REAL Exclusive Magazine Rebecca Z. Smith Perspectives REAL Style

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Spring Into Fashion

By Rebecca Z. Smith

Welcome to REAL Style, a fashion focused section of REAL Magazine where we explore the world of style and fashion. REAL style is on top of the trends this issue. Our style & fashion cred is in full gear. We are checking out what’s what and what’s new for spring 2013. Saks Fifth Avenue is putting it all together in this issue, showing us some hot trends for spring.

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Red Valentino Tropical 60’s insprided dress $895

April is here and it’s time to start gearing up your wardrobe for the warmer spring months. Fashion is in bloom. Floral prints made a big splash in 2012 and it doesn’t appear that they’re going anywhere in 2013. Your favorite celebs are still crazy for all things floral, and you should be too! Spring has sprung and fashion gets personal in 2013. Nothing says SPRING like floral prints and designers are offering quite the bouquet. Spring’s Epic Blooms – Abstract florals this season are anything but average. You will want to trade in demure mini buds for blown-up patterns in bold hues. Red is a good choice.

When it comes to prints, welcome to the jungle ladies. Big felines continue to reign supreme, a leopard-pattern blouse with white pants and black jacket is a surefire way to work the look this spring, as is a cardigan in a feral motif. For the tamer tastes, incorporate a cat-print scarf in an unexpected color, such as cobalt blue.

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Mousseline micro Lady Dior handbag $3,500

Let’s talk leather, as this season the classic gets an update. Leather means business this spring. Combine tough, black leather with more feminine fabrics. Red and black makes a killer combo.

Look for Lace to be the new delicate this spring. The ladylike look is in, and right on cue, a fleet of feminine lace dresses are arriving in the stores. Try a tea-length white or off –white dress for a touch of Victoriana.

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915 Lemon canvas taffeta trench coat $490
Enzyme-washed cargo pant $270

A spring fashion forward look also includes accessories, so let’s not forget about them. Platinum sparkles this spring. It’s not just about gold – bejeweled extras in shimmery silver are a fresh way to jazz up any outfit for day or evening. For spring you will want to store your bowling bags, keep your clutches and buy smaller cross-body bags in fun colors and contrasting textures, like a tie-dyed blue leather version with a brilliant beaded strap. Also opt for subtle versions of exotic leather with degrade accessories in black, white, and gray. They have just the right amount of oomph. Charm necklaces are also back in vogue, and gold is the metal of choice for this season’s iteration of keepsake jewelry. Personalize yours with multiple bauble-letters, flowers, and perhaps a few swords and daggers. Athletic-inspired extras (watches, cuffs, shoes) in red and white are also a trend this spring.

REAL style challenges you to brighten up your look this spring. Making REAL style a part of your spring will give you the confidence to go out there looking your best. Don’t forget to step it up for a more updated fashionable look. Pick up your favorite fashion magazine and get REAL with Spring’s most fashionable trends.

^[1]Rebecca Z. Smith, a fashion stylist/image consultant, is founder of We’ve Got Style and a fashion consultant in the designer salon at Saks Fifth Avenue. She offers wardrobe planning, closet consultations and is available at Saks for styling/personal shopping services. Rebecca knows fashion: the looks, the trends, the runway buzz, and how to put an outfit as well as a sustainable wardrobe together. More importantly she takes pride in knowing each client personally. This combination of professional expertise and highly personalized service ensures every client has the wardrobe that expresses their best self. For your entire wardrobe needs contact Rebecca at Saks Fifth Avenue (941) 364-5310 or 223-6643, rebecca_smith@s5a.com ^[5] or www.wevegotstyle.com ^[6].

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