seen in awhile. A quick survey at the mall reveals brights are back: acid green, popsicle orange, electric blue, blinding white - all of which appear to be spring wardrobe basics for both sexes. But try on wildly-colored garments before laying down the cash -believe me when I say that yellow does not always bring out the best in every complexion. If in doubt, get a second opinion, but not that of the eager salesperson.
I want to touch you
Go ahead, reach out and touch someone's fuzzy, sticky, slippery, shiny ensemble. "Touchy-feely" fabrics are what's going on right now, according to Rahim at Toxic. Anything in polyester and poly blends, velours, fun fur knits, vinyl, rubber, etc. will get you that extra attention you've been seeking. While these may not seem like the most practical of materials, particularly in warmer weather, they do possess subtler benefits.
Big shoes...big pants
I never understood this trend. Likely because my teen years were spent at the sewing machine, narrowing the seams of every pair of trousers in my closet -hey, it was the '80s. But, I grew to accept "the younger the boy / girl, the bigger the pants" trend over the past few years. Alas, now I must admit to being frankly thrilled to see that baggy jeans and flared hipsters (though still very cute, don't get me wrong) are slowly being replaced with a slimmer, straight-cut leg. But really, who cares? I still say as long as your pants fit your body and there is no suggestion of acid-wash denim or quilting, wear whatever cut is most flattering.
The family album
Retro looks continue to be hot and are often the most sensible financial choices for those on limited budgets. And just when you thought your connection to Mom and Dad was waning, just check out how hip, now and today they were looking in photos from 20 or 30 years ago. Calgary's vintage boutiques are full-to-bursting with multicolored polyester prints, slim-fit Capri pants, the ever-popular "golf and country club" checkered double-knits, Hawaiian shirts, pastel twin sets and cool zip-front jackets. Mom and Dad may even have a few gems stored in the back of the closet from their swinging block party days - check it out. At the very least, you'll likely dredge up fond memories for the dear old folks.
Cool or Euro-trash?
While it may seem difficult to carve out your own unique style niche in a world of boring and expensive labels, there are some truly cool looks to be created from the wide array of smaller, innovative, mid-priced companies currently flooding the market. Particularly visible in the menswear scene, stylish, modern, quality garments are becoming more price-accessible to the average consumer. As a result, the opportunity arises for more people to dress as they always wanted, thereby taking some of the snobbery out of fashion. See, everybody's happy! (And I didn't even have to consult any textbooks on socio-economic theory to figure that one out.) The point is that one should never feel guilty about coveting a three-figure piece of clothing if you feel great in it. After all, it's an investment!
Wear less, dance more
As warmer weather approaches, we all know that means the exposing of flesh to the rest of the world, which is just fine under appropriate circumstances. Shorts are practical and often cute on the right pair of legs. But if you're like me and have seen neither sun nor the gym for several months, wait until August or September before hacking off your Levi's at mid-thigh. However, practicality often rules when the mercury soars and remember that nightclubs are sweaty places at the best of times. So, if you've got boogie as well as spring fever, go nuts with a halter top or tank paired with sassy hot pants and shake it, shake it, shake it!
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