Be Mine Valentine: Four Spring Trends You Can LOVE Now

I love Valentine's Day and I always have. It was especially fun when our children were small, and I still celebrate it even though they are teens now. I know they love it too. I am lucky enough to be happily married for almost 21 years to the most wonderful guy ever, so of course Valentine's Day is a celebration of all sorts around here. But it is not just that makes the day special, I think Valentine's Day is about love in general. February 14th certainly doesn't have to be about romantic love, it can also be about loving your posse of friends, your children, your pet, or that person in your life that always has your back. I hope that this Valentine's Day inspires you to give out great love, and may you receive it in return.

Brunello Cucinelli Lace-Cuff Blazer

And speaking of love, this week I had the pleasure of doing the Neiman Marcus Spring Trend 2016 Fashion Show at The Bravern Bellevue. I got to work with two very talented ladies: Jennifer McCullum, the Style and Design Editor for Seattle Magazine and Darcy Camden, Stylist/Owner of Styled Seattle. The three of us styled the looks for the event, and I had such a fabulous time with these awesome women, as well as with PR super woman, Sydney Mintle, and the lovely Jessica Branning of Neiman Marcus. The fashion this spring really is something to get your heart beating fast and Neiman Marcus certainly has their finger on the pulse. Check out their complete Spring Trend list here.

A few of the trends: Confident Red, Lace, Wide Leg Pants, The Blazer, Off the Shoulder Tops, All Over Denim, and Lace Up Shoes.This Brunello Cucinelli blazer was one of the pieces that I styled for the runway show: a beautifully cut gray blazer that had a hint of lace at each of the cuffs. This jacket is the perfect way to wear the lace trend in a subtle way. It is an investment piece for sure, but Brunello Cucinelli pieces are made impeccably made, lux pieces that are meant to last. Be still my heart.

For this week's photoshoot I wore almost the identical outfit that I wore today at Neiman Marcus when I sat up front and talked trends. Whether you lace up a sexy shoe, rock a bold red lipstick, or carrying a bag with big personality--there is a lot to love as the days warm up. I'll be chatting more about the Spring trends in my article on Vanguard Seattle, but for now let's cover a couple favorite trends you can wear now and into springtime.

LACE

I love the look of lace, and often wearing it with pieces that are a little edgier, but I also think wearing head to toe lace is a super chic, feminine look. This MSGM pink lace western style blouse was so gorgeous I couldn't resist it. It is sold out but I am a huge fan of the brand Alexis, who make feminine cool pieces. This blouse would be a beautiful alternative. And another great blouse for me to own. :)

THE JACKET

Because the blouse I am wearing is a pop of pink color and has a quirky style I chose to wear it with my Helmut Lang tuxedo jacket. Adding a blazer, or jacket, which is referred to as "the third piece", is also a big trend this spring. Whether it is a biker jacket, a blazer or even a sweater, adding a third piece to your look adds another style dimension to your look. If you don't own a tuxedo jacket, I would invest in one--they are great with dresses, denim and are considered an elegant closet staple. I wore black denim pants to keep things looking sleek.

EMBELLISHED

If I died and went to heaven, it would be filled with Chloe. Chloe bags, Chloe shoes. And Marni too, of course. I couldn't wait to kick the bucket to have these shoes though, because the Chloe Glory Studded Leather Penny Loafer rocks my world. Super cute with a skirt, rolled jeans, or a cool pair of trousers. They really are like a French inspired penny loafer and I plan on wearing them year round. This Freda Salvador Laceless Croc-Embossed Leather Oxford would be another great pair that would fill your heart (and closet) with joy.

CONFIDENT RED

I also like pink and red together, and because it is still February one needs a coat, at least in this neck of the woods. I wore a vintage red wool coat with a mink collar that I discovered in an antique store in perfect condition. It's cheerful color really brightens up a dark winter day and I love the old school glamour, even with denim. Here I am casually hanging around with it over my shoulders waiting for someone to bring me a cupcake from the Trophy Cupcakes store behind me. #diva ;)

"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

~Mother Teresa

Happy Valentine's Day!