spring trends

I have to say this: I just love to see how people pull together great outfits for ordinary days. That is why I constantly looking into street style blogs. Regarding fashion trends, the street takes on some and recycles others in countless creative ways.

Who said leggings went out of fashion? Well here they are, graphic print leggings along with knee socks are making the transition between seasons in a playful puckish style.

leggings and knee socks

Here are the main trends of spring 2008 season highlighted by Vogue Deutsch, in this month's issue.

1. Chromatic: this spring we will be seeing neon shades again, beautiful red and blue hues but also calm pastels. It is time for delicate nude shades used as neutrals, along with monochromatic white&black duo and their grey "child". Check out those white shoes -this is not bridal material anymore- and the white framed 50s sunglasses.

- Neonmix - Pastels

- Red - Blue

I brought home from Vienna several fashion magazines including Diva, an Austrian publication. And I'm so glad I bought it as it features amazing pictures. You can see them here and here and here. The magazine also has a look book highlighting the main trends of the up coming season, which are:

1. Floral: big, colorful, busy prints and even floral fabric appliqué

Here are several outfit ideas from Elle Magazine (German edition), featured in January 2008 issue. This style note focuses on the spring's biggest trends that started a little bit shy in the fall: the ruffled blouse, sheer fabrics, pajama-inspired clothes, yellow color, the men's blazer and beautiful arty prints. The runaway pictures compare this ending season looks with spring 2008 styles.

Key piece: Lanvin blouse.

Ethnic accents continue to be a strong presence in fashion, merging into a globetrotter look. Spring 2008 means the revival of Asian influences brought forward into an eclectic mix: obi-style belts at Alessandro Dell'Acqua, variations on the Mao collar at 6267, Max Mara and Prada (and not only), silky fabrics, dragon prints and calligraphic motifs, kimono tops, caftan coats and cheongsam dresses. Designers took all this traditional elements from Chinese, Japanese, and Korean culture and created feminine, relaxed looks.

Left to right: 6267, Alessandro Dell'Acqua and Alessandro Dell'Acqua.

Down: Rubin Singer, Martin Grant, MaxMara, Yohji Yamamoto and Prada.

The latest scoop on what fashion is IN: well, it's about more skin. No, I'm not talking about mini dresses or deep cleavage. Designers gave us more reasons to work the hell out those abs: short, uber sexy dresses featuring naughty cut-outs, with focus on the midriff and the waist area.

Left to right: Blumarine, Christopher Kane, Iceberg, Louise Goldin, Marc Jacobs.

Second row: Marchesa, Peter Som, Preen, Valentino and Dsquared.

Not only Alberta Ferretti was inspired by Ancient Rome for her spring 2008 collection. Many other designers sent on the runway their own versions over the classics. The last season's one-shoulder dress became lovely draped toga-like tunics, mini dresses or maxi gowns. At Lanvin and Hermès those one-shoulder dresses with a cinched waist and a just below the knee hemline take you back to the Hollywood's golden age glamour. Other designers teamed up this trend with metallic fabrics or bold color. Marchesa kept its signature style: a dramatic floor sweeping one-shoulder gown.

Left to right: Lanvin, Alberta Ferretti, Danielle Scutt, Erin Fetherston.

Down: Hermès, Haider Ackermann, Paul & Joe and Marchesa.