Ask an Expert: Fashion Forward Thinking For The Season In Minnesota
Sara Rogers
Trend Specialist
Mall of America
60 E. Broadway
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 883-8800
mallofamerica.com/trends
Style Expert/Wardrobe Consultant
www.sararogers.com
As Minnesota's most powerful stylist, Sara Rogers works by day as Mall of America's Trend Specialist while maintaining national prominence with frequent guest appearances on national media. Never at rest, Sara offers a comprehensive personal styles consulting program open to any who seek anything from stunning red-carpet aura to simple self-assurance in personal wardrobe selection. Ms. Rogers regularly instills confidence in clients through image enhancement sessions, wardrobe seminars, personal shopping trips or even a "Shop Your Own Closet" consultation. Sara also helps students, interns and teenagers acquire wardrobe skills for life through a Young Adult Program.
Yellow
"One of the 'it" colors for spring is lemon yellow. Although this happy hue may not be the best color for everyone to wear next to their face, the good news is this hue is being offered in a myriad of tones and hopefully one that will work for you. If not, and you're drawn to it, consider infusing it into your wardrobe via a handbag or even shoes. It looks darn good with grey, khaki, or navy, and I love how it pops with black and white."
Suede
"Suede, a fabrication normally associated with fall and winter, will have a major presence in stores this spring. It's prized for its luxurious refinement, and this season it's being featured in darling jackets, tops, dresses and skirts in bold colors such as red, green and blue, as well as honey tones. Experts agree it's a good idea to take care of suede and investing in a protection spray, eraser and brush are the way to go."
Fringe
"Fringe is the playful detail du jour that is making a statement on handbags, footwear, jackets, tops and skirts for day and also evening wear. Stylist tip: unless you're going for a bohemian look remember a little bit of fringe goes a long way."
Gingham
"Gingham is having a major moment in fashion. Singer Rihanna was spotted at a premiere wearing a pink gingham jacket and skirt from Altruzarra and two of my favorite American designers, Michael Kors and Diane Von Furstenberg, are also featuring it in their collections. It's a great season for getting checked out, look for traditional and non-traditional styles including crop tops with skirts and dresses with slits."
Culottes
"In music it's all about that bass and in fashion it has mostly been about skinny leg pants and leggings. Well. if you're ready to keep it moving there is another trend right option you can add into your mix. The wide leg cropped hem pants, aka culottes or gauchos, are showing up on fashion mavens far and wide. They look great with a variety of tops. You might even consider wearing them with the polo collar tee that's been garnering a lot of attention for spring."
70s
"What's old is new again and the 1970s inspired flared and wide legs pants are showing no signs of slowing down. As a matter of fact, If Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week F/W 2015 is any indication, we'll be sporting this look in the upcoming season as well."
Shirtdresses
"Another leading trend for spring is the shirtdress. It's available in fluid and belted styles and can be dressed up or down with booties, pumps, sandals or sneakers. Stylist tip: if your shirtdress comes with its own belt consider swapping it out for a different belt – it will instantly elevate the look."
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.